(212) in the (604)
By Graham Gartside-Bernier
The Big Apple has bestowed some of its city style and panache on Vancouver, courtesy of a relatively new arrival in Gastown — the (212) boutique. New York has long been a leader in the world of fashion, and anyone who is anyone, or who wants to be anyone in the fashion industry, has to serve a rigorous apprenticeship in the city. Scott Walhovd and Anthony Castro, co-owners of (212), have done just that and are now spreading their experience in Vancouver.
Opened last summer and soon after recognized as one of the places to be seen and to get the best of fashion and style in the city, (212) takes its name from the primary area code of Manhattan, while its tagline — 212 in the 604 — cleverly and successfully combines the very premise of the boutique’s aim: bringing together fashion influenced by New York City trends, with incredible fabrication, to the Vancouver lifestyle.
“We found a niche here that was waiting to be filled,” says Castro, a native New Yorker who has worked for iconic American fashion houses Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and Perry Ellis. “[Gastown] has so much history and character, and it seems like it’s meant for the customer who wants to find something different in the city, something away from the everyday.”
Walhovd, a Vancouver native, spent years in New York working as a model for Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren. It is understandable that with all of their experience in differing aspects within the fashion industry, Walhovd and Castro are able to predict with accuracy what will appeal to Vancouver women. Their fashion know-how, thirst for success and eagerness to appeal to their clientele is accurately reflected in the collections available at (212).
An example of their recent success was their collection Fall in the Big City (2007), which was a showcase combining style and comfort “so that it’s not a chore for our customers to get dressed in the morning,” says Walhovd. The high–waisted jeans with tie belt were an immediate hit. The slouchy men’s pants were snapped up and the staple skinny jeans in grey or black became a “must have” in so many wardrobes. The stylish and versatile range on offer ensured that women could confidently wear the pieces and remain comfortable yet elegant and stylish.
Castro and Walhovd veer towards classic muted tones in their collections: monochrome black and white with grey, accent colours of rich purple, chocolate brown and old gold with their focus on shape and silhouettes. “We feel that Vancouver women like to dress in a more relaxed way, but still want diverse shapes that they can work back into their wardrobes,” says Castro.
The designers do admit to turning their backs on “inspirations” for their collections, but they look on each season as a continuation of their work in progress. “The line will constantly be an evolution of what we feel our customer wants, the direction she’s progressing,” says Castro. “We base our collections on the strong feelings derived more generally from colours, images, architecture, and people. We’re inspired by the New York lifestyle; the energy and vibration that comes out of the city alone is amazing. It’s a city where people can accomplish great things.”
The partners now travel between Vancouver and New York during the less busy weeks of the season, researching their collections and seeking out suitable designer labels to complement the (212) brand, including, for the spring, Winster, Odyn, Maria Bonita Extra, Nylon, Clione, and Lidi. Thus far, they are excited with the reaction to their venture and confidently predict being able to stock solely (212) very soon.
The spring collection features high-waisted shorts, jersey tops, boat neck mini dresses and the launch of the (212) knitwear collection that once again manages to combine New York style with the comfort that is demanded in Vancouver and will fix (212) firmly on the Canada fashion map.
(454 West Cordova, 604 685-2426, TwoOneTwo.net)
