(212) Fall 2010 Fashion Preview

Last Wednesday, I had the privilege of attending local label (212)'s fall fashion preview at the beautiful new Aveda Institute in Gastown. The occasion was special for all sorts of reasons: it was my first time seeing this space; it was the official launch of modeling agency NEXT Models; and I fell head over heels in love with (212)'s autumn offerings.



For those who are unfamiliar with the brand or the boutique, (212) was founded by friends Scott and Anthony, who sought to make affordable, locally designed, high-quality clothes infused with a dose of Manhattan cool. (The label's name is actually a New York area code.) After a scant five years in business, they've established (212) as one of the cornerstones of the Gastown fashion retail scene.




Their fall collection straddles the cusp between precocious prepster and ironic hipster, French schoolgirl and Upper East Side polish. Boxy blazers, tailored shorts, and buttoned-up Oxford shirts provided an androgynous counterpoint to shift dresses and full-skirted frocks. Exposed zippers decorated dresses while contrasting trim added visual interest to sweaters and cardigans. I couldn't help but smile at girlish details such as the tiny bows and hearts on the sweaters. They seemed even sweeter and daintier paired with knee socks, leather satchels and crossbody bags, and lace-up shoes.




Note to self: Check out (212) the next time I happen to be in Gastown.





Thanks to Yvonne Chew for the photos in this post, and to the show's organizers for inviting me!