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A T U F T S C O M M U N I C A T I O N S P U B L I C A T I O N Porsche Panamera Bold, Fun & Colourful Robert Graham What’s in a Name? Time Tells All Be Memorable, Compelling & Relevant m a g a z i n e SPRING & SUMMER 09 • ISSUE 6 PM41333515 fashion W Welcome to the Spring 2009 edition of British Importers Magazine. What was once old is new again. It is an old phrase that rings especially true this spring season. The designers of many of our menswear and womenswear collections have been influenced by decades past. For women, safari prints, bold graphics, ruffles, shiny satins with big earrings and bracelets show touches of the 1980s. Above all else, bright colors dominate the scene from head to toe. For men, a more reserved influence from the sartorial side of the early 60s can be found in the latest suits and sportcoats. A return to understated elegance and simplicity. For these warmer weekends, our new sportswear reflects a more relaxed attitude than season’s past. All of us at British Importers would like to thank you so much for your wonderful support over the years. On page 36, you’ll see some subtle changes will be made at the store this August. Our name will change to reflect our true personality and available merchandise. Our magazine gives you a sneak peek at what’s to come! Through your support and encouragment we have continued to grow in our new Yates Street location. B.I.’s womenswear selections continue to expand. New spring items are arriving daily from Hugo Boss Woman, Nanette Lapore, Pink Tartan, White & Warren, Robert Rodriguez, Juicy Couture, Fabrizio Gianni, 7 Jeans, Tara Jarmon, Hoss and Malene Birger, one of Denmark’s premier designers. Our womenswear staff is dedicated to staying up on the latest trends and providing you with the best service in Victoria. For the B.I. man, we encourage you to be memorable, compelling and relevant. Our new Spring collections reflect a return to minimalism with a refined touch of elegance. We have one of the most extensive Hugo Boss Collections in Canada. Wonderful new selections from Agave, Alberto, Coppley, Eton, Jack Victor, Lacoste, Robert Graham, 7 Jeans and Ted Baker arrive every day. B.I.’s shoe department for men continues to grow featuring the very finest brands like Mezlan of Spain, Donald Pliner, and Cole Haan for business and play. Please also check out page 4 for a B.I. listing of events and special items for women and men. Stop in soon! Best wishes, All of us at British Importers 9 6 0 YAT E S S T R E E T • V I C T O R I A , B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A V 8 V 3 M 3 • T E L : 2 5 0 3 8 6 1 4 9 6 contents S P R I N G S U M M E R 0 9 Welcome • VO L 6 • B R IT I S H I M P O RT E R S M AG A Z I N E 1 Letter from our staff 9 6 0 YAT E S S T R E E T VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA British Importers 8 4 Spring store events Memorable. Compelling. Relevant. W W W. B R I T I S H I M P O R T E R S . C O M 8 Spring menswear trends 14 V8V 3M3 TEL: 250 386 1496 b.i. staff profile Alex Morrison Porsche Panamera 14 New performance sedan defies convention Bold, Fun, and Colourful 18 Spring womenswear trends 18 Spring — A Perfect Time for Denim 26 An old favourite, still in vogue How to Buy a Pair of Shoes 28 Ten steps to finding what fits 26 Rag Chat 30 What is your favourite B.I. Item? Robert Graham Originally from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Alex has come to us via the UK and a travel bug that brought her to B.C. in her early twenties. Working extensively in the hospitality & service industry, stints in restaurants such as Bishop’s in Vancouver, and the Brasserie L’Ecole in Victoria eventually took her to Manager of Oak Bay’s Penny Farthing liquor and wine shop. After a break on maternity leave, Alex decided, what with a passion for clothes, that a spending some time at British Importers’ womenswear might do well for her and the customer both. She was so right. To reach Alex, email her at [email protected] or call 250-3861496 , where she, or any of our staff, will happily endeavour to serve you right. 32 How to build an iconic brand 34 Time Tells All 34 The right wristwatch can help you look your best What’s in a Name? Change is on the wind 2 british importers magazine 36 Todd Tufts, Editor in Chief, Publisher Gary Wollenhaupt, Editorial Director Vence Vida, Art Director Stephen R. Lewis, Copy Editor British Importers Magazine is published by Tufts Communications. © 2009, Tufts Communications. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. For information on local advertising and available editorial profiling for local businesses please contact Todd Tufts: Tufts Communications • 1201 E. 5th Street Suite 1009 • Anderson, IN 46012 Tel: 765-608-3081 Email: [email protected] Winchester Galleries MODERN MYTHS & ICONS The Comic Art of Ken Steacy March 8-28, 2009 at 2260 Oak Bay Ave. 2260 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, B.C. V8R 1G7 Tel. 250-595-2777 796 Humboldt Street, Victoria, B.C. V8W 4A2 Tel. 250-382-7750 1010 Broad Street, Victoria, B.C. V8W 1Z9 Tel. 250-386-2773 email: [email protected] www.winchestergalleriesltd.com Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone TOPPS Gaming Card Promotional Painting Airbrushed Acr ylic on Illus tration Board 13.5 x18.5” 1999 TM & © J.K. Rowling events British Importers Events This season’s most exciting events and promotions Menswear Trunk Shows and Other Events: March 14th start -The Men’s Classic Black or Navy Blazer Proudly made in Canada, our 100% textured woolen blazer is beautifully tailored to suit your needs. This classic comes cut as a single breasted, two-button with side vents, straight flap pockets style. Durable and hard wearing, it’s a natural for work and also with denim — a sport shirt and out-for-dinner you go. Available in black or navy only. Very limited quantities. MSRP $ 528 B.I. priced at only $349 June 13th start – The Men’s Classic Silk Golf Shirt A very popular item, this woven, 100% silk shirt is as perfect for BBQ duty as it is for golf. Our classic golf shirt is built for swingin’. Large and loose fitting, so as not to hinder your swing, it’s also cut square on the bottom to wear tucked in or not. Loose short sleeves offer maximum ventilation and it comes with a pocket for your scorecard and pencil. WASHABLE. Available in seashell creme, pina colada yellow, ocean blue, rosewood red , navy and black. MSRP $120 B.I. priced at $89.99 or 2 for $160. March 28th Saturday only - Hugo Boss Spring 2009 Trunk Show for Menswear and Womensear Hugo Boss, the globally known design house from Germany, is hosting its 2nd trunk show at British Importers. Boss Canada’s head honcho for men, Stephen Epstein, Director of Boss Black, will be on hand to host the menswear, while Laura James will be here to advise on Hugo Boss womenswear. Stephen and Laura will provide extra goods to the store, supplementing B.I.’s own large stock. This, of course, is to assist you in making selections from the largest possible assortment and getting yourself the right stuff for spring ’09 ! Enter to win a basic Hugo Boss suit for men and enter to win a basic black suit for women too. Value of the combined prices is almost $2500.00. July 22nd start – Preferred Customer Clearance Pre-Sale Starting at 9.30 sharp on Wednesday July 22nd, B.I.’s semi-annual storewide clearance sale is made available to you prior to advertising to the general public. This sale will be advertised for Saturday, July 24th. Shop early for best selection of style , sizes, fits and colours. April 11th Start – The Men’s Classic Dress Slacks Expertly tailored in Canada, and beautifully finished, this classic offers great fit and good looks. Made of a hard wearing gabardine in super 100’s gauge 100% wool, these pants are also wrinkle resistant due to the tight, twisted weave of the gabardine.The style is simplicity itself : flat front, 1/8 top side pockets and a lower rise. Available in black, navy, olive , khaki, dark gray, mushroom (taupe-gray) and chocolate brown. This highly favoured classic will sell out quickly. MSRP $198 B.I. priced at $120 each or 2 for $199. May 9th-16th one week only – B.I. 12th Annual Men’s Sample Sale Enjoy enormous savings on samples, overruns, and ones of a kind at our hugely popular Sample Sale. Suits and sports jackets from Canada’s best makers offer a unique opportunity to dress up and save on very sharply priced merchandise. Suits $399 or 2 for $699. Sports jackets $299 or 2 for $499 One suit and one jackets, the pair for $599 This is our biggest menswear event of the year, so don’t miss out! 4 british importers magazine Womenswear Trunk Show & Other Events : February 21st – 28th - Denim Week Come to B.I. this week and take a page from Paige Adams-Geller, who’s new book ‘Your Perfect Fit’ is free to the first 20 purchasers of any pair of Paige Premium Denim. There’s lots of new and exciting denimwear during our semi-annual Denim Week. Gifts with Purchase for everyone! Try on all our premium brands of jeans: Paige Premium Denim, True Religion, Seven for All Mankind , Rich & Skinny, David Kahn and Fabrizio Gianni and more. Enter to win a fascinating new watch from Android. Enter to win a $100 Gift Certificate from B.I. to use for your next purchase at the store. Please RSVP to [email protected] . March 28th - Saturday only - Hugo Boss Spring 2009 Trunk Show for Womensear and Menswear Hugo Boss, the globally known design house from Germany, is hosting its 2nd trunk show at British Importers. B.I. will have Womenswear representative Laura James on site to assist and advise on current must haves. On the mens side, Boss’s VP for Boss Black, Stephen Epstein, will be on hand to host the menswear. Stephen and Laura will provide extra goods to the store, supplementing B.I.’s own large stock. This, of course, is to assist you in making selections from the largest possible assortment and getting yourself the right stuff for spring ’09! Enter to win a basic Hugo Boss suit for women and enter to win a basic Boss suit for men too. Value of the combined prices is almost $2500.00. www.britishimporters.com British Importers Events This season’s most exciting events and promotions April 25th - Saturday only– It’s All About You It’s All About You is a special in-store event to inspire our customers to think about themselves in different ways for the new season. Wardrobes : consultants to advise you on the essentials for spring / summer 2009. Accessories : Pam Ireland from Echo scarves will be on site to show how to extend your wardrobe with scarves and belts. Hairstyles : get advice from on-site top hairstylists from Salon Astoria. Your Body : receive advice from La Spa Serene on skin care and how to pamper and rejuvenate your body. Receive a luxurious goodie bag with purchase. Enter to win a new spring hairstyle from Salon Astoria. Enter to win a spa treatment from Spa Serene. Enter to win a $100 B.I. gift certificate to use for your next purchase. July 22nd start – Preferred Customer Clearance Pre-Sale Starting at 9.30 sharp on Wednesday July 22nd, B.I.’s semi-annual storewide clearance sale is made available to you prior to advertising to the general public. This sale will be advertised for Saturday, July 24th. Shop early for best selection of style , sizes, fits and colours. : wisd om 9 www.weysurveys.com 250.656.5155 : t rut h 9 : kn ow le d ge 9 legal, engineering & topographical surveys, subdivision planning LACOSTE MENSWEAR PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE AT BRITISH IMPORTERS fashion by t odd t uf t s S p r i n g & S u m m e r 2 0 0 9 M e n s w e a r Tr e n d s H Has there been another winter like the one we just experienced? Not in our lifetime. In order to achieve something you most want, you must first do dozens of things you mostly detest. If your goal is to drop twenty pounds, get up an hour earlier to workout, and deny yourself those donuts upon arrival at the office. If your goal is to be the top salesman, maybe you’ll have to knock on doors after hours, send thousands of emails to gain a few positive responses, and even work seven days a week, instead of five, to reach your sales quota. Are you willing to push yourself beyond the bounds of what is expected to achieve the unexpected? The workplace was never a place for cruise-control. On cruise-control there is no effort. Cruise-control is a distraction because of its ease of use and lack of skill. When a car drives itself with no one at the controls, where does it go with little or no guidance? Exactly. It is time to take control. It is time to do more than what is expected. It is time be creative and to rise above. It is time to be noticed for the right reasons. Like never before, it is time to earn your keep. If what used to take 200 phone calls now requires 400, then you’ll make 600. Men of greatness can achieve anything. The weak will be devoured, and the strong will not only survive, but will be the new leaders of a new breed in a new age. Melodramatic? Perhaps. But unless you’ve previously written the background story to success, you may not fully comprehend the intestinal fortitude, patience, deprivation, and hard work that goes into completing the book. If you’re unsure whether you’ve been fully tested, consider the fact that you’re in the middle of the exam right now. Memorable. Compelling. Relevant. One might ask how fashion plays a part in all of this, or even why. It is an honest and justifiable question. The fashions you wear reflect your personality, and the impression you give others — like it or not. It is the unspoken and unwritten word. While it, truly, does not define you, it does speak to others, when you cannot speak yourself. What are you projecting about yourself in a crowded elevator or in a line at the movies, at a party or business luncheon? In today’s uptight environment, I urge you to communicate a more serious, finessed, appropriate and business-like manner at the office and a more relaxed, creative, and confident personna when the opportunity arises after work and on weekends. Interestingly, when the two collide, there are lots of new options for a man of style this spring. People in the business call them “soft coats.” Unlined sport jackets and suits trickled onto the scene a few years ago, but are major players this season, and for good reason. Light and airy, the jackets offer layering options for work and play. Their relaxed composure plays nicely with rumpled shirts and rep ties. You can pair the jackets with jeans or introduce a light coloured pant for a summer dinner party. Whether solid brown, navy, or khaki, these jackets and suits work wonderfully with dressy loafers or vintage Chuck Taylor’s. This loose and appropriate look is a welcome sight this season and can be found in beautifully textured linens or easy-to-care-for cottons. Seersucker is still in vogue. 7 british importers magazine fashion Spring 2009’s return to minimalism doesn’t have be forgettable — just the opposite. New opportunities must be seized. The unlined sportjacket offers tremendous versatility. The one-button suit provides V-shaped proportions and a clear display underneath a shirt and/or sporty sweater variations. The plunge doesn’t stop there. The cardigan recalls ’50s chic and weekends at the cottage. A tee shirt, V-neck sweater, or one less button done at the top of your white collared dress shirt signals a return to relaxation, as cooler north air gives way to southern breezes. Find balance. Buy luxury in a few investment pieces — items that will remain in your wardrobe for years — and pair them with simple, classic items. The rumpled shirt is not for all takers. It is not meant to look like you just stepped out of the dryer, as much as you just got out of a cab. It is worn. It has gone places and done important things. We like it best for Saturdays and Sundays. It is a casual look meant to appear well traveled and comfortable. It is more trend than long term, but it does nicely paired with the casual soft coat. The minimalist movement is not always about being modern. Outdoorsy is the word when it comes to sportswear. Nautical vs. hunting attire offers a fork in the road. Whether by land or by sea, the combination of polo shirts, denim, and khakis coupled with sporty zip neck jackets that can go boating, fishing, or for an evening stroll are absolute hits this spring. You’ll find tailored plaid shirts and colourful waterproof jackets. Europeans and Canadians both claim rights to the style, but the truth is that it is simply classic, chic, and ruggedly handsome. Early spring offers opportunites for layering these items three or four deep. Combine navy with ivory and brown with red accents. Again, the cardigan makes an appropriate appearance along with long, cuffed shorts. Playing off the late ’50s and early ’60s, pink is masculine again this season. Variations of the colour pink were seen on the runways of many top menswear designers. A soft pink dress shirt under a grey or black suit is in perfect balance with the new season. Add a pink polo to jeans and a light sport jacket for dinner out with friends. Add pink in light doses, perhaps within your neckwear or pocketsquare. While small scale pattern is most often found on ties in menswear, spring 2009 found many designers giving it more than a supporting role. Patterned jackets, shirts, and sport jackets were found on the runways of Milan and New York. The gingham check can be found in less familiar places too. 9 british importers magazine Richard Roblin www.richardroblin.com For inquiries or a studio appointment, please call 1-250-715-0089 agave Agave exists to design and produce the best tailored, most beautiful and highest quality denim blue jeans, authentically sewn and hand finished exclusively in California. courage . compassion . conservation fashion Understated Elegance The early 1960s offered both hope and change. It was a soon-to-be a dangerous time. Before the turmoil of the mid-sixties, the movies helped define the timeless, simple, and highly tailored suits launching from European shores. Today, the return of those elegant, suave, and sophisticated shapes are reflected in the latest collections in the store. For those most daring, a slightly narrower lapel, tie, and shirt collar exemplify the trend. Show some cuff. Know your tailor and make it fit. There should be a little less break in the pant. Shirt and tie can have stripes and dots, just don’t go overboard. Use a tie bar. Add a simple pocket square. If you go custom, think about adding a vest. The three-piece suit is coming on strong. Top off the look with simple, stainless cufflinks and a dressy steel watch with perfectly shined slim black lace-ups. The look is not flashy but modern. It is appropriate and quite debonaire. Tie the Knot The necktie, like all business attire, returns this spring, as business becomes business again. Serious contenders cannot pretend that today’s economic environment offers the same laissez-faire approach to the boardroom accepted a short time ago. Your memory bank must be deleted and updated with a tasteful and justified return to accepted practice. Gone is the uptight and overgrown ESPN knots of yesteryear. The neckwear that banished sight of your bespoke dress shirt will be a distant apparition once you fully embrace a more familiar classic four-in-one knot. A messy and somewhat imperfect knot can fall loosely undone at days end, as the office disappears and the Grey Goose is poured, for it is time to celebrate another day and another hardearned dollar. If your office has not fully returned to its professional roots of presentation, then it is time for a new leader and tastemaker. That can be you. Your reward may only be the admiration and respect of new clients. Perhaps that should be enough for now. 12 british importers magazine Peaked Performance The peaked lapel blazer has always been a favourite of mine. This season it shows up again in one and two-button varieties nicely cinched at the waist with a strong shoulder. Preferably solid in navy, khaki, black, or brown and made of wool or cotton, this blazer can and should be worn with some attitude and upbeat spirit. Pair it with jeans and a colourful patterned shirt. It just looks and feels good. High-low dressing continues to define where menswear is headed. Are you ready ... FOR THE 2010 RX 350? Very well equipped from $48,795.00 including Freight and Pre-Delivery Inspection. THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION. NECKWEAR Douglas at Finlayson • Victoria, BC Out of Town Call Collect 250 – 386-3516 www.MetroLexusToyota.com auto by g a r y wol l enhaupt PANAMERA Porsche New performance sedan defies convention for the traditionalist German sportscar maker T The 2010 Panamera establishes a new model for Porsche, joining the venerable 911 line, the Boxster/Cayman, and the Cayenne in the lineup from Stuttgart. The Panamera will face off against the all-new Aston Martin Rapide, the Mercedes CLS, and the future Audi A7. Design DNA from the long-lived 911 range will be evident, but of course there are significant differences, the most obvious of which is a front-mounted engine. Second is the voluminous interior space, with usable rear seats and a real trunk. Porsche has taken some criticism for the exterior design, but the reaction was similar at the Cayenne’s debut. For some aficionados, the 911 model is the only true Porsche, but the market has proven otherwise. Initially, all Panameras will be available with two V8 engine options, standard seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmissions and rear- or all-wheel drive. The PDK tranmission includes both manual gearshift and an automatic mode, which enables smooth gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power. This results in significantly faster acceleration and lower fuel consumption without having to sacrifice the ease of shifting with the automatic transmission. All engines feature Porsche Direct Fuel Injection for maximum fuel efficiency and power output. For additional fuel savings, all Panameras include an engine stop-start function that can turn off and restart the engine at certain times, like when stopped at an intersection. 14 british importers magazine The rear-wheel drive Panamera S has a 400-horsepower, 4.8-liter V8 engine, which can propel it from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds on its way to a top test-track speed of 175 mph. The all-wheel drive Panamera 4S receives the same 4.8-liter powerplant. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and achieves a top test-track speed of 175 mph. At the top of the Panamera lineup is the Panamera Turbo, with a 500-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8. Also featuring the new PDK transmission, the all-wheel drive Panamera Turbo sets a breathtaking 0-to-60 time of 4 seconds flat and a top test-track speed of 188 mph. auto Inside, the Panamera is a symphony of design. The driver and each passenger occupy their own individual cockpit-like space, delineated by a continuous centre console that extends from the dashboard to the rear seating area. The roomy environment provides exceptional leg and head room, unique qualities in a sporting machine yet essential for grand touring. Discriminating owners have opportunities for individual interior customization with 13 colour and material combinations, including four two-tone leather interiors and seven interior trim options, including carbon fiber and natural olive wood. Seating customization is available through optional alternatives such as 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats and fully adjustable eight-way power seats in the rear to accompany those in the front. An available four-zone climate control system gives each seating area individual control. In the unfortunate event of an accident, front, side and curtain airbags help protect the front occupants, while standard rear side airbags help protect those in back. Isolated in their cockpits, passengers have a choice of audio options. Among the choices is the surround-sound speaker system from Burmester, the renowned Berlin audio manufacturer. Sixteen loudspeakers and a subwoofer provide a grand acoustical experience with more than 1,000 watts of powers and over 2.5 square feet of speaker surface area. Panameras will be available with the latest personal electronic connectivity features, including Bluetooth for cellular telephones, Universal Audio Interface for connecting personal audio devices, and satellite radio. 16 british importers magazine The rear luggage area provides enough room for four large suitcases loaded upright. The rear seats fold down to offer more cargo space as well. In an effort to sell 20,000 Panameras worldwide next year, Porsche is seeking drivers looking for a true sports car that can also serve as a family car for everyday use. 2010 Porsche Panamera Panamera : $115,100* Panamera 4S: $120,300* Panamera Turbo: $155.000* *Canadian Dollars All three Panamera models are expected to go on sale in the Victoria this coming October. RATED IN THE TOP 20 OF CANADIAN COURSES* FIND OUT WHY! AP PL BE ICAT ING IO AC NS F CE OR PT ED MEM AT B TH ERS IS H TIM IPS E * GOLF DIGEST Royal Colwood GOLF CLUB your table awaits... T HERE ARE A LIMIT ED NUMBER OF MEMBERSHIPS NO W AVA ILA B LE , CALL FOR DETAILS. For Membership Information 1.250.478.8331 www.royalcolwood.org [email protected] offering the finest French cuisine in intimate and relaxed surroundings Restaurant Matisse Located in the heart of Victoria’s downtown Inner Harbour “Superb” Restaurant Restaurant Review Review from from Times Times Colonists' Colonists' Pam Pam Grant Grant 512 Yates St., Victoria, B.C. (250) 480-0883 www.restaurantmatisse.com fashion by vence v ida T There have been hints at its return for the past couple of seasons — a little pink and turquoise combination here, a few stacked bracelets there. The signs were evident, and now the reality is unmistakable. The latest fashion trend is a distinct return to the flavors of the 80s. The 1980s were known for their strong statements in style. The music, the cars, the fashion, the hair — especially the hair. Every facet of personal expression had that unique, optimistic flair that defined a decade. Whether your 80s icon is Reagan or Madonna, Spielberg or Gates, Jordan or Trump, chances are you have one. It was a decade full of icons — larger than life personas and larger than life fashion. Bold, Fun & Colourful S p r i n g & S u m m e r 2 0 0 9 Wo m e n s w e a r Tr e n d s But don’t start stocking up on Aqua-net and a bustier, just yet. Even though the influences are obvious and strong, perhaps we learned a few lessons the first time around. Bright, vibrant colors — yes; fun, oversized accessories — yes; skyscraper hair — no; gaudy mall mannequin make-up — no. The trends embrace the gregarious lust for life prevalent twenty-five years ago while, thankfully, shunning the ostentatious, excessive, and even chessy overtones of the hair-band era. 18 british importers magazine R E G N I T 3 1 part vodka 2 parts brandy 1 part crème de menthe Jewellery Designs © 2009 IDAR Cocktail accessories in Sterling Silver ).4%2.!4)/.!,!7!2$7)..).'*%7%,,%29$%3)'.%23s3).#% s4s&/24 346)#4/2)!"# 66+s777)$!2#/- w o m e n s w e a r fashion Strong shoulder Theeey’re baaack! Love ’em or hate ’em, shoulder pads are making a comeback with one important difference: options! In 1984, they were everywhere — every jacket, every blouse. I swear that one afternoon I even saw a couple of shoulder pad enhanced bikinis (but that may have been a combination of too much sun and too many wine coolers). It was shoulder overload. Today’s structured shoulders are not nearly as ubiquitous. At the appropriate time, they are there waiting to project an air of womanly confidence. But they need not dominate your wardrobe. This time, they are just one option in an arsenal of fashion possibilities. Celebration of colour The most obvious trend for spring/summer 2009 is the bold, vivacious colour palette. As if in direct correlation with the economic versus fashion relation of the mid’80s, designers are filling the runways with an explosive assortment of pinks, greens, oranges, and turquoise. To fight the funk of a falling economy, the fashion world responds with bold colors and dramatic prints. Strong contrast and saturation speaks to the spirit of optimism in the face of adversity. Walk on the wild side As a trend that continues in 2009 with expanded appeal, animal prints are definitely hot. Head-to-toe stripes and spots is not the idea here. You’re not trying to join a parade at Disney World. But a leopard-print purse or a pair of shoes adds sizzle to almost any ensemble. Safari, so good When you’re not sporting the prints of the prey, try the earthy linens of the hunter. Safari styles are cool and easy to wear. Muted tones in casually draping cottons pair well with a dark leather belt and open shoes. Brightly coloured jungle accessories and large wooden jewellry add extra flair. You can be casual, comfortable, and sexy — all at the same time. 20 british importers magazine Forward Automotives Ltd. 746 Caledonia Avenue, Victoria, B.C. Service (250) 383 - 2733 • Sales (250) 727 – 8110 Your automotive specialist in sales and service! Serving Victoria for 25 years with a reputation for fine service in used auto sales and trustworthy mechanical repairs. We specialize in import cars with an ever-growing clientele of repeat customers. Honesty and fair pricing in today’s highly technical automotive market. Mention this ad in the British Importers magazine and be eligible for a free oil change. Lucky winners every month. We are pleased to service many BI customers and look to your patronage. Phone or visit for your service needs and view some fine used auto’s that offer great value in today’s marketplace. [email protected] fashion The soft touch Less-structured flowing and billowing soft pants and shorts, as well as casually draping jackets, have women saying, “Ahhhh,” this summer. Playing counterpoint to tight fitting jeans and more stiffly tailored jackets, the current soft-look trend is a relaxing relief. But if you’re going to soften it up, match it with sandals or heels. Tennis shoes take this look into the realm of sloppy. It’s all about the shoes Two basic styles are most prevalent in the 2009 shoe offerings. They are, in no way, the only choice. Shoes will always come in myriad shapes and styles, but there are a couple of stand-outs to take note of this year: On the casual side of the spectrum, sandals sport wide straps and chunky heels. Dressier styles of heel are in almost exactly the opposite, with thin, spiky heels and sharply pointed toes. This season, girls just wanna have fun! Add a little flash Don’t be afraid to sparkle this season. From a shiny silver scarf that adds that extra pop to an otherwise ordinary outfit, to a night-club number that is slathered in sequins, shine makes a statement. But if you choose an outfit with a lot of glitter, let the sequins do the talking. Shimmery outfits are best complemented by natural face tones. Don’t combine rhinestones with bright red lips. Sunny nostalgia While the ’80s are the strongest inputs in most sectors of style right now, poolside attire is reaching a little father back. If you are fortunate enough to be able to pull it off, a narrow-cut bikini will always turn heads on the beach. But for most of us, the current nod in surf-side style delivers a more universally flattering option. With cuts reminiscent of the 1960s, bikini shorts and skirts are everywhere. Add a shiny pair of metallic sandals and some over-sized “JackieO” sun glasses and your vintage look is complete. Three dimensions Ruffles, wrinkles, folds, and fringe — clothing as sculpture is a popular option. Depending on the degree of texture, the shape of your outfit may be its own embellishment. Don’t create a competition with too many dramatic accessories. Simply add a great pair of shoes and a clutch and you’re good to go. 22 british importers magazine fashion Bring on the bling Jewellry is the finishing touch to every fashion mood, and in homage to the great ’80s, jewellry is making a big statement. Big costume jewels of every colour adorn necklaces, bracelets, and rings. One of the hottest single pieces out there is the wide metallic cuff with a large floral gem embellishment. Ethnic jewellry is also the rage. Geometric designs and large beads form eye-catching necklaces, while small, African palette beads are woven into exciting designs for belts and purses. Large hoop earrings accent everything from bathing suits to cocktail dresses and all looks in between. Huge solitaire gems, rings in all colors, wide watches, and multiple complementary bracelets stacked together are trends to look for. And don’t forget the shoes. Gem and bead layered sandals bring a fun flair to your look. Just make sure you don’t combine a bold or busy printed pant with an overly bangled shoe. It’s one or the other to avoid a clashing competition. Overall, the style this season is bold and fun — bright colors and oversized add-ons. It’s an extroverted look of whimsy and confidence at a time when we could all use a little cheering up. So dust off that old Van Halen album, and throw on some colour, and just have fun. 24 british importers magazine fashion by da rcy j. ba i l l i e Spring–A Perfect Time for Denim With Spring in the air, it is the perfect time to go out in search of a new pair of jeans. As early as January manufacturers begin shipping Spring styles to the stores. New stock continues to arrive on an ongoing basis right up until the summer months. So don’t delay, start gathering ideas, and making inquiries now! Purchasing new jeans in the Spring is somewhat different than purchasing new jeans in the Fall. Generally, in Canada, as Fall sets in we begin to look for darker washes and more dressy styles, perhaps to wear with a new pair of boots or a great new pair of heels. The Spring denim search is all about something new and fresh. As we shed our thick winter skin, we are looking to find something to lift our spirits and turn our thoughts to warmer weather, perhaps something to wear with that new pair of strappy sandals? Setting out on your search for a pair of Spring jeans is all about planning. What type of jeans are you looking for and what do you want your jeans to do for you? Here are a few basic questions you need to ask yourself before you head to British Importers to check out their selection… How much do you have to spend? Do you want a pair of entry level Premium Denim? Or are you ready to pay more to purchase something really special? Premium denim is worth every penny, due to the superior fit, finish and fabric and BI Womenswear regularly stocks Premium Denim brands: 7 for All Mankind, Paige Premium Denim, True Religion, Rich and Skinny, David Kahn, and Fabrizio Gianni . These brands are at the top of the denim pile, but price increases with differences in fabrics, washes, washing techniques, and details. New fashion styles are a little pricier than the basics, but are definitely worth trying on. New looks for Spring of 2009 include, The Boyfriend Jean, which are so named because their loose, baggy cut makes you look like you nabbed them from the man in your life. This relaxed fit is a versatile option for all shapes and sizes. They are comfortable and broken-in to feel like you have worn them for years. BI is bringing in Boyfriend Jeans from a couple of different suppliers, so if you are interested contact your favourite Salesperson for details. What kind of colour, wash and denim weight are you looking for? Since it is Spring, it may be time to move away from the darker winter washes and to try a lighter wash with some distressing. Dark may look dressier, but lightweight denim is fantastic in the warmer months. New looks for Spring 2009 include lighter weight denim and coloured denim. BI is bringing in some lightweight jeans called Havasu Dojo from 7 for All Mankind and they are also stocking the popular Ginger style in white. How is your new pair of Spring jeans going to fit into your existing wardrobe? Do you need a dressier jean to wear with heels in the evening? Or are you looking for a more casual jean for everyday wear with flats or runners? Perhaps you need to consider more than one pair, if multiple needs are to be met. Remember, jean length is an important component to consider. You can’t wear the same pair with different heel heights. (TIP: Make sure to take home your new jeans and wash them before bringing them back to BI to have them hemmed. You don’t want to end up with jeans that are too short.) 26 british importers magazine Consider these questions and then ask yourself what style you are looking for. Do you want low-rise, mid-rise, or highrise jeans? Do you want a basic or do you want something a little more fancy? What kind of pockets do you like, a regular 5pocket style or a fancier back flap pocket or maybe a trouser jean? Do you want a boot cut, a flare, a skinny leg or perhaps the new relaxed fit Boyfriend jean? Once you have looked at your existing wardrobe and considered your options, head down to British Importers to see what they have in stock. Ask questions and try on lots of different jeans. Find out what looks good AND what feels good on you. If you don’t find what you want right away, ask the Salesperson what she recommends for your shape. Perhaps they can special order something or perhaps a new shipment is on the way. Again, ask questions, use the Salesperson’s expertise, and find a pair of jeans that you LOVE. Don’t be discouraged if the first pair of jeans isn’t the perfect pair. Try on lots of washes and styles and get lots of opinions. When you find the right pair, you will know. And when you know, don’t hesitate, because we all know that if you wait and think about it for too long your perfect pair will be gone. It will have walked out the door on the girl who knew and didn’t hesitate. photos courtesy of 7 for all mankind Steve Drane Harley-Davidson® 2940 Ed Nixon Terrace, Victoria, BC V9B 0B2 • Ph. (250) 475-1345 • SteveDraneHarley.com “Tradition & Trust for Over 30 Years” shoes How to Buy a Pair of Shoes That Fit Ten steps to a satisfying shoe shopping experience M Many people, both men and women, have a closet full of shoes they never wear. The reasons those shoes don’t ever see the light of day vary, but generally it is because those shoes don’t fit. When buying a new pair of shoes there are a few guidelines to follow that will see you through to a stylish and comfortable (and wearable) pair of shoes. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Don’t scrimp on price and quality. Buy the best you can afford. Better quality shoes are made of better quality materials. Your feet will sweat and they need to be able to breath. Make sure the sole and the material is breathable. Leather is the best option. Try on shoes in the late afternoon when your feet are fattest. Everyone’s feet expand as the day goes on, whether you are on your feet all day or not. If the shoes feel good at 3pm, they will feel good all day. Always wear the socks you’re going to be wearing with the footwear when making any measurements or when trying shoes on. Don’t try on a dress shoe with an athletic sock, when you know you will be wearing a dress sock and vice versa. Never get a shoe that you think will feel good after break-in. If the shoe doesn’t feel good immediately, it is not going to get better until it after it gets worse. No one need get a blister to “break in” a shoe. Try on several different sizes and walk around the store to see how they fit. Remember different brands and different styles will fit differently. Shoes from the same designer may be made in different factories in different countries. Some brands may fit smaller than others. (Note: Size is just a number. Don’t worry if you have gone up a size. It doesn’t necessarily mean your feet are getting bigger.) Ignore the siren call of the good deal that’s a half-size to small or large. By all means, try them on, but if the shoe doesn’t fit, you won’t wear it. Remember, the shoe is not going to get bigger as you wear it. The length of the shoe is never going to change. It is only the softer leathers and suedes that are going give a bit in width. 28 british importers magazine by da rcy j. ba i l l i e If you have a shoe that is comfortable and fits great, try to buy other shoes that have the same shape and feel. If you find a brand and style you like, go back and buy another pair, as the company may never make that style again. One pair of shoes can’t serve all purposes. If you want a shoe to wear to work with your suit, you cannot use the same pair of shoes to go golfing or hiking in. 8 9 10 You don’t need 100 pairs of cheap shoes that sit in your closet, but you do need a handful of stylish and comfortable shoes that meet your needs. So, go through your closet and get rid of all the shoes you never wear. Then come down to British Importers and buy a new pair of quality shoes. 250-447-5353 Email Email [email protected] or visit visit www.ThomeRealEstate.com or Call Call fashion by da rcy j. ba i l l i e Rag Chat In your closet, right now, what is your favourite B.I. item, whether clothing, shoes, or accessories? And why is it your favourite? Peter Bion, President, BCG Construction Ltd. I would have to say that my favourite B.I. clothing items would be my Haupt shirts and Alberto Ceramica pants; they are my “go to” clothes for fit and up to date styling. My Cole Haan shoes complete the look because of their comfort and style. Brett Jones, Realtor, Newport Realty It is easily my studded skull sneakers from Leather Island! They are the most comfortable shoe I have ever owned, and one hell of a conversation piece! Lots of eyebrows raised and compliments. Also, my daughter thinks they’re cool, and that’s what is most important! Warwick Jones, CEO, Coppley Apparel My navy blazer with special buttons is my most worn/used clothing item. This one piece of clothing is so flexible that it covers me for all needs, whether dress up or dress down. With tie, crew or open neck shirt or with jeans. David Beckham or club ready. Best of all, I never tire of it. Alex Morrison, B.I. Womenswear For this season, my favourite piece is a little grey wool dress (jumper style) by BASH. BASH is a couple of young women from Paris that make very artsy, cool fashion. The reason I love it so much is it looks fantastic layered with a black t-shirt or turtleneck and it’s super comfy and warm. So, that leads me to the second item, which are beautiful black riding boots from Corso Como. They are also very comfortable and look great with the BASH dress. In fact, I was once stopped in the middle of the street (literally) by a woman who wanted to know where I got the dress and boots! Wendy MacKenzie, Civil Registry Technician, Victoria Court Services I love my black cashmere shawl and my Paige jeans. I wear the shawl a lot, as it is warm and cozy and goes with everything. I can pair it with jeans or with dressier clothes and it can take me from Abigail Fulton, Vice President, B.C. Construction Association funky to elegant. My Paige jeans are my Hmmm....I have many pieces I like, but if I had to pick a favourite it would be my Suzi favourite because they ALWAYS make Roher belts.... I easily tire of clothes but I never get sick of those belts!! me look and feel great. 30 british importers magazine www.bugatti-fashion.com jackvictor.com AIR OWEN SLIDE WITH NIKE AIR TECHNOLOGY IN BLACK AND BROWN How to Build an Iconic Brand Q & A with Designer Robert Stock for Robert Graham How does it feel to be the coolest brand in the market after only 7 years? It feels amazing! How did you do it? The simple answer is that we focused on product and came up with something both creative and saleable. But the truth is that my partners (Neal Kusnetz and more recently Chuck Hellman) and I worked our butts off! Everyone works hard in this business. What did you do differently? Early on, I spent a good third of my life in India. With my very talented team, we developed every garment from scratch: from designing the fabrics (80 percent are designed in-house; there are 4 to 8 different fabrics per shirt) to the stitching, embroidery, appliqués, custom buttons, etc. Plus our Indian partners are amazing: These complicated shirts can be a manufacturing nightmare, but our guys can do anything; they never say no… How did you get the word out on Robert Graham… Our business was built by our retail partners. And by the consumers. It’s almost a cult following that’s mostly word-ofmouth… Where do you get the inspiration for your designs? I’m inspired by great artists and musicians. Plus, I spend lots of time shopping flea markets and antique stores around the markets and antique stores around the globe. (Editor’s note: On this particular visit, stock was sitting on the floor with an antique rug from the 1800s and a patterned vest that he discovered at a Paris flea market.) 32 british importers magazine Designer Robert Stock Your shirts have not just a unique design sensibility, but also a spiritual component. What’s up with all the “Knowledge, Wisdom, Truth?” It sounds strange, but it’s become something of a mantra around here. After spending time in India, you naturally become more spiritual, and I think the garments are somehow infused with positive energy. But the product is also about whimsy and artistry and handwork and details. And of course it’s evolved beyond shirts into a full collection. Where will your growth come from? In addition to in-store shops, we’re planning international expansions: Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Asia… What have your learned from doing personal appearances in the stores? I’ve learned that many guys collect our shirts; a few have more then a hundred different styles. (I’ve actually named a few shirts after these avid collectors…) But more important are the guys who tell me that our shirts have changed their lives, that no one ever noticed them before, but suddenly people stop them in the streets to comment on their shirts. It makes me feel like a rock star, which is pretty cool at this stage in my life… Robert, you’ve been doing this for so many years. Aren’t you getting tired? Are you kidding? - MR Magazine © EVERY THURSDAY ❘ NEWS ❘ active engaged VIEWS ❘ ARTS ❘ ENTERTAINMENT interested influential Quality Clothing Deserves Quality Cleaning 4 Hour Dry-Cleaning and Shirt Service Till 12 Daily • Saturdays Included You must be a Monday reader www.mondaymag.com 250-382-6188 We handle all your Dry Cleaning & Laundry Needs Delivery Services 5 Days per Week 388-6211 Open 6:00a-6:00p Mon-Fri • 7a-5:30p Sat. 2922 Tillicum Road, Victoria watches by carol besler Time Tells All The right wristwatch not only gets you to work, lunch or the theatre on time, it can help you look your best in any situation W Watches are one of the most coveted and prestigious of all accessories, but far from being just another luxury product, timepieces were born of two things: necessity and curiosity. Tracking time has always been essential to the organization of society. Even the ancients had meetings and lunch appointments to keep, as well as crops to rotate. The notion of adornment, never mind brand status, didn’t factor into it until approximately 6,000 years after the invention of man’s earliest timekeeping invention. Fortunately, the wristwatch has evolved to become as much an element of style as it is a technical marvel. Here is a glimpse at some of the latest designs and inventions for men and women. For men Timekeeping technology has improved continuously throughout the ages, ever since the Babylonians began using the sundial to divide day and night into twelve equal parts. The recent revolution in mechanical wristwatches, which began in the mid 1990s, however, has brought about more substantial improvements in wristwatch movements, components, materials and design than the previous 25 years. The mechanical revolution has inspired the improvement of virtually every complication known to watchmaking – and the invention of a few new ones. It has also inspired a nod to traditional styling. Vintage is one of the hottest looks in men’s watches this year, with many brands producing replicas from their archives, some with a modern twist, some as faithful versions of the original, and all with improved movements. All watches tend to be much larger than a decade ago, but that doesn’t mean they are bulky or ostentatious. Even sports watches have become sleek and sophisticated, with toned-down rose gold cases, integrated push-buttons, tone-on-tone subdials and highly readable functions. All-black watches, many with black numerals and indicators on black dials, are another hot trend, with either PVD coating (physical vapor deposition) or DLC-coating 34 british importers magazine (diamond-like carbon) for extra strength and colour. Carbon fiber, the black leather jacket of watch dials, is especially popular in sports watches, a category in which ’70s-inspired digital is also making a strong comeback. For ladies Ladies’ wristwatches have become the perfect package of beauty and brains. Long considered important from a fashion point of view, they are increasingly fitted with mechanical movements in keeping with the revolution in mechanical timekeeping. Ladies’ complications, in the form of moonphase indications, chronographs and even tourbillons have become more prominent as women begin to insist on a standard of substance commensurate with design. There are now one or two outstanding examples of complicated, mechanical watches in the ladies’ collections of almost every brand, including diver’s watches, date windows and dual timers, indicating the growing importance of function. Of course, there is always an element of fashion in ladies’ watches, because women will always demand a certain aesthetic distinction. Trends are important. This year, black is hot – dials, straps, even diamonds are going black in both ladies’ and men’s styles. At the other extreme is white. Many companies introduced new models this year in both all-black and all-white versions. Mother-of-pearl and diamonds have become must-haves in ladies’ watches in all segments. In fact, diamonds are now standard on ladies’ watches, and that has raised the stakes for high jewellry watches, which have become more elaborate and more one-of-a-kind. Intense competition to craft pieces that are truly unique has also resulted in the revival of mineral and handpainted dials, as well as diamonds that are set not just in the bezel or paved on the dial (although there is nothing wrong with that!) but arranged in patterns such as floral motifs and even constellations. Wolf Designs In terms of metals, rose gold has become a standard in both men’s and Watch movements are like people. They need regular exercise to keep them in optimum ladies’ watches, often mixed with brown working condition – yet too much activity can leave them wound up too tightly. So they or copper-toned dials. Steel has also need to unwind. A mechanical watch, in addition to requiring regular maintenance by a become an important standard, mainly due to technological developments in the qualified watchmaker (about once every three years), also needs regular motion. Simon watch industry over the past five years Wolf, owner of leading watch-winder company Wolf Designs, says the watch movement that has seen manufacturers perfect their is like any engine: “If you leave it idle long enough, it will seize up. It is always preferable ability to set diamonds into steel. This has made diamond watches available in much lower price ranges and therefore more accessible to the average North American consumer. to keep a machine moving.” He qualifies this with, “but not all the time, or it can be wound too tightly.” And that’s where a professional watch winder comes in. The main- Wolf spring of an automatic watch movement is powered by a rotor that converts motion from the wearer’s arm and wrist into energy. Without movement, a watch generally has about a two-day power reserve. A good winder simulates human energy, combining action with regular periods of rest, working much a like a rotor to keep a watch moving at optimum speed. “In order to prevent overwinding, our winders simulate the sleep cycle as well,” says Wolf. “If a watch has been worn for two days straight, the wearer should set the winder to a 12-hour delayed start. After that, it kicks in to a cycle of six hours of rotation and 18 hours of rest. If the watch has stopped, the winder can be set to begin rotation immediately.” Like a wristwatch, a winder is not just a machine but also an accessory – it is designed to be displayed, and has therefore become as much a decorative presen- tation box as it is a tool for watch maintenance. The latest winding boxes from Wolf combine fine leather with inlaid wood such as ebony macassar and walnut burl. Or, for the sports watch enthusiast, there are sleek versions made of carbon fiber, glass and steel. Winders can accommodate one watch at a time or a dozen. Custom boxes can take any number of desired watches. Wolf, for example, recently made a custom case for a collector with 48 watches. The best thing about today’s ladies’ watches is that they are all highly wardrobe worthy. Beautiful, wearable and functional, they represent a growing understanding of the female watch consumer, combining the beauty and substance that a woman has come to expect in a watch. 35 british importers magazine news What’s in a Name? Change is on the wind T The name British Importers has stood for service,quality and selection for generations of Victorians .Further, the name carries a reputation of which B.I. is justifiably proud. This name, while carrying our reputation forward, has of late, held British Importers back. That is to say, the name no longer reflects the evolution the store has gone through with the passage of years. And what does that evolution look like in retrospect? To begin with, British Importers is no longer a Government Street merchant, but a destination store. A few things were given up to do this, but the plusses are many, starting with parking, which is no longer a problem for our customers. The store itself is much larger; premises have expanded to 12,500 square feet allowing for a larger, more varied selection of inventory. Giving customers more choice, more selection, is an important part of the evolution. The addition of womenswear, started in a small corner at the front of the new store, now moved into its own space and having expanded twice in three and a half years is almost an evolution in itself. And lastly, there is this simple truth: British Importers is no longer British. This brings us to the last point of the B.I. evolution. For those who haven’t shopped at B.I. because they thought of old men in patched tweeds, snoozing in wing back chairs, we’ve got news for you: British Importers is going to change it’s name. Before we spill the beans, let’s consider what kind of names retailers go by. Most commonly, it’s someone’s name. For instance, we’ve all heard of Holt Renfrew or Harry Rosen. Many will remember Eaton’s and Woodward’s. How about Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom? The same name tradition holds true if you’re a car dealer, a funeral director, a lawyer or a handyman. And so it will be at B.I. Be comforted though, as all else will remain the same; only the name will be changed. As of this August, as an introduction to the Fall/Winter season of 2009, B.I. will henceforth be known as… LEONARD W. RAWLUK, CGA 1620 COOK STREET VICTORIA, B.C. V8T 3P1 250-388-5043 Business & Tax consultant to British Importers since 1980 36 british importers magazine L U X U RY I S N ’ T DE FI N E D N E I TH E R A RE B Y WE . AG E .