Living well: Showcasing their new Omer Arbel-designed digs on West First, Livingspace owner Ross Bonetti welcomed the city's creative class to La Dolce Vita, an evening of furniture, fashion and fun. Style savvy guests enjoyed bites from some of the city's finest food trucks and Ki Restaurant, classic cocktails from House Guest Supper Club and an outdoor runway romp presented by Bacci in support of Emily Carr's Industrial Design program.

Honouring working people: Celebrating the gains of workers, several hundred gathered at Trout Lake for the B.C. Federation of Labour's annual Labour Day Picnic sponsored by CUPE B.C. and local district labour councils. Under sunny skies, president Jim Sinclair welcomed members to the event. Yours truly emceed the outdoor affair that featured remarks by Canadian Labour Congress president Ken Georgetti, and B.C. NDP Leader Adrian Dix. The afternoon of solidarity was capped off with a concert by Chilliwack.

Fringe element: The Vancouver International Fringe Festival blasted off with The Big Bang, the festival's signature soiree launching its 2012 run. A capacity crowd filled Performance Works for the gala opener and fundraiser. Funnyman David C. Jones emceed the interstellar-themed party. The 28th edition of the festival runs until Sept. 16.

Hear Fred Mondays 8:20 a.m. on CBC Radio's The Early Edition AM690 and 88.1FM; email: yvrflee@hotmail.com; Twitter: @FredAboutTown or.fredabouttown.blogspot.com.

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Hear Fred Mondays 8:20 a.m. on CBC Radio's The Early Edition; email yvrflee@hotmail.com; Twitter: @FredAboutTown or fredabouttown.blogspot.com.