The much-anticipated Nordstrom in Vancouver opens today. Nordstrom as a retailer is renowned for their impeccable service and great edits when it comes to fashion. The retailer has made a significant presence in the city from chic bus ads everywhere celebrating style ambassadors from Vancouver to their pre-gala and gala celebration. Consumers also had a chance to preview the new store at their beauty bash night and opening day store countdown event on Howe Street this morning.
The highlight of Nordstrom’s celebration was definitely their gala, which raised over $420,000 for five local charities in Vancouver. The night was unlike any that Vancouver has seen filled with a fashion show tent that spanned over Robson Square to a fancy cocktail reception at The Vancouver Art Gallery.
Above: Finale at the Nordstrom Fashion Show in Robson Square (Photo by: Amy Yew).
During the fashion show, I overheard someone say, “Wow, this show is incredible and similar to what you see at New York Fashion Week”. As models walked down the runway, we were greeted with the likes of designer pieces such as Oscar de la Renta’s navy and black strapless gown with rose embroidered skirt and a Valentino black shift gown with attached cape. A real treat for Vancouver, SPACE (a collection by emerging and advanced designers) was included in the show curated by none other than Olivia Kim who is Nordstrom’s Director of Creative Projects. Sitting across the way, I spotted Teen Vogue editor Lisa Love and Hamish Bowles who is the editor of Vogue. The energy in the room was electric and a readiness for Vancouver to welcome a fashion presence that commanded the essence of high fashion was felt.
Above: (L-R) West Coast Director of Vogue and Teen Vogue Lisa Love, English Fashion Journalist Hamish Bowles and American Model and Actress Amber Valletta. (Photo by Andrew Chin/Getty Images for Nordstrom).
The night topped off with an exclusive shopping experience at the new Nordstrom Vancouver store. As you enter, you’re greeted with rows of designer brands such as Celine, Christian Louboutin, Chloe, Saint Laurent and Valentino to name a few. The 230,000 square feet store even houses a bar upstairs where (good news for guys) football was playing on the screens.
Above: (L-R) President Blake Nordstrom, Model Karolina Kurkova, President of Merchandising Pete Nordstrom and Model Coco Rocha at Nordstrom (Pacific Centre). (Photo by Andrew Chin/Getty Images for Nordstrom).
There’s a general consensus that Vancouver is ready for a big city feel when it comes to fashion and Nordstrom has delivered in every way possible. Welcome to Vancouver Nordstrom and we most certainly like your style.
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Here's to great style and a few Vancouverites who really brought style to the table that night:
Above: Jackie Kai Ellis (style ambassador for Nordstrom Vancouver) wearing Jason Matlo. Photo via Instagram: @jackiekaiellis
Above: Jason Sarai (style ambassador for Nordstrom Vancouver) and his wife Tasha. Photo via Instagram: @StyleBySarai.
Above: Blogger Cara McLeay wearing Self-Portrait. Photo via Instagram: @carajourdan.
Above: Blogger Jill Lansky. Photo via Instagram: @TheAugustDiaries.
Above: Blogger Randa Salloum wearing Gentle Fawn. Photo via Instagram: @randasalloum.
Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier and a fashion and style writer. She is also the author of a blog Style du Jour. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com.
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