Off the Cuff: Tickle Trunk Unleashed

Before I begin profiling artisans and designers as I had mentioned last week, I have been meaning to write a piece on Shi Studio’s fashion photography shoot that took place late summer. The experience was so fun and rich it deserves a brief story.

It was late evening, chosen for the fantastic slanting rays of sunshine. I was able to round up a couple of gorgeous friends; two professional models and two novices to the modeling camera. We pulled up separately to Snorri Gunnarson’s studio, which is in an industrial area of Victoria with a derelict essence. I was already dressed fully in a steamy cowgirl Shi Lasso Line outfit and thus garnered a couple of interesting looks from passing vehicles. The show had begun.


Kyla (leather wonder woman for Shi Studio) and I madly placed clothing and accessories on all available surfaces within the studio as our models arrived: Sarah, Danielle, Sage and Victor. We exchanged introductions with a slightly nervous energy as we began to settle into the space.

Snorri Gunnarson is a renowned photographer, highly recognized for his landscape photography which can be viewed at www.snorrigunnarsson.com. The studio, which is also shared with Clare and Jeff (fantastic photographers in their own right) is both basic and professional with a perfect shoot room.

All a flutter with the excitement of the tickle trunk unleashed we decided that the lighting was perfect to head to the train tracks for some Western Lasso themed shots. We piled into vehicles, forgetting to put our seatbelts on with that random feeling of teenage freedom. Just before pulling away I halted the jeep to rush inside. I had forgotten an essential photo shoot ingredient; Prosecco (wonderful Italian Champagne). One of the best parts of the Prosecco, beyond the sparkly bubbles, was the presentation. All we could find to keep it on ice was a small children’s sandcastle bucket.

Shooting at the tracks was pure fun. Snorri was incredibly focused while Jeff assisted running cords and lights down the tracks from the jeep. Laughter and steamy eyes were the mood. As the light shifted it was time to head back to the studio to complete the shoot.

Kyla and I developed a rhythm of dressing and accessorizing while also facilitating the presentation of the outfits in front of the camera. The models were in their element and had eased into the flow of the shoot. We were capturing some great images.

The other snapshot I get to take away from this memorable event is this; Louis Armstrong “It’s a wonderful world” drifting from an old blaster radio, surrounded by lovely people, giggling and Prosecco in a hot pink sandcastle bucket.

Zen Fuschia Episode 6: Wise Women

To: Pipar Martin zenfuschia@ebtech.net
From: AD mr.d@lionshareproductions.ca
Date: Monday, October 5, 2009 9:24 AM
Subject: wise women

On the subject of women named Sage, who may be pronounced “Soggy”… one of the things I am coming to respect most in you is your forthrightness. Perhaps I owe the apology, in case I’ve come on too strong, or behaved too sentimentally in the current of my divorce. You’re a delightful woman, and I’m content just getting to know you. The former hippie in me hates the idea of predetermining anything… “all false expectations are a prison, man.” So, regarding NY, I’ll let you direct. No hurry. From the way you order food, I can tell you like to taste your decisions before you swallow.

To our friendship…

ps. you haven’t lived until you’ve skated at Rockefeller Center.

Style File: Borrowed from the Boys

Style File by Leah Wong

Though the idea of menswear for women originated in the 1960s when Yves Saint Laurent debuted “Le Smoking” pantsuit, the trend is constantly reemerging. This year, many “boyfriend” pieces emerged on the runway, including the blazer and the jean. There are two ways to wear this trend, either with boy-inspired pieces made for women, or by stealing a piece from a man in your life. A feminine accessory will soften any menswear-inspired item.

Zen Fuschia Episode 5: Seasons in the City

From: AD “mr.d@lionshareproductions.ca”
To: Pipar Martin “zenfushcia@ebtech.net”
Date: Thursday, October 01, 2009 12:16 PM
Subject: Seasons in the city

Beautiful lunch yesterday, beautiful company. Any thoughts on NY? If yes, let’s talk soon (the best reservations go fast). I’d love to do this with you (and please don’t let expense be a consideration)…I love this city and would be thrilled to show you around.

Rehearsals are coming along…another sunny morning spent in the dark womb.


From: Pipar Martin “zenfuschia@ebtech.net”
To: AD “mr.d@lionshareproductions.ca”
Date: Sunday, October 04, 2009 10:38 PM
Subject: soggy phones & being a drip

iphone went kaput after being dropped in the lake at a friend’s cottage this weekend…apologies for belated response.

Regret to say I’m filming and can’t get away til December…freezing in NY, hm? Also, awkward as this may be (esp via email), I hope I haven’t given off the wrong vibe regarding our friendship. I can be a tad naïve (and possibly way off the mark, in which case, ignore entirely). Anyway, I’m flattered by the attention, but can’t offer much in return. I’m just not in that space right now (What space? Um, the affectionate one? Why do I sound like a 13 year old…or worse yet, like a cross between a clinical therapist & a new agey wingnut named Sage whenever I try to talk about this? Forgive my dog-paddling). Point being, I appreciate our new friendship and hope it can continue.

Style File: Colour of Luxury

Style File by Leah Wong

Pantone’s Fall 2009 colour report, showed the strong presence of jewel-toned colours this season. Amethyst purples, emerald greens, ruby reds and sapphire blues sparkled alongside the more subdued, recession-friendly colours.


While designer’s often opted for dresses in these vibrant colours, our favourite fashion bloggers updated their neutral basics with an accessory in one of these colours. Alternatively, a classic accessory can accompany an article of jewel-toned clothing.


Shop by colour or pattern at Shi Studio.

Off the Cuff: with Cory Judge

It occurred to me as I was setting up for the One Of A Kind Show in Vancouver, which ran from Oct 8 – 11, that I now know and have an amazing community of artisans and designers as friends. The show experience is one of intensity on numerous levels; intense output of energy, long hours, show outcome anxiety, joyful highs as positive feedback and sales rock, funny and tragic experiences of life on the road, fun nights out, exhausted mumbles as we pass each other in the washroom. All of these shared experiences of highs and lows create strong bonds that require little to maintain beyond the hugs when we see each other again. What a delight to see many of these folk again, to reconnect even briefly knowing that the Christmas season is just around the corner and we will see each other on the road. I give appreciation for all these inspiring creative folk and thus will devote some of the following blog segments to highlight them.

Style File: Crazy for Cowls

Style File by Leah Wong :: Complimenting a Cowl Neck

A popular neckline seen on the runway this season is the cowl-neck. Though this soft, draped neckline is gaining popularity on store shelves, it is still uncommon enough to make you stand out. A chunky cowl-neck sweater is a wonderful way to brave the Canadian cold, while a soft, jersey cowl-neck top is perfect for any workingwoman. It may seem like this is a hard neckline to accessorize, layering a necklace from the movement line under a cowl-neck is the perfect compliment.

Design Wonderland

Focus on Local Design: Allison Wonderland

Allison Smith's design inspiration can be summed up simply by "how much food and drink you can consume without having your belly pop out."
This may or may not be the result of her being born and raised in BC and her love of fine food and wine.
But a girl has to live.
And a girl wants to look good

Allison Wonderland Clothing is created in Vancouver, BC and provides satisfaction to the style-savvy of North America and Japan.

Check out the complete fall collection on her website.

Where to buy:
Vancouver
Dream 311 West Cordova Street
Hum 3623 Main Street

Victoria
Rebel Rebel 585 Johnson St

Zen Fuschia Episode 4: Hungry for Harvest

Honesty is an everyday practice, says Zen.

I’m flipping through what I call my pocket Buddha-Bible, a steadfast guide I’ve stuffed into the cellphone pouch of my J.Crew crackle-metallic hobo bag. The book is old, the handbag new. Colour: pale gold. Following a three-month “buy nothing” vow, I’ll testify to shopping abstinence as an aesthetic practice all its own. Ready to shed that habit like a scrawny muslin tunic, I’m hungry for harvest. Food, wine, fireside, and fall fashion. I crave anything the colour of caramel-apple butter.

But last things first. Mercury is retrograde: not a good time for new purchases. (Hey, I put the coveted Lily + Jae winter coat on layaway. Meaning, technically, I haven’t paid for it…yet). Mercury retrograde is a time to look back, to assess, to sift through: bank accounts, bills, grant-writing applications. Deadlines and commitments.

I’m thinking of the Ageing Director.
Zen says, if we are looking for real, if we are looking for true, we must be honest. No acting. No pretending. We are nearer to truth than to our own heartbeat.

“Maybe it’s harmless,” I say to K.T., over the phone. On the bus. Late to an audition I really want. Should be running lines.
“Autumn in New York, with a man who is clearly into you?”
There’s a grinding whirr from her end.
“Hang on,” she says. “Coffee beans.”
“But think of the shows,” I start up again, once the racket quits. “And the clothes. I can just about smell the Fall Sales. Besides, maybe he intuitively gets it that we’re friends. He hasn’t made overtures. He hasn’t actually said a thing.”
“Well,” says K.T., “neither have you.”
Okay, she’s on to me.

I can’t swallow my heart to satisfy my stomach. It’s time to clear things up with the Ageing Director. Before visions of autumn in New York, or Christmas in the Greek Isles whet my appetite. Let’s hope I haven’t bitten-off more than I can chew.

Style File: Belted to Perfection

The Style File by Leah Wong

Celebrate and show off your curves with the perfect belt this fall. While designs were often tailored to accentuate a waistline, designers also used belts to cinch in loosely fighting garments. With a belt, you can add a new twist to an old classic; making an old outfit feel fresh. Fashionistas in the blogosphere have harnessed the power of the belt to remix their favourite pieces. Creating a custom Kai belt is the perfect way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe.

Off the Cuff: Final Sale Days

I am delighted to say that the host of small events Shi just put on were great! The Studio sale in Victoria and the show at my dad’s house in Vancouver brought an intimate crowd of some new customers, some great friends, and some of my very first customers.

What an honour to have people that love Shi and have since the beginning. It is also good to get feedback on the new products. Definitely gets me pumped.

My dad and family, however, while enjoying the event as it happened, were not to sure about the thought of a Shi booth and sales event moving in. Luckily I used to be a ‘dusting diva’ (aromatherapy product cleaning lady) – so we cranked some hip hop and got down with a family cleaning session. Bonding actually!

Our online sale continues for just two more days. Don't miss this chance to treat yourself to one of our custom Shi accessories or get ahead with some early Christmas shopping. All accessories are 15% off until the end of the day on Oct.2.

Visit our online store!