flora&fauna - the blog!

New Styles

2011-01-31T05:53:00.000-08:00

We've got a couple new styles! Check'em out on our online store!

honey bee dress with waist tie (waist tie is removable)

rossia pacifica dress

and back by popular demand - honey bee tent top in new colours!!

fan mail!!

2010-07-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

a wee bit of recent fan mail :) thanks to everyone and your kind words.

"Thank you so much!! They are amazing...I love the think tank so much (and my mom and little sister are already sooo jealous...may need their own haha). It will actually be great for teaching in since it is a little longer (plus I feel pretty). As usual - love your stuff!"

"Your designs and store are my discovery of the year!"

"I love both dresses, they fit perfect and I am thrilled to see you support animal welfare."

"...your line is really lovely. I enjoyed the Summer collection and love the Fall line even more!"

"thank you for your wonderful clothes!"

"I purchased a [Honey Bee Tent] top from "Awear" in Collingwood Ontario in the winter of 2009 and I love it!!!!!! I want to buy more. I was wondering if you had any left and if so I will order at least 6 or 7 in different colours if available."

"Thank you so much! I'm as big a fan of you :) I love my dress, it's perfect. Thank you!"

everyone should be so lucky...

2010-07-14T10:15:00.001-07:00

Marketa Irglova in our Moth Dress and Wish-Upon-A-Starfish top

music has always been a huge part of my creative process - and there has been so many nights of my designing that was accompanied by the music of Swell Season and the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Marketa Irglova.

can you hear the music, feel it, woven into the the fabric of my designs?

everyone should be so lucky to find a friend, a song, an artist who strikes a chord with them (no pun intended), who inspires and motivates them - and to be able to to show their gratitude. i met with Marketa last monday - such warmth and grace from a tiny frame, and her smile that lit the entire room - and had a chance to show my gratitude. (as i am writing this, a lovely butter yellow butterfly is fluttering across my window!)

Marketa, thank you for your warmth and hospitality. and thank you for your beautiful musical accompaniment to my designs.

photos below courtesy of Neil Ta.

♥

Next Top Model - "A Spring Fashion Affair" Fashion Show

2010-07-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

Back in April, we did a little fashion show with NTM in Toronto, along with cute+fabulous design duo Pink Lady Fashion!! Here's a little video!!

Thanks to all the lovely models and the organizers <3

in ontario

2010-06-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

we're all settled in Ontario (photos of the new studio coming soon, and more about the move later -) and got a chance to explore a bit. went to a sustainable building lecture today at eco-inhabitat, which is a cute eco-store in a renovated barn in Meaford, with Josh Thornton, an natural building expert in the area. i really enjoyed his talk, and similar to the presentation from Sirewall (rammed earth home builders on salt spring island), i love their holistic approach to building, to life, and our habits and patterns of consumption, the simplicity and grace of our ancestors' way of life (from a mere century ago) and how feasible it is for us to build a sustainable life for ourselves.

and i'm feeling super energized to continue to create a holistic, sustainable life and community, and grateful that there are so many like minded people out there who have helped paved the way for us, and generous in sharing their knowledge.

also picked up a LifeFactory silicone teether from eco-inhabitat for my niece n_n

ahh.. here's a teaser photo of my summer office:

(see? my cell phone is there! i was really working!!... okay i had go to back inside shortly after this photo because of my allergies and there were too many black flies and deer flies munching on my skin)

the clothing show in toronto!!

2010-05-11T13:14:00.001-07:00

we're in ontario this summer, and bringing some west coast eco-y goodness to Toronto!!

come check out our sales booth and our fashion show at the Clothing Show at the Exhibition Place!!

Friday, May 14th @ 3pm-9pm (fashion show at 7pm)
Saturday, May 15th @ 11am-8pm (fashion show at 2pm and 6pm)
Sunday, May 16th @ 11am-6pm

and..!! print and bring this coupon for a special secret discount on your purchase :)

can't make it to our sale? you can visit one of our retailers, or shop online anytime at www.floraandfaunaboutique.ca

Fashion Takes Action's Design Forward award

2010-03-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

we've been nominated the Fashion Takes Action's Design Foward Award!!

this award is first annual award created in recognition of the many talented eco fashion designers in Canada. there are a number of fabulous designers working toward a sustainable fashion future, and we've been chosen as one of fourteen nominees represent the driving force of the movement in Canada!!

it's really nice to see our efforts and commitment to eco-fashion, organic and sustainable fabrics and notions, our animal welfare charities, and to our eco-ethical processes has been recognized!! (i have to admit, when you work by yourself in a one-woman company, sometimes you wonder if anyone out there notices what you're doing...)

we're so so SO honoured to be recognized, along with some of my favourite Canadian eco-fashion labels!! and congratulations to all the other nominees:

Thieves

Elladora

Elroy

Paper People Clothing

...AND!! the prizes are amazing!! help us win by voting for us here!!

website update

2010-03-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

we finally got around to updated our website... well, most of it. check out the new spring-summer 2010 video slideshow!!

RARE - portraits of america's endangered species by joel sartore

2010-03-10T17:02:00.000-08:00

RARE from Joel Sartore on Vimeo.

every now and then, you get to see something amazing in real life - but even when you don't, it still manages to find you on the internet. i hope you'll enjoy this video too.

Dlist Magazine!!

2010-03-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

we've been spotted!! we're in Seattle lifestyle magazine DList, for their Green Issue this month!! You can grab a printed copy or view it online (page 52!!)!

more love from Granville Magazine!!

2010-03-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

Granville Magazine has been a supporter of flora&fauna since our first season!! This time, the lovely online editor even come out in person to see our fashion show!! It's was so nice to meet the brains and beauty behind their amazing work.

Check out this article on the new Spring-Summer 2010 collection, in stores now!!

http://www.granvilleonline.ca/gr/blogs/citizen-style/2010/02/18/reign-cats-and-dogs

and while you're there, check out all the green living tips from gardening to cooking to baby care and more!!

VMFF

2010-02-18T14:37:00.001-08:00

There are soooo many amazing local events going on this month!! We just wrapped up our booth at Canamade, an art and fashion market place that features only everything made-in-Canada!! It was so much fun! and we made so many new friends!! The show is open daily 11am-8pm until Feb 28th, with a rotating roster artists/designers during that time! Don't miss it!!

TOMORROW, we will be featured in the VMFF (Vancouver Music and Fashion Festival)'s Eco-Fashion show, along with some of my favourite local eco designers, like Nicole Bridger, Lav&Kush, and Red Jade!! our show will be accompanied by the slick vocal stylings of Vancouver Island sweetheart Alexandria Maillot!

Com join us at the Barcelona Ultra Lounge at 1180 Granville Street, Vancouver
Friday Feb 19th, starting at 4 p.m!!

Hope to see you there!!

Canamade Olympics Market

2010-02-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

We just got back from setting up our booth at Canamade!! We're all set and ready to go!! So impressed with how much bigger the show has grown, can't wait to meet all the other artists and designers, and make some new friends :)

Come join us tomorrow at the opening night to kick off the Olympics!!
Thursday Feb 11, 4-9pm

or come shop Feb 12-16, 11am-8pm daily!!

more info: www.canamade.com

junichi tanaka

2010-02-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

this past weekend, we had the pleasure and privilege to meet a ceramics artist in Maple Ridge, BC. we have been admiring Junichi Tanaka's work, since we saw his pufferfish teapot in a shop in Toronto about 7 years ago.

Mr. Tanaka's pottery studio was exceptionally clean and organized (much in contrast to my own work space), the air resonated the peace and meditation of his craft. he had carefully laid out is collection for us to view. each piece was uniquely perfect - whispering for you to feel it's shape and the smooth texture of the flowing glaze. these hand made works of art serve an alternate purpose - as a cup, a teapot, a vase, a plate - and many of their designs bend conventions as truly unique works of art.

we left his studio with a few small souvenirs - and more importantly, we left his studio inspired, with peace in our hearts, and the yearning for a handmade life.

junichi tanaka's website:
http://www.ceramicsjunichi.com/

a few stores where you can find junichi tanaka's work:
prime gallery in toronto
krager gallery in elora
circle craft in vancouver

spring 2010 news

2010-01-29T12:56:00.000-08:00

Olympics fever!!

vancouver olympics is fast approaching!! we are so excited to be a part of it!! we will be at Canamade's Olympics Market - along with over 140 Canadian artists, designers, musicians, showing the whole world what we do!! everything at the market is exclusively made in Canada!! what a fun place to shop for souvenirs or meet your local artists!!

Canamade Olympics Market

feb 11-16, 11am-8pm daily

151 Cordova Street, Vancouver
more info here.

out of town?
don't worry, you can still shop our line on our online boutique! And of course you can always find our pieces in stores across Canada - with new Spring-Summer 2010 pieces arriving soon, here's a sneak preview of what's to come in March 2010!!

from left to right: coccon tunic in white, moth dress in gray, think tank in black, rossia pacifica dress in purple.

did you know?
$2 dollars from the sales of each of our Bumble Bee Hoodies goes to help EYA's (Environmental Youth Alliance) Community Hive Project!

Watch this video to find out more about the amazing work they do to help our bee colonies from disappearing!

Canamade Olympics Market

2010-01-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

we had so much fun last christmast at Canamade's Christmas Market, that we've decided to be back for the Canamade Olympics Market!!

come check out over 40 local designers and artisans! everything there is made in Canada - from clothing to food, accessories to skin care products!! there will also be a licensed lounge and DJ spinning awesome tunes - come hang out and meet your your local designers and artisans!!

Canamade Olympics Market
Feb 11-28th, 2010 - 11am to 8pm daily
151 West Cordova Street

check out profiles from the designers exhibiting at Canamade on their blog!! Hope to see you there!!

ming pao feature!!

2010-01-10T18:12:00.000-08:00

we were in this saturday's Ming Pao Newspaper's Saturday Magazine!! cool!!
-

BE clothing boutique

2010-01-07T20:14:00.001-08:00

we are excited to announce and welcome a new boutique on vancouver island, be clothing, to carry our line!! they carry only the most lovely sustainable clothing and accessories - all of which are made in canada. for those of you who are looking for the panda bear paw, brown bear paw tops, and honey bee tent tops that are sold out online, erin will be very happy to do a phone/mail order for ya!!

or drop by and visit her cute little store in courtenay!!

(250) 331-0588
113-255 6th St.
Courtenay, BC
Canada
V9N 1L6

merry christmas!!

2009-12-23T20:43:00.001-08:00

happy holidays from every person and furry animals at flora&fauna!!

xoxo

portobello west and canamade!!

2009-11-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

portobello west market last weekend was FUN!! we met so many other local artists, and even got to do a little bit of xmas shopping ;)

if you missed our sale at portobello west last weekend, come catch us at Canamade in Gastown!! It will be an awesome show+party!! some of my favourite designers and crafters are there this year, AND there's even a bar serving coffee and baileys, rum and eggnog, mulled wine, and hot cocoa and schnapps!!

print and bring this flyer with you for a 2-for-1 admission :) see you there!! xoxo

Canamade is held at 151 W Cordova Street, in Storyeum.

Friday 4pm-9pm

Saturday 11am-9pm

Sunday 11am-5pm

we flew, we conquered... and we shopped.

2009-11-05T10:24:00.001-08:00

it's true. our dog bitta and i were in ontario last week! we flew, we conquered... and then... we shopped.

this is what a jet lagged dog looks like.

see? we were really there!!

inside Shopgirls, 1342 Queen Street West in Toronto, they carry our fall-winter collection!! YAY!!

a very lovely wall off jewelry, feathery and reclaimed leather earrings by deedeebird

we already miss ontario and all our friends and family there!! hope to visit again soon!!

xoxo

flora&fauna in Las Vegas with Snugabell Mamas!!

2009-11-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

we heart Snugabell, the creators of must-have breast feeding products for busy moms. Wendy, the founder (on the right), is such a sweetheart, and a model mom for successfully juggling her thriving business, loving family (2 super cute daughters), and being an expert at breast feeding and natural births, AND mentoring new small businesses too!! WOW!

we were so flattered when Wendy approached us for a custom design eco top for her team to wear at trade shows!! inspired by Wendy, we named the top "think tank" encouraging everyone to think about their lifestyles and habits, and what they can do to create positive change at home, at work, and how we can help others do the same.

the "think tank" will be available in Spring 2010!

(photo zenaida kwong, model kimiko yoshida)

2009-10-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

cute story today in the globe and mail about a hobby sheep farmer. illustration by a friend, leeay aikawa.

metro + brandi + flora&fauna

2009-10-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

nothing quite like waking up the day after a fab fashion show... to see one of your designs on the FRONT COVER of Metro ^_^ and it's worn by Canada's Next Top Model contestant Brandi!!

we are having the best week ever!!

okay okay, i'm done gloating about how cute my dog is, and the awesome press we've been getting... sorta. (did i mention we're in FLARE too? and StyleFinds? and StyleAddict? and Evolved Fashion? haha... thanks everyone! you sure know how to make a gal feel special.)

BCFW!!

2009-10-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

last wednesday, we unveiled our new Spring-Summer 2010 collection at BCFW, as one of the 3 top finalists of the Generation Next Competition!! Congratulations to the winner of the contest Su-hui, and also to Patty for on their wonderful shows, exciting new fashion business ventures!!

we had a great time, and met lots of new friends!! okay, so the event was dampened by a few mishaps. luckily our show was amazing, thanks to the amazing+lovely models, backstage helpers, and all of our friends who came to cheer us on! YAY!!

thanks to wayne mah for capturing the show on camera!!

the COVER of style section in Vancouver Sun!! OMG OMG!!

2009-10-06T14:15:00.001-07:00

guess what? we rock. read all about it in the Vancouver Sun's Style Section.

(and does anyone find it odd that the "monster dog" wolf hybrid looks just like our dog Bitta? and it just so happens to be in the same day's paper?)

puppies galore!! part 2... the most wonderful thing

2009-09-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

last weekend, we attended the first annual reunion for Dog Bless Rescue in Victoria, BC. it was the most wonderful thing!! Over a hundred people and their adopted dog pals all came out, and in the group were many of the volunteer organizers, and foster families.

our dog bitta had the chance to reunite with her 5 siblings - CUTE OVERLOAD!!

thank you thank you thank you so much to all the organizers and volunteers at Dog Bless Rescue.

puppies galore!! part 1...

2009-09-21T17:23:00.001-07:00

we raised over $800 dollars at the Paws for a Cause walk for BCSPCA!! YAY!! Thank you so much to all of our supporters, and everyone who joined us for our walk, especially JK Models who was a fundraising powerhouse!!

we had so much fun, here's a couple photos from the event:

a shot of the crowd - this was only about 1/4 of it. the turn out was great!!

our dog bitta is ready to start walking!!

the furries loved bitta...

we look forward to participating in this wonderful even to help our shelter animal friends next year!!

fan photo!!

2009-09-08T01:56:00.001-07:00

WHOA!! here's a fan photo of christine with mad hoola hoop skills, wearing our new black jellyfish tube (yeah! back in black!!) and shrug!! COOL!!

thanks christine for sending in this fab photo!!

got a cute photo in your flora&fauna wear? we'd love to see it!! email me your photo at info[at]floraandfauna.ca

fall news!!

2009-09-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

oh boy oh boy!! there is sooooo much exciting stuff!! i hope everyone had a wonderful summer. i am looking forward to some cozy and cute fall eco-stylin' (like the 'bear paw' long sleeve top in Panda Bear colour in the photo above)!!

we have some jaw-dropping exciting news!! we're one of the TOP 3 Finalists for the Generation Next competition!! come see our runway presentation of our spring-summer 2010 collection, along with fabulous designs from my fierce competitors Ella Peru, and Pure Magnolia at BC Fashion Week!!

The show will be held on Wednesday, September 30th at 2pm. Tickets are $15 at the door. There will be a "Dress Local" competition for attendees, where you can win stuff!! so come in your best local designer outfit!!

we are doing a fundraiser for Paws for a Cause!! we'll be joined by JK Models, friends, and our dogs for a long walk on Sept 13 at Jericho Beach. we're soooo close to our fundraising goal!! every sponsor (no matter how much or how little you donate) will be automatically entered into our draw for $50 flora&fauna dollars!! so sponsor us now!!

we've been spotted in the press lately! have you seen us on the cover of WE (Westender magazine?) and Gloss Mag?

last, but not least - our new fall-winter 2009 collection is now in stores!! this season, we've partnered up with a Critter Care again, where $2 of sales from each of our 'bear paw' long sleeve top, and 'bear's picnic' dress goes towards our sponsorship of our foster black bear cub Mani! AND $2 from each of our 'bumble bee' sleeveless hoodie goes to help our friends at the EYA (Environmental Youth Alliance)'s 'Community Hive' project!! We are proud to be able to help these wonderful groups continue their amazing work ^_^

check out our new collection in stores and let me know what you think!!

british columbia
hum clothing, vancouver ♥ granville island organix, vancouver ♥ planet claire, vancouver ♥ the lakes, 100 mile house ♥ not just pretty, victoria

alberta
dirt eco boutique, calgary ♥ meese, st. albert

ontario
awear eco-boutique, collingwood

washington, USA

swell, bellingham

...and now available online!!

can't get enough of flora&fauna? join us on facebook and twitter !!

flora&fauna + jkmodels + paws for a cause = happy healthy animals!!

2009-09-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

enter our $50 gift certificate give-a-way, AND help save shelter animals!!

we are walking with jk models and friends and our dogs to raise money for our local animal shelter :)

every sponsor for our Paws for a Cause walk-a-thon will be automatically entered into our draw! Gift certificate is good for our sales booth at Portobello West market November ...28/29!! or online store!! ...okie sponsor us now for your chance to win (and your chance to help rescue animals!!). follow link: http://ow.ly/hlrh

(already sponsored us? then you're already in the draw!! THANKS!!)

yes! we made it into gloss magazine!!

2009-08-21T09:36:00.003-07:00

read the full article here!!

WE covergirl!! wheeeeeeeeeee!!!

2009-08-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

behind the scenes at flora&fauna - check out this article on WE (WestEnder magazine) about how our very own designer kicks it in high-gear with hard-work, dedication, the help of intensive self-employment training!!

read the article online here: http://westender.com/articles/entry/self-help

many thanks to andrea warner for shedding light on the self-employment programs, and doug shanks for the fab photos!!

magnifeco and stuff

2009-08-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

happy monday!! i was just browsing around the internets and found us on magnifeco!! cool!! thanks kate for noticing us and the write up!! check it out here.

we have an end of season sale on right now!! visit our online store for deals on your fav eco-clothing!!

fall stuff, coming reeeeeeal soon!!

it's a beautiful thing - planet claire fashion show!!

2009-07-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

we had a blast at Planet Claire's fashion show last night!! Claire threw on the most rock'n-shock'n knock your socks off party!! Our pieces were show along side with some of many local eco designers including Project Runway Sweetheart Carny Love!!

here's a couple shots from the show!

many thanks to stanley lau for the photos! more here.
and check out Planet Claire at 212 Abbot Street in Vancouver!! local designers, sustainable fashions, size 2 to 22!!

treehugger!!

2009-07-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

OMG OMG OMG i just got a message on facebook from my friend stephanie - who is a garbage princess warrior check out her website here: http://www.thepapertrail.org/ (she's known for her dumpster diving expeditions, wearing mis-matched socks, and being super quirky cute ^_^)... oh back to the point of the blog post (more about steph later ;p):

we are totally surprised + happy + animals jumping up and down in excitement to be in treehugger's "20 Green Fashion Designers You've Never Heard of (But Oh You Will)" slide show!! we are truely truely humbled to be featured alongside with some of the world's most amazing eco-designers, some of which have been my favs for long time ♡

did you know that treehugger has been my home page for more than 5 years? srlsy!! love them!!

now please excuse me while i jump up and down with the cats and dog in happiness.

paulo, you never told me...

2009-07-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

i just stumbled across this while procrastinating!! vancouver stylist paulo vallejo incorporated our cute squirrel tube top in one of his shoots!! check out his blog here.

string magazine spotlight

2009-06-30T11:06:00.001-07:00

hello!! last friday, our line was featured at the string magazine spotlight at Metropole!! we had so much fun working with the beautiful models, and making friends with other amazing local designers, morena, drew william, nixxi, and chapel couture!!

happy birthday and many thanks to string magazine for featuring flora&fauna at their big bash!! xo

here's a little review of the even on stylefinds!!

rosa

thanks to stanley lau for photos!! and models amrit, natalie, rosa, pamela, chantelle, cecilia, carmen, and camille!!

park bench at whey ah wichen (cates park) in north vancouver

2009-06-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

find peace beauty love skip jump laugh play today
-

it's late but...

2009-06-11T01:10:00.001-07:00

it's late but i couldn't help posting this cute photo...

and now that i'm already here, i would like to announce:

On September 13th, I will be joined by my dog Bitta, along with many of our friends
(including JK Model's very own Jennifer and her doggie Nakia!!) for the "Paws for a Cause" Campaign, to raise funds and awareness in support of BC animal welfare.

We would be so grateful if you would help us help animals by sponsoring us! There no amount too small to give. And you will get a tax receipt for your donation. Please follow link for more information: http://my.e2rm.com/TeamPage.aspx?Lang=en-CA&TSID=236603

click on "donate to pack" button to donate, or "join pack" button if you would like to join us in raising funds, and on the day of the walk!! ^_^

me+claire+epic=string magazine ♡

2009-06-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

hey! there's a photo of me and claire (of the fabulous gastown boutique planet claire ) from Epic Expo last month, in string magazine!! cool!!

check it out here.

business time... sorta...

2009-06-04T11:47:00.001-07:00

so... after a couple days of being super sick with this killer cold/flu thing - i am finally back in the studio!! got all caught up on all the admin stuff (i.e. emails... facebook, twitter... but not bookkeeping) and am ready to hit the drawing board... and there she was, my kitty sleeping on my sketchpad.

guess i could have lunch first, and check back with the fuzzy boss later to see when nap time is over?...

btw, in case you were worried, bitta is doing just fine after her surgery ^_^

more from shoot with yvonne chew, the lovely kimiko, and awesome design+conquer jewelry!!

2009-06-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

here's more from yvonne chew's back to nature shoot!!

photos - yvonne chew
model - kimiko yoshida
hair - kimiko yoshida
make up - tomomi sakagawa
jewerly - design+conquer
clothing - flora&fauna

shopping for contractors/suppliers...

2009-06-01T22:34:00.000-07:00

(kittens love shopping too..!)

early on the f&f blog, i started a mini-series called "shopping for..." which documents the eco-criteria of some suppliers and contractors i was sourcing. the series was short-lived, or rather, forgotten when we got into the real work of designing and producing the clothing.

chatting with vanessa of next door style about eco-friendly screen printing today, reminded me of the little series, and i decided to pick up where i left off.

first off, here's my checklist when looking for a contractor or supplier, screen printing or otherwise...

1. public transit accessible, and not too far from my studio (the less carbon, the better)

2. committed to maintaining environmentally responsible practices: using recycled paper, must have recycling program, etc.

3. happy employees: this is very important to me. even if employees are paid well, but treated like sh*t, it's not worth it. chat with the employees, do they get vacation time? are they overworked? do you get emails from them at 2am?

4. happy work environment, and general good vibe: here i trust my instinct - it's hard to miss if a place feels sketchy. sometimes i'll look for signs - i know a workplace is more relax and lenient towards it's employees when there is lots of little personal effects around: music playing, maybe a guitar laying around, or some photos and artwork, and neat cultural stuff around?

5. owner involvement: i like to see that the owner is still very much involved in the business, driven to succeed, and passionate in their craft. god knows that few people work in the fashion industry to become wealthy - so it takes someone who LOVES their job to do it, and do it well.

6. it's a special bonus when they love animals. (my screenprinter has an office rescue dog! sure it means an occasional dog hair on the garments, but they also take super extra precautions to vacuum and clean to keep it minimal - so far i have honestly only found ONE dog hair, and it was likely my fault for playing with the dog and then looking through my garments).

7. pricing is also important - if they seem cheap, it's probably because they are cutting corners - which almost always mean all of the above criteria are not met. (though high prices does not mean they are using the best practices either - do your research!!)

8. size of the business: the size of their business should be a good match for yours. are they willing to accept a small order from a small designer like me? is there room to grow together as my business grows? (personally, i like to support local indie businesses, so i'll shy away from bigger chains whenever possible.)

9. a reference: if you know anyone who is using the same contractor/supplier, ask them what they think. they can often give you insights on the quality of work/products the contractor/supplier provides.

10. an open mind and healthy attitude towards sustainability.

as for screenprinting specifics, i look for the below...
1. lead free inks
2. phthalate free inks
3. recycled inks and solvents
4. eco-friendly cleaners and filters

love to hear any feedback and suggestions!!

epic raffle results... finally!!

2009-06-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

epic raffle results are finally here!! thanks to everyone who entered our draw for $100 gift certificate to the flora&fauna online boutique!! and congratulations to catrin hughes!!

summer news!!

2009-06-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

(miss bitta looking rather surly upon news of her vet appointment)

summer is officially here!! and at flora&fauna, our department of fun has lots of plans!!

tomorrow, our resident puppy is going to the hospital for to be spayed!! eek!! it's sad to know that little bitta's perfect genetics won't be passed onto future generations, but we are happy to be responsible dog and cats parents, and also know what happens to puppies and kittens that are without homes T_T... and hey, speaking of homeless dogs and cats - there are many waiting for their forever homes, visit them at your local shelters and get ready to snuggle!! (we ♥ dog bless, petfinder.com, vancouver orphan kitten rescue, and BCSPCA)

for our friends at the vancouver aquarium, we have donated a men's glow-in-the-dark jellyfish tee shirt (the men's version of the infamous jellyfish tube) to the vancouver aquarium's volunteers raffle, which is a part of June 12th's night at the aquarium gala!! we hope they'll like it!! ...and many thanks to the volunteers for their hard work and dedication.

we have a few parties coming up, and you are all invited!! join us at:

*string magazine anniversary party, where flora&fauna is featured in a spectacular fashion show!!
june 26 - metropole @ 320 abbot street, vancouver - 7pm til late!!

*fraser valley young professionals fashion show featuring flora&fauna with local designers kulus and innergypsy!! proceeds to benefit bc cancer foundation.
june 27th - location and details TBA

*don't miss a wonderful opportunity to meet the animals and amazing staff at critter care 's open house!
july 11&12 - critter care wildlife society @ 481-216th street, langley - 11am-4pm

wishing everyone a wonderful summer!!
love,flora&fauna xoxo
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vancouver, british columbia
hum ♥ granville island organix ♥ planet claire

100 mile house, british columbia
the lakes

calgary, alberta
green bee boutique

online
next door style ♥ flora&fauna boutique

-

PARTY!!

2009-05-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

string magazine is having a 1 year anniversary party, and you're all invited!!

come spend the night with the hottest local bands/DJ's, and don't miss the fashion show featuring Morena Clothing, Nixxi, Alicia Grunert, and flora&fauna!!

Friday, June 26th - 7pm til... way past my bedtime
Metropole (The Met) at 320 Abbott Street

contact for more info about the show: contact@stringmgazine.ca

shoot with yvonne chew, the lovely kimiko, and awesome design+conquer jewelry!!

2009-05-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

my favourite model+hairstylist friend pal kimiko is taking off for montreal!! we were lucky enough to cramp in one more photoshoot with her before she left ^_^ we hope you have a fantastique trip filled with magique!! i'll miss you, and you better be back for our SS10 shoot!!... or i'm kidnapping bailey.

check out a sneak preview here.

credits and THANKS!! and ♡:
photos - yvonne chew
model - kimiko yoshida
hair - kimiko yoshida
make up - tomomi sakagawa
jewerly - design+conquer
clothing - flora&fauna

also check our morgan (design+conquer)'s blog here!!

Green Bee Boutique!

2009-05-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

our summer 09 collection is quite literally on it's way to Green Bee Boutique for our friends in Calgary!! YAY!!

drop into Green Bee next week and check out our yummy summery tops and dresses!!

The Lakes Salon & Eco-Boutique!!

2009-05-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

hey, did you know flora&fauna is in The Lakes Salon & Eco-Boutique in 100 Mile House, British Columbia?

Lakes Hair Studio
7536 Sheridan Frntg
Bridge Lake, BC V0K 1E0
(250) 593-4987

View flora&fauna stores in a larger map

epic expo 2009!!

2009-05-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

i owe this blog a review about the awesome time we had at Epic Expo earlier this month. truth be told, i was just exhausted after the 3 day eco affair - but am finally caught up on work and rest and puppy/kitties snuggles!!

we had so much fun, and were happy to make some new friends!! we were a part of the fashion high market at Epic Expo this year, joined by many other awesome indie eco-friendly designers including nate organics, nixxi, monkey100, inkspoon, bueno style, two of hearts, and gastown boutique planet claire, just to name a few!!

some of our pieces were featured in the eco-fashion show! check out fashion show photos, thanks to photographer yvonne chew!! and to fashion high for putting together a fab show!!

and a very very special thank you to kyle and sophia for all their help ^_^
xoxo

p.s. we had a raffle for a 100$ gift certificate for flora&fauna online boutique - will announce the winner soon!!

almost forgot about this one...

2009-05-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

did i forget to post our review on fashion news blog Liberté Égalité Défilé?

better late than never!! this was one of my favourites, we were compared to alexander mcqueen!! *blush-blush*!!

merci!! xoxo

Eco-fashion Local Designers Highlight on Granville Magazine!!

2009-05-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

yay!! (okay, this is not my dog, just one i found it on the internets on a nice blog that's all out nice! - anyway the photo pretty much sums up how i feel... happy! but also a bit sleepy)

i was taking a break from work and reading an article from the granville sustainable city living magazine's e-newsletters...

...can you imagine how surprised i was when i scrolled down the page and saw flora&fauna?? we're joining the ranks of some of my favourite local eco-designers!! love it!! check out the article here!!

YAY!!

exciting news for MAY!

2009-05-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has been enjoying a lovely sunny spring! We, here in Vancouver, have been blessed with awesome weather!! We've had a fun and hectic month doing fashions shows with Vancouver Fashion Week, and Portland Better Living Show!! And a few appearances in the press!!

This month, we will be a part of Epic Sustainable Living Expo this weekend (May 8-10), come check out our earth-friendly clothing, and hundreds of other businesses showcasing their leadership in sustainability (read: free wine tasting... heehee...), and notable speakers!! And don't miss the fashion shows!! What a fun place to spend mother's day!!

Epic Fashion Show Times are:
Friday May 8 at 7pm
Saturday May 9 at 11:30am and 6pm
Sunday May 10 at 2pm
Get your discounted tickets online now!

A dollar of each sale at our booth will to go towards our foster black bear cub sponsorship with Critter Care!! I will also have some info on hand, if you are interested in sponsoring a little bear of your own!!

Hope to see you there!!

Keep up-to-date on everything flora&fauna (yup, lots of photos too!) on our facebook page, and twitter!

Happy Spring and Summer! Peace&Love,
flora&fauna
xoxo

Hum Clothing!!

2009-05-04T15:49:00.001-07:00

our spring-summer collection has hit the shelves at hum @ 3623 main street, vancouver!

can't make it to the store? shop their online store for the comfort of your home ^_^

p.s. they have an awesome selection of second jeans!! YUM!!

awesome weather math equations

2009-04-24T13:09:00.001-07:00

awesome weather = spending lots of time outside with our new puppy. it's been almost 2 months since we took her in from Dog Bless Rescue, and she has transformed from a very timid puppy to a beautiful well-adjusted doggie.

awesome weather + puppy love = free canadian ground shipping from flora&fauna online boutique! from now until june 30!! YAY!! coupon code = ilovepuppies

epic deals!

2009-04-20T23:10:00.001-07:00

save $5 on your Epic Expo tickets here!!

don't miss out on epic deals on cute flora&fauna clothing at our sales booth (B27) in the Fashion High Market!! And a chance to win $100 gift certificate for our online boutique!!

Better Living Show - Portland

2009-04-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

OMG!! our fall-winter collection was shown in Portland at the Better Living Show!!

more photos on our facebook page ^_^

a very special thank you to Aysia and her crew at GreenLoop for organizing the show (and look for our label Autumn 2009 on their awesome online eco-boutique http://www.thegreenloop.com)

also many thanks to OSI photography for awsome photos of the show!! (find more photos from the show on their website)

come join us at our next show at Epic Expo in Vancouver!!

meet mani!!

2009-04-16T18:50:00.001-07:00

it's official! we've fostered a black bear cub from Critter Care Wildlife Society!

we named her Mani, adapted from from 'Om Mani Padme Hum' from a tibetan buddhism mantra of Avlokitesvara, one who is invoked as the Protector from danger. It is claimed that one who recites this mantra will be saved from all dangers and will be protected.

the wonderful volunteers at Critter Care will help us take good care of her, until she is ready to be returned to the wilderness next year.

p.s. a dollar from each sale at our booth at Epic Expo will go towards the Mani!! ^_^

paul norman's photos!!

2009-04-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

we had the pleasure and privilege of having vancouver fashion and conceptual lifestyle photographer Paul Norman shoot our show for VFW a few weeks back.

you can find the photos here!

...and thanks paul!!

major crush on StringMagazine.ca!!

2009-04-06T13:26:00.001-07:00

we have a major crush on StringMagazine.ca!! i love their editorials, and have been anxiously waiting for them every month!!

...oh and check out their review and fab photos of our fall-winter 2009 collection!

VancouverIam's VFW coverage and interview!

2009-04-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

check out VFW's eco-fashion show coverage with VancouverIam.com - catch glimpse of the fashion shows and interviews with Jenny of a new awesome vancouver label called Hawks Ave., fashion online boutique sweetheart Vanessa Fors of NextDoorStyle.com, Kim Cathers (yup, from project runway). oh and me (!) ^_^

it's a bit long, but well worth watching! chekkit here.

projecting change film festival - opening gala

2009-04-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

we were sad to miss the movie and david suzuki's talk last night - but delighted to be a part of projecting change film festival's opening gala silent auction!! i wonder who won the bid for our jellyfish tube top? the festival is running till april 5th, 2009 in Vancouver - check it out!! all the movies look awesome!!

we're at it again!!

2009-03-31T11:56:00.001-07:00

we are happy to be continuing our work with Critter Care Wildlife Society to help them help animals in need!! you might remember the squirrel we sponsored previously - funded by our squirrel themed pieces from the spring-summer 2009 collection!

along with our new fall-winter 09 collection's bear themed pieces, we are sponsoring a baby bear cub! this sweet lil'gal just arrived in Critter Care, and is now well taken care of, before she will be returned to the wilderness next year.

here's how you can help too!!:
*come visit us at Epic Expo, May 8-10, 2009, where a dollar of each item sold will be going towards the care our new baby bear cub!!
*sponsor a little critter of your own with Critter Care Wildlife Society! also welcomed is cash donations, and donations of used furniture/materials that the animals need.

p.
xo

we're on stylefinds!! woo!!

2009-03-31T11:51:00.001-07:00

check out the coverage of our VFW show on styledfinds!!

we had such a fun time at VFW, special thanks to all the organizers, dressers, make up artists, models, photographers!!

missed the show? you can find photos and video online on our facebook page!! join the page to keep in touch with f&f!!

p.
xo

OMG!! we're in the Georgia Straight!!

2009-03-26T16:31:00.000-07:00

such an honour to appear in my favourite paper!! grab a copy or read the article on the online version here.

p.s. super super excited about the show tomorrow!

The Canadian Press + VFW opening gala

2009-03-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

we had such a fun time at the Vancouver Fashion Week opening gala last night!!

special thankyou to everyone who came out, and a very very special thankyou to the lovely kimiko, who was my model AND hairstylist for the evening!

here's a shot of a cute kimiko with stylist extraordinaire diane seeraj:

we were mentioned in The Canadian Press. Thanks!!

YAY!!

whoa!! scout indie profile!!

2009-03-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

check out the designer profile (yup, me) on scout magazine!!

http://scoutmagazine.ca/2009/03/25/indie-profile-florafauna-2/

p.xo

front page of the style section in Vancouver Sun!!1!

2009-03-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

hey! take a look at today's Vancouver Sun!! We're in the front page of the style section!! see the photo circled?

you can read the article on the online version here, and see more photos here.

Next Door Style!!

2009-03-24T09:42:00.001-07:00

Whoa!! We're on Next Door Style, an online store dedicated to stocking local designer goodies!!

Shop our spring-summer 09 collection at NextDoorStyle.com, and don't forget to check out all the other fabulous local designers too!! On my NDS wishlist? ROBOTS!!

interview!!

2009-03-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

want to know more about the mastermind (me :p) behind the flora&fauna label?
check out our interview with indie style blogger extraordinaire paper-doll.com!!

Granville Island Organix!!

2009-03-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Spring-Summer 2009 collection now availabe at Granville Island Organix!!

1812 Boatlift Lane (Granville Island) Vancouver

Planet Claire!!

2009-03-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

our spring-summer 09 collection is now available in Gastown!!

visit Planet Claire at 212 Abbot Street, Vancouver, for yummy eco-sustainable clothing!!

More from the Ethical Thread Fashion Show

2009-03-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

great shots from the Ethical Threads Fashion show!!

all photos courtesy of michael clifford photography. thanks michael!!

flora&fauna spring-summer 2009 collection - fashion show!!

2009-03-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

we had so much fun at the Spring Living Fair last weekend! Although it was snowing (!), spring was definitely in the air, with eco-styling from all the vendors!! yum!!

incase you missed it, here's a little clip from our fashion show!! our collection was styled and presented with Moukisac Bags, by Marie Naubert!! COOL!!

love it? shop our collection at our new online store!

2009-03-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!!

We have lots of exciting news this month that we want to share with you!

This Sunday, March 8th 2009, we will be hosting a sale booth AND fashion show at the Spring Living Fair's Ethical Threads Market in Vancouver!! Come see us and our Spring-Summer 2009 collection!! It's at the Heritage Hall at 3102 Main Street.

Our Spring-Summer 2009 is arriving in stores this month! Check our website's 'stores' page to find f&f in a boutique near you! Or check shop our new online boutique at floraandfaunaboutique.ca

We're featured in Vancouver Fashion Week!! Our Fall-Winter 2009 collection will be revealed at this event, and is schedule for Friday, March 27th. Email us at info@floraandfauna.ca for ticket info, and check the VFW website for the party info!!

Last but not least, we've adopted a puppy!! She's so lovely, and is happy to join our cats and foster squirrel in flora&fauna's animal team!

We have lots more exciting news coming up, check our website (and sign up for our newsletter!) and facebook group to be the first to find out!!

Happy Spring!! Peace and love,
flora&fauna

we're in love!!

2009-02-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

we're in love with a certain new puppy!! she's perfect!! many thanks to the wonderful people at Dog Bless Rescue for their tireless efforts and compassion.

we spent the day snuggling and napping with our new doggie, and keeping the cats calm to help them accept the new member of our family.

and of course, i couldn't have making a first bamboo/organic cotton accessory for her... a bandana!!

SPRING LIVING FAIR!!

2009-02-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Come see us at the SPRING LIVING FAIR : Sunday, March 8 from 10am - 4pm @ Main Street Heritage Hall (Main & 15th)

Fashion show at 12 and 3pm!!

we're everywhere!!

2009-02-13T15:49:00.001-08:00

http://www.granvilleonline.ca/gr/living/2008/12/23/all-creatures-great-and-small

Thanks Heather!

big lights far away photos!!

2009-02-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

hey, check out this awesome photoshoot featuring 2 of flora&fauna's pieces!! find more on the next door diary!!

Photographer: Ami Sanyal
Model: Siobhan ( Liz Bell Modelling Agency)
Designer: Flora & Fauna
Necklace: Pink Kong
Cuff: Ginger Pottin
Stylist: Paulo Vallejo

kitties love recycling

2009-01-30T14:37:00.000-08:00

don't worry... he got out of the bag before the bag went into the recycling truck... phew!

all we need...

2009-01-05T23:09:00.001-08:00

wow, last month (december 2008) went by way to fast!! we had a blast working on the new fall/winter collection (it's fabulous+amazing, and i love it! hope you will love it too!!), doing our first sales booth at portobello west, snow shoeing, making cookies, snuggling kitties, seeing lovely friends, making new friends, eating tonnes, learning about natural care/diets for cats and dogs, missing family (but got to 'see' some of them thanks to skype), sleeping in lots, and the awesome awesome photoshoot!!

maybe tell u more about it some other time. bedtime. ^_^

hope you had a wonderful holiday and new years - wishing you peace in your hearts, and peace in your home in 2009 and always.

just another ordinary day...

2008-12-03T14:04:00.001-08:00

just another ordinary day at the f&f studio...

1. despite of the inhospitable environment of the kitchen table, our neglected yam started to sprout! look how much the leaves look like little webbed froggy toes!!

2. our cat novi is making friends with the avocado plant.

3. Our new kettle disapproves. (see it's face?)

hope you are having a wonderful start into the busy month of december!!

don't forget to come see me at portobello west dec 13&14!! i'll be sharing a booth with the kulus designs!! she has an AMAZING dress that's #2 on my xmas wishlist!! (2nd only to a husky puppy).

^_^

flora&fauna in Granville Sustainable City Living Magazine!!

2008-11-25T11:46:00.001-08:00

check out the little article about flora&fauna in Granville Sustainable City Living Magazine! get your copy at Capers, Whole Foods, and MEC!

critter care christmas fundraiser!!

2008-11-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

hey! don't forget about critter care's christmas fundraiser, where you will find exclusive squirrel themed pieces from our holiday collection in the silent auction!! hope to see you there! ^_^

cima coppi

2008-11-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

this is so awesome: recycled wool cycling hats, and they can making it out of your old wool clothes too! I can't think of a better way for turn boring office clothes into awesomely stylish cycling clothes!

i love love LOVE these awesome vancouver designers!! cima coppi!!

new website = happy as a kitten

2008-11-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

our new website is up! YAY! thanks to the hard work of michael at clifford-design who is, apparently, amazing at everything!

check it out at floraandfauna.ca and sign up for our newletter too while you are there.

^_^

BCIT success profile

2008-11-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

i was really surprised last week, when Sim at BCIT told me they were going to profile flora&fauna for one of the school of business success stories. i looked at all the other businesses that has been profiled on there previously, and all of their achievements, i was truly humbled. with help and support from everyone at the BEST program (advisors, instructors, mentors, classmates), and my tireless helpers, i was able to complete both the holiday 2008 and spring-summer 2009 collections with no compromises, in the short 5 months of flora&fauna's operations. i can't thank everyone enough, and will continue to work super hard ^_^

here's a link:
BCIT success stories

office nuts and rainbow!

2008-10-27T13:03:00.001-07:00

hey! I started growing (another) avocado nut. this one is for my sunny office ^_^

see the roots? and the tiny sprout coming out of the top? there are 3 teeny-weeny leaves on it!

this is the sunny window ledge where it lives ^_^ along with other nuts - acorns i kidnapped from our street... which was used for reference for the awesome screen prints on 2 of the holiday styles!! see them at the portobello west show on Dec 13&14!!

AND, if you look closely, you can see the rainbow!!

still no dog...

2008-10-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

all this talk of economical recession is getting me down. i guess it means we won't be getting a new doggie for xmas...

autumn is...

2008-10-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

autumn is definitely my favourite time of the year. i love the way the air feels, and how everything smells, and especially how the cats' coats start to get thicker and they look so cute, puffy, and extra snuggly!!

autumn is a time of transition. and despite of the appearance of 'closing down' in preparation for the winter - with the trees letting go of their leaves, flowerless stems bowing in acceptance of their return to the earth - it's a time for us to focus our energy inwards. reflect. revere. heal.

i took a break from the regular flora and fauna routine yesterday, and spent the day crafting a simple meal carefully garnished with loving thoughts and good vibrations, for a few friends and family. took time to eat slowly, listen deeply, happily dwelling in that moment.

back to work at full speed today, and feeling pretty good! i am wrapping up the holiday production, and starting on design for the fall/winter 2009 season. meticulously researching charities and material sources, to mindfully design the perfect pieces! it'll be flora&fauna's second season. i have learned a lot about the business world in the first season (and i have to admit most of the learning was done the hard way), and am looking forward to applying my new knowledge, but also prepared to continue learning... and stubbornly not losing sight of the true purpose of flora&fauna - which, you should know, is flora and fauna.

hope you too have found that things you love that makes you feel like everyday is too short.

note: photo above is my dad's from a fall hiking trip at Spencer Gorge and Webster's Fall in Hamilton, Ontario.

jus buggin'

2008-10-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

tonight, we had a special visitor who has decided that she will stay with us overnight on the drafting table, and continue her journey when the rain stops...

beautiful, yes?

btw, i have just added the comments feature to this blog. feel free to leave me a message! i'd love to hear from ya!

other people's blogs are often worth mentioning...

2008-10-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

other people's blogs are often worth mentioning, especially if they blogged about flora&fauna!! heehee... check it out: http://happyfrog.ca/christys/blog/sustainability-festival-sfu

why patterns never get done...

2008-09-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

why my patterns never seem to get done:

1. doodling (i should mention this happens ON the patterns sometimes, then i have to either erase them or retrace the patterns, because i don't want my pattern grader to think i'm stupid.):

2. this cat keeps coming into the studio, and asking me questions that i don't know the answer to. and then he gives me the stink-eye...:

last week...

2008-09-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

WOW, last week as a crazy week! we launched our spring/summer 2009 line at the SFU eco-fashion show, we were one Breakfast Television (aired last wednesday), we had an interview with Shaw TV (aired last friday), and we had an interview with Granville Sustainable City Living magazine!! sign up for a free subscription here, and be the first to see f&f immortalized in print forever! LOL...

Here are some photos from the the runway show!!

with all this fun stuff going on, i am now further behind with my holiday designs than ever, and might have to cut a few of the styles from the holiday 2008 collection! T_T sigh...

wishing you a happy and productive week ^_^

also, a huge huge thank you to Claire for organizing the fashion show, and making it perfect! and also to all the volunteers and models at Susfest!!

Our Debut at SFU Sustainability Festival!!

2008-09-19T13:18:00.001-07:00

We are ready to show our first collection, and it's only fitting that it will be shown at the SFU Sustainability Festival's Eco-Fashion Show!! See below image for more information ^_^ (click on the image to enlarge)

new friends!!

2008-09-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

at flora&fauna, we're always excited to make new friends! These 2 just happen to share our yard space, and we love them.

brooklyn

muffinhead (ok, his real name is toby)

super meltdown + shopping spree = ^_^

2008-09-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

last Tuesday, my computer broke down. despite of tireless efforts from our wonderful in-house tech support person (thank you thank you thank you and also thanks to my emotional support person, and also my shopping companion), my little PC was done for good + forever.

so... i went on a shopping spree, and am poor but happy to announce that flora&fauna now runs on a MacBook! Wee! Luckily, i am able to retrieve all my important files from the PC's hard drives. I should be all set up again and 100% back in business by the end of today!

lots of catching up to do - write more later. and RIP f&f PC!! I'll miss you!!

p.s. dear reader, remember to always back up your files. do it now. seriously.

and into the new studio...

2008-09-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

my new office ^_^

very sturdy and beautiful cedar post drafting table, custom made by Kyle Little!! LOVE IT!!

fan mail #1

2008-08-28T11:12:00.001-07:00

[fan mail #1]:

Hi! How is it going? When will your website be ready? I keep checking but it's always under construction.

[f&f replies]:

It's going well! Thanks for asking ! We have some fabulous news to announce very soon!!

haha… of course the website will *always* be under construction. Primarily because I have nothing to put on it (I cannot release the photos from my Spring/Summer 09 collection until just a before the styles arrive in stores for sale (End of February 2009). Also, I am the only person that works here (the cats, all they do is meow and snuggle). Right now, I am really focused on finalizing my Xmas 08 designs which will be available exclusively at the Portobello West Holiday Market on Dec 13&14, and starting on my Fall 09 designs. As well, I have taken on a side project, working with the YACN group in Vancouver to design a hat.

A lot of my “design” time is spent on trend and market research and materials sourcing as well (and let me tell you, materials sourcing is the hardest part, as there isn’t many eco-fabrics available to small designers – and when all the small designers use the same fabrics, it … is not very good – though always interesting to see what each other created with the fabric, but our buyers will not carry multiple lines with the same fabric.).

A good chunk of my time lately has been spent on preparing my sales kit, and cold calling potential buyers. Since I have only been in Vancouver for a little over a year, there are many stores and neighbourhoods I am not familiar with. I do store visits to see if the stores share the same target market and ambience as my brand, and also see if my label will fit in with their current collection. If it feels like a good match, I will contact the buyer to see if there is any interest. This brings us back to the topic of the website – yes, there more to the current website (www.floraandfauna.ca), but it is currently hidden, because it is for buyers’ viewing purposes only. (If you are a buyer, and would like to view our Spring-Summer 2009 Lookbook – please contact me at pauline@floraandfauna.ca with a little bit of information about your store.)

The reason why this portion of the website cannot yet be released to the public is: a) to ensure the styles look new when they arrive in stores, and b) to avoid blatant plagiarism (as a small designer, there isn’t much else you can do to keep your designs and even graphic designs from being copied exactly-exactly. Large fashion corporations will be able to do this for much cheaper than you, and have it in stores earlier as well! – If you know some of the employers I had previously, you will know exactly what I mean, and how I feel about that.). Also on the topic of website design, I am reluctant to disclose that I am the sole designer of my website, with minimal experience in this area – so yeah, there definitely is a bit of a learning curve, but I love the challenge, and the sense of achievement when it finally “works”. YAY!!

More on the other roles of a entrepreneur in a post to follow… maybe. If I have time. ;p