KnowShow - Proof Style and Function Aren't Mutually Exclusive

Follow Sarah on Twitter: @sarallin

Hey Vancouver, dare yourself to dress better, why don't ya?

Vancouver has a couple of reputations (aside from the overpriced housing, but that’s a whole other story): active lifestyle, and terrible fashion. Sadly these two things seem to have a direct correlation, and often you can’t tell if someone has just come from yoga or if they always look like that.

Last week we attended KNOWSHOW to check out the Fall/Winter 2013 collections from various lifestyle brands. There were a lot of great finds, and believe it or not, a lot of well-dressed people at the show. In a way, Vancouver is the perfect city for KNOWSHOW, because it acts as proof that lifestyle and fashion don’t have to be at odds with each other.

Here are some of my key takeaways from KNOWSHOW:

Unexpected materials: Whether it was sunglass frames made from skateboard decks at Proof Eyewear, or mesh looking surprisingly awesome when paired with denim for the Mavi/Chalayan Denim Capsule Collection, there was usually something interesting to learn about each item of clothing or accessory the more you looked into it.

Bold prints: Lifetime Collective showed sweaters with woven patterns that would make even Bill Cosby jealous. Quiksilver Women put out some great print pants that looked ready to be lived in. More specifically, blanket prints were a popular showing. I’ve always been a sucker for a good plaid item, and blanket prints seem to be a natural progression from there.

General awesomeness: I’ve been to my fair share of tradeshows, and I think KNOWSHOW has to be the most fun. Exhibitors are genuinely excited about the brands they’re representing, and want to share it with people. The only downside is that you have to wait for all these clothes to hit retailers.

So listen up Vancouverites, now that you’ve learned what the KNOWSHOW exhibitors have to offer, you really have no excuse for wearing leggings as pants.

In the Know (Show)

Follow Emily on Twitter: @em_rossco

KNOWSHOW is a bi-annual lifestyle tradeshow. What does that mean you ask? It means all of best looking, most rugged, well-dressed men get together in one room in Vancouver and drink caesars.

But really, it’s a relaxed tradeshow where lifestyle brands showcase their upcoming collections so buyers purchase pieces for their stores and bloggers (that’s us!) get a sneak peek at upcoming trends.

Here are my picks (excluding dreamy men and enviably-dressed women) from KNOWSHOW.

Clockwise from top left:

Sitka Surf, Skate & Apparel had a killer booth. Rustic touches complimented their upcoming line that featured cozy knits and lots of pattern.

The classic Fjallraven Kanken, is the best backpack (next to the local fan-favourite, Herschel). Tons of great colours available and the square design makes shoving in all your essentials super easy.

Pendleton prints are as good-looking as they are cozy. This duffle coat was definitely my top pick.

A line from Boise, Idaho, Proof Eyewear brought sustainable glasses and sunglasses (think wood and eco-plastic) and charming reps to KNOWSHOW. Check out their glasses for the perfect classic shape in a material that will make you feel good.

A Vancouver staple, Herschel Supply Co. carries on the neon trend in their backpacks. Super into this outdoorsy shape too.

Uranium jewelry out of Quebec brought unique pieces made by housewives and stay at home moms. They also brought an amazing cat shirt on a cat hanger.

Burnette Showroom had the most shoes at the show, making it my favourite stop. Booties, sandals, wedges, oxfords and more, I’m hoping to see these styles soon.

Event: Little Burgundy Spring 2013 Preview

Last week I attended the Little Burgundy Spring 2013 media preview at their new store on Robson.

Little Burgundy is the go-to destination for shoppers looking for branded footwear (and accessories) to rock on the streets or at the office. They have 30 locations across the country, and are able to provide a boutique feel in their locations. The updated Robson location boasts a custom lounge designed by the team at Vans OTW.

Even though Summer just ended, and I'd finally come to accept Fall (and all that comes with it: boots, socks, sweaters, scarves, hot chocolate...), seeing the Little Burgundy Spring'13 collection made me really excited for warm weather, bare legs, dresses with cool sneakers....

What month is it again?

Madonna's Truth or Dare line

Hats, Herschel, and Obey for the boys

Gorgeous women's leather boots from Spain

Cute spring bags

Amazing desert boots with contrasting soles - men, take note

Kicks for the men (and Obey hats)

Love these from Vans OTW

Playing dress-up at the Little Burgundy x Ion Magazine after party with @sarallin

Hamming it up? No, that's just my face

Remember January?

what a hipster

dinner at Cibo

hard at work or hardly working? 

view from my office window - summertime is a distraction

meet kirby

homemade pulled pork sliders

nom

the watchful eye in the emergency room

a Burnaby icon

birthday wishes from the Hotel Vancouver 

majestic

the suite life @ Hotel Vancouver

heart my smash

decadence at Nicli

a suitable alternative to Napoli

birthday card from coworkers

KnowShow

The KnowShow is Canada's premier lifestyle tradeshow. It primarily has snow, surf, skate, and street brands (Quiksilver, O'neill, Rip Curl), but has since started carrying more lifestyle brands like Native, Mavi, and Gentle Fawn. Attendees get to see what the brands have lined up for the coming seasons. But before you get all excited, tradeshows aren't for everyone. You can't purchase any of the items; they're strictly for your viewing pleasure.

This was my first time attending the KnowShow and I had a great time. I loved being able to browse through the brands and to learn more about the companies and their products. I really wish that more tradeshows would come to Vancouver. It would be a great way to further the industry and have people think and view things differently. 

I'm all about scouting menswear at the moment (related post to come!), so I was naturally drawn towards those products. It also didn't hurt that most of the vendors had super cute guys working.

Amazing TOMS women's shoes coming this summer. LOVE the pattern & colours

TOMS ballet flats

Menswear bags from Element

Organic denim from One Green Elephant 

Slick men's shoes from GRAM

Great display from Sitka

Digging this men's jacket