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Jewellery

Frey Wille

Accessory enthusiasts were overjoyed when Austrian jeweller Frey Wille opened its first Canadian location in Vancouver last summer. The 60-year-old Vienna-based design house creates rings, bangles, and necklaces in 24-karat gold or palladium with hand-painted enamel details. The modern designs are inspired by Greek and Egyptian history, as well as famous works of art. Think delicate details from your favourite Klimt, Monet, or Mucha translated into classy, high-end arm candy with funky flair.

Oak + Fort

Gastown boutique Oak + Fort opened quietly this past winter amidst the madness of Boxing Day sales. Edmonton-based owner Min Kang made the transition from online retailer in order to bring her personal aesthetic to a Vancouver market; the pared-down space shows off the clean lines and soft, wearable fabrics that characterize the eponymous line (a collaboration between local and Korean designers who oversee production in Korea). Also on display are funky necklaces, earrings, and leather accessories, many designed in house.

Lugaro

Lugaro's new Park Royal store is now Canada's largest Rolex boutique, and is also one of a few places to carry Chopard, Swiss maker of timepieces and jewellery. Lugaro.com

Hills of Kerrisdale

The venerable Hill’s of Kerrisdale is the city’s best all-in-one fashion mecca—find racks of designer clothing (plus a great selection of street wear, like Harajuku Lovers hoodie by Gwen Stefani, $100) and chic accessories from the in-house Blue Ruby counter (Marley enamel cuffs, $80-125). 

Walrus

Eye-catching modern design minus the severe angles and intimidation factor. This is no sterile, you-break-it-you-buy-it boutique; owners Caroline Boquist and Daniel Kozlowski (both formerly of Inform Interiors) encourage customers to pick up, flip over, try on, and test out their products. The Walrus’s retail philosophy is based on the interactive atmosphere of small European shops, where items aren’t just purchased, they’re adopted.

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