Gastown's trendy restaurants sometimes get all the credit for the 'hood's transformation. But while we sing the praises of L'Abattoir and Boneta, Water Street is quietly trading touristy souvenir shops for fashionable, thoughtful boutiques.
Take newly-minted Oak + Fort, just off Maple Tree Square. The white-washed walls and galvanized steel accents in the pared-down space showcase the store's label, previously available only online. Oak + Fort houses monochromatic blazers, dresses, and tops in soft, luxurious fabrics interspersed with colourful wool pieces and tailored pants. The designs are wearable, streamlined, and modern. The eponymous line, developed by Eunice Quan and business partner Minh (with designers in Korea, New York, and Vancouver), also offers jewellery, belts, and handbags.
Oak + Fort's moderate prices are a pleasingly affordable surprise, and for the month of January, they're knocking a further 20% off all merchandise.—Darcy Smith
