Events

Gallery: The Nordstrom Vancouver Opening Gala

The department store has brought more to the city than new brands.

By Vancouver Magazine /

The department store has brought more to the city than new brands.

There’s been a buzz around the city this week. After pleasantries have been exchanged, the next question on everyone’s lips has been: “Are you going to the Nordstrom gala on Wednesday night?” If you didn’t make it out last night to the kick-off festivities, then you’ll be pleased to know the U.S. mega-store has everything you would expect from a block-wide addition to Vancouver’s downtown core and more—British brands like Joe Malone and Charlotte Tilbury accompany the Dior and Chanel staples of the cosmetic-counter world along with Stella McCartney, Burberry, and Alexander McQueen.Nordstrom has gone the extra west-coast mile to connect with their community. In addition to naming Vancouver’s notables such as Jackie Kai Ellis and Susie Wall as their style ambassadors (who were seated across from beauty heavyweights Coco Rocha and Amber Valletta at the fashion show), Nordstrom offers equal style foibles with their international brands. Amidst the Celine bags and Valentino ready-to-wear, you’ll find original Vancouver names like Herschel, Melanie Auld jewellery, and Pop-In@Nordstrom–a unique pop-up store on a 45-day rotation curated by Nordstrom Director of Creative Projects Olivia Kim with BC-brands like Arc’teryx and U.S. sartorial lines such as Dresshirt and Bow & Drape.Ticket sales from the opening gala also raised $420,000 for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre Foundation, Covenant House Vancouver and the Vancouver Art Gallery.Take a look at our event photos of the 2,500 attendees from last night’s event. If you want to check out the remainder of the Nordstrom opening events, make sure to read our Style Editor’s Nordstrom event picks.

Traffic police closed down Hornby Street as Vancouver’s best-dressed walked the red carpet.

President of Nordstrom Canada Karen McKibbin looked picture-perfect as she entered the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Bruce Nordstrom (the grandson of Nordstrom founder John Nordstrom) and his wife, Jeannie.

The first of the three Nordstrom brothers to arrive; Peter Nordstrom with his wife Brandy.

Blake and Molly Nordstrom pose on the red carpet before heading in to the welcome ceremony at Vancouver Art Gallery.

Erik and Julie Nordstrom, with their son, Sam Nordstrom.

Tom Wells poses with Nordstrom Vancouver general manager (and our October Model Citizen) Chris Wanlass, and president of Nordstrom Canada Karen McKibbin.

The press clustered around the red carpet photo pit to snap pictures of the renowned Nordstrom clan’s arrival.

Man-about-town Fred Lee looked impressive in a light-grey fitted jacket.

CTV News anchor and gala co-chair Tamara Taggart

Guests were thoroughly impressed with the constant flow of nibbles and bubbles during the welcome reception.

Dr. Jan Christilaw, vice-president, Provincial Women’s and Newborn Health, PHSA, and Laurie Clarke, CEO, BC Women’s Hospital.

Guests arrive at the Vancouver Art Gallery for cocktail reception and tented runway fashion show.

Over 2,500 guests attended the opening gala, with proceeds from ticket sales benefiting local foundations.

All proceeds from ticket sales went directly to charity, meaning Nordstrom footed the bill for the impressive opening party, which included food, drinks, and live music.

Event guests posing for photos on the red carpet.

The red carpet led down the courthouse stairs to join the main runway.

Personal stylist at the new Nordstrom Vancouver Michelle Addison poses with Tamara Taggart.

Guests arrive at the Vancouver Art Gallery for cocktail reception and tented runway fashion show.