A Bronze Age Designer Renée Power Creates Whimsical, Feminine pieces

Over the past eight years, Renée Power and her cult-status fashion brand A Bronze Age have found the balance of form, function—and a little bit of whimsy. “The girl who’s coming to us, she wants maybe some bows on the sleeve,” says Power. “It may not be for everyone, but that one customer that really identifies with it? She gets it and she’s loving it.”

The slow-fashion label began in 2016 with imported artisanal goods from Morocco, grew with the support of family and has since blossomed into an internationally selling name. Today, A Bronze Age produces thoughtful, multi-season garments lovingly adorned with romantic details—think quaintrelle- worthy lace, ruffles and puff sleeves, always infused with function and place in mind. There’s a trademark playful femininity here, but one backed by a considered West Coast vibe: case in point, the Judy rain jacket, made from water-resistant material, with its clean lines and a Granny-inspired hood. “It’s a more practical piece for us, but it’s touching how many people have purchased that coat and just really, really love it,” says Power.

Like with any slow-fashion brand, the design process is meticulous. The small, dedicated team, inclusive of Power’s aunts and cousins, carefully sample and handcraft each piece. It’s a labour of love, and all done locally. The Hart skirt, which evolved naturally from the updated feminine silhouettes of the brand, came to life in the team’s capable hands. “There was a lot of trial and error because we had never constructed something like it before,” says Power. “It took a lot of back and forth.” The result is an elegant A-line skirt with a playful balloon-gathered hem: a timeless piece with memorable detail.

The whimsy here is always anchored by plenty of good ol’ hard work and tenacity; Power credits both her team and the close-knit (pun intended) Vancouver fashion scene for the brand’s staying power. “It’s been so warm and supportive to create something here,” she says. And what she’s created has resonated far beyond city  limits, with pieces now in demand in the U.S. and Japan. But as anyone wearing an inspired outfit that receives an enthusiastic, approving smile from another trendsetter in the wild knows, the girls who get it are everywhere. “We’re all fun fashion girls,” says Power.

EDITOR’S PICK: The elegantly folded Kiku croissant bag ($215) is a creative (and luxe) addition to any outfit.