Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Bridge(r) Line




It's a rare designer who interns for Vivienne Westwood and then teams with Lululemon (on its "fashion" offshoot Oqoqo), non? It's less rare, admittedly, for a Vancouverite to produce a brand known for "sustainability", as Ms. Bridger defines it, ethical and local manufacturing:

"We create designer clothing and the socially conscious thing is just how we think everyone should be living his or her lives. We use sustainable fabrics and strive to have a positive relationship with everyone who works to create our clothing. You can trust that we are doing whatever we can to make our garments and company as eco as we can, and are always looking for ways to do it better next season."

I am thrilled to tell you this line is manufactured exclusively in Canada. I'm less thrilled to say that you can't find it in stores in TO or Mtl. and, if you order it online, unless you link up with the design office directly, you have to purchase it in USD. Which is fine if you live in USD. (To its credit, the company will deal with you directly to order in CAD.)

I, for one, can see the merger of strict, London tailoring with relaxed, West Coast fabrics. And there are a number of pieces I could see myself wearing: a black shawl cardi, the paper bag skirt above. Gotta say, though, it's not inexpensive. (The grey dress pictured retails for $248.00 US .) I know, this is the price you pay to live ethically. But I can't help imagine that, if this line was available locally, at one of my hipster haunts, it would be the kind of place I'd go during the sales to scoop up a piece or two at a pricepoint that works better within the scope of my budget. I can think of a number of places in TO this line might fly...

One other thing I really like about this brand is its website modeling campaign. The women in the web stills are lovely and actually seem to have a layer of adipose tissue standing between them and their skeletons. It's like they work out a little and eat a little and their fertility is probably intact. How refreshing.

8 comments:

  1. Those pieces are beautiful. Thanks for posting this, I really want to check it out!

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  2. Beautiful! I definitely detect the influence of Queen Viv.

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  3. Enc: It's wearable but with a bit of edge. That's always a good balance.

    Solemn Cat: I LOVE your name. Glad you like it. She does have the Viv tailoring in certain pieces.

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  4. I love the back (or lack thereof) on the second dress.

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  5. Definetly can see the tailoring on the pieces, but the high prices deter me a bit, even for organic.

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  6. Some very beautiful and classy pieces there. I love the silhouette of the dark blue dress. It will be interesting to see what you think of the picks I have made for you. They will be up tomorrow for your enjoyment.

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  7. Very nice indeed! I particularly like the bottom grey dress and the top skirt.

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  8. Wendy: I love that backless look too, though it's not the look for me.

    Jill: I hear you. Maybe they'll retail the line in stores here and we'll be able to buy on sale.

    SKM: I LOVED your post and have responded to it with a reply post of my own. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I've been out of town for a long weekend.

    Bronwyn: I love that grey dress too. If only it were shorter! :-)

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