As spring had sprung, so did Vancouver’s annual Nifty for Fifty, a seven year run, trunk style shopping sensation showcasing local designers’ original pieces at discounted prices. The event was held at Heritage Hall and was buzzing with fashionistas and bargain hunters. Vintage pieces, eccentric finds and jazzy jewelry, all for under fifty dollars! SAD MAG was on location and between change room fittings and cash dispensing, we spoke to a few of the designers about their pieces, their inspirations and how they got to be involved with Nifty for Fifty.
Mellissa Ferriera / Adhesif Clothing, Owner and Designer /Nifty for Fifty Founder
Sad Mag: So, who are you?
Melissa Ferriera: My name is Melissa Ferreira and I was born and raised in Montreal until the age of 12, when I moved to Vancouver with my mother and brother. I’m Portuguese Canadian which says a lot about my colourfully expressive personality, temperament, and sense of humour.
SM: Where does your inspiration come from?
MF: A lot of my inspiration comes from my European background and I love traveling to Europe whenever possible. I have been lucky to call Germany my second home over the last few years as my partner is German… I grew up with my mother sewing at the kitchen table when not working in garment production factories in Montreal. Naturally I learned how to sew from her. I taught myself how to design from taking apart vintage garments and seeing how they were put together, after spending many years as a vintage clothing buyer out of high school. I love everything vintage and it remains to this day my main source of inspiration… I have been in and out of retail/fashion related jobs my whole life. I started Adhesif Clothing in 2003, opened my own boutique in 2010 and never looked back.
SM: Tell us about Nifty for Fifty. How did you come up with the event?
MF: Nifty for Fifty started 7 years ago… Basically I wanted to throw a high end sale with low end prices, a sort of give back to the people kind of thing where I could get rid of prototypes, samples and vintage pieces that were taking up too much space in my studio. I refer to the show as “an indie designer blowout sale. It’s Adhesif Clothing’s “Boxing Day” event, unofficially… I LOVE the Heritage Hall. It’s central and a beautiful old building so it worked out perfectly. I actually have a waiting list of 40 people for next year’s event already!
Allison Smith / Designer, Allison Wonderland
SM: So, who are you?
AS: Allison Smith, born in Richmond, raised in Tsawwassen, living in Mount Pleasant. I have a 13 month old daughter named Violet, her dad and I are “married”… I love living in this city and ride my bike all over. I am looking forward to this spring when Violet and I can tear around on the bike together.
SM: Tell us about your fashion career. How did that begin?
AS: I went to Kwantlen right after high school. I started sewing young and made or altered my own clothes. I lived in Montreal and travelled before coming back to Vancouver. I have been designing Allison Wonderland since the 90’s. It started out as more crazy rave, party clothes and has evolved as I have. In 2011 I added Pillar as an eco line.
SM: Who (or what, if that’s more fitting for you) are you fashion inspirations? How would you describe your style/pieces?
AS: Living life is my inspiration. I day dream what I’d like to wear, what my friends would like to wear… Allison Wonderland is a fun sophisticated line. The styles can be worn to work and out on the town. Pillar is a bit more casual, weekend fun wear.
SM: How did you get involved with Nifty for Fifty? Is this your first year contributing?
AS: I first did Nifty 5 years ago, stopped for a year and then started again when Melissa moved it to the Heritage Hall. I have stock left over from so many seasons it is a great way to blow it out… I have to say sometimes it breaks my heart to part with certain pieces for so little. But that it fashion for you!
Trudy Wynans // Designer and owner of Toodlebunny
SM: So, who are you?
TW: My name is Trudy Wynans and I’m the designer behind TOODLEBUNNY. I grew up in a small town on Vancouver Island but have been a Vancouverite for most of my adult life. I currently reside and work from my studio on the North Shore. I’m a bit of a night owl and work into the wee hours of the morning. I think my creativity peaks in the first two to three hours after midnight. I’m still waiting for the day that I’ll just wake up and be that ‘morning’ person. One day maybe?
I live and breathe jewellery, a bit of a workaholic but in a good way! Whenever I travel I’m always on the hunt for new materials and inspiration for new designs. Handpicking these sometimes rare and unique components keep my line fresh and constantly evolving. The best part of my ‘job’ is creating shiny, pretty things every day.
Trudy Wynans / Toodlebunny Designer
SM: Tell us about your fashion career. How did that begin?
TW: Toodlebunny was launched in the spring of 2006 while I still was working a full time job in the restaurant industry. ..I made a decision to go full time with my jewellery in the fall of 2007 and have never looked back. Sometimes it can be tough to wear so many hats: designer, manufacturer, bookkeeper, web designer, photographer, graphics artist, marketing, social media, PR and sales rep – but I wouldn’t change a thing. I absolutely love what I do!
People always ask: Where does the name TOODLEBUNNY come from? My boyfriend’s pet name for me is toodles and one year he had addressed an Easter card with ‘to my little toodlebunny’ so it kinda melted my heart a little bit and just stuck. When I was just starting out with the jewels and racking my brain for a company name he had registered the domain name toodlebunny.com and tucked it into my Xmas stocking. So I guess you could say it was chosen for me!
SM: Where does your inspiration come from? How would you describe your style/pieces?
TW: My inspiration begins with the discovery of the materials themselves, hand picked on my travels. Rummaging through aisles of vintage deadstock components always creates major excitement! Finding these treasures and literally deciding on the spot what I will transform the pieces into is how I begin the design process. Once back in the studio I need to look at everything and just start creating… Asymmetry, yet balanced, is one of the key elements of my design. I love the challenge of designing asymmetrical necklaces as well as complimentary “mismatched” earrings using the same disparate elements. The pieces vary from being simple and pretty to ones that are a bit more rock n’ roll…something for every woman.
SM: How did you get involved with Nifty for Fifty? Is this your first year contributing?
TW: I met Melissa in 2006 at one of the local markets when I was just starting my line. She was super helpful and answering questions from a newbie to the scene, which I am forever grateful for. Being a fellow aries we hit it off right from the start and both had a mutual admiration for each other’s work. I was invited to participate in the first Nifty for Fifty in 2008 and have participated every year since. Well I did miss one year in 2009 but who’s counting?
Well Trudy, we are counting! Because the next Nifty for Fifty is a whole year away! This year the annual event hosted a total of 30 local designers. Other contributors included Bronsino, Bueno Style, Daub + Design, Elroy Apparel, Flightpath, Floating Gold Iceberg, Irit Sorokin Designs, Kdon, Shop Cocoon and more. With its growing popularity and demand for local design exposure, we imagine the event will be even larger next year and boast some of Vancouver’s best talent. If you’re interested in getting involved or want to learn more, check out the Nifty for Fifty website. Until next year, farewell in good fashion!