Fashion Fix: The wait is over, Vancouver's first LOFT opens

For so long, Vancouver was perceived as “the city that could” when it came to our fashion landscape, especially when compared to our rival cities down south. Vancouverites had the hunger for variety, the hunger for brands they’d find on American travels, and more importantly, the hunger to diversify their closets, but we couldn’t help but feel like we were getting short-handed when our favourite international retailers chose other locales to set up shop. But now it’s safe to say that that trend is fading as fast as our oldest pair of jeans.

The slew of recent new retail openings like J.Crew, Victoria Secret, Tory Burch and the soon to be Nordstrom at Pacific Centre proves that the international retail market is taking notice of Vancouver’s hunger for fashion variety, and now another popular retailer has joined the buffet. Vancouver’s very first LOFT is now open at Park Royal Shopping Centre, as part of the mall’s $150-million revitalization project on its south side.

LOFT Park Royal Interior

LOFT has steadily gained popularity since it started providing trendy yet affordable work and casual attire for women in 1998. A sister to its more upscale counterpart Ann Taylor, the LOFT girl is younger, flirtier, and on more of a modest budget. The new 4,823-square-foot store at Park Royal includes day and evening wear sections, along with casual basics, and a very handy petite section for women 5’4” and under. When the first LOFT Park Royal shoppers walk through its doors, they’re greeted by LOFT’s holiday collection, which is bursting with feminine detailing and lots, and I mean lots of sparkle. But with Vancouver’s dreary grey winter upon us, the ladies of this city might just need that touch of sparkle.

Pieces from the LOFT Holiday collection

LOFT adds touches of sparkle through accessories

LOFT Park Royal will be also holding its in-store grand opening celebration for the public on Saturday, November 30.

Images: Mana Mansour