Nothing like it

If you are looking for something unique, come to Urbanity.  We are the only store carrying Fog Linen clothes in Vancouver, the only store carrying Nygaardsanna, McVerdi, Uno in North America.  If you believe you are unique, then check out Urbanity before you go to the other stores.  If our natural fibres grown in European fields, designed by Scandinavian artists are not to your liking, then sure...go to the others.

Simply beautiful, for you....

The beautiful photographs for the NygaardsAnna catalogue were taken in a ceramic factory by Carl Bengtsson.   We have a nice selection of very simple and interesting linen clothes from Swedish designer Nygaards Anna Bengtsson in a variety of sizes. Even if you don't understand what Anna is saying, I think that by seeing and hearing her you will become closer to these clothes.  Pictured is a linen dress with many small buttons, and a knitted linen short sleeve cardigan. Nygaard is an old Scandinavian name.  Ny = new and gaard means 'enclosure', and is the name for a farm and a courtyard.  Traditionally, farms are made up of buildings that surround a space, or yard.  Your pronunciation will be close if you say New Gords Anna. Nygaardsanna is only available in North America at Urbanity.

2nd anniversary thoughts and pretty things

Tomorrow, May 11th will mark the day, two years ago that Urbanity reopened on South Granville after 5 1/2 years in Gastown.  I have grown very fond of my shop with the narrow window on the noisy Granville Highway!  But just when things seem to be settled, and I dared to extend my buying in Copenhagen in February, there was a shakedown.  Bab's shop has now gone, and an oriental rug shop - the 6th, or is it 7th? within two blocks, has opened beside me.  The attraction of two clothing shops on the scenic side of Broadway is no more.  No more morning chats with Viola as we sweep the sidewalk.  Now I am the only person within the 5 shop span owned by my landlord who sweeps at all!


It was also two years ago I discovered the Northwest Trend show -- a buyers market that happens every two months in Seattle.  I don't go every time, but when I do, I always find something that I think will be of interest to my valued customers.  At the end of March I found a collection of Indian fine cotton lawn nightdresses.  Beautiful cotton, and lovely (machine) embroidery -- so I bought 11 different designs.  We will be making these available for purchase on Saturday, May 12th for $65 each.

$200 Gift Certificate to Urbanity, and more -- The South Granville BIA has a Mom's Day contest happening right now.  You can help promote Urbanity, and win a gift.  Please participate by following this LINK.

May Day

We had a busy day in Urbanity on this first day of May.  We received a box from McVerdi that was full of surprises.  McVerdi collections are cut generously, so I had especially asked for this shipment to include more small sizes, and it did.  These will go quickly, so please don't wait.  This little top (pictured) is made from woven linen.  We have a similar one made from knitted linen.   It is simple and pretty.

The very popular dress has returned in black, light grey, and in pink.  The pink one has a woven stripe, and looks like candy-floss!
We have lots of linen pants.  Lots of the 'bloomers' pictured here in grey.
We have leggings too.
Maria Byman sent us more of her very simple linen/cotton top that works as a cover-up and a perfect layering garment over a sleeveless dress or top.  We know from years past that Maria's summer knits last and last, and hold their shape.

GudrunGudrun

Gudrun sewing in Torshavn -
photo taken by Beryl Woodrow,
Torshavn, Faroe Islands, 2010

Two years ago we brought GudrunGudrun designs to Urbanity, and we will soon be receiving more.
You might not be familiar with GudrunGudrun, because the sweaters sold so quickly you didn't have a chance to see them.
Now you can read the inspiring story about two women called "Gudrun" and their success in creating a fashion business using the wool and the knitters on the small Faeroe islands far north in the Atlantic ocean.   Click here.
Urbanity loves clothes that tell a story and are made by caring hands.

More arrivals

Last week  I told you about the arrival of the McVerdi collection -- and we have sold a lot!  I didn't write so much about the the jackets and coats we received, so since there is still a bite in the air, I want to let you know about these.  McVerdi started in Denmark 20 years ago specializing in very functional and attractive rain-wear. They still make a lot of coats and raincoats, as well as dresses, pants, and skirts.
This little boiled 100% wool jacket has been in the collection for ages.  We have it in cerise and grey/blue.  It has darts in the back so fits really well. PERFECT for right now.

FOG LINEN is back!  This Japanese designed line is such a hit.  The linen is grown in Lithuania where the fabric is woven, and then sewn there too.  This season they have made a larger size, so we have a nice selection of dresses, jackets, and pants for you to try. Remember, I only buy two of each style! Shown are the linen scarves that I found at the Copenhagen Fashion fair - also Lithuanian linen that is part of the Aurea Vita collection.

And now for a bit of colour!  Two weeks ago I went to a trade fair and discovered URU -- a California label. URU is not exclusive to Urbanity in the greater Vancouver area, but I fell for the vibrant colours and this particular print.  I have a selection of 12 pieces -- mostly tops in silk and pants too.
Remember, we buy only small lots, and we cannot always hope to get more of the same.  Don't lose out on something you love!

Long Spring weekend

We received new products from McVerdi just in time for the long Easter weekend.  Lotte Honore is the designer of the McVerdi line, and she knows what we want -- like pockets, and clothes that fit the way we want them to.  They are stylish, casual, comfortable, and made from pure natural fabrics.  This cardigan is made from linen, as are the pants.
Lotte also sent us some spring coats and jackets -- something new when cool weather lingers on and we are so tired of the coat we have been wearing for months.

Urbanity is closed on April 8 and 9th.