Alfie Italia Presents FASHION: Decoded - Featuring guest stylists: Nicolette Lang-Andersen & Jason Sarai

by guest writer Helen Siwak - owner of Kitsilano Kitty's Closet and Vit Vit Vegan.

All event images courtesy of Art Zaratsyan
With every new season there come new trends. It is the inevitability of fashion. When flipping through the racks there is that first blush of excitement followed by the trepidation of incorporating the new looks into your existing wardrobe. To ease these doubts savvy retail shops are bringing in professional stylists to provide their clientele with assistance in making decisions regarding which items to add. This skilled guidance is valuable especially when making decisions with high-priced investment pieces such as suits, outerwear and handbags.

Alfie Italia’s Fashion:Decoded's standing room only event - hosted by Amanda Marina - was intimate, delicious and illuminating. The Gastown based shop presented two sophisticated stylists, Nicolette Lang-Andersen and Jason Sarai, to craft functional looks using the shops hand-picked Italian labels. Boutique owners Grace Chumfong and her partner George Martins were personable and made sure that everyone was welcomed. The Alfie Manifesto explains that Alfie Italia as not just a store but a lifestyle that portrays Sprezzatura - which is the ability to effortlessly look impeccable, at all times. 




Nicolette Lang-Andersen is a fashion and personal stylist from London who recently returned, tanned and refreshed, from vacation in South Africa. Though Nicolette herself was wearing a playful neon orange dress, her models donned monochromatic layered base pieces topped with kimono’s, denim and leather jackets. The Gypsy Soul design full-length kimono’s were eye-catching as their lush nature-based colours fluttered and floated behind the models. The LaLaYeah leather necklaces were tasteful additions that did not distract from the flow and movement of the garments. The final looks were casual but chic. One of them said afterwards “I am not even a model, I am a yoga instructor and I feel so comfortable in this outfit!”


Not only is Jason Sarai of Style by Sarai a classic menswear enthusiast, he is a serial entrepreneur with partner local personality Riaz Meghji, with businesses in fitness, fashion and event production. Looking dapper in a dark green and blue plaid suit, he spoke to the practicality of how a couple of good suits can make a great season. Well made suits of neutral tone with interesting textures that can transition from day to evening wear with the addition of a few key pieces. A pocket square, crochet lapel pin or a vest with unique buttons will elevate the styling of an outfit to ensure it can go from the office to a dinner date. The Jey Coleman and Takeshy Kurosawa clothing lines featured prominently in the many different looks showing the versatility of the designs. By switching out the suit trousers with Guya G raw jeans and adding a leather satchel, the men are ready for The Drive and a leisurely coffee on the patio.



To be successful, a styling event should send you on your way with enough information to be confident in the re-working your wardrobe for the new season. Nicolette and Jason displayed and explained how to work multiple pieces into stylish yet practical outfits. Both stylists wrapped up their presentations and mingled with a champagne cocktail, answering questions and discussing European fashion with media and attendees.



This evening would not have been complete without the additional talents of Bruce Milligan of Celestial Tequila and his delicious complex champagne tequila cocktail, the Disturbing Art team - Natalia Kriouchkova and Yves Rene Decary - for the dark brooding artwork, Giorgia Martins for the home-made crunchy white chocolate cranberry bites, DJ George Venetis for setting the mood, and crisp white sponsor bags with items from Masc Skin Care, Revolucion Gifts and Cigars and Litchfield the Shop.



Alfie Italia is located at 302 West Cordova Street in Gastown (Vancouver), and is open 7 days a week for your shopping convenience.
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Check out Helen Siwak's two great businesses!

KITSILANO KITTY'S CLOSET - Online and local Vancouver re-seller of new/pre-loved luxury and vintage collections & collectibles. Gucci, Prada, Versace, Dior, Chanel and more all at super discounts! Private shopping & inhome parties! www.KitsilanoKittysCloset.com








VIT VIT VEGAN - Interested in a starting or maintaining a plant-based diet? Vit Vit Vegan provides home-style weekly food packages (breakfast, lunch, dinner) that are affordable, convenient and delicious! Customizable for young and old, gluten-free and diabetic. Solo packages starting at $50/week. Delivery available. www.vitvitvegan.com


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