5 fabulous fashion finds from B.C. designers

The Tate bead bucket hat, US$259 at Claudia Schulz, claudiaschulz.com.

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B.C. Day — that’s Monday, Aug. 3 — is the perfect time to celebrate the homegrown designers shaping West Coast style. British Columbia’s fashion scene has long balanced an appreciation for the outdoors with a distinctly laid-back sense of style, and today’s designers are pushing that reputation even further. While these pieces might not fall into the cheap-and-cheerful category, there’s something to be said for investing in thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and the talent in your own backyard.

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From elevated essentials to standout accessories, here are five pieces by B.C. designers, perfect for the long weekend — and beyond.

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Clearly, it’s too hot for a cape right now, but that could all change in just a few weeks. Founded by Bettina Mueller Reichl, who was born and raised in Austria, worked in costume design and runway illustration in Paris, then later served as Design Leader at Lululemon here in Vancouver, Cape de Coeur combines European precision with the technical performance required for life in the Pacific Northwest. We love this cape, called The Sainte, for its strong yet fluid silhouette and elegant details such as the wide bow at the neck. Best of all, though, it’s practical: It’s machine washable, and has arm zippers that can be opened and closed from the inside, so you never feel trapped.

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Perhaps it’s our coastal geographical location, but we have a soft spot for jewelry inspired by the ocean: sea horses, seashells, and even sailboats are perennial favourites. Enter Leah Alexandra’s jewelry collections, which were born out of an obsession with gemstones and are also inspired in part by a summer once spent working at an oyster bar in Nantucket. Since launching her namesake brand in Vancouver in 2006, she’s grown a global, loyal following, who lean into pieces such as this Nautilus pendant. Made from 14k gold vermeil, mother of pearl and freshwater pearl, it’s elegant and understated, whether you layer it with other pieces or wear it on its own.

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Tate bead bucket hat, USD$259 at Claudia Schulz, claudiaschulz.com. For Rebecca Tay story slugged 0801 5 things

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A statement hat is both practical and personal, and we feel privileged to have such a talented milliner that we can claim as a local designer. Technically based between Berlin and Vancouver, Claudia Schulz has been making her hats since the early 2000s, with each creation blending personality, classic minimalist design principles, and incredible craftsmanship. Take this Tate style: Based on a bucket hat silhouette, it’s finished with a playful, giant wooden bead on top, tiny beads handsewn around the brim, and a grosgrain ribbon on the inside.

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Take a bit of lace, a crisp cotton poplin, and what do you get? A breezy summer piece that will definitely see us through the rest of summer — and then some. Straddling that elusive middle ground between pretty and practical, it has a romantic feel that’s still effortless enough for everyday wear. Team it with a simple tank and sandals, or layer on an oversized sweater on cooler, trans-seasonal days.