Local Wonders To Behold
by Stefanie Jesney
As one walks into Shop Cocoon on Cambie
Street, the eye immediately focuses on the décor. A pair of
larger-than-life antlers crowns the cash wrap and adds to the already
cozy, cottage-y feel of the store. It may look small from the outside
(like most shops in the Cambie area) but once inside, you feel like
you could browse for hours.
Shop Cocoon was born from an idea that
owner Brenda Li dreamed up after completing an extensive fashion
education at both UBC and New York’s Parsons New School for Design.
Li created the shop as a platform for local designers to showcase
and sell their work to Vancouver fashion lovers. It was important, as
a former designer of her own clothing line, to support new artists
and give them the opportunity to gain a following. The name “Cocoon”
was chosen because it evokes images of butterflies emerging from
chrysalides, which represent the emerging designers showcased at Li’s
shop. Shop Cocoon works as a co-op which is very unique to Vancouver;
Designers can rent space in the store but have to work there at least
one day a month and in turn, they are given the full profit from
sales of their lines. Li explains the benefits: “It’s a unique
experience because the designers actually get to meet and interact
with their customers. They get great feedback which in turn helps
them to improve on their line.”
When visiting the store, first-time
customers can expect to stay and explore for a while. Li chooses
designers based on versatility so that the shop is a one-stop haven
for the style-savvy. Shoppers will find beautiful local jewellery,
clothing for every occasion, shoes and even home accessories like
vases, soap and kitchen aprons. Eighty per cent of the merchandise in
the store is local and Li fills in the gaps (for example, jeans from
Free People) with the other twenty per cent. “I wanted to make sure
that customers have a cohesive shopping experience,”
she explains, and Shop Cocoon accomplishes that. One can find a
head-to-toe outfit as well as gifts for special occasions. Also
adding to the magic of the store is the décor: Li makes all the
props and window displays herself. “You should see my garage! It’s
full of works-in-progress that I plan to make into props and
decorations.” Dark-stained wooden bookcases and white-washed
picture frames lend a home-y and friendly ambiance to the shop which
perfectly compliments the down-to-earth yet girly designs that Shop
Cocoon carries.
A dedicated shop
owner, talented designers, and a great atmosphere all combine to make
Shop Cocoon a staple on the Vancouver retail scene. Customers in need
of a fresh summer dress, funky accessories, or a gift for a loved one
will be able to find locally-designed and quality pieces to meet
their needs. Shop Cocoon is located in Cambie Village at 3345
Cambie Street and is open seven days a week. Visit
www.shopcocoon.com
for more information.
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