20 - Sunday, August 23, 1987 - North Shore News Fashion - ea kr SKI CLOTHING trends and tech- nology have been advancing at an overwhelming rate over the fast several seasons, The most noticeable of these developments is the move toward waterproof, breathable and wind- proof garments. Goretex has lost its exclusivity on the technical fabric market and now practically every textile manu- facturer produces fabrics with these qualities. The major players in the fabric market are Entrant, Goretex, Bion 11, Ultrex, and Climaguard, amongst others. The large number of available fabrics also means that every ski garment manufacturer is produc- ing waterproof breathable gar- ments at a reasonable price. A feature which is often overlooked in garments made of these fabrics is their ability to block out the wind because of their coatings or laminations. Probably the most important factor in the warmth equation is this protection from the wind, particularly for the majority of skiers who don’t nor- mally ski in the rain. Another new fabric on the mar- ket is Super Microft which is [00 per cent polyester, and therefore extremely durable, and has good THE FIRST total health and beau- ty centre in Vancouver opened to the public August 4. To walk through the doors of this elegant new urban spa at Georgia and Richards is to enter a world of sensation and radiance comparable to the most famous in- ternational spas. All five senses will be activated, cleansed and pampered in the ex- guisite environment of La Raf- finage (‘‘the refinement’’). The first impression is visual as your eyes take in the spacious, comfortable decor in soft heather tones of plum, blue and grey — colors chosen for their relaxing, soothing qualities. Even the air you breathe carries the same restfulness... floral scents linger in tantalizing anticipation of the herbal treatments to come. Soft music fills the background and carries away the stresses of the outside world. Taste is part of the sensory experience, too, as herbal teas are served while you wail or browse. The fifth sense of feeling is the most profound experience of La Raffinage and the heart of the La Raffinage philosophy. In a world where we’re connecting with machines at an_ ever-increasing rate, the human element at La Raffinage comes as a most welcoming touch. In the urban spa, you'll be pampered to your ultimate in in- ner/outer health through a variety of treatments. Aromatherapy, sea wraps and complete aesthetic pro- grams are natural, gentle and spec- tacularly effective in restoring skin tone, balance and firmness for both men and women. Staff members there are more than just knowledgeable: each has color retention, yet which has the softest, most luxurious hand (or feel) of any skiwear fabric on the market today. A) revolutionary new weave which operates on the ‘thatched roof! principle, combined with the tightest weave so far developed for a synthetic fibre, makes this an en- tremely waterproof fabric. So waterproof in fact that a ski show participant made a small balloon of Microft and filled it with water. No liquid escaped for over three days. This ability to keep water out without a coating or lamination gives Microft the optimal com- bination of breathability and waterproofness, with a very ap- pealing hand and look. In the insulation area, the trend is lean and mean. Thin insulations have been developed which lend garments a tremendous amount of warmth. Bulky insulations are a thing of the past for the keen skier, par- ticularly since the development of technical fabrics hus greatly con- tributed to the warmth factor. In- deed, many skiers are starting to find their traditional garments too warm. This has led several key skiwear manufacturers to develop layered WERELOKERAEOT jbeauty spa opens) complete professional hair salon within La Raffinage. Keep that wonderful feeling going with daily use of the products and lifestyle regimen prescribed. Necessories is your final stop, where you'll find the personal care products needed to continue your health and beauty regimen at home as well as a delightful potpourri of designer accessories and gift items. ets ne’ garment techniques. Perhaps the most successful of these is the new three-in-one con- cept. A polarfleece jacket (fully lined) zips into an outer water- proof breathable shell (also fully lined). The two can then be worn sepa- rately or together as an insulated jacket. This system has proven particularly practical in recent chmatic variations and for the long ski Seasons in Western and Eastern North America. The fashion area of skiwear generally ignores technical trends and pays most of its attention to style and color. Big bold prints and brilliant jewel-tone colors are hit- ting the North American market in full force this year, along with tex- tured fabrics, geometrical Aztec prints and whites. The oversized fook is still gain- ing popularity, as are one-piece suits and asymmetrical designs. Perhaps the largest portion of skiwear garments is sold to non- skiers. Streetwear is also undergo- ing the same changes in’ the technical and fashion areas, yet serves a much more practical func- tion and does not require all the “bells and whistles’? of actual skiwear. Much of what has been tradi- tionally called skiwear is basically active outerwear and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. A ENDSEF TERS Z St 10 year Anniversary Celebration - ge Summer Festival ‘. August 30 ZB \iam - 4pm Waterfront Park, Lonsdale Quay FREE ADMISSION © Door Prizes ¢ Refreshments © Hair & Fashion » Presentations © Proceeds to Lions Club Special Thanks to: Joico, Rajoc, Aloette Skin Core, Sports Toggery, Chantilly, Bridal Boutique, Kettle Creek Canvas Company, Grey Beverage, Be-Fit Enterprises, Fairweather’s, Old Dutch, Noils By Kelly, Carol’s Custom Comer & the Original Leather Factory. Tremel setter wy. cctios ony) 158 E. 2nd Ave. N.V. 985-1512 Ri REG. $65.00 PRICE! | European Facial | NG SLIM & TRIM 980-6814 NV of ANFEL ENT. 669-8839 VAN SPECIAL!!!) ASIII D= CORP! ALL STYLES. & ALL SIZES ALL COLOURS GALORE!!! NOW ‘21° NOW ‘39% § NOW °44% § FEETURES 15th & Lonsdale, N.V. 988-1100 Our Sizzling Summer sale is here again in West Vancouver! 0% Off & all sale items. Featuring top quality designs from Mondi, Mr. Jax, Steilmann, selected styles by Marg : 8 FINAL BAYS — HURRY Open Everyday Mon.-Sat. 9-9, Sunda 4404 Bellevue Ave., West Vancouver 3 — re Psea abe iw ORR Bh Renna en dane olby sips made a personal commitment to : ‘ the products and principles of La 4 Raffinage. Their glow of good health and vitality tells you it’s a program that works beautifully. You'll want to continue the refinement from inner glow to, outer image at Club Coupee, a