Carol Crenna FASHION STATEMENTS STYLE FIRSTS and _ interesting new fashion trends don’t have to start in other closets. Instead of reaching for your predictable basics, learn to experiment with clothes, using your own closet as a laboratory of style. If you merge subtly forward styles with terrific separates that are already in your wardrobe, you will acquire a whole anew style know-how and have an image of fashion authority, Here is the strategy: Each time you shop, choose clothes to try on, then spend a couple of extra minutes to choose another item that is totally different, a change from your usual styling, colors or mood. Even if you end your search with something totally un- likely or over your budget, try it on anyway, as a way to open yourself to change. For clothing on the cutting edge, search out new and unknown designers who have fresh ideas. A new crop of on the fringe de- signers is mixing the classic with the unconventional for some great new looks; and these designers will not be duplicated at other clothing store chains. These consciously contrary de- signers are nipping at the heels of the better known and more expen- sive designers and they offer an alternative to the usual merchan- dise you can find at most bouti- ques. . These designers are often not represented by agents, do not advertise, do not make many of each style, and rarely repeat a style from one season to the neat. They often sell to stores from hastily transformed showrooms and showcase garments produced in makeshift manufacturing areas. They have labels that you would probably never recognize. They do, however, have their own col- lections that cleverly mix major trends with quality fabrics, details and workmanship. For all of their flash, they are not necessarily flash in the pan. Some of these designers will become notable names in the na- tional fashion world. This means that they are good clothing in- vestments. If you buy them when they are unknown, at novice 44 - Sunday. March 24, 1991 - North Shore News FASHION Designers on the cutting edge WEST VANCOUVER designer Lisa Wolfin draws on the 60s for her WearWolfin sheer baby doll dress (left); her artistic bustiers (right) are featured in her spring collection. price-, some day your stock value will climb. Every well-established Crenna’s quick snips JOAN MOVES ... A new shop called Joan’s at 2820 Granville St., offers fashion forward, an- drogynous women’s wear. Store owner Joan Druxman-Jones sug- gesis that the clothing in her poutique not be taken too serious- y. Most of the merchandise is one of a kind and much of it is revamiped antiques that have never been worn, all of which are ex- clusive to this store. Men’s vintage tuxedo jackets from California have had the lin- ings replaced and are given unique additions to the collar or lapel. One has a group of large crystals, amber and pearls, another has roses secured onto bows in a grouping, and = another has a whimsical set of miniature knives, spoons and forks. The jackets are designer started somewhere. One young upstart, who priced from $395 to $450 and are meant to be worn with leggings and baseball caps. Men's vintage white dress shirts have also been recycled for women with the addition of pearls or silver and gold studs clumped on the collar for $149. The accessories displayed at this shop are wonderful. Many are imported from New York and are made for Joan's. One belt in par- ticular features an antique belt chatelaine (a chain that attaches to the belt) in solid brass which holds an authentic Victorian dance card with names still inscribed on it from a_turn-of-the-century bail. manufactures from the recreation room of her West This one-of-kind item is priced at $550. BEAUTIFYING MEN ... Accord- ing to the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the amount of patients seeking new beautification through rhinoplasty (nose surgery), liposuction (reduction of fat) and silicone implants has doubled in recent years. One of the reasons is that there is an increase in men using these methods for rejuvenating their appearance, and reshaping their bodies with muscles that never were there. Reasons given for re- questing the costly surgery range Vancouver apartment complex, is Lisa Wolfin. Wolfin designs under the label WearWolfin for several boutiques in the Lower Mainland, as well as (o stores in California, Texas and Florida. A graduate of Los Angeles Fashion Institute, Wolfin moved to Paris where she designed even- ing wear at Christian Dior. Her family moved to Varcouver, and, homesick, 29-year-old Wolfin joined them three years ago. She began designing her own line upon arrival, using the skills she had learned in Europe. She imports many of her fabrics and buttons from Italy to obtain the same high quality, and stresses fine workmanship, although her prices are reasonable. Best known for her suit sepa- rates, Wolfin describes her businesswear as having ‘‘classic lines with unique, fashion forward touches.”? She has taken a more frivolous approach to her spring collection, however, and has put aside her suit line until fail "91. She designs ultra feminine 60s inspired baby doll dresses and blouses in sheer black or white chiffon. They have an ‘° empire waist, front buttoned yoke and long sleeves, selling for an average price of $80, depending upon the store that carries them. Wolfin has decided to concen- trate on the ‘‘art piece bustiers’’ featured in her spring collectioa due to the overwhelming response from retailers both in Canada and the U.S. These one of a kind pieces are hand painted and deco- rated with antique swatches of fabric for an artistically pro- vocative look. They are styled in three dif- ferent shapes, a cropped bandeau, a bra cut with straps and a fully boned corset style that reaches to low waist. All three looks have a supportive skeleton which is covered in nylon and polyester. The bustiers are covered with 30 different fabrics including a printed leopard chiffon, a soft pink and yellow floral print and a bold Pucci print. Fabric prints of all colors including metallic gold and silver create an ornate surface on the designs. They sell for $48 to $70 at stores which include Balfours, Parfait and L’Apparelle in Vancouver, After Five in Oakridge Mall, Batty’s Casuals in Coquitlam, Champagne Taste in West Vancouver and Boom- ingdales in Whistler. For her fali °91 collection, WearWolfin suit separates com- bine jackets, skirts, pants, blouses and bustiers in wool flannel and a unique wool/viscose imported from Italy. Jackets include bombers and kimonos that wrap with a belt closure at the front and a hip-cropped style that is covered with ornate imported but- tons on one side. Blouses and wrapped skirts are cut in a rich teal, fuchsia and rust floral printed rayon. Her suits will sell at Cavelli, Crianna’s, Azaida, Champagne Taste and L’Ap- parelle in September. er from men wanting to Stay as young looking as their wives and wishing to better a career image. Men from all areas of the work force from age 40 to 80 are having character lines and jowls removed, sagging eyelids tightened, face lifts and tummy tucks. Younger men who don’t find weight training successful are hav- ing abdomen muscles contoured for a muscular wash board fook with liposuction. Silicone is im- planted into calves, forearms and pectoral muscles for new defini- tion. Chins are also being redesigned with silicone.