North Shore designer forging a name for self in upscale casual wear

NORTH SHORE-raised Sandy Elliott is impeccably dressed in creamy crepe, her size 2 soft-shouldered jacket belted over matching palaz- zos of her own creation.

By Layne Christensen and Bean Cathro

As the couture-trained designer pulls out samples for her fall line. one would expect more of the same,

But for her debut collection, the 28-year-old has, instead, cho- sen to market something com- pictely different. Sweats.

These aren't the generic work- out-wear variety, EHiott is quick to point out.

Cut from cotten/lycra ottoman rib, custom knit and dyed to her exacting specifications, finished with litle details like double rows of stitching and toggies imported from Germany, Elliott's line is decidedly more upscale.

Available in Vancouver at E.A. Lee and on the North Shore at Margareta Design, her pieces carry a price tag of between $68 for a T-shirt or leggings and $145 for an oversized hooded jacket.

“By virtue of the price,” Elliott admits her line is attracting an older crowd, but the style is age- crossing.

The line is “ideal for a Vancouver lifestyle — going to Whistler, going boating ... and it fits.”

This final point is an important one for Elliott, who received her design training at Sugino Doreme Joshidaigaku, a prestigious design school in Tokyo. During her three years in Japan, the Handsworth grad was taught the haute couture method of garment construction.

“Vm happy I’ve learaed that way.” she says of her days spent learning to master a treadle machine and drafting patterns with pencil, eraser, ruler and French curve, all the while dodg- ing obstacles posed by instruction in a foreign language.

Upon graduation, Elliott returned home to land a job with North Vancouver-based Margareta Design where she developed a reputation for being “a psycho for quality” and fit. Designing “a hugely varied line — fleece, evening wear, coats,

ANNOUNCEMENT

Raymond's is pleased to introduce Betty Gillespie, formerly of Anch’s New J Reflections. A hair care specialist with § over twenty years experience, she would like to welcome & invite her clients to | visit her at...

RAYMOND SALONS

office wear, garden wear, ca wear, wool jersey separates..." for close to four years gave her the confidence and experience to go out on her own last December.

Her first patterns were cut on the kitchen table of the Yaletown highrise apartment she shares with a high-school chum. Smiling, she says, “I commandeered the break- fast room at home.”

Noticing a hole in the market for high-end casual wear, she put together a small collection and took her samples on the road last July.

“L was picky.” she says in her pursuit of the perfect retail cli- mate in which to sell her new fine.

E. A. Lee soon picked it up and called for a re-order within a week. Stores in Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Calgary and Red Deer came on board soon after. Last month ENiott hired a sales agent to rep her spring line, which she is confident will be available across Western Canada by the new year.

With such rapid growth it would be easy for a novice designer to let things spin out of control. But this young entrepre- neur's head is planted firmly on her shoulders.

“fm not psychotically ambi- tious. | don't have a desire to be across Canada. And | don’t want to get in the hole.

“Md rather keep it profitable and keep a handle on it. I don’t want to promise what [ can’t deliver.”

For now, Elliott is content to deliver high-quality sweats to an exclusive clientele and to build a sotid base upon which she can launch into other areas of interest — future plans include a line of softly tailored suits, something more her style.

After all, as this ambitious self-starter puts it, “Il don’t want to be the Queen of Sweatstuff for- ever, thank you very much!”

NEWS phoios Cindy Goodman FORMER NORTH Van resident and designer Sandy Elliott has faunched a line of upscale casual wear. Priced between $68 and $145, the age-crossing pieces in her fall collection are sewn up in a comfy ottoman-ribbed cottonfycra knit. The Sandy Eliiott label is available on the North Shore at Margareta.

Give Yourself the Ultimate Gitt: Younger Face for Christmas

O {course it's wonderful to buy gifts for your friends and loved ones ...

but what about you?

I know from my own experience how great it feels to look years younger. It's the ultimate gift a wornan can give to

herself... and you can too!

If you're tired of seeing another line or sag in the mirror, facial toning is

the process you've been looking for. It's simple, it's effective, and it really

does work.

Just give us a call to arrange for your personal consultation and sample treatment. You'll be on your way to a

Carol Crenna, Fashion Columnist

"This process is for women of all ages who want to look better and look younger. This is a service that really

works!" ant

radiant, younger looking face just in Gisele Rasmussen, 42, Clinic owner/manager

time for the holiday season!

OPTIMA

FACIAL TONING

Call 988-7754 for a Free Consultation and Sample Treatment

#7 - 1480 MARINE DRIVE NORTH VANCOUVER