Women on South Main: Veronika Baspaly at Lark 8th Avenue

Veronika Baspaly (pictured at right, sitting with me during our interview) is co-owner of Lark 8th Avenue, one of my all-time favorite boutiques on Main St. Some of my recent purchases from Lark include a really unique grey plaid bubble dress by local label Sinbi, and a pair of Super Slim Kim Nudie Jeans - which fast became my favorite go-to pair. Veronika, an accomplished painter, founded the store 2 years ago with husband Dane. After working together in the film industry, they realized that they made a good team, and they "both liked pretty things" - thus Lark was born. Dane and Veronika chose to settle in South Main St because it seemed like the only "real" neighborhood in East Vancouver. With room for all kinds of people, Veronika feels that no matter who you are, you can live here and feel at home.

Their small space is open and airy, with a warm, relaxing vibe. A whimsical new addition to the store is a giant notepad that doubles as a seat or a table placed beside the changerooms, on which guys can doodle while their girlfriends are changing (or vice versa - Lark currently has more menswear than womenswear in stock). The shelves and racks are filled with an eclectic selection of apparel and accessories by local, Canadian and international designers.

Lark 8th Avenue will be going through a metamorphosis soon - they are almost ready to move into a new building, inhabiting the address currently filled by AION Gallery (2315 Main St). The new store will be the largest boutique on Main St, three times the size of their current location. There are also plans in the works to join forces with Dutch citybike masters Jorg&Olif, who will be moving all of their stock out of their current Cambie St storefront into Lark. Want a stylish and sophisticated bike that's perfect for cruising around the city? Stop by Lark for a test ride and find out what you've been missing.

New brands for spring include Drykorn and Paperbird Clothing. Paperbird is a local label that Veronika first fell in love with at Gastown boutique One of a Few. She describes its designer as a "mad genius" - creating unique designs that fit perfectly with Lark's quirky vibe. Dane and Veronika like to support local artists as much as possible, but they always insist on quality, stating "we don't take local because it's local, we take it because it's good".

For fall, Veronika is looking forward to introducing Danish label Malene Birger to the store's designer roster. This modern line does not rely on passing trends to sell, basing their design philosophy on an appreciation of timeless cut and impeccable construction. As always, they will be restocking Nudie and Denimbirds jeans for men and women. Fall 2007 will see a new style in stock - the High Kai - which (for the Nudie afficionados out there) is like the Thin Finn, but cut with a wider yoke and a higher back pocket placement.

They will also be unveiling new styles from their house brand, Lark, designed by Vanya Mcdonell and locally made. Last season's styles had a great reception, leaving Lark with only two pieces of each style left in stock. Veronika has been busy travelling to New York sourcing fabrics at Mood (yes, the one featured on Project Runway) to compensate for the relative lack of fabric selection in Canada. All of the clothing and accessories that Lark carries -including their house label- is closely tied in to Dane and Veronika's sense of personal style. Her fave designers carried by Lark 8th Ave include Denimbirds, Drykorn and Petit Oiseau (for women) and Bertoni and Nudie Jeans (for women).

Lark 8th Avenue is currently located at 152 E 8th Avenue. Visit their new website to join their mailing list and stay up-to-date on when they are moving and what's happening at their new location. From March 28th until mid-April, drop by to snap up designer goods at rock bottom prices! All of their old stock - men's and women's clothing and accessories - will be marked down by 30-70% for a huge moving sale.

Photos by Matt Simpson