One of a Few

Speaking of Gastown, the booming borough has yet another cool fashion boutique to choose from, but there is something that sets One of a Few apart from the others, so that instead there isn't a Few Too Many fashion boutiques gentrifying the place all to yuppy hell. Nestled in an angular space above Shine nightclub at the foot of Water street, this little gem is full of little gems.

Quickly becoming a fashion mecca, usurping the title from boring mainstream Robson Street, Gastown now hosts some of the cities best independant or at least pseudo indie boutiques. One of a Few fits in nicely with neighbours ALife , Richard Kidd, obakki, Livestock, Mooncruise, Occupied, Goon Pack, City of Pula, Dream, and the Block, and in fact offers up something different from some of the lines you'll find around the city such as Chulo Pony, Lacoste, Ben Sherman, Miss Sixty, Penguine, GSus, Paul Frank, and their ilk. This place has got hand made knits from LA, recycled leather wallets and one of a kind local designs.

The store itself is minimal yet quaint, with a spattering of antique artifacts, bright lights, and hardwood floors. My pal merida of Paperbird has some one off pieces; most of which has already gone to good homes. The house line was modestly introduced by store owner Michelle Rizzardo, who along with Dace Moore design these classic pieces under the label Nine. Ashley Watson follows in the tradition of local Erin Templeton, using recycled leather to create her wallets and purses. Also on the table near the front were hand made cards by Room3 and beautiful leather covers for journals, diaries, and sketchbooks by Bronsini. There is a big basket of big knits by Rebecca, and Melanie Auld's earrings and necklaces round out the local treasures.

Internationally there is Gauge, Porridge, Rogue 's Gallery, Rittenhouse, Wendy Hil, and Mon Petite Oiseau.

Michelle is super nice and unpretnetious and Gastown is lucky to have her. This store could be in any burgeoning metro; Montreal, Prague, Capetown, Sao Paolo. Vancouver is growing up.