Spring fashion: Easy breezy chic by Nicole Bridger

Credit: Nicole Bridger Design

Embrace spring with fresh looks from Vancouver (eco-clothing) designer Nicole Bridger

While it’s probably not quite time yet to shed the winter layers, it’s definitely time for some spring-time dreamin’.

If you are looking for something beautifully subtle that is as rich in texture as it is touchably soft, look no further than Vancouver’s own Nicole Bridger.

A master in the art of draping and ruching, Nicole Bridger deftly creates polished, billowy looks with softly feminine silhouettes that are equally comfortable on the patio as on the runway. This “hybrid” of breezy chic is perhaps reflective of Bridger’s own journey in fashion, having interned with couture heavyweight Vivienne Westwood and also co-created Oqoqo, a special line of sustainable yoga wear that was sold in a Lululemon sister store but has now been incorporated into its main product line.

Nicole Bridger

www.nicolebridger.com

 

Available online and at select Vancouver boutiques.

 

From her Spring 2010 collection, Nicole Bridger’s gorgeous Grecian-inspired Goddess Skirt is made of
soy jersey.

 

SLIDESHOW: Nicole Bridger Spr 2010 collection >

Spring 2010 preview

The Nicole Bridger Design Spring 2010 collection is minimalist but enticing, a study in motion and movement, casual comfort and stylized cool. The expert draping makes you look like you’re basking in the springtime breeze even when you’re standing still or sitting pretty.

What’s more, most of these clean-lined, classic pieces can transition seamlessly between seasons, pairing well with winter favourites such as skinny jeans, jeggings, leggings, tapered pants, peep-toe boots, booties or classic pumps.

Perhaps accent with a long vintage gold chain or an understated, thin long necklace.

View lookbook >>

Earth-friendly threads

The collection is manufactured in Vancouver using breathable natural fabrics such as soy jersey (made from bean dregs, a natural by-product from soy oil production), organic cotton and linen, a natural fibre that requires very little processing.

Bridger makes a point to use up all her fabrics and continues to look for ways to recycle fabric scraps from the cutting floor. All the hang tags are made from consumer-recycled paper. She also visits the factory regularly to see first-hand that the working conditions are up to par. Having a sustainable practice is a very important part of her business.

“We are such a small business that we naturally have a small footprint already,” says Bridger, who works out of her home studio. And “I buy fabric from as close to home as possible to cut down on shipping emissions.”
 

Davinia Yip enjoys discovering new things, especially ones that she can eat or wear. She feels lucky to be living in Vancouver, and even luckier to be able to write about it from time to time. Twitter