The Ark

Credit: Hilary Henegar

The Ark at Main Street and East 10th Ave, Vancouver

International street styles made by indie local designers find a home in Main Street’s Ark clothing boutique

Wondering where the scenester set procures their latest threads? Look no further than Main Street’s Ark clothing boutique, where both guys and gals can buy the latest in clothing and accessories without breaking the bank.

Located in the heart of hipster paradise, the Ark location on Main is the only Canadian outlet for this small global network of fashion boutiques run by a group of friends (other shops are in Germany, Thailand and other international locations). And while the clothing may be hint at street fashion and trend spending, much of the decor harkens back to the 1950s when the building once housed a pharmacy.
 

The clothing is decidely non-mainstream, and most of the pieces are not available elsewhere in Vancouver. Many of the clothing lines are made by either international or local indie Vancouver designers, and recycled materials are used when possible.

According to one reviewer, “The prevailing Euro and Asian street looks appeal primarily to scenesters in their 20s, but anyone looking for something trendy to spice up their wardrobe, men and women alike, will find it here.”

So whether you are looking for a hat, coat, jeans or a belt, whether you’re a he or a she, Ark is the place where international and independent street style combine under one roof.

Heather Lochner is a stay at home mother and a freelance writer. She loves combing the neighbourhoods of Vancouver to find locally owned shops and restaurants. Together with her two children, husband and dog, she lives aboard her sailboat in Vancouver. When not at work or school, the Lochners are out cruising the B.C. coast.