GASTOWN MAGAZINE
FEATURED
NIKA DESIGN.
RESTORING WHAT MATTERS.
Story by Billie Norman.
In a world of fast fashion, Nika Design stands as an act of quiet resistance and rare mastery. For nearly two decades, founders Dino and Neda Pessione have shaped their Gastown atelier around a simple belief: great design endures—and every piece deserves a second life. Inside their studio at 309 Cambie Street, time slows to the rhythm of the craft. Scuffed boots, weathered bags, and vintage jackets are brought back to life with the same care once poured into their creation.
Their work is tactile and deliberate, rooted in old-world technique yet guided by modern intention. A recent restoration—a World War II leather jacket belonging to a customer’s grandfather—captures their ethos perfectly: not to erase history, but to let it live on through new hands and new stories.
When a devastating fire forced their move from Abbott Street, Nika Design chose to stay in Gastown, drawn by its resilience and raw character. “It’s where history and creativity meet,” says Neda—a perfect mirror of their work. Beyond the bench, the pair can often be found outside their shop tending to the street—hanging flower baskets, stringing lights, and quietly caring for the community they’ve long called home.
At Nika Design, every stitch speaks to something larger: community, longevity, and the timeless beauty of things made—and remade—with care. Alongside fellow artisans like E.C. Rare Books and Roldorf & Co., Nika Design carries on Gastown’s creative legacy, stitching past and present together, one piece at a time.eels fresh, without forgetting where it is.
SIISTA BOUTIQUE.
CURATED COOL.
Story Caitlin Goff.
In a time when brick-and-mortar retail faces relentless headwinds, SIISTA stands out as a story of optimism and intention. What began as a pandemic-born daydream has become a thriving boutique at 315 Cambie Street—a destination for curated style, apothecary, and lifestyle goods that feels both deeply personal and perfectly timed. For founder Alejandra Rivera, opening a store in this climate wasn’t a risk. It was a statement of faith in creativity and connection.
Originally launching as an online platform in 2020, SIISTA Boutique evolved through a series of pop-ups across Vancouver, where Rivera discovered that shoppers still craved an in-person experience. “SIISTA has gone through so many transformations over the past four years,” she says. “Trying things on, feeling fabrics, and connecting in real life…that’s what made me realize the value of a physical space.”
Inside, the boutique feels like stepping into a stylish friend’s world—warm, intentional, and effortlessly cool. Cult favourites like Damson Madder, Peachy Den, Eliza Faulkner, The Line by K, and Geel line the racks, blending timeless staples with playful character. Rivera’s curation reflects her own duality— part classic, part bold—and her belief that fashion is a form of conversation.
Choosing Gastown was no accident. “Out of all the neighbourhoods in the city, I always envisioned SIISTA here,” Rivera says. “When it comes to fashion and style, this has always been the part of Vancouver where I feel the deepest connection.” That connection is mutual. Gastown’s creative spirit and charm mirror the values that shape SIISTA— authenticity, individuality, and craft.
As a Latinx- and woman-owned business, Rivera’s boutique is more than a retail venture; it’s a belief in what independent shops still mean to a city. Together with neighbours like One of a Few, Neighbour, and Nettle’s Tale, SIISTA underscores Gastown’s role as Vancouver’s modern fashion corridor, proving that small, soulful spaces still have gravity in an age dominated by digital convenience.
NINE POINT AGENCY.
CRAFTING THE NARRATIVE.
Story by Billie Norman.
Since the 1970s, Gastown has drawn artists, designers, and dreamers to its brick-walled studios and loft spaces—a creative undercurrent that has never stopped moving. Today, that same energy fuels Nine Point, a PR and marketing agency rewriting the rules of modern storytelling.
“Gastown has an underground, resilient spirit,” says Vice President Malania Dela Cruz. “It pushes us to be bolder and challenge the status quo.” For Nine Point, that spirit isn’t just inspiration — it’s infrastructure. The neighbourhood’s history of risk-takers and rule-breakers mirrors the agency’s own DNA. Forget the old-school press release—this is strategy meets storytelling, where every campaign is designed to move culture forward. PR, for them, isn’t about headlines; it’s about engineering influence that’s as intentional as it is emotional. Each campaign blends precision and pulse: high-touch strategy paired with intuition for what’s relevant now. It’s boutique service with global impact, rooted in relationships, not transactions.
Their work with the Gastown BIA is a case in point. By weaving together heritage, street-level creativity, and media influence, Nine Point helps position Gastown as both a cultural catalyst and an economic driver—reminding Vancouver (and beyond) that this neighbourhood has never stopped making things happen.
In a world of fleeting trends, Nine Point’s work proves that relevance isn’t about keeping up—it’s about standing out. And in Gastown, where stories have always been currency, they’re helping write the next chapter of its creative legacy.
For those who build, imagine, and create—Gastown isn’t just history. It’s possibility.
HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO.
THE GLOBAL BRAND WITH LOCAL ROOTS. Story by
Caitlin Goff.
Before Herschel Supply Co. became a fixture in cities like Tokyo, London, and New York, it was first a Vancouver story. Founded in 2009 by brothers Lyndon and Jamie Cormack, Herschel Supply launched as a small local venture with the ambition to reimagine what a bag brand could be. What began as an experiment in functionality and form has since evolved into an emblem of modern creativity. And while now a global name, its identity remains deeply rooted in Vancouver’s landscape and ethos. Even today, the heart of Herschel beats strongest in the city where it all started.
“Vancouver is one of the rare places where city life and nature exist side by side,” says co-founder Lyndon Cormack. “We try to capture that balance in everything we do.” That duality—one foot in the city and one in the outdoors—anchors Herschel’s identity. The brand’s very name, taken from a small town in Saskatchewan where the brothers’ great-grandparents settled, serves as a reminder of that balance between exploration and home.
Gastown, for its part, knows something about producing icons. The neighbourhood’s brick lanes have long served as both incubator and flagship for Vancouver’s creative class. At 347 Water Street, Herschel’s Canadian flagship does more than
FEATURED
transact. Designed in collaboration with architect Omer Arbel, the space captures the rhythm of Vancouver itself, framing views of mountains, floatplanes, and passing cruise ships. “It feels less like a traditional retail store,” says Cormack, “and more like a place where both locals and visitors can connect with the essence of Herschel.”
Early pieces, like the Classic backpack, became favourites for their practical compartments and everyday versatility. They struck a balance between function and form that resonated with both commuters and weekend adventurers. That guiding intention has remained constant throughout the brand’s evolution. “We’ve stayed true to a design philosophy that blends timeless classics with a modern twist,” says Cormack. “What’s remained constant is our foundation of creating products that encourage curiosity and inspire adventure.” That approach has carried them from Water Street to every continent.
Innovation and storytelling sit at Herschel’s core, with collaborations like LEGO reflecting its shared sense of design and playfulness. “Together we were able to celebrate our shared values of design, creativity, and curiosity across generations.”
Sustainability continues to shape the brand’s direction, with recycled materials, repair support, and lifetime warranties reinforcing its commitment to longevity.
“No matter how far we go,” Cormack reflects, “coming home keeps us grounded.” Gastown isn’t just where Herschel began, it’s where the story returns.
CICA ART GALLERY. THE EDGE OF CONTEMPORARY.
Story by Caitlin Goff.
The Vancouver Centre of International Contemporary Art (CICA) adds a new layer of contemporary experimentation to Gastown’s storied landscape. Situated in a turn-of-thecentury heritage building at 228 Abbott Street, the gallery juxtaposes bold, global ideas with historic architecture, turning each exhibition into a dynamic conversation, a collision of perspectives that invites visitors to engage beyond the walls.
“By placing ourselves in the heart of this community, CICA both contributes to and draws inspiration from its crossdisciplinary spirit,” says Board Director and Curator Viahsta Yuan. “The interplay between historic architecture and the contemporary art we present creates a compelling tension.”
The gallery’s program pairs international recognition with experimental risk. This winter, Raghav Babbar presents a solo show exploring identity and cultural memory, marking the gallery’s first exhibition featuring an artist from the Indian diaspora. Alongside high-profile works, smaller, challenging projects test expectations and spark dialogue, giving the space a reputation that attracts both insiders and curious newcomers.
Outside, FutureVision, a mural by Zens with Case, Abscond, and Col, transforms Blood Alley with neon perspective lines. It references Vancouver’s history while hinting at what comes next, showing that the gallery does not merely wait for an audience, it draws one in.
In Gastown, CICA remains both a benchmark and a provocation. It anchors the city’s cultural conversation while staging its most forward-thinking exhibitions, insisting that contemporary art can be immediate, demanding, and undeniably present. Together with neighbours like ArtSpeak, Choboter Fine Art, Coastal Peoples, and Portal Pop-Up Gallery, CICA helps define Gastown as a living gallery—where heritage meets experimentation, and creativity spills from every corner.
L’ABATTOIR.
THE CULT OF CULINARY COOL.
Story Caitlin Goff.
Celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year, L’Abattoir stands as one of Vancouver’s defining culinary landmarks. Housed in a 19th-century brick-and-beam building on Carrall Street, the Michelin Recommended restaurant has brought a refined sensibility to the neighbourhood, shaping both Gastown’s dining culture and Vancouver’s culinary identity. The restaurant blends French technique with a distinctly West Coast influence under Chef Jasper Cruickshank’s direction. Seasonal rotations and enduring menu classics coexist, keeping the experience consistently engaging.
The space balances contrasts, with the warmth of wood against classic French tile and industrial bones softened by intimate corners. “One of the most recognizable design details at L’Abattoir is the French black and white tile that frames our bar and runs through the atrium,” says The L’Abattoir Team. “Beyond being visually striking, it feels like a reflection of who we are, polished yet welcoming, classic yet modern.”
“We were young and ambitious, and Gastown was a neighbourhood that attracted entrepreneurs like us,” says The L’Abattoir Team. “We all brought our own experiences and backgrounds to the table, which included many incredible hospitality and dining institutions. When we put that all together with our own passion for this industry, that’s what kick-started L’Abattoir.”
The details are where the restaurant’s quiet brilliance truly shines. Every gesture is intentional, from a millionaire shortbread patterned after the tiles to coasters aligned with the bar’s geometry. “Our Chef’s Menu would sum us up pretty well,” they add. “Our entire team is involved in creating it, from portion sizes and dishes used, to the order of flavours and beverage pairings – no detail is overlooked.”
Its Platinum Award-winning wine list, recognized by the Vancouver International Wine Festival, along with Head
Photo. Stephen Wilde
GASTOWN STYLE
DIESEL top and skirt from RODEN GRAY. NICHOLSON & NICHOLSON coat and SHYLA NURIA earrings from OUT & ABOUT. COS socks. GRAVITY POPE brown loafers.
Photographed at THE LANDING in GASTOWN.
GASTOWN STYLE
TRACEY NEULS from GRAVITY POPE
CAMIEL FORTGENS cable knit sweater from NEIGHBOUR. ACNE STUDIO jeans from RODEN GRAY. ASICS sneakers from ROWAN SKY. HIRO YAMAMOTO scarf from NEIGHBOUR WOMAN. EMANATION artwork by JAI SALLAY-CARRINGTON. Photographed at CICA GALLERY in GASTOWN.
all of the weather resistance and durability that’s made their bags legendary.
The Ascent Earrings. A SMJ signature shape and medium statement earring that gently curve in a graceful
CAPPELLERIA BERTACCHI. 151 Cambie St. Pill Box Hat. Expertly hand-blocked from luxurious 100% Italian wool felt, this pillbox hat blends timeless elegance with artisanal craftsmanship.
NEIGHBOUR OBJECTS. 51 Powell St. Bicolour Hourglass. A stylish mouth-blown hourglass by Hightide Penco to help you study, teach, or keep time in the kitchen.
BIA BORO. 83 E Cordova St. Haze by Solid State. A solid cologne with top notes of: Italian Lemon, Pine, Bergamot.
MAKE. 170 Water St. Anian Blanket. Made in Canada from warm, durable Agnello post-consumer recycled wool, the Florenzia Wool Blanket combines natural warmth with rugged durability.
CHALETT BOUTIQUE. 306 Abbott St. Moonlight Muse Blazer. A statement piece in white. Delicate lace embroidery and sheer tulle cuffs meet a perfectly tailored silhouette that is refined, feminine and effortlessly striking.
SARAH MULDER. www.sarahmulder.com.
movement adding a polished edge to any look.
FILSON. 47 Water St. Tin Cloth Bag. Made for traveling light and fast, with
OLD FAITHFUL. 320 W Cordova St. The Arum Portable Lamp. A versatile and mobile, this petite, portable LED lamp is rechargeable via USB-C, allowing you to create a cozy setting anywhere you go.
LE LABO. 225 Carrall St. Calone 17. This candle is light, the sea, and its breeze brought to your living room. Marine notes are mixed with geranium and amber for a striking result that transforms your house into a sea cottage.
NIKA DESIGN. 309 Cambie St. Hestra Driving Gloves. Lamb leather classic driving gloves. Comes in three colours: black, cognac and red.
THE BLOCK. 350 W Cordova St. Munich Bag Charm. A black coated steel carabiner bag charm with brass elements and a silky tassel. Handmade in Berlin by Ina Seifart.
JOHN FLUEVOG SHOES. 65 Water St. The Durandal. A sharper reincarnation of a valiant vintage Vog that arrives with adventure-ready upgrades, including the iconic pointed to cap, a 1.25-inch Masonite heel, and round waxed cotton laces.
Edition
An idiosyncratic series embracing a concise design that anticipates the wear of the individual.
SIISTA. 315 Cambie St. Bow Reversible Knit Vest by Cream. A sleeveless vest combines structure and softness with its straight silhouette, open front, and two bold bow tie closures. Subtly textured, fuzzy finish brings depth to its refined simplicity.
KIM PRINTS. 41 Powell St. Revolving “W” and Nine Maidens. Artist print by Keith Mckellar available at Kim Prints.
DUTIL. 303 W Cordova St. Dutil & Griffin Winter Sterling Silver Limited
Collaboration.
DRMERS CLUB. 45 Water St. Cherubs Cotton Knitted Sweater. Drawing inspiration from ancient art and mythology, these cherubs serve as symbols of resilience and grace. Finished with a boxy, slightly cropped silhouette.
CAFÉ KITSUNÉ. 157 Water St. Foldable Ripstop Tote. A foldable tote bag in lightweight ripstop canvas with two handles for hand and shoulder carry. This bag also contains an internal patch pocket that serves as a storage pouch.
OUT & ABOUT. 321 W Cordova St. Folding Umbrella. Handcrafted in Donzy, France by Guy De Jean, this folding umbrella combines function and artistry with its manual open design and signature waterproof resin rabbit head
INFORM INTERIORS. 50 Water St. Winter Wren Serving Bowl. Made by woodturner Myles Miller with locally sourced wood from the Cowichan Vallery.
TIMBERTRAIN COFFEE ROASTERS. 311 W Cordova St. Iced Banana Bread Matcha. A new creation from the Timbertrain team, made with house-made banana bread purée, your choice of milk, and finished with premium O5 Tea from Vancouver’s renowned tea specialists.
CHOCLAT FAVORIS. 14 Water St. The gourmet team at Choclat Favoris has concocted gift sets, each one more tempting than the last. Add a little holiday magic with their festive gift sets!
HERSCHEL SUPPLY. 347 Water St. Wallace Acid Wash Beanie. Quality that lasts. This soft cotton beanie is finished with an acid wash for a faded, vintage look.
JAUNCEY KICKBXNG. 211 Columbia St. #40. Boxing Gloves. First-edition gloves designed by Canadian kickboxing icon Josh Jauncey and stamped with his bold JJ mark. World-class pedigree with a Gastown edge.
ROWAN SKY. 334 W Cordova St. G.H. Bass Mary Jane Super Lug Weejuns. Discover the iconic women’s Weejuns from G.H. Bass. Crafted with heritage, quality and premium materials.
GASTOWN STYLE
FILIPPA K pinstripe blazer and trousers from THE BLOCK. OWNLEY top from SIISTA DUTIL eyewear from DURANT SESSIONS. Sister x Soeur boots from ROWAN SKY CLAUDIA SCHULZ cap. HERMAN MILLER EAMES GROUP aluminum chair from INFORM INTERIORS, photographed on their rooftop deck.
GASTOWN STYLE
Lilies from FLOBA FLOWER BOUTIQUE inside the BALETTI saddle mini bag from THE BLOCK. PLEATS PLEASE dress from NEIGHBOUR WOMAN. SWEDISH STOCKINGS socks from SIISTA GRAVITY POPE pumps.
HERSCHEL hoodie. YMC pants from THE BLOCK. NEDA post bag from NIKA DESIGN. RED WING boots from ROWAN SKY Photographed at SARAH MULDER’S studio in GASTOWN.
GASTOWN STYLE
KSENIA SCHNAIDER skirt from THE BLOCK. MOD REF top from SIISTA. ROSA MOSA clogs from GRAVITY POPE
DUTIL eyewear from DURANT SESSIONS HERSCHEL hoodie. SARAH MULDER bracelet and earring.
EVENT CALENDAR COMMUNITY EVENTS
NOVEMBER 13 - 16
Lumiere Festival
NOVEMBER 19 - 22
Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week: VIFW
NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 13
Taylor Swift Public Art Installations
Vancouver Edition
DECEMBER
Magic of Gastown
JANUARY 18 - FEBRUARY 14
Hot Chocolate Festival
JANUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 9
Dine Out Vancouver
FEBRUARY 1 - 28
Love Your City Contest
MARCH 3 - 10
Vancouver Cocktail Week
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
There’s a certain elegance to Gastown this time of year. The light softens against brick, the air smells faintly of rain and roasted coffee, and the streets seem to hum with quiet confidence. Autumn settles in—refining the edges, revealing the detail.
As we enter a new season of Gastown Magazine, the neighbourhood feels timeless yet ever-evolving. Here, heritage and modernity intertwine; style isn’t curated, it’s lived. Independent shops with global perspective, restaurants that glow from within on rainy nights, and galleries that bridge local artistry with world-renowned collections remind us that Gastown’s creative conversation spans continents.
Its energy is grounded but restless—driven by curiosity,
WEEKLY
MONDAY
Guilt & Co Live Music
2nd Floor Gastown Live Music
TUESDAY
Guilt & Co Live Music
The Lamplighter Pub Trivia
2nd Floor Gastown Live Music
Little Mountain Gallery Improv
WEDNESDAY
The Blarney Stone Trivia
Guilt & Co Live Music
The Lamplighter Bingo
Portside Karaoke
Smith’s Paint Nite
2nd Floor Gastown Live Music
Little Mountain Gallery Improv & Comedy
THURSDAY
The Cambie Karaoke, Live Music Outside
Guilt & Co GroundUp Live Music
Is That French Live Jazz Music
2nd Floor Gastown Live Music
Smith’s Live Music
Little Mountain Gallery Improv & Comedy
FRIDAY
The Blarney Stone Live Music
The Cambie Live Music
collaboration, and craft. Every block holds something in progress, proof that creativity here never really sits still.
So settle in with the Autumn/Winter 2025 edition of Gastown Magazine and explore eight pages of creative substance and style through the eyes of Style Director Claudia Schulz and Creative Director Trevor Brady.
A heartfelt thank you to the businesses, artists, and collaborators who opened their doors, shared their voices, and continue to shape the fabric of this neighbourhood. Your creativity and commitment continue to define the spirit of Gastown—and every page that follows.
Yours Truly, The Gastown BIA
Guilt & Co Live Music
Smith’s Live Music
2nd Floor Gastown Live Music
Little Mountain Gallery Improv & Comedy
SATURDAY
The Blarney Stone Live Music
The Cambie Live Music
Guilt & Co Live Music
Smith’s Live Music
2nd Floor GastownLive Music
Little Mountain Gallery Improv & Comedy
SUNDAY
Guilt & Co Live Music
Is That French Live Jazz Music
Pourhouse Live Music
Six Acres Sunday Social x Chess Gallery
Smith’s Live Music
2nd Floor Gastown Jazz Brunch
CONTRIBUTORS
Style & Fashion Director. Claudia Schulz
Creative Director & Fashion Photography. Trevor Brady
Editor. Elise Yurkowski
Publisher. Gastown BIA/Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) - programs@gastown.org
Models. Anna B, Family Management. Liam. People Watching Club. Makeup & Hair. LucyAnne Botham Production Assistance. Susanne Jeffs
GASTOWN MAGAZINE
