SHELLEY KLASSEN SHINES WITH RESORT WEAR

If you're a woman who loves dresses, then Shelley Klassen is your designer. There's nothing outrageous to see here, and sometimes that's a good thing. From her award-winning boutique in downtown Vancouver, Klassen creates an amazing array of dresses and mix-and-match separates. Klassen is a self-proclaimed lover of all things feminine. "Embracing vibrancy in all aspects with color, print, and texture, each piece is uniquely designed to its calling." These clothes have beauty and function and are designed for the woman who wants to create a quality wardrobe that is chic and practical. The designer has a commitment to slow fashion and sustainability, from the fabrics she chooses to her construction practices.

Shelley Klassen is a designer who serves her customer and is always thinking about what her customer wants, to dress up, to go to work, and now, to go on vacation. "For the past few years, the pandemic has put vacations on hold, and now everyone wants to travel," the designer told me. "I found fabrics that spoke to me, and they said resort".

SHELLEY KLASSEN RESORT WEAR

What came down the runway was a collection where each piece related to the next. A wardrobe for the resort, cruise ship, or a summer staycation. " We wanted to create a collection that transports you to your dream resort vacation," said Klassen.

Easy elegant vacation clothes took the viewer to warmer climates and thoughts of beaches and pools. The dresses flow and flutter down the runway, bringing dancing to mind. Fabrics include light crepe, pleated chiffon, and textured knits. Klassen skillfully channeled the ease and comfort of these soft sultry fabrics into an array of silhouettes. The dresses are ruffled, there are wraps, and asymmetrical hemlines, and plenty of exposed shoulders. Wearable slip dresses in vintage-inspired silhouettes give eveningwear vibes. Adding to the vacation ambiance is the palette of cheerful colors with unexpected shades and hues, soft cloudy blue, rich berry tones, lavender, and deep coral. Several multi-colored delicate feathery prints are delightfully girlie and feminine.

RUNWAY PHOTOS BY ARUN NEVADER

Klassen gives a nod to the seventies with crocheted bralette tops and sexy short shorts, paired with floppy sun hats. There are plenty of knits they include a perfect cream coverup and a long-column dress that is the epitome of chic..

Other standout pieces include a blue halter dress with a handkerchief hem on a full-flowing skirt and a one-shouldered raspberry number with a ruffled skirt designed for that special evening. Elsewhere is a breathtaking pleated chiffon floral dress with a wafting overskirt.

This collection works because of the skill of the designer. The beauty is in its clean lines and uncluttered silhouettes. The clothes are crafted with a deep knowledge of how fabrics work on women's bodies. These clothes are graceful, feminine, and wearable, with a great sense of style. Visit Klassen and her team at her downtown Vancouver boutique.

DESIGNER SHELLEY KLASSEN , MYSELF AND WRITER MARILYN R. WILSON

CIAO FOR NOW J. ANDREW