Luxury shopping aficionados are elated that Holt Renfrew has relaunched pop-up shop installations on the walkway between CF Pacific Centre and the third floor of Holt Renfrew in Vancouver. Kicking-off in the 2,000-square-foot space is an exclusive Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh pop-up that is sure to bring shoppers back downtown.
The Vancouver Capsule collection opened to the public this month and will be gone by October 1st. The exclusive collection is presented in a re-designed space that aims to embrace “sophisticated, modernity” using fixtures comprised of materials such as welded mesh and white osb – complemented by fuchsia metals, fluffy baby blue seating, and sprawling logo carpet.
The corridor is a continuous sequence of different materials and designs – large-scale windows are (in true Virgil Abloh style) dominated by a huge Off-White neon logo.
The Vancouver Capsule Collection runs the gamut of west coast casual chic and includes classic hoodies, tees, denim, and jackets. Accessories include logo beanies, a Jitney bag, and a shoulder bag but with special edition baby blue, black and metallic silver print colourways that embrace Off-White’s classic logo.
The Vancouver pop-up is a partnership with local luxury streetwear retailer Feuille, which operates a standalone store across from Holt Renfrew at 565 Howe Street.
Established in 2013, the Off-White label has not been without controversy as it continues to seek to define the grey area between black and white as a colour, often with Abloh’s controversial ‘3% Design Rule’ bringing him to legal loggerheads with other designers and his fans. Most recently, the Abloh designed Louis Vuitton Spring 2021 Collection and the Marc Jacobs/Van Beirendonck ‘reference’ may bring the largest legal challenge to date.
OFF-WHITE SHOE DISPLAY AT VANCOUVER POP-UP. PHOTO: OFF-WHITE 
OFF-WHITE SHOE DISPLAY AT VANCOUVER POP-UP. PHOTO: OFF-WHITE
Off-White in Vancouver
The Off-White store in Vancouver launched in an obscure location in the laneway between the 1000 blocks of Alberni and Robson Street in April 2018. An ambitious undertaking that spans an impressive 4,300-square-feet over two floors.
The unique site was chosen by Off-White’s founder and creative director, Abloh, for its proximity to wealthy shoppers and the presence of youth culture. The interiors are spacious with the design executed by Vancouver-based design firm Cutler.
Off-White in Toronto
North America’s first Off-White store opened in Toronto in early 2017, measuring about 2,400-square-feet on a single level at 83 Yorkville Avenue. That boutique is part of a partnership with local multi-brand retailer CNTRBND which will soon be announcing another Toronto storefront.
