News

  • A Note from Kim, our Social Media Manager

    Published Feb 07 2019 in Kim, social media manager, staff updates, what's new

    I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited about a new job as I was on my first day at Cherry Velvet. I knew I loved the product and the brand, and I was looking forward to workdays spent using words and images to promote gorgeous dresses across the internet.

    I knew that there was an enormous amount I could learn in this role. It’s been amazing to watch the design process, and to see how a concept becomes a garment. I came to more fully understand what “Made in Canada” really means, and I was proud to be working at business run by a female entrepreneur whose business model insisted that every stitch be sewn here in BC. I also fell in love with the fabric selection process – there is so much cool stuff out there! No spoilers allowed, but let me simply say that there are some awesome dresses coming.

    Working the studio shops was incredibly rewarding. I know how difficult it can be to find outfits that make you feel good. Today’s stores are full of cheaply-made, disposable clothing that fits poorly and flatters few. At Cherry Velvet, my most memorable shoppers were the ones who came in with low expectations, defeated from past shopping disappointments. It was a joy to watch the excitement level grow when they realized that they looked amazing, not just in one dress, but in so many styles! I joined in the giddiness when shoppers discovered fabrics that suited them perfectly. Having friends who came by and ending up finding things they loved was an excellent added bonus.

    Unfortunately, my time at Cherry Velvet is ending. Why? Every time that my partner and I have visited the Okanagan, we’ve wanted to stay. He was way down the transfer list, so we thought it would be years before we could get out of the city and into the small-town life we were craving – we were shocked when we were told that he’d start at the Kelowna office in March 2019! Relocating means that I need to leave my position here.

    I started as a Cherry Velvet customer, and became a proud team member. Now, I’ll go back to buying and wearing the dresses as a consumer (this Stacy dress is at the top of my shopping list!), but I’ll keep my pockets full of business cards. I need to keep telling the world why this is a great company with wonderful products, and I will keep spreading the gospel of retro class with modern sass!

    Farewell... but not good-bye!

    XOX Kim

  • Dresses with Sleeves

    Published Jan 31 2019 in Dress, New Arrivals, Pin Up, Roxy, Shelly, Stacy, what's new

    One of the advantages of being a small business is getting to know your customers. We love meeting you, seeing your photos on social media, and hearing your feedback. You told us that you want dresses with three-quarter sleeves, so here they are!

    Craving Coverage

    Many women tell us they feel more comfortable with covered arms, often because of perceived flaws. Those wonderful upper limbs that we use to carry and dance and hug get subjected to endless scrutiny. Of course, we love your arms (and all your other beautiful body parts!), but feeling confident is paramount. If you feel your best with coverage between your shoulders and elbows, we’re here to help.

    Asymmetrically Adorable

    Our Shelly dress has been one of our favourites in recent years. With a deliciously full skirt, Shelly has excellent twirl potential, and the buttoned cuffs finish the sleeves perfectly. The star of this design is the neck detail – three sweet buttons and a two angled straps draw the eye. This dress is currently available in three lovely prints.

    Ravishingly Retro

    Roxy joined our collection last year. This dress has a wonderfully vintage vibe, with an open portrait collar and a crinoline-ready skirt. The Roxy comes in five solid jewel tones, and blends beautifully with a multitude of accessories.

    Flattering Fit

    Our newest 3/4 sleeve dress is the Stacy. This cut was created to highlight your assets, with a ruched bodice and a chevron shaped underbust design that emphasizes your waistline. Right now, you can get Stacy in a spicy, fire-engine red, and a deep, regal purple – stay tuned for black and navy pinstripe versions coming soon!

    Remember, we also sell shrugs, so sleeves can be added to any of the dresses you love. And please keep telling us what you want to wear, because we’re listening!

    XOX Cherry Velvet

  • Get Ready for Galentine’s Day!

    Published Jan 23 2019 in Dress, Holidays

    Let’s face it – Valentine’s Day can be stressful. If you’re in a relationship, there are so many expectations built up around creating a perfect date. If you don’t have a significant other, you’re inundated with media messaging about how supremely important romance is supposed to be in our lives. How did it all get so complicated?

    Remember when we were in grade school, and we used to give out Valentine’s cards? They were handwritten and sweet, and we all gave one to everyone in the classroom.

    Let’s get back to celebrating friendship. Get ready to celebrate Galentine’s Day!

    Did you know?

    We did some homework, and learned that the Galentine’s Day tradition originated in 2010 in an episode of Parks and Recreation. The show’s lead character, played by Amy Poehler, throws her annual "Galentine's Day" party for her female friends. This festive event takes place on the day before Valentine's Day, and is all about celebrating the unique bonds between women.



    How do I celebrate?

    Make a plan to celebrate the fabulous women in your life.

    We lean on our female friends, because we know we can. These are the ladies who are there for you through every crisis, every celebration, every upheaval, everything! Think back to some off the best times in your life, and we’ll bet that your girlfriends were involved in more than a few.

    On February 13, gather your besties and enjoy the laughter and joy of an epic girls’ outing.

    What should I wear?

    A night out is more fun when you all primp and prep and sparkle! Choose a Cherry Velvet dress with flowers or hearts, like our Brigitte dress in Sacred Heart, for a themed look.

    We’re having a Studio Shop on Friday, January 25, 2pm-7pm, and on Saturday, January 26, 11am-5pm – bring your friends and find the perfect outfits for your Galentine’s Day celebration.

    XOX Cherry Velvet

  • Bring on the Bling!

    Published Jan 11 2019 in jewelry, New Arrivals, Pin Up, what's new

    A fabulous necklace or pair of earrings can add just the right finishing touch to any of our vintage-inspired dresses. When that retro style jewelry is handmade right here in beautiful British Columbia, it just makes sense for us to offer it on our website and in our studio. Choose your favourite!

    Signature Sparkle

    It’s no secret that we love cherries. Our new Cherry Bling set celebrates this iconic fruit with a truly delicious dose of glitter. The red version is available now, and the pink and maroon versions will be online soon.

    Hot Stuff

    For a truly “striking” look, check out our Light My Fire necklace. Inspired by matchstick-themed textile prints from the 1940's, the metal pendants and earrings have hand-enameled red tips.


    Captivating Shades of Shimmer

    There’s definitely some magic in our Atomic Lights set. This dazzler captures the eye, reflecting shades of purple, magenta, blue, turquoise, and green.


    Awesome Atomic

    If you keep an eye on our website, you’ll have noticed that many of our models have been wearing our Atomic necklaces. The Black Atomic is infinitely versatile, and we also adore the Burgundy, Hot Pink, and Ruby Red versions. With mid-century modern design and lustrous glass beads, you’ll want them all!


    (If you’re wondering about that adorable bowling fabric, stay tuned... It’s a sneak peek at our upcoming Strikes & Spares dress.)

    Whichever set you choose, remember to snap a photo and tag us on social media – we love to see how you make these pieces your own!

    XOX Cherry Velvet

  • Happy Holidays!

    Published Dec 21 2018 in Dress, Holidays

    Here at Cherry Velvet, we’re really proud of what we do.

    It’s so rewarding to see a customer’s face when the fit is just right, and the colour and pattern help create a new favourite look. We love seeing pictures on social media and hearing stories about how gorgeous we helped you look and feel. There’s also a lot of satisfaction that comes from knowing that we’re supporting the local economy by having our dresses sewn here in Vancouver, and from purchasing accessories and bath products from other BC small businesses.

    We couldn’t do it without you, our wonderful, unique, beautiful customers. Your support and business means the world to us. We want to thank all of you who tell the world much you love Cherry Velvet; every tag on Facebook or Instagram, every forwarded email, and every business card you pull out of your handy dress pockets is extremely appreciated.

    Whichever holiday you celebrate, we hope this season brings you much joy and laughter. May your December days be filled with friends, family, and fun – and we wish you all the best for 2019 and beyond!

    XOX Cherry Velvet