News » #canadianfashion

• Cherry Velvet: Buy, Sell and Trade

  Published Oct 03 2023 in #canadianfashion, #cherryvelvet, #cottondresses, #ethicalfashion

  We heard you and it took some time but we are excited to announce that we finally launched a 'Buy, Sell and Trade' group on Facebook! 

  This group was started by popular demand we've received feedback from customers looking for a community of like-minded individuals eager to find somewhere to sell or trade their Cherry Velvet dresses they no longer fit or wear but also those looking for past styles to add to their collection.

  We take so much pride in our dresses' longevity and want people to enjoy them for years to come. What better and more eco-friendly way than to trade or sell them? What's no longer new to you could be to someone else!

  The group can be joined by sending a request directly on the page itself. We've decided to do it this way to keep spam and scammers at bay and to have a positive group of folks who share a similar style.

  So if that sounds like you, we'd love to see you there!

   

   

   

   

• Blast from the Past: Danielle is back!

  Published Jul 20 2022 in #canadianfashion, #cherryvelvet, #newarrivals, #pinupperfectionphotography

  Flash back in time to the year 2012 when our lovely assistant and model muse Danielle worked with us at Cherry Velvet HQ. We named a dress after her that was as cheeky as she is! It had style, it had class and a wee bit of sass! This photo was from the very first time she ever modeled for us (wearing the Ava dress.) Photo credit: Pin-up Perfection PhotographyFast forward ten years and we’ve re-launched the adorable Danielle dress and tweaked her up to a 2.0 version with deeper pockets and a sharper collar. You'll find the same row of buttons, the cute wrap around collar that frames a v-neckline and the best view of all, a bra friendly V shaped cut out back! The best part is that this time Danielle is modelling her namesake dress!

  
  It was wonderful to see Danielle again after so many years and to catch up with her. She been busy! Married with a handsome hubby and three adorable girls!

  Plus they’ve started their own business too! If you’re in Hope check out Mountainview Brewing Co! Already a popular place to hang out! Taco Tuesdays and Beergarita anyone!?

  What a fun day we had with Danielle and these two cuties!

  Our 'new' classic Danielle Dress is available in 6 lovely prints, which one is your fave?

  

  XOX Cherry Velvet

• A Library of Dress designs: Chapter "S" ~ Part 2

  Published Jul 13 2021 in #canadianfashion, #cherryvelvet, #madeincanada, #pinup, #pinupdress, #plus

  Welcome back to part 2 of the sassy, sexy "S" dresses. We hope you are enjoying a look back at these feisty frocks designed to fit and flatter your curves.

   

  SOOKIE

  Good enough to sink your fangs in to! Diane was watching the HBO show True Blood when she took notice of the cute frocks worn by Sookie Stackhouse. There was a scene in particular that stood out; when Bill and Sookie travel to Fangtasia and she is referred to as 'Vampire Bait' in her flirty little sundress. And so, in the Spring of 2023 the Sookie dress came to be. We love her playful vibe with the full skirt and flirty gathered bust.

  

  

  

  SOPHIA

  Diane introduced Sophia to give a little extra va-va-voom to your style (à la Sophia Loren). This fetching party dress appeared in fall of 2012 with flirty peek-a-boo shoulders, a sweetheart neckline, three quarter sleeves and a beautiful full skirt that was lovely with a crinoline. This one was especially flattering for a fuller bust and only made once. The Sophia dress debuted at our Save-On Meats photo shoot, don't you love the nostalgic, retro diner vibe?
  

   

  STACY STRIPES

  The Stacy dress was first conceptualized in 2014 and from the beginning was designed to be made for striped fabric. If you look closely at the pattern, you can see how Diane planned it to be compatible with stripes which are notoriously difficult to match up and look good. The first sketch is the original design with cap sleeves.

  By the time Stacy was produced in spring of 2019 the design was modified to have three-quarter sleeves and was offered in a jaunty banker pin stripe in two colours; Black and Navy. The V-neckline and gathers at the bust added interest while the vertical stripes were slimming (we love that!)

  
  

  STELA

  Stela was a fabulous party dress introduced for Holiday 2013. She was made in a stretch cotton sateen and her full skirt looked amazing with a crinoline. The scoop neckline was accented with a flirty notched detail. There was a bow at the empire waist and three quarter sleeves with gathers finished off the look.

   

   

  SUZY

  Suzy Sundress was a fun one; this cheeky shorter dress was designed for summer picnics and beach days. The cheerful prints, wide straps and sweetheart neckline were completed with Ric Rac trim around the bodice and pockets for a vintage look. This adorable dress was featured in our unforgettable Retro Road Trip photo shoot.

  

  

  
  
  
  

  

  Revisiting these dresses brings back happy memories of good times at these fun photo shoots. We appreciate being a part of your celebrations and hope our dresses add joy to your events.
  
  The next exciting installment of our dress archives will be the last one,  T - Z dresses. Stay tuned ...

  XOX Cherry Velvet

• A Decade of Darling Dresses

  Published Jul 09 2021 in #10yearanniversary, #canadianfashion, #cherryvelvet, #cottondresses, #pinup, #plussizepinup

  Milestones are meant for celebration, and Cherry Velvet is about to reach a big one: 10 years of retro class with modern sass!

  
  
  For those of you who’ve followed our brand, you’ve likely heard the Cherry Velvet origin story. Diane Kennedy, our founder and designer, already had a line of beautiful clothing designed to fit modern women’s bodies and lifestyle. She then found herself looking for the perfect dress, and simply couldn’t find it. Being the entrepreneur that she is, Diane decided to start making fabulous dresses that she loved to wear. Cherry Velvet was born in July of 2011.

  

  There are many constants that have defined our brand over time. Our dresses are made to fit and flatter the female figure, with comfort and eye-catching style. With long-wearing fabrics and handy pockets, they’re also tremendously easy to care for and wear. Of course, there are the prints – Diane scours the internet and finds stunning colours, charming prints, and dazzling patterns.
  
  We’re also so very proud to be consciously Canadian. Our dresses are designed, sold, and shipped from beautiful British Columbia, and our ethical creation process is a defining element of the company.

  But what’s the most critical part of the chronicles of Cherry Velvet? It couldn’t be more simple – YOU. Our fabulous customers have given life to our dresses. Watching your eyes light up when you find the perfect fit, or seeing your gorgeous smiles in the photos you post and send… That’s why we do what do, and why we’ll keep doing it.
  
  So let’s celebrate! On July 16, we’ll be releasing three lovely and highly limited designs. Naturally, these anniversary dresses will be our most popular and beloved styles: Norma, Doris, and in a very special return, Elly. The prints are just as colourful and unique as you’d expect.

  
  
  We want to take that joy you feel when a new dress arrives and multiply it, so we’ll be adding exclusive swag with each shipment of our special releases. Each anniversary pack will also include a limited edition, numbered paper doll print, to commemorating the occasion. Make sure you order early, because these added goodies will only be available while supplies last.
  
  Stay tuned and be prepared to want them all!

  XOX Cherry Velvet 

• A Library of dress designs : Chapter "L"

  Published Apr 28 2021 in #10yearanniversary, #canadianfashion, #cherryvelvet, #dressdesigns, #madeincanada, #pinupdress, #plussizepartydress, #plussizeretro

  Take our walk down memory lane this week to revisit the "L" dresses. Many of these dresses were especially designed to go out on the town and party in style. Remember those good old days?

  LANA

  Beginning with the Lana party dress; this one was designed to dazzle after dark in Jacquard and sparkle fabrics. This dress was perfect for dancing the night away; with a shapely V-neckline, glimmering fabrics and a full-circle skirt. It was especially pretty with a crinoline to emphasize the fullness of the skirt in a twirl.

   

   

  LEAH

  The Leah dress was named after our sales agent, that's been with us for many years (like more than 10 years!) and also models for us. There were two version of this dress, the first of which being the Lace version. It had a layer of lace over a comfortable cotton lining. There were three versions: Royal lace over nude, Black lace over nude and Black lace over Black.

  

  

  This was also a limited edition version in jade green with a black flocked velvet damask print.

  

  LEANNE

  The Leanne dress was named for a lovely and very clever customer that collects Cherry Velvet dresses. One day, Leanne came to visit us at the studio and showed us her library on her phone with all the prints and dresses she owned. This was her way of making sure she knew what she already had in her collection and what she wanted to buy next.  What a great idea for coordinating her closet!  

  

  

  Leanne is currently available now and all are on Sale here!

  

  

  LISA

  Lisa was an adorable sun dress. This easy-going beauty debuted the Summer of 2016 in cool cotton. The prints were carefree and perfect for a pool party or beach BBQ. The photos show the sweetness and whimsy of this fun style.

  

  

  

  LUCY

  Lucy made her appearance in the fall of 2014, debuting at our Canadian Museum of Flight photo shoot.  This vintage inspired dress was special with only two colours offered. Lucy featured a sweetheart neckline edged in ric rac. The fabric was stretch-cotton sateen and looked amazing on curves with a crinoline. She was named after Lucille Ball, because who doesn't love Lucy!

  

   

  

  That's it for the "L" dresses of yesteryear. It is so fun to see these styles again as we plan for the new ones that are coming in soon. Cheers to soon having more occasions to celebrate with party dresses!

   XOX Cherry Velvet

   

• A Library of Dress Designs: Chapter "G - I"

  Published Apr 09 2021 in #10yearanniversary, #canadianfashion, #cherryvelvet, #ethicalfashion, #pinupdress, #vintagedress

  Wow, we've sure made a lot of styles over the years for you to enjoy; so many that it's hard to remember them all! It's been so fun to look back at our dress designs, remember how they came about and reminisce over the prints that were carefully chosen for them. 

  This week is all about the 'G' to 'I' dresses. With the last one being named after a very special young one.

   

  GIGI

  The Gigi sundress debuted in the Spring of 2012. With it's wide, bra covering straps and sweetheart neckline, it was a real charmer. Popular prints included gingham, birdcages and Moorish tiles. The brightest colour combos were the first to sell out.

  

   

  

   It's also fun to look back at some of our early marketing....

  

  GINGER

  Think of a perfect dress for a Hawaiian vacation and something close to the Ginger might come to mind. Even the prints were tropical. Named after Ginger from Gilligan's Island, she had some serious sex appeal. She was one of the few dresses we did with a pencil skirt. It also had the sweet addition of a tie belt.

  

   

   GRACE

  The Grace was a sweet and flirty little sundress. She appeared only once in the summer of 2013 although we did make a similar style later called the Phoebe. She had some seriously cute nautical prints and also one that was aptly named Spirograph.

  

   

   

  

  

  

  HAZEL

  Our Hazel dress joined us in the Fall of 2023. Named after 1950's Hollywood starlet Hazel Brooks this charming day to day style is full of vintage flair! It features a 'longer' short sleeve and beautiful pleated 'wrap style' bodice.

  

  

   

  INGRID

  Leading lady of the silver screen Ingrid Bergman inspired this timeless dress. Ingrid was a spin-off of our popular Norma dress but with added short sleeves and a little bit more length in the skirt. If you are familiar with our Norma you know the fit is absolutely fabulous and it makes 'the girls' look amazing and this dress followed in those same footsteps.

  

  

  

  ISOBEL

  Our youngest fan is the inspiration for the name for this fun sundress. Isobel, also known as "The Littlest Velvet", loved visiting our studio with her parents. Her mom, Brandi, is a long-time customer with a full closet of fabulous CV dresses, and her dad, Jon, modeled our men's shirts for us. Isobel herself owns 3 Cherry Velvet dresses that she used to wear just for dress-up to be like her mom. This photo was from a very early visit to our studio with her Dad. For a school project she was trying out being a fashion designer for the day. It warms my heart to name a dress after this sweet girl. 

   

  

  Isobel's namesake is a fun and versatile sun dress with a little something extra; a front zipper that allows you to decide whether or not you want to share a peek of cleavage. You'll want one of these if you've owned a Marie dress and love a front zip. Isobel will debut in a series of bright and flirty prints any minute now - we can't wait to share them with you!

  
  XOX Love Diane