News » New Arrivals

  • Frocks In The Time Of COVID-19

    Published Mar 17 2020 in Cherry Velvet, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Dresses, New Arrivals, new dresses, Norma, Studio Shop

    During this complicated time, we have still decided to open up for shopping on the 20th and 21st of March. We’d like to talk about this decision, and the current state of things.

    Here at Cherry Velvet, we typically don’t have much close contact. There’s only 4 of us (Hi from Diane, Logan, Tracy and Julia!), and we sit about 12’ apart in the office. We only have customers in occasionally, on scheduled appointments and, twice a month, for our studio shops. As it is, we’re usually pretty isolated.

    But we have fun here so it’s okay!

    We’ve decided to open up for shopping amidst the current COVID-19 situation largely because… we’re not that large! Your regular shopping mall retailer will, each day, receive hundreds of customers and be manned by over a dozen staff members. But the nature of our business means that much of it is done online, and only a limited number of shoppers come by when we open up.

    In our province (British Columbia), social gatherings of over 50 people have been cancelled for the time being. That said, our studio’s capacity is about 10 people at maximum, and we normally have under 5 guests at a time. It’s a comfortable shopping experience, and you will still maintain a reasonable distance.

    Cherry Velvet studio shop
    Hugs were allowed around Christmas time, but not currently encouraged ;)

    We will, of course, maintain our standards of hygiene, and have our bathrooms equipped with the most luxurious, delicious hand soap (by Barefoot Venus) for all your disinfecting needs. We also gently ask that if you or someone very close is ill, that you stay home and rest for this one! You can always shop online!

    Another reason why we’d still like to open up shop is that we’ve just received brand new frocks in super exciting prints! We have not made these available online yet (although we’re hoping to soon), so the best way to see them at the moment is to come try them on in person!

    Diane Kennedy holding Norma dresses

    We believe that, in this trying time, we should not fall into despair. Even during periods of seclusion, dressing up for the day and treating yourself well can have a powerful impact on your mood.

    So, wear a pretty dress and lift up your spirits!

    We’ll make it through this!

    XOX Cherry Velvet

  • NEW DRESS ALERT! :: Introducing The Leanne

    Published Feb 28 2020 in Cherry Velvet, Design process, New Arrivals, New Dress, prints, what's new

    May me introduce you to our freshest creation... The cool, new girl in town... 
    Welcome our latest dress - The Leanne!

    We've named her after one of our most committed (and tall!) customers :)

    Customer Leanne with many dresses at Cherry Velvet
    Leanne has photos of all her Cherry Velvet prints in her phone. Isn't that smart!

    As always, it was of the utmost importance for us to design a frock that flatters. That’s why our designer, Diane, always makes 2 different patterns for each style; one for regular sizes, as well as one for plus sizes. This ensures the scaling is a perfect fit for every size.

    With this design, we aimed to create a new classic. We wanted a dress that is the ideal canvas to feature new, exciting (and most importantly, beautiful) prints. A look that’s a crowd pleaser. Gorgeous garb with new, BIGGER pockets.

    Can we all get a hell YAY!?

    Dress with pockets meme

    In this first release of The Leanne, we picked some wonderful prints that had our hearts fluttering in excitement. We’re sure there’s a print that will make your heart flutter, too!

    To demonstrate its beauty, we created these simulated images - These frocks are still factory-fresh and have not had the pleasure of having their own photoshoot yet.

    Let's begin with our "Infinity & Beyond" print. Space themes have always been highly requested, and galaxies are both beautiful and awe-inspiring. It's no wonder this subject seems to captivate so many; We're all made of stardust, after all.

    Leanne dress in Infinity & Beyond by Cherry Velvet

    From the highest height of space, to the deepest depths of our wonderous ocean, we present our "To Dive For" print! This look is all about the unique vastness under the sea, featuring beautiful reefs and colourful marine life.

    Leanne dress in To Dive For by Cherry Velvet

    Some would say this print reminds them of the classic Windows 2000 screensaver. Points for nostalgia!

    Looking for something sweeter? When you set your eyes on our "You're My Jam", which is a classic "strawberries on the vine" print, you can practically smell the Smuckers! Don it, and it dawns on you; the thought of picnics in the sunlight, daisy chains and decadent fruit pies cooling on a windowsill.

    Leanne dress in You're My Jam by Cherry Velvet
    ...At last (but not least), our two final offerings:

    Full of tropical treasures; these vibrant themes will bring summer fun with you, wherever you go. BUT! These two beauties are still unnamed, so make sure you follow us on our Facebook and Instagram, and participate in our popular, upcoming "Name That Print" contests!

    Leanne dress with Tiki Cocktail Cups print by Cherry Velvet

     Leanne dress with tropical birds print by Cherry Velvet

    We hope you love our Leanne dress, as much as we love Leanne, herself. ❤️
    It was our pleasure to announce this dress with prints it will come in and we hope this teaser has tickled your fancy!

    The Leanne is available online right now - click here to see it!

    Come try it on at our next Studio Shop:

    Friday, March 6th - 2pm to 7pm
    Saturday, March 7th - 11am 5pm

    XOX Cherry Velvet

  • Events Calendar NOW LIVE!

    Published Jun 07 2019 in Cherry Velvet, Cherry Velvet Dresses, Customer Appreciation, Dress, Dresses, Made In Canada, New Arrivals, what's new

    ...We interrupt your regularly scheduled blog post for an ANNOUNCEMENT!

    Ever since we started holding regular open studio shop weekends, we've wanted to make sure ya'll can Save-The-Dates on our events as soon as you can. We understand how busy life can get and want to ensure everyone has a chance to get some retail therapy in. #selfcare is a thing, after all 😉

    Studio Shop Collage

    Have a peek at this month below & bookmark our new Events Page!

    2019 June Cherry Velvet Calendar

     

    Can't make it out? Can't wait? :: Book a Personal Shopping Appointment with us! ::  

    We can't wait to see y'all! ♥️

    XOX Cherry Velvet

     

    BLOGGIN' NEXT WEEK :: PART 2 of our customer spotlight on The Snow Family. 

     

     

  • 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

  • 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

  • New Dresses - Meet Stacy and Minerva

    Published Dec 05 2018 in New Arrivals, New Dress

    It’s always exciting when we introduce a new style to the Cherry Velvet collection, and we’ve got some lovely additions that we’re eager to share!

    First, meet Stacy. You asked for dresses the cover your arms and we listened; this office-ready dress has three-quarter sleeves. The chevron design at the waist draws attention to your narrowest part, and the neckline is an elongating V, making Stacy extremely flattering and versatile. Like all our Cherry Velvet favourites, Stacy has pockets, and her full skirt has excellent twirl-ability. She’s making her grand entrance in a stunning scarlet and regal purple.


    We’re also added Minerva to the collection. If you love the Norma, the Minerva will also win your heart. The tucked bodice and a-line skirt are very similar, but we’ve added a sweet pointed collar and cap sleeves.

    The Minerva was designed to accommodate large prints that we fell in love with, but that might not work on an entire dress. Fantastic Beasts is a perfect example – these magnificent unicorns, with their gold accents, are well-balanced on the skirt, while the bodice of this design is basic black. We love the two-piece look with one-piece convenience. And we’ve got unicorns! We have a feeling that this one will sell quickly, so don’t wait to order this magical style.


    We also made the Minerva in an all-over pattern. In a classic red tartan, this pretty dress is a perfect choice for Christmas, but has year-round potential. It’s completely work-appropriate, and you can add a cardigan and boots for a more casual look.


    We want to find fabrics and styles that our customers will get excited about, and that you’ll love wearing – let us know what you think of our newest additions, and what you’d like to see in future collections!

    XOX Cherry Velvet

  • It's lit: The Green Goddess Dress

    Published Sep 24 2018 in 420, 420 Friendly, Bill-C45, Canadian Legislation, Cannabis, Dress, Green, Legal, Limited Edition, marijuana, New Arrivals, New Dress, Norma, Pin Up, Plants, Pot

    Here's to you, Bud.

    On Oct 17, Bill-C45 (the federal legalization of recreational marijuana) comes into effect, making it legal to light up all across Canada. We've decided to recognise this occasion by creating a colourful, limited edition cannabis-inspired dress called Green Goddess.

    The Norma Dress In Green Goddess - Front The Norma Dress In Green Goddess - Front CropThe Norma Dress In Green Goddess - BackThe Norma Dress In Green Goddess - Fabric Swatch

    Bill-C45 marks a historic change in law and viewpoint towards marijuana and the marijuana industry (in Canada) as a whole. This "little green dress" is our way of commending all those who helped make this new freedom possible. You can read our official press release for the Green Goddess dress below.

    Green Goddess Border

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

    BC DESIGNER CELEBRATES OCT. 17 WITH LIMITED EDITION CANNABIS-THEMED DRESS

    Cherry Velvet brings old-school glamour to Canada’s party

    A celebrated Lower Mainland fashion designer is marking Canada’s historical decision to legalize recreational marijuana with a beautiful cannabis leaf-themed vintage style dress that is perfect for celebrating the big day, but any fashionista that wants to be the centre of attention at the party needs to move fast!

    Diane Kennedy, owner, and designer-in-chief at Cherry Velvet, was inspired by the historic change in law to create the Green Goddess dress, an eye-catching take on the classic ‘50s look that is expertly cut to accentuate the curves and lend some old-fashioned glamour to any modern setting. The epitome of mid-century panache, it features more than a nod to modern aesthetics and comfort. Slimming at the waist, the dress has an invisible back zipper, hidden side seam pockets, and a full skirt.

    Diane, who is native to Vancouver, said, “Just like the best bud, all of our dresses are ethically produced here in beautiful Vancouver, BC. I choose Cherry Velvet’s fabrics not only for their luxurious feel and high quality but also for their attitude. I love florals, polka dots, plaids, and old-school tattoos, but when I saw this material, I knew that I had to create something memorable.”

    In fact, the Green Goddess is so special that it’s a strictly limited-issue dress, with only 15 up for grabs for any girl wanting to commemorate the big day in classic Cherry Velvet style. They are available for purchase at Cherry Velvet’s studio by appointment at 1635 Powell Street, Vancouver, where customers can receive personal attention from Diane, or online at cherryvelvetplus.com.