The Oakridge 50th Anniversary Celebration!
Papparazzi and Red Carpet
The paparazzi at the 41st and Cambie entrance were just the beginning. Once Oakridge shoppers got past the flashing cameras, hollering ‘members of the press’ and red carpet, they got even more. Models dressed in clothes from 1959—the year the centre opened—strolled by, flanked by a concierge team member there to explain their fancy dress. More models, live mannequins really, stood super still on raised platforms, decked out in duds inspired by every decade the centre’s been open: 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Every piece was so now, so fresh, and so available at the top shops in the centre. And a grand main stage sat right beside the concierge desk, complete with flat-screen TVs and a speaker’s podium. And of course, a cake. It was, after all, in celebration of the centre’s big 5-0. Defining moments for 50 years.
Backstage Buzz
Backstage, in the auditorium, the newly-crowned Style Agents, all dressed up with somewhere to go, chattered with the judges who’d chosen them: FASHION Magazine’s Rebecca Tay, Kwantlen Fashion Design and Technology’s Sharon Greeno, and Oakridge’s marketing director Kimberly MacAulay. SAs Peter Hoang, Jessie Carlon, Valerie Tiu, and Ana Serrano talked New York black suits, the definition of laid-back style in Vancouver, and just how tiny VOGUE’s Anna Wintour really is. The convo wasn’t the focus, though. Everyone was waiting for the big moment: the grand unveiling of Oakridge’s, and Vancouver’s, new faces of fashion. The call came in: go time.
Main Stage Madness
The crowd gathered around the main stage was as diverse as it could possibly be. High style twenty-somethings mingled with grandparents, middle agers, and young couples with kids. Oakridge Centre general manager Kathy Barr thanked everyone for making Oakridge a key community hub and shopping destination; marketing director Kimberley MacAulay was excited about Oakridge’s emphasis on creating a legacy—the centre is committed to raising $50,000 for non-profit organization Dress for Success. And finally, the big moment came.
New Faces of Fashion: Style Agents
Down the escalator paraded the four Style Agents, all eyes on them as they showcased their personal, diverse, and totally beyond trendy style. The paparazzi came close behind, calling out their names, snapping shots, and taking notes. Each agent stepped up onto the stage, introduced by microphone maven Kuljeet Kaila of Virgin Radio. “We’re so excited!” they trilled.
Oakridge has helped to inspire, support and celebrate many Defining Moments over the past 50 years. Festivities at Oakridge Centre will run all day long on May 6, 2009 and include:
