Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: alexis palkowski

Wear Else Vancouver Spring 2013 Fashion Show

West Vancouver’s Zahra Mamdani knows all the best dressed gals in town. And now, with spring in the air, it’s time to shed those winter woolies for something lighter. Last week, Zahra and her staff put on a sensational Spring 2013 Runway Show at her Park Royal store. Invites for friends and guests included a champagne reception and fashion show complete with a private shopping session. Featuring styles by Elizabeth & James, Black Orchid, Haute Hippie, Sinclair and more, it was a treat to see that sunshine styles are just around the corner. And while it isn’t patio season just yet, something tells me that these hot new trends won’t be under wraps for much longer.

01 – West Vancouver’s gorgeous golden girls Kristy Brinkley, left, Carey Smith and Janelle Washington get busy shopping for spring.

02 – Wear Else president/owner Zahra Mamdani, left, and stylist Marie Rowley put some spring in everyone’s step with their Spring 2013 Runway Show.

03 – Long lashes and extensions are all the rage these days as West Vancouver’s Lash Fabulous owners Lisa Tomanik, left, and Mara Uhrle show-off some samples.

04 – Taking some time to be with the girls, Monica Soprovich, left, and Sharon Cooper check out the new styles.

05 – Cheering for her daughter every step on the way, proud mama Shamin Jamal poses with her daughter Zahra Mamdani.

06 – Always looking glam, it’s not surprising to see gala gals Alexis Palkowski, left, and Angela Lee shopping for their next big night out.

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By Catherine Barr – Mar 8, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Mar 14, 2013

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March 10, 2013
Vancouver International Wine Festival Bacchanalia Gala 2013

The players may have changed, but the celebration remains the same. The Vancouver International Wine Festival (previously known as the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival), held its Bacchanalia Gala Dinner last week. The magnificent ballroom at the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel was transformed into a magical setting as guests sipped on bubbly glasses of Mumm Napa DVX 2005 during the reception. Then it was time for dinner and a magical trip through the great state of California. Each course was accompanied by two select vintages including Painted Rock Estate Chardonnay, Schug Cameros Pinot Noir and special Cabernet Sauvignon from West Vancouver’s own Ray Signorello. After dinner it was time for the wine auction. Overall, the evening raised over $400,000 for its new beneficiary – Bard on the Beach.

01 – Vancouver International Wine Festival executive director Harry Hertscheg, left, raises a toast to open the festival alongside Bard on the Beach’s leading man, Christopher Gaze.

02 – Bacchanalia Gala PR gal Megan Verchere, left, and West Vancouver real estate agent Alexis Palkowski set the fashion trend at the champagne reception.

03 – North Shore residents and Bacchanalia gala board members Jim and Milena Robertson have both been part of this elegant affair for many years.

04 – West Vancouver’s Darrell Ert, left, and businessman Gary Segal are among the VIPs at the gala event.

05 – West Vancouver winemaker Ray Signorello is lucky enough to spend half his time down in Napa tending to his vines. He and girlfriend Tanya are also expecting their second child later this year.

06 – Actor Paul Duchart cuddles up to the House Wine gals, aka Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard, who are always on hand to keep the glasses full.

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By Catherine Barr – Feb 26, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Mar 7, 2013

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March 3, 2013
A Look Back at Christmas 2012

It has been an eventful holiday season with events almost every day here on the North Shore. Charity luncheons, gala evenings and lights, lights, lights everywhere you look. Here’s hoping you and your family shared in some of these great times and even though Christmas Day is over, there are still lots of activities and events still going on in our neighbourhoods. Don’t forget to take in some of the fun and carry the good cheer with you into the New Year. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. Can’t wait to see you all again in 2013!

01 – Raising money for the Boys and Girls Club of Vancouver with a “Reach for Outer Space” Children’s Christmas Party, Bianca Fusco Zanatta, centre, hosted her 11th Annual Ladies Luncheon with fabulous friends like “Housewives” guest star Lisa Macdonald, left, and West Vancouver businesswoman Lenora Gates.

02 – Delivering holiday necessities and more, the dynamic Diane Forstyhe-Abbott, left, teamed with YWCA events manager and North Vancouver singer/songwriter Tamara Hung to host the 18th Annual Crabtree Ladies Luncheon.

03 – A little night music – and a lot of lights. There’s still a lot of action happening up at North Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge for the Canyon Lights festival. Running until Jan 5, be sure to take in the gingerbread cookie decorating, glass ornament blowing and dance to the Holiday Band. Oh yeah, did I mention the LIGHTS!

04 – West Vancouver socialite Alexis Palkowski, left, and Yvonne Zawadzki, General Manager of Birks Vancouver team up at the Crabtree Luncheon event.

05 – A busy Christmas season didn’t stop Lisa Lancaster Kershaw, left, and Victoria Mendes from coming out to lunch with the gals as part of the Crabtree Luncheon event.

06 – West Vancouver’s always elegant Lee ladies brought their holiday spirit and chequebooks to the Crabtree Luncheon to support the YWCA. From left: Carlotta, Lily and Angela Lee.

07 – No, they’re not elves – but they do work hard all year long to bring you the best! Sharing some Christmas cheer with co-workers at the Pinnacle Pier hotel in North Vancouver are the staff and writers of The Outlook newspaper. Happy Holidays from the gang and best wishes for a very Happy New Year.

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By Catherine Barr – Dec 20, 2012

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Dec 27, 2012

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December 20, 2012
Leone Celebrates 25 Years at United Way Charity Spring Fashion Show

It was a double celebration last week as some of the city’s most generous folks got together to raise money for a great cause. First up, it was the United Way’s Women United in Philanthropy annual spring fashion show and fundraiser at Leone’s boutique in Sinclair Centre. The night was also special however because guests got a chance to toast West Vancouver’s Leone family for celebrating the 25th anniversary of their exclusive fashion business. With names like Versace, Dior, Prada and more, it was even more wonderful to know that in addition to the live and silent auction items, Leone also donated a portion of any items sold this night back to the United Way and their “Success by Six” program. Be sure to check out the live video as well. Congrats to all the ladies involved.

01 – West Vancouver’s Janelle Washington, left, of Washington Marine fame, poses with friend and Women in Philanthropy co-founder Christie King.

02 – Damien and Ioulia Reynolds always look so fashionable and are happy to lend their support this night.

03 – Wear Else president/owner Zahra Mamdani, Leone president and owner Alberto Leone, and friend Carey Smith all hail from West Vancouver and are known for their generosity in charity circles.

04 – It is girls night out for the Ciambrelli ladies from North Vancouver. From left, Danielle, Isabella and Pina.

05 – West Vancouver fashionista Alexis Palkowski, left, joins Yvonne Zawadzki, General Manager of Birks Vancouver.

06 – Real Housewives of Vancouver star and singer Mary Zilba, left, and Urban Rush host Fiona Forbes get a front stage view of the fashions on the catwalk.

07 – West Vancouver’s lovely Leone ladies, daughter Patrizia and mom Maria, help celebrate both the United Way charity event and their store’s 25th anniversary.

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By Catherine Barr – Feb 28, 2012

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Mar 8, 2012

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March 5, 2012