Bloesem: ..Canada

Hi all...some of you already had a sneak peek at PerfectBound reporting from Winnipeg a few days ago...but then they disappeared again...sorry... all my fault...came down with a fever or something while still in the Netherlands (must have been the weather)...and therefore could not write a proper introduction for these two wonderful ladies... Julie & Kathryn...their blog is PerfectBound...I love PerfectBound... always beautifully styled, sleek and very clean... a feast for the eyes and great fun to read too... their home base is Winnipeg in Canada...and by the way... I am back in KL... touched down yesterday early in the morning... feeling a bit better... still on anti-biotics for a few more days unfortunately...we had a good time in the Netherlands...but it is even better to be back home again... so... everything is back to normal again I guess on Bloesem... very much looking forward to catching up with all of you and this week we can all enjoy geust posts from Denmark, San Francisco, Germany and Amsterdam...

PerfectBound reporting from Winnipeg.."Something Special in Our City: Hoopers Bazaar

Hoopers Bazaar is one of our favourite shops in Winnipeg. It is filled with retro fashions and home furnishings from the 50's, 60's and 70's. On any given day you are bound to find lovely danish decor and vintage accessories. The owners have done such a great job creating fun vignettes throughout the store, it makes you want to take every piece home!

We are lucky to have a shop like this here in Winnipeg. It seems that many open but few survive for very long. Recently moving to a new location in what's known as the Exchange District, Hoopers is surrounded by lots of great clothing boutiques and cafes. It is located in a corner suite of a heritage building, which adds to its
charm.

Whenever we visit, there are always great new additions to the shop, which makes it fun to keep going back. Not only are there amazing home furnishings, but also a wide selection of retro inspired clothing. So if you are ever in Winnipeg, we highly recommend you stop in at Hoopers. We bet you'll find something you just can't live without!"

* * * Perfectbound
* * * contact Julie & Kathryn

And another very interesting post from the Perfectbound ladies, Julie & Kathryn, about one of their favorite designers from Canada...

{image via Domino Magazine}
"With so many talented designers out there, from all corners of the world, we were thrilled when we initially came across Virginia Johnson, a Canadian clothing/textile designer and illustrator. The appeal and success of her designs can be directly related to her skills in the art and craft of printmaking. Her illustrations, textiles and fashions are playful, yet chic and charmingly optimistic with their vibrant colours and bold lines.

After working at Helmut Lang in shoe and accessories design, Virginia Johnson returned to Toronto to craft herself a career that allowed her the freedom to create what and how she pleased; something that we truly admire! She is such an inspiration for us, which makes her an easy favourite! (The fact that she's Canadian helps, too!)

Looking through her products, you can find the perfect piece for your closet or home. Virginia Johnson's home collection includes place mats, napkins, pillows and shawls (which are block-printed and can be easily be used as a throw for that chair). You can also purchase her fabric of the bolt! A Pennsylvania based company called Chairloom (specializing in refinishing and reupholstering antique chairs) likes to use Johnson's fabrics, creating a new twist for the vintage pieces. Her organic subjects and line are sure to spark an idea for your own project! (We're thinking curtains, pillow cases, table runners...you get the idea!)"
{Thank you so much Julie & Kathryn}