Jean Okada

Fashion Illustration at Emily Carr!!

2012-01-28T15:01:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited to be teaching at Emily Carr this semester! It's in the Continuing Studies Department, which means that it's non-credit, and open to the public! We're going to be exploring many fun mediums, refining drawing technique and finding our personal illustration style. Registration is open!
http://www.ecuad.ca/programs/courses/CEIL/250/S001

A BLOG WITHIN A BLOG

2011-09-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

So apparently Vancouver got voted the worst dressed city in N. America. Well, I can't really argue with that, Vancouver being home of the yoga pant and outdoor gear (which by the way, I have nothing against. yoga pants are fine- in yoga class, but to the office or a nice restaurant? Come on, people!).

There are, however, some exceptionally dressed Vancouverites among us. Not only that there are some nifty Vancouverites that create the goods that have become part of these well dressed folks. No other blog documents this better than www.acommonthread.me. You'll see the full range of style here; from high-end labels, to thrift store finds, to DIY creations. There is even a little segment of yours truly working hard in my studio.

Check it out, as you may pull some inspiration and see a friend or two!

Two heads are better than one!

2011-09-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, the Holiday 2011 collection is finally up and in stores soon! Please check out my website www.jeanokada.ca for photos of the full collection, and here are some additional shots that I just love. This shoot was extra fun with two gorgeous and equally hilarious ladies. Thank you Maiko and Bon Voyage Jen!

Pretty Ladies!

2011-08-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in a while; I am not a diligent blogger, but I'm trying to change that.... sort of. Here are photos of some beautiful women wearing pieces from various collections. I also added a pic of my sweet sister on her wedding day. I made her dress from that vintage looking silk crepe that I am currently obsessed with. It's so sweet when people send me these pics. I love my many lovely muses!

Yani in Ottawa

Madison in Paris

Lisa in Vancouver

Allison in Chicago www.yogabyallison.com

Madison in Paris

Mari in Vancouver

Spring Summer 2011 is finally here!

2011-05-05T00:56:00.000-07:00

Please check out my website for photos of the collection.

All pieces are available at The Block and Eugene Choo.

www.jeanokada.ca

S/S 2011 SNEAK PEAK!!!

2011-02-17T00:46:00.000-08:00

Can you tell I'm really ready for spring to begin? Nothing like a fun and fresh print to get out of the winter blahs. This floral chiffon T-shirt and the polka dot one-piece are silk of course, and will hit shops when the weather starts to warm up. We are nearing the end of winter; we are almost there!!

Who knew that "Japan" was a verb?

2011-02-13T00:27:00.000-08:00

My friend Meghan gave me this packet of hooks and eyes that seem to be from the turn of the century (an educated guess.. if you know please comment), and I'm sure to the chagrin of some antique collectors, I tried them out on a few samples. I find that your run of the mill black hook and eyes are quite malliable, therefore not desirable, but these are tempered in such a way that they are super strong without being brittle. Maybe "Japanning" is a type of tempering process or something.....

Website Launch!

2011-02-05T10:59:00.000-08:00

www.jeanokada.ca

So finally it's up and somewhat running! There is still a ton of stuff I have to put up, but this is how my collections and other work will be displayed, and as I've mentioned before, the blog will now be for straight up blogging.

A Scissor or two or more!

2011-01-30T01:05:00.000-08:00

I consider myself to be a pretty laid back person, but not so much when it comes to my scissors as I'm sure most designers will tell you. One pair is strictly used for cutting paper, one for cutting delicate fabrics, one for heavy duty fabric, one for threads, and a couple of junker ones for miscellaneous stuff.

My favourite pair is my Kai; 9 inch blades I think. The size, shape, and weight are perfect for me. I write and do most things with my left hand, but as the result of terribly made children's left handed scissors that could barely cut construction paper, I learned to cut with my right hand from very early on. I do like the weight of my Gingher, but the shorter blades aren't as favourable when there is a whole day of cutting.

Ok, I'm actually going to start blogging for real now.....

2011-01-30T00:44:00.000-08:00

Hey, hope everyone had a good and restful holiday. My sweetheart gave me my first DSLR, and I'm very pleased with it. There's nothing like a great camera to ignite photographic inspiration. I used to shoot with a Nikomat, a camera made by Nikon in the 60's; a very barebones camera that took amazing photographs. Someday I'll go back to it when I feel like shooting film again.

Also, you may have noticed I have a new website up, though I haven't uploaded older collections; that will come in due time, as I'm slowly moving all the collections from this blog to the new website, and the blog will be strictly for blogging. Cyber-organizing!

GIFT SHOPPING!

2010-12-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

This year for all my holiday gift giving I'm going to make a real effort to either hand make my gifts, or made by someone locally. Thankfully, there is GIFT SHOP, a temporary holiday gift shop running for the next three weekends in Gastown, Vancouver. I just checked out the shop today and it's a beautifully curated, cozy space filled with gifts that are so lovingly made by some of my favourite creative people in town. I brought some goods to shop too; some men's and women's leather belts with solid brass buckles, and my gold plated school pins -always a crowd pleaser. Check it out and come say hi!

Holiday 2010!!

2010-09-29T23:30:00.001-07:00

Button-up Dress with Leather Belt

Five Petal Dress

Onesie

Empire Dress

Granny Dress

Ruched Bodice Dress

Special thanks to Omar Khan for taking such great pics on the fly, and Jen for being awesome.

xoxoxo

Select pieces at Eugene Choo and the Block in Vancouver, Canada

Spotted in Paris!

2010-09-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a piece from the super new Holiday2010 Collection! My dear friend Madison is wearing the silk crêpe one piece while at work at her bustling Parisian café. I'm not sure what the café is called but I bet there are delicious croissants there.....

S/S 2010 Collection!

2010-04-12T00:51:00.000-07:00

Flounce Top

silk crepe

Pleated Skirt

silk/cotton blend

Henley One-Piece

silk crepe

Five Petal Dress

silk charmeuse

Pleated Skirt Dress

silk dupioni

Keyhole and Bow Dress

silk dupioni

Select pieces at The Block and Eugene Choo in May 2010.

Special thanks to Richie Lubaton for taking such wonderful photographs, and Stephanie Lavigne for makeup. Also to Jen Oleksiuk, of course, for working each piece.

S/S 2010 Sneaky Peakie!!!

2010-01-23T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here's Jen looking very ballerina Tinkerbell-esque in a not yet released dress for Spring/Summer 2010. Even when she rolls out of bed she still looks stunning!! I'm really excited about this collection, as it's got lots of tropical colours, new silhouettes, and some fabrics I picked up in Japan on my last trip.

You can't tell from these photos, but hiding within the pleats of the skirt are the obligatory pockets that I try to work into my dresses. They're discreet enough that they go unnoticed by most, yet big enough to hold your essentials, e.g. lipbalm, moneyclip, small can of mace, anything.

Lapel Pins

2009-12-13T23:34:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you are not the most punctual person, or maybe attendance record is less than stellar; no need to fret because you, or someone you know can at least look the part! 18 karat gold plated lapel pins, inspired by old fashioned prep school awards and of course the movie Rushmore, are on sale now at Eugene Choo and Mr. Lee's General Store and Haberdashery.

Mr. Lee's is a brand new gentlemen's shop carrying absolutely beautiful men's accessories and gifts. Tonight was their grand opening... congrats to Meghan, Dustin, and Jeff!! They don't have a website up yet but check out their stunning promo film. http://www.vimeo.com/7801174

S/S Collection 2008

2009-11-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

Tutu-esque Dress, 100% Silk Dupioni

Sack Dress, 100% Silk Dupioni

Pleat Dress, 100% Silk Dupioni

Bubble Dress, 100% Silk Dupioni

Tulip Dress, 100% Silk Dupioni

Special thanks to Renaissance Man Omar Khan, who took these amazing photos, and of course to Jen Oleksiuk, who braved sub-zero snowy Surrey weather.

Holiday 2008

2009-11-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

Single Ruffle Strapless, 100% Silk Noile

Strapless Tiered, 100% Silk Dupioni

Jumper, 100% Silk Noile

Capsleeve Tiered, 100% Silk Noile

Paperbag, 100% Silk Noile and Dupioni

V-Neck Ruffle Collar, 100% Silk Dupioni

It was a huge honor to have Taylor James take these photos, who has an incredible eye for all things fashion. Taylor, myself, and of course Ms. Muse had a blast shooting this collection at Little Mountain Studio where there was the most beautiful beat up piano.

Holiday 2009 has arrived!

2009-11-12T20:46:00.000-08:00

Select pieces are available at the Block and Eugene Choo in Vancouver, Canada.

Jumper

100% Silk Noile

Pintuck Dress

100% Silk Charmeuse

Pleat Tank Dress

100% Silk Charmeuse

Party Dress

100% Silk Noile, Hand-Dyed

Asymmetrical Ruffle Dress

100% Silk Noile, Hand-Dyed

Thanks to my dearest friend Jen Oleksuik for modeling.

Go Cat!

2009-11-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

Love this photo! GO CAT!