A dress from the Jason Matlo Spring ’09 collection.

Credit: supplied

THE LOOK: Memories of happier times

While many of us will be more than happy to bid farewell to 2008 (not least because of an end to the latest — and hopefully last — Bush era and that niggling little matter of a global recession), I, for one, look forward to new, clear style vistas sans Lindsey Lohan-designed leggings, Mischa Barton-brand headbands, or Lauren Conrad and her hideous faux-fashions.

Unfortunately, according to those doomsday-loving news readers on the cable networks, we all might be settling in for more months of this financial nuclear winter than previously expected. Although the retail sector is putting on a brave face, enticing holiday shoppers with bargain-basement sale prices, the obvious question looming over the holiday rush is, “What about 2009?”

A recent article in the New York Times exposed the devastation of that city’s toniest department stores, likening the dishevelled sale racks in the once-hallowed halls of Henri Bendell to the utilitarian markdown displays of discount chain Loehmann’s. One particular picture of the drama: handmade Prada wallets pulled out from under their glass display cases and tossed carelessly into Wal-Mart-style bargain bins at — wait for it — Barneys!

But, like any dedicated fashionphile who’s blown their rent on — let’s say, as a random example — a $750 hat, let us all choose to ignore impending crisis and live for the now. Or, more precisely, live for the from-this-time-last-year-until-now. Without further ado, I present my fashion highlights of 2008.

BEST LOCAL DESIGNER
If I write one more flattering thing about Jason Matlo, someone somewhere will doubtless accuse me of taking kickbacks. What with these uncertain times, a little bribery cash would certainly help to fill my closet, but I offer up praise for Matlo gratis. His Spring ’09 collection reminded me of Dynasty’s Alexis Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan and those South China Sea oil leases she was always on about — luxurious Orientalism with a touch of ’80s excess for women not afraid to show a little claw. (JasonMatlo.com)

BEST NEW IDEA
Kudos to local designer Chloë Angus for her button wraps and the so-new-I-have-the-only-one-right-now button scarves. The feminine button wraps come in too many colours to count, and can function as shrugs, shawls, even overskirts. The smaller, more masculine scarf model (with several choices of decorative buttons, from bronze caribou to metallic skulls to traditional leather) looks best when wrapped once around the neck to create a one-piece scarf/dickie/vest look. Keep in mind, however, that most of the compliments I’ve gotten on my button scarf came from women who wanted to buy one for themselves, not their husbands or boyfriends. Both wrap and shawl come in a warm wool and a bamboo jersey version. Wraps $129; scarves $99. (ChloeAngus.com)

BEST NEW STORE (CHAIN)
Okay, so like, did you see the lineup for the opening of the new H&M;? Wow! And while it’s ever so nice not to have to trek out to the wilds of Coquitlam to get your hands on reasonably priced Swedish casual fashions, many shopping stars have grumbled that the downtown store’s stock is far more conservative than its suburban cousin. In the words of one notable: “Where the hell are the gold lamé stretch pants for $20? I don’t want any freaking khakis!” (609 Granville, 604-692-0308, HM.com)

BEST NEW STORE (LOCAL)
In just under the wire, the sister act of Laura and Cara Stryer only opened their Main Street boutique, Vincent Park on December 4. Beyond the fresh ’n’ funky labels (they carry menswear, too — yes!), there’s the décor to love as well: grandfather clock, old card-catalogue table, taxidermied deer over the faux fireplace. Think Roots stores in the ’80s, only not trying so hard, and, therefore, way cooler. (4278 Main, 604-879-666, VincentPark.ca)

BEST NEW TREND
Time was, a man would have to go naked before he could find some locally made pieces. No more! Meanswear lines like Hardihood (Tibetan-art-inspired T-shirts and jackets; HardihoodClothing.com), Adhesif (eco-friendly sweaters made of repurposed materials; AdhesifClothing.com), and ULTRA (Euro-style by designer Christopher Bates, who trained at the Istituto Marangoni in Milan; UltraMenswear.com) are finally giving guys options, and not a moment too soon!