05 Mar 2010 | News
Just when you think it can’t possibly get any more beautiful or smell any better, Voluspa does it again!
With 16 new scents {8 per collection}, you will be sure to find one to suit your exquisite tase…read more about the new Voluspa Collection and their company…
*NEW COLLECTION~ Maison Noir by Voluspa exudes the luxe sophistication that loyal fans have come to expect from Voluspa featuring 8 new fragrances that are at once unique and familiar. Collected vintage and modern artworks, layered into elaborate collages of color, deep black, and then gilded, adorn the packaging for Maison Noir, a stunning testament to the quality of the products inside. Discover new shapes and styles that are unique to the world of home fragrance but standard to Voluspa. The modern luxury home fragrance collection – redefined.
Maison Noir Fragrance notes:
Apricot & Aprilia ~ Sliced Apricots & Aprilia Lily Blooms
Ambre Lumiere ~ Warm exotic mixture of light amber, vanilla benzoine & Indonesian patchouli
Vervaine Olive Leaf ~ French lemon vervaine and crushed olive leaves with a heart of rosewood
Vacarro Orange & Myrrh ~ Sweet vacarro orange peel and a hint of cassis on a bed of exotic spiced myrrh
Crisp Champagne ~ Sparkling brut champagne mingles with hints of vanilla and barrel oak
Black Figue & Chypre ~ Duo of currant and black fig blended into a heart of mysterious chypre
Tuberosa Di Notte ~ Night blooming tuberose with a base of exotic agave nectar
Lichen & Vetiver ~ Spring Lichen moss and clean aqua, layered onto rich Indian vetiver
*NEW COLLECTION~Maison Blanc by Voluspa exudes the luxe sophistication that loyal fans have come to expect from Voluspa featuring 8 new fragrances that are at once unique and familiar. Collected vintage and modern artworks, layered into elaborate collages of color, clean white, and then gilded, adorn the packaging for Maison Blanc, a stunning testament to the quality of the products inside. Discover new shapes and styles that are unique to the world of home fragrance, but standard to Voluspa. The modern luxury home fragrance collection – redefined.
Maison Blanc Fragrance Notes:
Orangerie D’Azahar ~ Inspired from the gorgeous “Orange Blossom” coast of Spain, Costa del Azahar. Suede Blanc~ Buttery soft sueded leather and rich cedar combined. Exotic and refined.
Pink Citron~ Ripe citron grapefruit with a juicy pink center, layered with tart cassis and a heart of subtle rose.
Macaron~ Delicious and colorful, Macarons de Paris, are as beloved for their color as they are their gourmet flavors.
Saijo Persimmon ~ Japanese Saijo Persimmon, considered to be the finest gourmet variety, is layered with peach and red currant.
Elysian Garden~ Speckled sunlight shining on trees into ferns, moss and grotto. Sun warmed citrus fruit and gentle green foliage.
Laguna ~ Velvet sand and dazzling azure seas. The gentle Santa Ana winds that pull warm desert air into the Pacific.
Gardenia Colonia ~ Gardenia Grandiflorum opens it’s secret heart to greet the sun, with wild white blooms of creamy velvet.
VOLUSPA ~ The Company Story
TO BURN A VOLUSPA CANDLE IS TO BE INTRODUCED TO A WORLD OF EXCELLENCE IN FRAGRANCE AND CANDLE LIGHT THAT DELIGHTS THE SENSES AND ADDS LUXE TO EVERYDAY LIVING.
FUELED BY A LOVE FOR ART, FRAGRANCE AND ELEGANT ILLUMINATION, TROY AND TRACI ARNTSEN CREATED THEIR FIRST SCENTED CANDLE IN THEIR KITCHEN IN 1999. COMBINING TRACI’S EXPERT NOSE AND KNOWLEDGE OF BOTANY WITH TROY’S ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BACKGROUND, THE DUO IS CREDITED WITH DEVELOPING CLEAN BURNING AND POTENTLY FRAGRANT CANDLES RENOWNED IN THE INDUSTRY. A CREAMY COMBINATION OF COCONUT, SOY AND APRICOT WAXES COMPRISES THEIR PROPRIETARY CUSTOM CANDLE WAX BLEND THAT ENHANCES FRAGRANCE THROW, GLOWS BEAUTIFULLY, AND DELIGHTS CONSUMERS WORLD WIDE.
FINDING THEIR NICHE BY CREATING STRIKING PACKAGING AND EXTRAORDINARY SCENTS, VOLUSPA HOME FRAGRANCE PRODUCTS ARE FOUND IN PRESTIGIOUS RETAILERS AROUND THE WORLD AND HAVE BECOME A STAPLE IN THE HOMES OF HOLLYWOOD’S ELITE. REGULARLY FEATURED IN EDITORIAL ARTICLES WRITTEN FOR BEAUTY, FASHION, AND HOME MAGAZINES, VOLUSPA HAS BECOME A HOUSEHOLD NAME.
The Macaron, Laguna and Pink Citron are currently our favourites…Thank-you Voluspa for making our homes smell divine! You make us happy…
~S.V.
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01 Mar 2010 | Events, News
In keeping with the spirit of our 2nd Annual Upholstery & Drapery Event, here are some images of the recent projects that have come our way. Here you will find an example of upcyling heirloom pieces, inspirational images brought in by our clients and some samples of our in-house furniture collection, which can all be upholstered in the fabric of your choice.
From a tiny foot stool to a king-sized headboard and luxurious drapery, the ideas and options we have are limitless. Drop in to peruse the thousands of fabric samples in our Design Centre with the help of our in-house designers, and take advantage of this event while *saving 20% on the project of your dreams!
Here’s an example of upcycling ‘Granny’s’ chair in a current and modern way. With a slick coat of white paint, and a classic and sleek silk upholstery job, this chair would make granny proud! Approx 4 yards of fabric required.
Inspired by this image she found in a favourite magazine, and with a few modifications to suit her taste, the finished chair now sits proudly in co-owner Darci’s bedroom. She chose the turquoise and ivory Ikat fabric to add texture and interest to the all white bedroom. 6 Yards required~see similar here
This stunning white velvet headboard became a reality from this image brought to us by a client. This has now become one of our bestsellers! You can find it here.
We have long admired this classic Berger armchair covered in this luxurious graphic fabric from the David Hicks collection. Finally we found the right candidate to apply it to in this beautiful gold antique cane back chair. Don’t you think this turned out beautiful?
From a raw frame to “Sky is the Limit” on this cute-as-a-button footstool. We have taken a classic raw oval Louis base (also comes in square), finished it with modern white paint and covered it in the latest Boussac fabric in black and white. Not too shabby!
This stool is a great place to start when you are looking to add something bold and extraordinary to freshen up a room. The options we have in our Design Center are LIMITLESS!
* Sale begins March 1 and ends March 31st 2010!
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23 Feb 2010 | News
The Cross recently sat down with Kasondra Cohen for an interview about her charity event that is being held this Saturday February, 27th entitled ‘Face of Today’. Kasondra is a favourite customer of ours at The Cross, and she is also making a name for herself in the fundraising community. Her mother Jaqui Cohen is well known in Vancouver for her fabulous charity event FACE THE WORLD foundation held every year drawing celebrity names such as, Goldie Hawn, Rod Stewart and Tom Jones. Kasondra is quickly following in her mother’s footsteps and we are so proud to feature her on our blog, she is truly an inspiration! Keep reading to learn more about Kasondra’s wonderful charity event…
THE CROSS ASKS KASONDRA COHEN~
1. What is your Favourite Website/Blog? My favorite website is www.faceoftoday.ca
2. Last Purchase from The Cross? Well…I can’t fully remember because I love everything but to my recollection it was Gorgeous Decadent Pillow.
3. Holiday Destination? I enjoy traveling to Wailea during Christmas with my Mother
4. Fave Fashion Accessory? I would have to say Purses
5. Personal Style Mantra? Trendy but chic
6. Best thing about your Job? Being able to aspire under privileged youthful leaders by providing them opportunities locally and globally to reach their full potential.
7. Morning Drink? Non-Fat Chi Tea Late
8. Favorite Restaurant? That is a hard question but I would have to say Gotham Steakhouse
9. Fave Magazine? Vogue
10. I never miss an episode of… I am not much of a TV watcher but I enjoy Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy
11. Top Shops? I enjoy shopping many places but my favorites are The Cross, Holt Renfrew, Blue Bird, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co and of course Army & Navy
12. Weekly Indulgence? I love indulging in many things but sometimes there is nothing like an extravagant dessert. Warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
13. I need, I want, I can’t live without… I cannot live without my iPhone, you could almost say we are involved in a serious relationship.
14. How do you spend your free time? I usually enjoy spending my free time by walking with my friends, working out, shopping and enjoying quality time with the ones I love.
15. Greatest inspiration… My greatest inspiration is my Mother. She is constantly reminding me how important it is to cherish your family and the ones you love. We believe charity starts at home and my grandmother, mother and I all believe that generosity is the key to success.
Why did you start this Organization? I started Face of Today because I am a privileged young leader and I have been blessed with so many amazing opportunities in my life. Watching my mother with her organization Face The World Foundation and seeing how many lives they have impacted it inspired me to do something on my own. I realized we are the next generation and there is nothing in place to create a focus for charity with our demographic. So I decided that I needed to step up and make charity history through starting my own foundation for the next generation. Sometimes we take what we have for granted and if I wasn’t as fortunate as I am, I wouldn’t have the ability to lead the life I do. My dream has always been to help others and I wanted to start an organization to provide underprivileged aspiring youth with the opportunity to “Turn their dreams into a reality.”
What is your advice for someone who would like to start a fundraiser? My biggest advice is don’t try and re invent the wheel when it comes to charity. Partner with ones that already exist and work on making what is in place better by being creative and adding your own branding through diversity.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned while starting up your business? The biggest lesson that I have learned is that nothing comes easy know matter who you are and what you have. We all have hurdles to face but it is how you conquer them that gets you through.
Who is your role model or mentor? My role model is my mother but my mentor is Doris Olafson. At Face of Today we have a motto you must be mentored in order to me a Mentor. It is important that everyone seeks someone that they can look up to for advice. No one knows everything and it is very crucial to have people in your life that can inspire and motivate you to aspire to your full potential. I am a strong believer that you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with, it is important to find people who will challenge you in your ideas. We all need someone who can be the devils advocate and allow us to dig deeper in our thoughts to become more creative and initiate new ideas.
GET your tickets to FACE OF TODAY here !!
Thank you Kasondra! And we wish you the BEST of luck with your event this Saturday and in the years to come!
Photos: Jonathan Cruz www.jonathancruz.com
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17 Feb 2010 | News
The Cross’ own in house designer Peter Wilds’ work is featured in this months (February) issue of Style at Home magazine. Read our interview with Peter at the end of the article!
We chatted with Peter about his design work…
~What were your favourite design elements in the Neyestani home?
With all sincerity, I have to say that the Neyestani’s themselves, they were my favourite part of the job. When it comes to particular items in the home, I love the relationship between ‘The Sky Garden’ pendant (in the kitchen) and the table and chairs. I absolutely love the Darlene Cole painting above the fireplace in the family room, I am a big fan of her work. I also love the white leather Oly ‘Hannah’chairs in the living room paired with the Designers Guild pillows. Overall, the Neyestani’s were dream clients and the house looks gorgeous.
~What is your jumping off point when you meet with a new client?
It all starts in that first conversation, I find that with everyone I work with they know what they like. They may not know how to put it together, or how to determine what goes with what…but everyone has an innate sense of what they respond to. I feel that my job is to help to realize that vision, and the bonus is to present unexpected and welcome ideas.
~What is the process like working with a designer from The Cross? Take me step by step.
We start with a consultation that can either happen at The Cross or in the clients home, it is generally an hour. One of the first things I always ask new clients is “What is it about The Cross that made you inquire about our design services?” With regards to the Neyestani’s, their answer to me was that they wanted a “classic, traditional environment with a bit of modern edge.” Based on my first meeting with a potential client, if there is a good response from the conversation, I then work on a “look book” that includes specific furniture pieces, room groupings, fabric options, paint colour, wallpaper and objects of desire. Key pieces from The Cross, are the jumping off point for all my projects. Then I work at creating a unique and personal mix for each client, by choosing pieces from other favourite retailers such as Inform, Livingspace, 18Karat, and always Ikea. To me the most interesting spaces are the ones that have that tension between high/low, elegant/edgy, masculine/feminine, light/dark.
~Where do you draw your inspiration?
Everywhere. Fashion, travel, conversations, people, food, art, nature, the list goes on…
One of the complaints I hear about working with a designer is that the client’s wishes are not heard. How do you respond to this?
Listening and responding to the clients vision is paramount. It is everything to me, it IS the relationship. I work to help them create their ideal home environment, not mine. A designer can’t be all things to all people, and finding the right fit is part of the process.
So do you think that the relationship is based on chemistry from the first meeting?
That is a good question. Sometimes, maybe…but like many relationships it is an evolving experience, and in that you are gaining trust with each other. I never forget that it is a business relationship where money is involved.
How long do your projects last?
They run from a one hour styling consultation to, like the Neyestani’s home, almost two years.
Lets talk about money.
I Love it! I Want it! LOL…I think everyone wants to have the most beautiful environment in the most cost efficient way. At the end of the day you get what you pay for. There is a reason that certain things cost a certain amount. This is where the principal of high/low comes into play. Something that is luxe and perfect and will cost a bit more and will help the inexpensive things look much better in the room. This is the tension in design that interests me most.
How does being featured in a magazine like Style at Home impact you as a designer?
It’s flattering because I am a magazine fanatic, and it’s thrilling to see my work in a magazine that I respect. Also, it gives potential clients an immediate hit of the nature of my work. I have already scheduled four consultations for the first week of March based on my work being featured in the magazine.
Thanks Peter! Amirand Laura Neyestani have said they are thrilled with their home, and the response to the article has been overwhelmingly positive. Bravo! We look forward to the next installation of your life as a designer…stay tuned!
~posted by S.V
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01 Feb 2010 | Events
Live City Yaletown is where the action is! Located at David Lam Park, just a block west of The Cross and the Yaletown/Roundhouse Skytrain station.
From the arrival of the Torch on February 11 through to the closing ceremonies on February 28, LiveCity Yaletown will light up each day and night with energy and excitement from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily.
Friday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., family programming will offer kids the chance to experience the Games in a family friendly environment.
The afternoons will feature highlights from the day’s sporting events on the giant screens followed by late afternoon live entertainment and the official medals presentations.
Vancouver House, showcasing Vancouver’s leaders in the environment, new media, green technology and creative sector. Vancouver House will tell the story of Vancouver Green Capital, our city’s powerful new economic development focus, as told by the innovative and creative Vancouverites who are bringing it to life.
By 8 p.m., there will be free concerts every night of the Games, (checkout the concert schedule HERE) followed by a spectacular nightly show looking out onto the water of Vancouver’s picturesque False Creek.
While all this is happening, The Cross will be opened from 10am to Midnight from February 12th through 28th. Stop by to say hello, catch up on scores and competitions on our specially installed TVs and celebrate the athletes with us!!
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26 Jan 2010 | News
Here’s a feature on our fabulous in-house designer Peter Wilds, that recently ran in the Vancouver Province Newspaper…
Favourite home-design trends for this season:
It’s all about the mix: old/new; industrial/ refined; elegant/edgy.
Favourite home-style destinations on TV or the Internet:
I’m into sites and blogs: The Selby, Fashionologie, Style.com,lonnymag.com— and The Rachel Zoe Project is a guilty pleasure.
Timeless pieces for the home:
Art and design books.
Where to splurge in home decor:
Splurge on lighting: pot lights, table and floor lamps, dimmers everywhere (and I mean everywhere). Shoes make or break an out fit. I feel the same way about lighting. They make or break a room.
Where to save:
As far as saving goes, I say live with what you have or go without until you can get what you desire and your budget allows. Putting together a beautiful and personal space takes time. I say “buy well, buy once.”
Guilty pleasures:
Books and magazines: And contrary to so many shutting down, the magazine is not dead!
Reading right now:
I’m reading Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and enjoying his exploration of the elements that lead to success.
Favourite Vancouver hangouts during winter:
Having a glass of wine with friends while sitting in front of the fireplace at The Wedgewood.
© Copyright© The Province
Thanks for the great tips Peter! Great shot BTW!!
And just in case you missed it… here’s the article on Peter’s West End Condo that ran in the October 2007 issue of the U.K.‘s magazine Living Etc.
BRAVO Peter! Can’t wait to see more of your work…
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25 Jan 2010 | Events
We are thrilled to be welcoming the World in February! Don’t miss a minute of the action! We will be playing the games on t.v’s that we are installing just for the games!
Store hours during the games will be: 10am to MIDNIGHT from February 12th to 28th. We are just around the corner of David Lam Park! Drop in and celebrate the Olympic spirit with us.
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The Cross will resume to business as usual as soon as the games are over! Rest assured…
Here are some photos of the latest set up:
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11 Jan 2010 | News
Our long awaited Olympic products have arrived! Stop by the store today to check out the latest additions to The Cross including the Mascots, Canadiana and B.C. goods, and Olympic souvenirs and images of past and present.
New products arriving daily!
GO CANADA GO!!
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18 Nov 2009 | News
We love the Hick’s family for their relaxed sophistication, effortlessly bold style, and graceful interiors.
David Hicks (1929-1998) was the patriarch of the Hicks design dynasty with his son Ashley and daughter India now taking the reigns of his legacy. ‘‘My greatest contribution as an interior designer has been to show people how to use bold color mixtures, how to use patterned carpets, how to light rooms and how to mix old with new,’‘ he said in his book ‘‘David Hicks on Living — with Taste’‘ (1968). Mr. Hicks was known for his love of graphic color combinations was the most famous decorator of his day, a star of the decorating world in the 1960’s. His fabric and wallpaper designs are as current today as when he designed them in the 70’s.
We have just received a new book about the designer ‘David Hicks-A life of Design’ written by his talented son Ashley Hicks. Ashley also designs furniture and interiors, and is married to the equally talented Allegra Hicks.
Allegra made the feather headdress famous when it was featured in Domino Magazine above this stunning antique settee:
India Hicks (David’s youngest daughter) is a former model and has been featured on the design show Top Design. Her home has been featured regularly in decor magazines and you can see why:
And here’s India just chillin’ with the family:
Not only is India a television host and a fashion model, but she is also an author, hotel owner, heir to the British throne, and the beauty-line creator of an all-natural body-and-home-fragrance line ‘Island Night’ (with Crabtree & Evelyn)… Oh India we love you so…
Thank-you David Hicks for an amazing legacy and a wonderfully talented family.
~posted by SV
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01 Nov 2009 | News
The fabulous team at The Cross was working into the wee hours setting up the first Christmas displays for the season. There are so many pretty decorations this year with a theme of silver and gold, and of course touches of blue. We also have gift ideas galore! AND with free gift wrapping as always. Don’t forget to do your Christmas shopping on-line www.thecrossdesign.com for your out-of-town loved ones. We will wrap, pack and ship all for FREE! It’s really like a gift to yourself for goodness sakes!
And it just wouldn’t be Christmas without some sillyness…
OK, it was really just the boys being silly…the rest of us were working hard! Kidding…by the way, what do you think of Mark’s new stache?
AND the best part is there’s MORE to come! Looking forward to seeing all of you in the shop very soon…
~Posted by Stephanie Vogler
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29 Oct 2009 | News
Co-owner Darci Ilich’s beautiful home is featured in the November issue of Canadian House and Home magazine. Her home is a stunning beach side townhouse and here you can see it decked out for the holidays!
Such a bright and fresh, yet cozy Christmas feel. And can you believe it actually SNOWED on the day of the photo shoot! Such luck. Everything is available at The Cross of course! Thanks Darci and we can’t wait for the Christmas Party at your house this year!
DECK THE CROSS!! We will be decorating the shop for Christmas this weekend, so make sure you pop by next week and take a peek at our displays! Can’t wait to see you all!
~posted by Stephanie Vogler
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14 Oct 2009 | News
It’s a cold, grey and rainy day here in Vancouver today. I can’t think of anything better than to get lost in these pretty pictures. Looking at these rooms just makes us happy…
Delicious…
~posted by Stephanie Vogler
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