by Eva van Loon

Since July, 2005, Trendzessence has made a delicious difference to local shopping. Starting out with Sue Russell’s imports and local designer Selena Asher’s originals, the store soon also featured such items as Verlee Peter’s horns and hemp fashions from Jo’momma Designs. When Alisha Van Belle of Jo’momma Designs became a partner, the trio opened the current location on Alberni Street.

The new store soon evolved into a community showcase for artists: Cher Peters’ fairy wings, jewellery, and quality sunglasses, Hanna Heart Song’s crochet bags and hats, Sue’s father’s stone jewellery, and anything that fit the style of Trendzessence—even organic body jewellery. Trendzessence plans to expand its selection of clothing from other up and coming local and West–coast designers.

Alisha Van Belle handcrafts the Jo’momma clothing line from home in Lund. Most of these funky garments are styled in natural fabrics like cotton and hemp. Organically grown hemp is highly wearable, both for its superior insulating and anti-bacterial qualities. Hemp breathes so well that it deals with perspiration better than does cotton. Alisha is expanding the range of natural fabrics to new sensations like soy and bamboo blends. She is also starting a “huggable revolution” with cloaks and sweaters in soft, fuzzy fabrics. Inspired by fairies, elves, nature spirits, Alisha works her prototypes until the fit is perfect for real women’s shapes. When her garments become beloved pieces treasured until worn out, that’s her greatest compliment! These are innovative designs in fabrics that feel too good to take off.