Shop in style
Named after Manhattan’s area code, 212 brings New York chic to Gastown. The stylish boutique joined like-minded trendsetters in the area in spring 2007, helping the historic area become a noted fashion district. The shop aims to replicate the atmosphere you’d find shopping in Manhattan’s meatpacking district. 212 has an industrial feel with concrete floors, exposed brick and pipes and a black ceiling. The minimalist décor puts all the focus on the fashions, which are delicately displayed on wooden hangers dangling from the pipes. The shop is softened with antique furniture and decorative details.

Funky labels
When you can’t jet off to New York to find those trendy labels not widely available in Vancouver, now you just have to visit 212. The boutique has a tightly edited selection of items by urban lifestyle labels such as Plastic Island, Dr. Denim, and 80/20 footwear. The selection is constantly being updated, so check back often for great new finds. For men, 212 carries lines such as J. Fedder's and Sunday Sun.

Household name
212 is the brainchild of New York fashion offspring and model Scott Walhovd and Parsons grad Anthony Castro, who has worked for the likes of Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. In addition to carrying some of the hottest brands, the duo also has its own in-house women’s line, 212. Their collection, which is now wholesaled internationally, includes stylish dresses, skirts, silky tops and knits.