Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine

For those who do not know, there is an Obakki man and woman (fictional of course). Each season the design team starts by creating a new storyline for this global pair. Once samples are ready a photoshoot is created to bring the collection to life. Fall 2008 is a love story where the luxury-minded couple go on an old-fashioned safari to a mythical place and time.

Owner Treana Peake grew up in Alberta where she met her future husband, a successful musician. Her move to Vancouver came when the band relocated for professional reasons. What they both share in spades is a love of travel. It was during road trips all over the world that Peake was able to gain a wide exposure to other cultures and fashions. "I think fashion is more than just seeing what people are wearing or going to Italy or France and watching what people are wearing. It's more about the lifestyle, the inspirations and a global sense. The Obakki man and woman are a global couple that is traveling around." Time with the band also provided other valuable lessons such as hands-on knowledge of how to build a business from the ground up and the opportunity to work with fashion designers for her red carpet appearances.

The idea for Obakki came to Peake while she was travelling. "Everywhere you look there are people with talent and they need some marketing, some business sense or just a platform to show their work. I thought, 'There's a great opportunity here to show what we have in our own back yard.'" In the beginning the designers had total creative license. As the company evolved the branding image began to strengthen, the customer became more defined and a retail location was opened. Purchase of their own manufacturing plant provided more control over production and costs. Peake has now stepped into the role of Creative Director where she shapes the look of the collections. The development process is one of collaboration with a team of 2-3 designers and this season is the first with her at the creative helm. One focus that has remained constant throughout is the use of Canadian talent: interns, designers, office staff, production team, models, photographers, etc.

"Obakki men's and women's collections are the perfect juxtaposition -- elegant yet relaxed, refined yet rustic, polished yet casual." It has the feel and look of luxury with the comfort of casual wear. With 60 pieces in the woman's line and 50 in the men's there is a wide range for every occasion. For Fall 2008 the mainstay is a wonderful collection of coats and jackets that can be combined with an extensive selection of separates. Neutrals of cream, stone and black are spiced up with jeweled tones of lavender, olive, poppy and burgandy. The fabrics include cotton, silk, wool and angora, many of which have a slight stretch for ease of wear. Jackets of lambskin and leather add a deeper dimension. Rounding out the women's line is a selection of glamourous skirts and dresses. The buzz surrounding this collection has translated into 40 new wholesale clients and interest from stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys and Neiman Marcus.

What's next for Obakki? Look for their Spring 2009 line and an amazing new photo campaign. The Obakki man and woman find themselves on an adventure to locate a dilapidated beach house they've inherited. The photoshoot with top Canadian model Julia Dunstall captures the soft sand and grey tones of the collection as well as the small bursts of color that give it life. For more information on Obakki please visit their website at www.obakki.com.