Located on the 100 block of Pender Street in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, Blim’s storefront windows are a siren call for all who are young at heart. In front of a large print of the entire cast of The Simpsons is a cacophony of animal prints, cartoon artwork and furry animals adorning umbrellas, fanny packs, tote bags and leggings. It’s a funhouse of nostalgia and the surreal. Since 2003, Blim has been a well-kept secret that attracts a devoted and adventurous crowd from the fashion set, as well as curious window shoppers.
The front half of the space is a continuation of zany, colourful and bold fashions, accessories of gifts featured in the front window; the back half is a studio and workshop/event space where artists and anyone with a creative bone can create art or arts and crafts, including T-shirts, buttons or moccasins.
Chinatown’s colourful Blim Arts Society stocks imported Japanese fashion and clothes designed by owner Yurika Iga. If you want to take the do-it-yourself approach when it comes to gift giving, head to the back of the shop to discover the in-store screen-printing studio. Take a class and create printed totes, tees and towels. If you’re already a pro, book some studio time to use the facilities and paints for the afternoon.
This unique space in Chinatown acts as an arts and crafts creative hub, offering supplies for t-shirt printing, button making and knitting on-site as well as workshops and classes, while the space also acts as a gallery and event venue. Famous now for its Blim Markets held at various venues around town, where artists and crafters showcase and sell their wares on select weekends throughout the year. The entire vision fosters camaraderie, support and guidance in the creative realm and is worth a visit any time.