lululemon lab is a place that full of spirit and possibility and we are always looking for new ways to share our space with the community. Whether it’s a yoga class or our Mavericks Speaker Series, we love inviting interesting and influential people into our hub. The idea behind our first ever Dinner Series, ‘One Night Stand’, was to bring together some captivating Vancouverites, who elevate our community and have great stories to share. Add some fantastic food, a little wine, some really interesting conversation and you have a wonderful concept brought to life. We want to thank all of our dinner guests for making our first ‘Dinner Series’ an absolute success.

Thanks to:

Sonnen Sloan, Vancouver designer.

Greg Matsunami Director, Product Strategy at lululemon

Suzanne Solcum of One Yoga for the People.

Spencer Viehweger of Matchstick Coffee.

Graeme Berglund founder & creative director of the Cheaper Show.

Jennifer Bentall & Lesley Kim our fantastic caterers, both graduates of Le Cordon Bleu Paris.

Photos courtesy of Erin Tetarenko.

We are pleased to announce that our second Mavericks speaker will be Preet Marwaha of Organic Lives. Organic Lives is a successful restaurant and online shop that is dedicated to promoting and supporting organic, sustainable, fairly traded food that is good for the body and good for the planet.  Preet  fosters the value of food and teaches how it is paramount in setting your body up for life.

RSVP today to hear Preet speak on May 22, 2012 at the lab.

Starts at 7pm.

Preet Marwaha’s Bio: 

Preet Marwaha, through his passion for food, health and healing the planet started Organic Lives as a means to facilitate change. A change that is required in the way that we connect with our food and the systems that produce our food, to enable an understanding of the impact these choices have on our health, that of the planet and all of its inhabitants. OrganicLives is the real life representation of ethical sustainable commerce that enriches lives from grower to consumer.

Preet’s personal journey of health began 21 years ago when he was battling an illness that nearly brought his life to an end. After one and a half years of what became routine emergency hospital visits and heavy doses of drugs, he checked himself in and refused to leave until a solution was found. Ten days of testing for what seemed like every disease known to the medical system led to their conclusion that there was something wrong with his brain (what they were really saying is that this was all in his head) and a series of CAT Scans were done. After finding nothing, it was suggested that he should be sent to a gastroenterologist, who after several hours of testing stated that the only course of action was to remove his intestines and provide him with a colostomy bag. This is where it all stopped and his refusal to have this surgery was met with criticism and a certain path to death. Preet, through a dear friend and reading John Robbin’s ‘Diet For A New America’ made a complete change in the the way he was going to eat, think and live for the rest of his life. Thirteen months later, his life was coming back to normal and the power of food had been fully engrained in his psyche and a whole new path and passion had begun.

Today, Preet is busy promoting and supporting the values of healthy eating and living through the many talks and courses that he conducts. As an instructor with the Institute of Holistic Nutrition he teaches Nutrition & The Environment and Holistic Food Preparation. He also spends his time as a personal health coach, teaching at the OrganicLives Education Centre and performing public health talks for schools and corporations. In addition, his passion for organic sustainable agriculture has led him into numerous projects locally and in developing nations around the globe. Preet has been involved globally on numerous projects including the World Wellness Project, Safe Planet Campaign and the United Nations Environment Programme.

You will certainly have the opportunity to meet him in person at the OrganicLives restaurant (1829 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada) where much of his time is spent interacting, educating and entertaining their guests.

For more about Preet and Organic Lives: www.organiclives.org

Join us for a creative Yoga Class and Coaching Workshop that explores the integrated aspects of your life and invites you to create powerful intentions in each area. This unique workshop is designed to support you to tap into your intuitive genius. Themed around Christie and Erin’s upcoming retreat, come prepared to Connect, Discover, and Play.

‘Move toward Intention’ at the lab May, 2 6:30pm-8pm

Erin Tetarenko, Life & Movement Coach

Erin draws on her life experiences and educational background – a synergy of kinesiology, psychology, yoga, and life coaching. Her enthusiasm for life is ignited when surrounded by inspiring people, moving freely, and growing through exploration. She shares her passion for connecting and empowering people to live from courageously from the heart.

Christie Baumgartner, Yoga Teacher

As a child Christie was whisked away by the enchantment of dance, dedicating her free time to self-expression through movement. Her passion to move lead her onto the mat where she continues to explore and play on this great journey we call life. She believes that we can only teach what we are most passionate about, and this she will share with you.

This is a really cool jacket. Great to wear anytime. The Glyde accents add eye-catching detail, plus a ‘stow away’ hood keeps you covered in Vancouver’s unpredictable weather.

Made from Luon & Glyde
Sizes: S/M/L/XL
$198

The lab is so happy to have Phyllis Chan leading our April classes. Phyllis will teaching ‘Flow Progressive’ at the lab on April 17th & 24th. This class is inspired by the sense of renewal that Spring brings. A stream of meditation, heart opening back-bends and partner work will leave you feel rejuvenated and airy. Classes run from 6:30pm-7:45pm. No sign up required.

Phyllis was first drawn to yoga because it produced a strong sense of calm and peacefulness in her life.  The path of yoga has led her to venture into the East where she completed her Yoga Alliance certification under Lily Gonclaves, studied under Yogi Vishvketu, and completed Vipassana meditation training at Wat Ram Poeng.  Phyllis is currently apprenticing under Shannon Cluff, “the teacher’s teacher” at Sanga yoga.

Phyllis has experience teaching a variety of age groups and enjoys adapting her teaching style to students in her class, providing options so postures can be safely enjoyed and challenges can be undertaken by students of all fitness and flexibility levels.  With an intention of building core strength using proper alignment, you can create a strong foundation for safe progression within your practice.

Phyllis brings a sense of humour and playful positive energy to the class, by sharing a gift that she is ever so grateful for: Yoga – the unity of body, mind & spirit.

Find out more about Phyllis: http://followphilly.wordpress.com/

Here are some photos from our crochet workshop hosted by Clara Roberts-Oss. There was a  great turn out and lots of fun was had. A big thanks to Clara for being such a lovely muse and a wonderful teacher. We also want to commend Tiffany Weiland on her beautiful designs for this collection.

For more about Clara: www.pixieyoga.net

Tiffany Weiland is the designer for the lab’s mens’ apparel line.

Photos from the Found Object Jewelry Making Workshop with Clara Roberts-Oss.

If you missed that workshop we have another fun one with this Thursday March 29th which is all about Crocheting.  We have a few spots left so email us to sign up by Thursday morning to reserve your spot.  thelab@lululemon.com

What to bring:  A ball or two of yarn, and a crochet hook if you have one.
When:  March 29th  6:30 – 7:30pm
Where:  lululemon lab.  511 West Broadway Vancouver BC

For more info on Clara’s workshops at the lab click here:
Community Classes with Clara Roberts-Oss

Stella started with the lab in March 2011 as a fresh fashion design grad. Prior to fashion design, she did an undergrad degree in ‘Nutritional Science’. The marriage of fashion meets function continues to inspire Stella and her designs at the lab. Stella designed the lab’s recent and very successful ‘Meditation Capsule’.

Describe what makes the lab such a special space?

In the perspective of someone who is fascinated by garment construction, the lab is like an “all in one” design space. Everything happens here;  the initial idea, the sketches, the pattern drafting, the making of the sample, the model fitting, the final production run and the retail sale of the piece. We open the space for people to see the entire cycle of everything involved in turning an initial idea/inspiration into a wearable garment.

Most people don’t realize how much work goes into creating a quality piece of clothing, briefly explain the process.

The actual sit-down of sketching and illustrating takes about 1/10th of the entire process in creating a garment. A lot more time is devoted to drafting/draping the pattern, perfecting the fit and assessing it’s functional values. Then designers have to find the perfect trims and finishes to compliment the piece. Rarely does a garment go into final production after just one fitting, it usually takes 2 or 3 and sometimes more samples and quality audits before the final product hits the floor.

Your latest designs were inspired by meditation, what are you working on next?

I am working on an intimates line for the lab.

What designer (any kind) are you influenced by?

I am highly influenced by the works of Jason Matlo – Vancouver designer in women’s RTW and Bridal lines. I admire the construction and amount of work that’s put into perfecting the quality and fit of each of his pieces. His positivity, drive and sense of humour are contagious– it is a joy working with him on the side.

What fashion trend are you really loving these days?

COLOUR. I just came back from Asia and I can’t wait for the pastel and neon shades (especially on shoes) to hit the streets of Vancouver.

What fashion trend are you totally over?

I’m not sure, I think anybody can pull anything off if they really rock it with confidence.

What is your favourite fashion magazine/website? Why?

Vogue and Bazaar mainly for the editorials. Style.com is great for keeping up with the latest collections and runway shows.

Where do you like to shop in Vancouver, besides the lab? 

I love the small finds on Main Street. The window displays of Front & Company will instantly lure you in…and once inside, expect to find hidden surprises. Barefoot Contessa is another delightful gem.

What does Vancouver need more of?

Fast walkers.

What video clip inspires you/gives you goose bumps?

This gave me chills a few days ago: http://youtu.be/1Ibi3df2MzE
Tom Ford never fails to inspire: http://vimeo.com/33599333

“Fashion creates a bit of a dream… I believe in an enhanced reality of fashion”

The CRO Pant was made for movement. This lightweight and unfitted pant has a roll down waistband, to customize the rise, in addition to ruched cuffs to style as you like. Made from Modal, the material is breathable and versatile.

Sizes: 2-8

Colours: Black  & Navajo (both with colour treatment on waist band).

$ 92