Welcome to the inaugural Pret-A-Porter column! This is the spot where we showcase the women who inspire us, who are doing incredible things out in the world. Women with a style all their own – fiercely fascinating, unique and unapologetic. May we introduce you to Zoe Pawlak?

Meet Zoe

Every woman has a memory, a tight hold on a night that was so incredible you remember what you were wearing head to toe. That ensemble worn when the stars aligned and what you were wearing became a natural extension of the joy and fever of the memory itself. For a particularly special night out at one of Manila’s most high-end clubs, Zoe Pawlak threw on a Nicole Bridger dress. “Damn, that was a great night.”

“Her personal style icons are strong and passionate women like herself. She loves M.I.A. and Lauryn Hill. ‘Women who have the guts to wear wacky stuff and pull it off; females who can set trends and yet stay true to themselves.’”

Closer to her Vancouver home, Zoe, a contemporary artist, curator and consultant, creates art infused with such colour, life and verve it could make a wall blush. With such bold strokes in her art and life, it only makes sense that particular colourful joie de vivre carries over into her personal style. Her personal style icons are strong and passionate women like herself. She loves M.I.A. and Lauryn Hill. “Women who have the guts to wear wacky stuff and pull it off; females who can set trends and yet stay true to themselves.”

Like most of us, style was a learning curve for Zoe too. She credits close friends like artist Katie Dutton, photographer Jamie Mann and Ashley Gesner for keeping her honest, style-wise. Her own style advice is practical but personal: Invest in good basics. Ambush thrift stores – they’re good for the environment, non-profits and your wallet. Be an individual – go wild! Wear clothes that fit you – both your body and spirit. It may not be easy but it will be worth it.

“I love the woman who makes the clothes. Her heart is what makes the company so great.”

When we touch on the Nicole Bridger clothing line, it ignites a love-fest. “I love the woman who makes the clothes. Her heart is what makes the company so great.” With deep exclamation she stresses love for the comfort factor of the line and also the obvious consideration for the environment and production. “I think this coming line (Spring / Summer ’12) will be the most solid yet.” We couldn’t agree more.

Zoe is wearing two of her favorite Nicole Bridger pieces from the Fall 2011 line. Visit us at our Kitsilano store to check out more from the line.

More Zoe

Want more more more of Zoe Pawlak and her sublime talent? Zoe’s first solo show in 4 years is running now until the end of June at Nelson the Seagull located at 315 Carrall Street in Vancouver. You can also connect with Zoe via Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr.

{Photos by Jamie Mann and hair and makeup by Ashley Gesner}