Anna Kosturova Surf Lounge Vancouver Pop-Up Shop
When we embarked on our Surf Lounge Vancouver pop-up journey, we knew we wanted to bring the vibrant energy of summer to the heart of Gastown, Vancouver. This was more than a retail space; it was an experience, one that blended surf culture, coastal lifestyle, breezy beach vibes, tropical resorts and our signature style.
The concept began as a thought: "hmm, what are we gonna do this summer? We should have a popup again! Let's see if there are any empty retail spaces available..." From there, it was all about finding the perfect location.
Securing the Space
We were lucky to land a storefront in a prime spot, right across from Gastown’s famous Steam Clock! The space was previously home to David’s Tea shop that closed somewhere 2019. It was in rough shape, with all their furniture, displays, training manuals etc.. still there but ...there was a wall there painted in their brand's seafoam color which sparked the main inspiration for the pop-up's aesthetics and color scheme and we absolutely incorporated it into our ocean side paradise vision.
So I gave my surf board a crochet cover (as one does), I lined up all my elements like sunwashed driftwood, shells, turquoise & cobalt accents and soft sandy textures... aaaand we were in business!
It took us two days to prep the space: throw all the garbage out, get it deep cleaned, paint the rest of the space & the entrance white... and then it was a moving in time.
Its narrow layout and long serving bar posed challenges, but we embraced them as part of the creative process. Our vision turned the space into something extraordinary, as you’ll see in this before & after reel.
Designing the Surf Lounge
Creating our Surf Lounge meant catering to the many facets of our brand and the diverse personalities of our customers. We transformed the space into distinct zones, each with its own vibe that transitioned seamlessly throughout the space:
1. Sporty Surf Shack Vibes
For the active, adventure-loving customer, we designed a sporty surf-inspired area. This section was for the adventure seekers, the ones who want their style to keep up with their energy. We showcased our surf-chic signature crochet hoodies, lightweight ponchos, and sporty pieces that transition effortlessly from a surfboard to an evening beach bonfire.
Decorating this space was a creative journey in itself. We needed some surf decor on the walls so I painted a surfer girl to bring the vibe to life. We also discovered the perfect cognac leather club chair on a buy & sell site (in the FREE section! We picked it up in an alley...) This corner was all about laid-back cool, lake cabin slash surf shack vibe. It added a cozy yet rugged touch, inviting customers to imagine themselves unwinding after a day in the waves.
2. Full Octane Color Zone
Our playful, high-energy crochet crop tops, mini skirts and festival-ready crochet coords deserved a bold and vibrant setting. These pieces are perfect for those who love uniqueness, they are not afraid of color, not afraid to stand out in a crowd, those embracing a boho style or heading to their next big music festival.
The decor here was just as lively as the fashion, decorated with ocean-inspired finds from second-hand stores and HomeSense. The hunt for the perfect pieces was half the fun, we found ocean-inspired accents that added that perfect splash of magic.
3. Wedding & Bridal Bliss
This section was all about capturing the romance of a seaside wedding. For our bridal & special occasion section we created a dreamy oasis with perfectly beachy, distressed white painted bamboo furniture also found on a buy & sell site. My assistant and I had such fun curating this setup, we worked hard to find the perfect balance of elegance and bohemian charm.
Check out our furniture-finding IG reel to see how it came together.
Our bridal section was a serene oasis for beach brides and destination wedding guests. Featuring handmade crochet wedding dresses, elegant cover-ups, and flowing silk pieces, this space catered to those dreaming of a seaside ceremony.
4. Resortwear Paradise
Our signature crochet resortwear, beach cover-ups and silk tie-dye pieces needed a relaxed yet elevated space to enhance the resort feel.
Think breezy crochet tunics, hand tie-dye wraps, and versatile pieces that pack light and work hard. These styles are ideal for travelers looking for items that transition seamlessly from the beach to dinner.
This section embodied the effortless chic our brand is known for, showcasing how our pieces are not just beautiful but practical for a life on the go.
We created an elegant area with a hammock full of comfy cushions surrounded by palm trees and bamboo divider. We hanged it by the entrance of our pop-up, welcoming our guests into a zen like scenery somewhere at a tropical boutique hotel. This is where you unwind with a book and refreshing cocktail.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
That long serving bar? It became one of our favorite features. We turned it into a beachy centrepiece, perfect for displaying key pieces, and even created a mini bar where we served mango and pineapple margaritas to our guests. Oh, and did we mention the swings? We created a swing bar! It transcended us to a tropical destination and It added a playful & unexpected touch that was a hit with everyone who visited.
The Result
From start to finish, Surf Lounge Vancouver was a testament to creativity, adaptability, repurposing, resourcefulness and our love for bringing the spirit of the beach to life, enticing you to travel & explore the world. Whether you were drawn to the sporty surf shack, the colorful vibes, or the bridal corner, or our sought after resortwear there was something for everyone.
We couldn’t have been prouder of the transformation and the incredible community that supported us.
Here’s to the next adventure!
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