What is “Bowen style”?
Bowen Island is made up of an exciting mix of tastes and people, both which are always on the move.
From the island’s historical roots as a leisure destination to its ties to logging, fishing, and protesting, Bowen Islanders dress for work and play, leisure and sport, fashion and comfort, always occupying the in-between spaces.
The Bowen Island Museum & Archives is eager to piece together and celebrate that in-between style with the summer exhibition Fashionably Bowen: Island Style.
Bowen Islanders will be on display – and their favourite outfits. There’ll be clothing and photos from our collection and the stories that connect them to the island.
Some collection treasures to be featured in the new exhibit include a wool bathing suit from an early island lifeguard, a wedding dress from a citizen of the year and a protest shirt from a local artist.
We want show that though trends have changed over the years, a certain “Bowen flair” has remained in each ensemble.
But to do this, we need your help. The Bowen Island Museum & Archives is asking the community to help us answer the question, “Does Bowen Island have a unique style?”
We’re looking for loans of children’s clothes, clothes fromThe Big Idea Store, as well as photos of outfits that connect to a special Bowen moment.
Send us a message at [email protected], or stop by the museum at 1014 Miller Road with your artifacts. Please also include a write-up of how the item or photo represents Bowen’s unique style and help us stitch together the fashion history of our community.
Fashionably Bowen: Island Style runs from June 24 to September 26. The exhibition will begin with the Annual General Meeting from 1 to 2 p.m. followed by an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m.
