- 2010-01-21 -

Art for Haiti

We at Regalia want to aid the Haitian relief effort. Our resident artist/dollmaker Rev is donating 100% of the sales of seven new pieces to the YéleHaiti relief agency, directly assisting the survivors of the earthquake. Rev says "It is of the utmost importance that people understand the history of the poorest and most African nation in the Western hemisphere. Haitians declared their independence from France only 28 years after the U.S. broke off from England. In 1804, the loss of Haiti by France was an embarrassment to Napoleon. In his anger, he sent his colonial officers to fire bullets at the noses of characteristically African sphinx throughout Egypt. The loss of Haiti meant loss of Western economic power for France."

Rev also views Haiti as a spiritual force tightly connected to the Yoruba in Nigeria. "Many Western people still don't get Voudun (voodoo), they think it's about sticking pins in dolls and cracking eggshells. This tragedy is an opportunity for people to understand why Haiti is such a dichotomy of spiritual richness and brutal economic poverty. For me, as a descendant of Jamaicans, I honor my nation's part in liberating Haiti in the late 1700's because it was a Jamaican spiritual leader named Boukman who appointed Toussaint L'Ouverture as the leader of Haiti's independence movement. Haiti scared the shit out of European colonial powers. Haiti is proof that spiritual unification can work miracles.

Please visit www.yele.org for more information about the agency, and Haiti's ongoing struggle.

The dolls will be on display in our window for the next two weeks. Images will be posted soon!

- 2009-12-13 -

Holiday hours!

It's that time again, and we have prepared a bevy of beautiful creations for you and yours, local shopping hasn't been this easy since the last recession craze!

New to Regalia:
Pirates Dreaming - cutlery-inspired rings, the perfect companion to your new Georgina Baker pendant.

Elif Saydam - knitter extraordinaire, we have cowls and cute little felt brooches inspired by constellations.

RECORDS - we now stock a wonderful selection of really affordable vinyl, selected by local deejay St. Christopher. Visit discogs.com for his more collectible picks under the account Thisisdisco.

GIFT CERTIFICATES - don't know what to get? Get one of these!

We have also adjusted our hours to accommodate maximum shopping time:
Monday Tuesday, Wednesday: 10am-6pm
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10am-7pm
Sunday : 11am-5pm

We'll be open Dec. 24th until 4pm, CLOSED Dec. 25th, and open Dec. 26th from 11 to 5.

See you soon!

- 2009-11-05 -

Morena clothing is here!

I am so excited to announce the arrival of Morena Clothing to the shop! Designer Marcy Ross has been one of my fave's for years now, and Morena is one of the most recognizable and admired lines on the west coast. Marcy is the best at combining classy shapes with earthy touches like fur and feathers.

Come down to the shop and see! Or see the link below for the Morena website and a preview of the clothes.

Also - we're now taking registration for two X-mas markets: the Rock and Roll Market happening Saturday, Nov. 28th at Logan's Pub, and the Arts & Crafts show, that we are organizing in conjunction with Boucherat Gallery in Fan Tan Alley on Friday, Dec. 4th. Good things! Link...

- 2009-10-21 -

Georgina Baker Rules

Fancy jewelry is such a treat. I recently brought in a line by a new Canadian import from New Zealand, Georgina Baker. She's based in Surrey BC now and has chosen Regalia as her shop in Victoria and we are darned pleased about it!

Make sure to visit her website for a preview of her work: georginabaker.co.nz.
Then come down here and try it on.

Also new in the shop: By Vanya's amazing hand-sewn creations are evolving in wonderful autumnal ways. We also recently took in about 50 new Rev dolls, so if you ever wondered what they are for, now is the time to find out. Link...

- 2009-10-01 -

You want the Hammond

Megan (our girl Tuesday & Friday in the shop) is selling the Hammond organ that has been living in Regalia since the spring. It's in great shape, has a rotating Leslie amplifier inside, and screams like an angel. The right front leg needs a little love, but really easy fixing.

Call us if you're into it! She is asking $275 for it. I'll even plug it in and let you try it if you're serious.

*update* - sold! To the Bonspieler! Have fun, Ellen.