Page 50 - Sharp Winter 2025

GUIDE
the fabrics and how things feel,” Dilawri says. “With the rise of the internet and social media, a lot of clothes are made to look good in photos, but sometimes the ‘hand’ or quality doesn’t match up in person. That’s why we always need to touch and feel everything prior to ordering it for the shop.”
Dilawri emphasizes fabric and brands with stories to tell, seeking pieces that are hand-knit, uniquely dyed, or have qualities that set them apart from what you’d find at a mall. “It’s hard to convince someone to buy an $850 sweater, so it has to be incredibly soft, interesting, or have a story the customer can connect with,” he says. “If there are subtleties in the clothing that you’re wearing that you appreciate then I think that’s kind of where our philosophy lies. Hopefully, we can translate that through our store.”
With the fall and winter seasons ahead, we asked Dilawri to share a few of his favourite sweaters.
KNIT PICKING
UNRAVELLING THE KNITWEAR NEIGHBOUR FOUNDER SAAGER DILAWRI IS COVETING THIS SEASON
By Ben Kriz
T HERE’S AN ELEMENT OF DISCOVERY IN COMBING THROUGH
quality fabrics and intricate knitwear. It tells a story. Texture and patterning offer intimate insights into not only a label’s sensibilities but, oftentimes, its cultural roots. In Vancouver’s Neighbour, diverse and quality knits find a common home.
Neighbour’s owner Saager Dilawri — along with his wife, Karyna Schultz, who oversees buying for the women’s store — has curated some of the fashion world’s most talked-about independent labels since opening their Gastown boutique in 2011. Over the years, Neighbour has developed a cult following by stocking brands that are both carefully refined and at the forefront.
“We’ve always had a focus on minimalist clothing. It’s all about
50 GUIDE • WINTER 2025 SHARPMAGAZINE.COM