Georgia Straight
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Feb 3, 2026: Fashion in the time of Ozempic

Feb 3, 2026: Fashion in the time of Ozempic

Plus: Polygon Gallery, Austra, and the French Mediterranean

February 03, 2026

Hey there. How is February treating you so far?

The days might still be short, but look on the bright side: so is the month. And so is this introduction. Brevity is the soul of wit!

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE —

Curve model Olivia Wray doesn’t want to squeeze in

Olivia Wray had plenty of peers who looked like her in Seattle, but in Ladner, there weren’t a lot of curvy mixed girls to see herself reflected in. That drive for representation—to give people like her someone familiar—is part of why she became a model. “When women see me in a shoot, I want them to see some reflection of themselves and know there’s no reason to hide,” she tells the Straight. “You are enough. You are deserving of luxury and quality.”

This week’s Straight Insider perks 🎟️

We’ve got free tickets (first come, first served) to a stacked lineup of live shows at The Hollywood Theatre—from metal and punk to burlesque, drag, and cult-classic film screenings.

What’s up for grabs:

The Free Label (Feb 6)
Dice ft. Mark Woodyard with J-Pod & Civilian (Feb 6)
Cool Runnings (Feb 9)
Blades of Glory (Feb 10)
Band & Burlesque (Feb 15)
Slap Shot (Feb 16)
Chariots of Fire (Feb 17)
Not a Wicked Drag Show (Feb 19)
Dr. Ozi (Feb 21)

If you’re an Insider, jump on it—once tickets are gone, they’re gone.

Sip, Savour, and Celebrate March 6–15, 2026

The Sunshine Coast Flavour Festival returns from March 6–15, 2026 with 10 days of curated menus, exclusive bites, and bold pours at participating businesses from Gibsons to Lund. Pair a relaxing coastal getaway with this can’t-miss event celebrating the vibrant culinary scene on BC’s Sunshine Coast.

— LIVING —

How to (slowly) eat your way through Sète

What happens when you swap Vancouver for the south of France? Dean Broughton ruminates on what his new home has brought him: peace, tranquility, and a new appreciation for seafood.

The BC Home and Garden Show wants you to start that project

Festival du Bois returns March 6-8!

Come dance to Québécois and Celtic fiddle tunes and Latin rhythms, revel in bhangra-Celtic fusion, fiddle-singing and more – Festival du Bois returns to Coquitlam's Mackin Park March 6-8. A warm welcome, generous helpings of francophone and world culture, cuisine traditionnelle, family fun await! Early Bird discounts to Feb 6.

— ARTS —

The Polygon Gallery maps out its 2026 programming

Three Vancouver artists are among the names getting major exhibitions at the Polygon Gallery this year. Check out the gallery’s full lineup here.

Celebrating Black Futures returns to the Vancouver Art Gallery
The Baking Show Show: The Play by Faly Mevamanana. A Ruby Slippers Theatre production. February 5 -7 & 12 -15. Grace spirals into obsession and sabotage while striving to win Canada's most elite baking competition.*

*sponsored listing

— MUSIC —

Rufus Guitar & Drum Shop has played its last chord

Every indie musician’s favourite Commercial Drive gear shop called it quits at the end of January, bringing the store’s 40-year tenure in the city to an end.

Jonny Bones talks making music while dealing with Stage 4 cancer
Review: Austra casts healing magic at the Rickshaw

— ICYMI —

How much are Vancouver city councillors swearing off Ken Sim?
Which B.C. artists got 2026 Juno nominations?
We Tried It: Cardero’s is a classic spot for a reason
Cheap Monday at Budgies is the best detour on Broadway

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

LIVING: The Lantern City lights up Vancouver for the Year of the Horse. (February 2 to March 9 @ various locations)

PERFORMING ARTS: Hold On Let Go puts on its 16th boundary-pushing festival. (February 3-7 @ Russian Hall)

COMEDY: The February Show brings comics together to raise money for the crisis in Sudan. (February 4 @ Little Mountain Gallery)

FOOD & DRINK: New York cocktail bar Employees Only holds a one-night collaboration with a Vancouver favourite. (February 4 @ Botanist)

VISUAL ARTS: Explore textiles and textures in group exhibition Interlace. (February 4 to March 1 @ Ferry Building Gallery, West Vancouver)

MUSIC: The first-ever Crash Test Fest gets noisy with Straight faves like cherry pick and Tiger Really. (February 5 @ Hollywood Theatre)

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

That’s it!

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