Label to Watch: (212)

Well made clothes that also happen to be cute and affordable are pretty much impossible to come by these days. The guys behind year-old label (212) want to change that.

Vancouver-based duo Anthony Castro and Scott Walhovd met while working in New York City as a fashion model and designer, respectively. After moving to Vancouver in 2005 and opening up a boutique, the team decided to launch a private label. (212) was born in Fall 2009.

What differentiates (212) from other lower-end contemporary labels is not the price–a dress for instance, might run you $160–but the quality, which is more on the luxury level. Everything is made with particularly attention paid to finishing details and fabric quality. (You could compare the quality to that of high-end favorites like Phillip Lim and Proenza Schouler.)

The look is decidedly school girl, which means if you like APC but prefer something a bit flouncier, this collection will likely appeal. We’re particularly fond of the fall collection, which includes an adorable navy short suit and several sweet, but not cloying, dresses.

Right now, (212) is available at Dear Fieldbinder in Brooklyn and about 30 more retailers across North America, including the label’s Vancouver store. (If you live anywhere in the world other than New York and Vancouver, you can call up the store on 604-685-2426 to find the closest (212) retailer.)

What’s more, Castro and Walhovd are planning to move back to New York at the end of this fall, which means you’re likely to find (212) at more boutiques within the area code very soon.