Global Fashion Collective at New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 19

Expressive colour palettes, artistic fabric manipulations, and whimsical playfulness lead the way for the first show from Global Fashion Collective.

First up, Canadian brand FAUN by Marisa P. Clark, brought a collection of elegance and subtlety to the runway, as an ode to the timeless, sophistication of New York City Style, referencing icons Audrey Hepburn and Blair Waldorf. Rich jewel-toned fabrics, with elegant necklines and fluttering hems, effortlessly complemented intricately handcrafted pieces, such as pearl bralettes and opera glasses. A highlight piece- a colour blocked suede jacket in pink with yellow contrast. Models carrying bunches of Baby’s Breath flowers stayed true to FAUN’s signature whimsical, feminine style.

FAUN by Marisa P. Clark
from Vancouver Fashion Week

Thick structured leather, glistening silks, and opaque organza gave texture to an artistic collection by Canadian designer Kirsten Ley (Canada). ‘NAISSANCE’, representing the birth, or ‘rebirth,’ of her label as an official Parisian fashion house gave life to classical French couture techniques while maintaining modern, avant-garde silhouettes. The colour palette featured deep metallic blue with Ley’s signature crisp oxblood softened by whimsical sheer creams, manifesting the emotional dichotomy of a fragmented human psyche. Kirsten’s signature sculpting technique can be seen in a deep purple leather skirt worn with an asymmetric top with layered, gathered organza. Iridescent fabrics add shadow and light, evoking a romantic escapism for the viewer.

Kirsten Ley
from Vancouver Fashion Week

With a fresh take on tradition, Chinese brand ERXI X MRHUA MRSHUA presented a quirky unisex collection for FW19, with the cutest mini model leading the show. ‘Silk Road * Beijing Beijing’. told a story with ornate embroidery of traditional Chinese New Year symbols, and a vibrant colour palette of lemon yellow, silver, red and candy pink. Striking patent boots, bobble hat caps, exaggerated ruffles, and quilted fabrics added a modern and unique twist. Designer NiuNiu Chou’s statement eccentricity at its finest.

ERXI X MRHUA MRSHUA
from Vancouver Fashion Week

To close the show, Canadian brand M.E. presented a collection of unique femininity in a selective black & white colour palette. Designer Michelle Elizabeth was inspired by Fashion in its highest state as the ability to present oneself, as a consciously constructed representation of who we are. A highlight look was a black long-length winter coat with white edging to panels, fitting beautifully at the waist in a flattering cut. A full length off-the-shoulder dress with an opaque layer over a digital print with the words ‘Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable’ made a statement. Silky fabrics with inky prints in beige tied the collection together, with silver hook and eye fastenings at neckline and cuffs beautifully catching the light.

M.E
from Vancouver Fashion Week

The second presentation of Global Fashion Collective put the spotlight on exquisite elegant tailoring; the designers bringing forth an haute couture feel to the runway with careful craftsmanship and vintage influences.

First to hit the runway was Chinese brand Queenie Zoe by Bomin Kim. Inspired by Samiljeol (Independence Movement Day in Korea) and the start of modernization for Korean women, creative director Bomin Kim has designed a series of gowns in a bold, feminine style. With references to traditional late 19th century silhouettes, elaborate empire line dresses with ruffled tiered godets and leg of mutton sleeves gave a sense of grandeur. Fur trims and large flouncy bows adorned the collection, and a velvet dress with exaggerated pointed collar brought beautiful contrast in black and white. The finale look incorporated a traditional Hanbok style dress with large oversized sleeves and patchwork fabrics.

Queenie Zoe by Bomin Kim
from Vancouver Fashion Week

Designer Tong Li for China based brand HIGHTLI was inspired by the video game ‘The Legend of Zelda’ in creating her FW19 collection ‘Melody’. The designs work as a ‘composed song’ that coordinate relevant yet differentiated elements in an unconventional manner. A caramel coloured silk shirt with flared cuffs, and high-waisted pants that cinched in the waist, gave a structured feminine look. Fabrics in herringbone, checks, and dogtooth added texture, and a cosy bold red fur coat created volume with oversized sleeves. A deep burgundy cage-like structured button up cape worn over a silver silk two-piece with bird-cage motif formed a key look.

HIGHTLI
from Vancouver Fashion Week