September 17th-23rd, 2018 – Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Fashion Week at the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, (šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square).
The SS19 season featured an epic line-up of design talent from across the globe showcasing the best in local Canadian talent as well as international designers representing Italy, the UK, France, Japan, Vietnam, Australia and more. Special guests on the front row included A Shaded View On Fashion’s Diane Pernet, America’s Next Top Model Coach Miss J Alexander, and reality stars Natalie Halcro & Olivia Pierson.
Vietnamese Designer Phuong My began her SS19 show with the ringing resonance of dulcet bells, thus, setting a harmonious tone to her collection. With an exquisite blend of sumptuous silks and a subdued colour scheme, My’s polished models took to the runway with poise. The palette was filled with dusty baby blues and reds, with dashes of periwinkle and navy throughout. My took a modern take on classic silhouettes that accentuate the female form with tapered peplum waistlines, exquisitely tailored silk folds, and varied demure necklines. An elegant feminine strength is exuded throughout.
6-D Sebastian Masuda presented ‘Reboot the Kawaii’, featuring acidic candy colours, synthetic fabrics, faux fur, and an excess of embellishments. Digital printed leggings, biker jackets, and a tulle skirt layered with transparent PVC, gave a youthful and casual feel in neon colours. Japanese artist, Masuda Sebastian, questions “what is fashion?” with a multicoloured fur ensemble with huge towering headpiece; a dramatic look. Harnesses, lace-up belts, and fur clutch bags accessorize the collection. A men’s outfit featuring a hot pink ‘Bijou jacket’, with glistening pins on the lapel, worn with knee-length shorts, gives a fresh look for the SS19 season.
Denver designer Eve Jenkins of Parasite Eve captured fashion-goers imaginations in a world not unto similar to a dystopian fairytale through her opulent fashion collection. The mixture of silhouettes were bespoke and unique; complimented by their flora and fauna inspired elements and breathtaking headpieces designed by Andrew Flatland. The models took form as fallen angels, wonderland princesses, or nymphs of the forest with their generous plumishes, detailed beadwork, delicate lace, and Victorian elements evoking another worldly expression. Jenkins crafted a fantastical display with a dark, regal presence for SS19.
Fusion swimwear and resortwear from Peruvian brand Lima Rosa wowed the crowd with saturated colours and digital prints in women’s and men’s looks. The ‘Dreams of Coral’ collection is inspired by the nature of the vast ocean and its natural forms and species. Reflections of the ocean can be seen in prismatic contrasted colours of flora & fauna. Criss-cross strap design on high waisted bikini bottoms, details of crochet & embroidery, and beautifully soft floating coverups add to the summer vibe, accessorised with tinted sunnies and metallic jewellery. Designer Carolina Rosamedina even utilises innovative textiles with UV and moisture capsules, perfect for the beach.
Japanese brand thibaut presented ‘Annie Vibe,’ a collection of loungewear inspired by the white linens and posh dresses from the 1982 movie Annie. With a background in choreography, Meiko Ban epitomizes the balance of life: messy but clean, relaxed but anxious, rough yet still soft. Barefooted models wore loose knit pullovers, waffle knit leggings, and ribbed camisoles. A lingerie inspired teddy in white lace was styled over a disheveled button-up shirt. Delicate ruffles were a theme in a predominantly neutral colour palette, all coming together for a show that was charmingly sensual.
Mexican brand Kan by Paulina Hernandez showcased the swimwear collection ‘Temiqui’ full of colour and life, with inspiration taken from the Mexican ethnic group Huicholes, and the Wixárika culture and their art. Hot pink, cyan blue, and green graphic printed women’s bikinis and men’s swim shorts were paired with fringed hooded ponchos and striped coverups.
‘FOREVER CUBA’ the colourful collection from Miami based designer Yas Gonzalez, is a nostalgic glimpse into her childhood in Cuba – with printed fabrics featuring memories of great grandmother’s kitchen tiles, the family church, and parks where she played. A delightfully ostentatious collection with rich vibrant fabrics, peacock feathers and floral embellishments accentuating the female form. A green corseted bodice with voluminous skirt in bold blue and oranges took us right to Havana.
Erin Clare Bridal, from Australia, showcased the Eclipse collection, in a soft white palette with ivory and a range of nude tones. Unique laces embellished with feathers, flowers, leaves, stars and butterflies appeared like delicate paper cutouts on beautiful wedding gowns. Models with plaited updos wore feminine A-line silhouettes with accentuated waists and sheer sleeves. An exquisite and romantic collection.
B.C.’s Anelia Basson of Anelia Art debuted her ‘Explore the Journey’ collection for SS19. Each piece was a wearable work of art with unique tribal influences complemented by a simple topknot hairstyle with feathers and beaded accessories. Basson’s colour palette was bright and playful with detailed prints on UV safe and environmentally friendly fabrics. Each garment flowed with the model’s movement which was further highlighted with an interpretive dance that delighted VFW fashion-goers. From versatile dresses to fun swimwear, Basson’s pieces will be sure to instil confidence and capture the individuality of the wearer.
Belgium’s Maxime Edward’s ‘UCHRONISM’ collection combined elements of metallics in a display of sporty, theatrical, and edgy looks. With the use of black, silver, bronze, and flashes of teal, Edward finds strength and coexistence in the structured cuts of his pieces and austere aesthetics. Inspired by the vision of the harmonic evolution of the human species, Edward pushes the envelope with his garments in an evocative way; teetering on sobriety and fantasy with each piece prompted by an emboldened view of mankind.
Designer Javier Giron for Spanish based brand JNORIG presented a new kind of ‘Complex Minimalism’ refreshing the idea of merging two opposite cultures; the simplicity of Amish lifestyle with the complexity of Indian Tribes. Graphic prints, designed in collaboration with Graphic Designer Barthelemy Vielle, lifted a heavily contrasted palette of black, white, and red. A modern deconstructive feel was expressed through structured jackets, hooded sweaters, and oversized knits with long hanging sleeves. A distinguished look for women- a red collared shirt worn with black ¾ length shorts and long black socks, topped with a black felt hat.
Class, elegance, and timelessness are three words to express the refined collection presented by Australian brand Lena Kasparian. ‘After 5’ featured formal wear and cocktail pieces for men and women in an oh so glamorous style. Deep rose pink silk and sequined gowns with couture detailing and luxurious fabrics set an opulent tone for womenswear. For men- chic grey and navy suits, beautifully tailored, were worn with crisp white shirts. A sophisticated collection.
Shamsha Hashwani, a luxury contemporary womenswear designer from Pakistan, opened the evening with a tribute collection to her late mother ‘Shanaz’. Inspired heavily by merging tradition with modernity, the line featured an array of bejewelled silk gowns and jumpsuits in emerald green, deep fuschia, and royal blue. With an atelier in Karachi, the label showcased skilled intricate workmanship with 3D embellishments and cut-work appliqué. Beaded floor length sheer sleeves and masterpiece shawls stunned the crowd.
To end the night, Japanese women’s apparel brand eimy istoire, known for their mixed-materials and cutting-edge designs, presented a pretty pastel pink and grey collection with ruffles, tulle, and feathers. Feminine silhouettes were structured from peplum waists, drop shoulders, and voluminous skirting. Velvet, silk, and lace created texture. A serenely feminine concept for SS19.
China based brand Wan Li put on a display of intricacy and craftsmanship with their showcase of traditional Chinese Cheongsams. Splitting their show into three sections, the designers sent a rainbow procession of gowns down the runway each accented with oriental style stitch work. Using mature models to showcase their collection, the label succeeded in bringing China to BC.
Japanese brand THE MONGOLIAN CHOPPSSS showcased a quirky unisex collection for SS19. The collection theme ‘Precious Love’ was expressed through positive messages such as ‘I am happy’ (in Japanese) and ‘Happy Sushi’ creating a fun feel. Camo print, oversized patch pockets, and long fluoro green socks made for carefree styling. A key look for men- a casual sweater featuring rainbow colour blocking paired with grey shorts. A youthful line disseminating fun or ‘TANOSII’ for all to see to close the night with colour and happiness.