You know that one of my favorite fashion weeks is the NYFW, yet beyond the classics – NYC, London, Paris, Milan, other fashion cities claim to be equally cool and interesting. Day 4 – Vancouver, BC – at the David Lam Hall in downtown Vancouver marked an evening of variety with a strong selection of designers from around the world, and a special four-legged friend opening a show.
Vancouver designer Melissa Yin showcased flattering cuts with her eponymous leather-based brand, presenting ‘Nine to Five’ a collection of edgy yet sophisticated pieces to take you from day to night. Bright lipstick-red leather was contrasted with cream and black shades in fitted silhouettes. A striking look was formed with an elegant black full-length dress with short-capped sleeves and a cinched-in waist. Silver star-shaped zippers and rhinestone trim caught the light with an inspiring attention to detail.
The House of AmZ exhibited stand out pieces featuring cross-stitching and cinching techniques. The FW18 collection was composed of feminine silhouettes created from wool and silk pieces. A palette of soft purple and crème colours was intertwined in A-line skirts, cuffs, and draping sleeves. Designer, Alexandra Zofcin, cultivates a modern expression of femininity.
Bia Boro Bamboo brought a fresh floral unisex collection of underwear and loungewear for FW18. A youthful energy ignited the runway with tropical floral prints on soft cotton fabrics perfect for laid-back days. A special guest, Christopher the Pig brought smiles to the audience as he opened and closed the segment.
Bright clashing colors and eccentric prints marked Barbara Riordan’s collection for U.S brand Pariah. The designer’s brazen sense of humour shone through her new unisex line, ‘Alchemy’, with vibrant cartoon prints on sweaters, circle skirts, and trench coats. Black is used throughout as a contrast to emphasize the vivid tones. A highlight look; a bright yellow comic strip printed two piece featuring cropped fitted jacket and a 3 tiered mini skirt.
On Day 5 Profanity by LillzKillz showed the world the latest and greatest in streetwear in what could only be described as ‘fashion-on-acid’. The young Vancouver designer gets her inspiration from music, but the clothes are unquestionably of her own expression – profane, eclectic, and cool. Lillzkillz used bold neon, shiny latex, checkered print, colored tiger-print fur, and platform shoes to wow the crowd and kick off the start to the weekend.
Apparel Magazine curated a group of New Zealand designers in an inspiring and varied show. First, Georgette Pollock-Johnston, with the Renée collection, named after her late grandmother, shows off sensuous kimono-wraps, lustrous overcoats, evening dresses, and pantsuits. Featuring iconic imagery of Renée in a Versace-esque style, embellishments include pearls, crystals, and beads. The ‘first love’ collection by Traceygh featured pastel tones in floaty silks and chiffons for a light and free feel. Jerome Taylor for Not For You, a high-end men’s streetwear line featured a crepe de chine trench coat, logo branded bombers, and tough-looking leather boots for a collection with attitude.
San Fran based brand JK Menswear presented deconstruction-style mens outerwear for FW18. Designer Julie Kintner, inspired by the ‘uncut’ aesthetic of walking in the forest, getting lost and feeling raw, plays with patterns and textures that complement nature, with contrasts of neon and metallic for effect. Silkscreen prints feature on loose-fitting utility coats, pleated t-shirts, hoodies, drawstring shorts, pants, and bomber jackets.
Arizona based designer Alexander Sanchez showcased a flamboyant collection of feminine gowns. The elegant line expressed high luxury design and style with a transition through yards of black silk, structured dresses and jackets, sleek velvet, sequins, white lace, frilled hems, and ruffled cuffs.The showpiece; a full-length lace number in vibrant red complete with long train gave a dramatic finale.
Japanese brand Perspective.Tokyo followed a utilitarian style, with a uniform of off-white discolored fabrics, lifted with printed numbers and letters. A unisex clothing line, with pieces to switch and layer up, all in a subdued palette. A minimalist mens look was composed of a button up grandad collar jacket with square patch pockets worn with wide leg pants and sliders. Layers of soft fabrics were shaped with belts and straps; a collection of pieces to inspire thought.
Inspired by shadow and reflection Australian designer Allie Howard looks at revealing and concealing the body. Leather is developed with laser cutting, bonding, layering, weaving, and stacking creating intricate textures for her FW 18 collection GRID. A collection of hybrid forms of natural fibres, leather and organza silk; this is clean and sophisticated womenswear with beautiful finishes and graphic shapes!
