Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) launched its 27th season this week, where it will feature more than 100 runway shows before it comes to an end Sunday.
The week-long fashion event is being held at the Chinese Cultural Centre at 50 E. Pender with more than 100 designers from 38 countries taking part, along with a handful of locals.
With a goal to help young designers ready to carve out a spot in the often rough fashion trade, VFW sponsors more than 20 designers to help get their work in front of the public, says Jamal Abdourahman, VFW producer and founder. He admits it’s been a long learning curve since he launched VFW in 2001 when he was producing low-budget runway shows in nightclubs.
Today, the operation has evolved into a fashion event that attracts global designers, local artisans, and a burgeoning fashion scene.
Here are five designers to check out at VFW this weekend:
Bethany Williams
Saturday, March 19, 7:15pm
This designer’s threads scream “street style”: like it’s literally pouring upwards and seeping into the seams. But the London College of Fashion graduate has more than just street cred, she is in the midst of a fashion revolution of sorts with her sustainable, UK-made Breadline collection. The line has her collaborating with the food bank and grocery chain Tesco to develop an exchange of fresh fruit and vegetables for waste items from the food bank-users’ households. The collected waste materials, plus recycled cardboard and “Tesco Everyday Value” branded organic prints, all donated by Tesco, are used to help create the clothes (along with fabric materials). As well, 30 per cent of profits from the Breadline will go towards the Vauxhall food bank, continuing the cycle of exchange. All this positive planet energy, plus intriguing menswear and womenswear to feast on during the not-to-be missed runway show.
Firan&Rose
Saturday, March 19, 8:25pm
Featuring custom-made clothes from British designer Addy Joseph, Firan&Rose showcases classic tailoring with rich designs for fall. The beautiful silhouettes mix tradition with contemporary playfulness. The collection, called Pause, is, according to the designer’s statement, about transitioning and creating form and elements that characterize the multiple layers of one’s individualism.
Danny Reinke
Saturday, March 19, 8:45pm
With a childhood spent in an idyllic fishing village near the Baltic Sea, it’s no surprise Danny Reinke’s clothes have an earthy charm. The influence of his fisherman father are evident in the rich textural details of his work and utilitarian accessories such as backpacks and hats. He also has a passion for “upcycling.” Try not to miss the fine handiwork of this European craftsman for a runway show that will likely invoke the feeling of life by the sea.
Alex S. Yu
Sunday, March 20, 4pm
Alex S. Yu was the darling of previous fashion weeks, with his entire collection selling out at a pop-up shop after his first show. Yu is back again to show his latest collection.
Steeped in whimsy, humour, colour, and fun, call Yu what you want, but you could never call him boring. His show is sure to make an impression and remind you not to take clothes – or life, for that matter – so damn seriously.
Tinsquare
Sunday, March 20, 5:50pm
Elegant minimalism, impeccable tailoring, sophisticated silhouettes – all ways to describe this must-see line. It’s hard to nail down one striking look from Parsons graduate Tamara Sui’s collection of images because, simply, there are so many. The New York-based womenswear brand Tinsquare is just a year old, but it’s already garnered a showcase at New York Fashion Week. The use of restrained colour-blocking and unconventional textures, such as gathering leather, laser cutting acrylic and embroidery on techno textiles, all make for dynamic yet wearable clothes.
