Vancouver Fashion Week emerges as an eagerly awaited 6-day affair in the industry, showcasing the latest dynamic collections from both local talents and international designers. It serves as a beacon of the fashion world’s global allure, creating an ambiance that embodies the essence of style. Celebrating diversity, creative expression, and innovation, VFW champions the transformative influence of fashion, bringing together attendees from around the world to position Vancouver as a premier hub for fashion enthusiasts globally.
DAY 3
As we reach the midpoint of this exhilarating fashion week journey, let’s cast our gaze upon some of the captivating highlights from today’s events.
AUGUSTA FASHION
Entitled the “Becoming” collection, AUGUSTA FASHION unveiled a mesmerizing showcase. The designs captivate with their playful spirit, vibrant hues, and adaptability. Bold prints and color blocking define the garments, showcasing the designer’s Edmonton, Alberta roots and dedication to traditional artisan tailoring and textile design techniques, all while advocating for sustainable practices within Canadian fashion.
Each ensemble exudes an ethereal quality, challenging societal norms and expectations. They serve as a reflection on the concept of dressing well, urging a redefinition rooted in self-expression and personal experience. The collection narrates a tale of unbridled freedom from inhibition.
Notably, all looks are crafted with gender neutrality in mind.
Maria Augusta Wozniak, the brand’s founder, remains steadfast in her mission to uplift communities through the transformative power of fashion. For her independent label, fashion transcends mere possession, serving instead as a medium for personal expression and empowerment.
ALLELES
Renowned for their innovative prosthetic covers, the featured brand operates from their Vancouver-based studio. Over the past decade, they have focused on introducing their products into the medical field. However, for their inaugural head-to-toe runway presentation, they revisited their design origins, expanding their techniques to encompass clothing, accessories, and sculpture.
Their ethos revolves around establishing a platform for individuals to express their unique identity.
The masterminds behind ALLELES, McCauley Wanner and Ryan Palibroda, boast backgrounds in industrial design and art. Committed to pushing boundaries, they ensure their creations serve a purpose. They advocate for custom-made clothing, prioritizing precise measurements to ensure a perfect fit. By employing a tailored questionnaire, they gather personal preferences to ensure their garments resonate with each customer. Their brand ethos centers on modular fashion pieces, with choice as a fundamental principle.
KURRIIZMATIC
With a focus on minimizing environmental footprint, KURRIIZMATIC is dedicated to repurposing second-hand clothing and fabric scraps into gender-neutral, handmade garments that marry style with ethical consciousness. Their forward-thinking approach breathes new vitality into materials, creating distinct and versatile looks. The handwoven fabric they utilize offers unparalleled adaptability. Serving as a beacon of empowerment, the designer encourages individuals to express their true selves authentically.
PIPIRO-HIRO
Hailing from Tokyo, the brand draws inspiration from the vibrant culture of Harajuku Shibuya. Specializing in a diverse array of magical girl styles, they cater to individuals who harbored a longing for such aesthetics since their childhood.
Pink serves as the hallmark hue of their collection.
PIPIRO-HIRO presents a distinctive take on fashion. With their trademark wigs and eclectic clothing ensembles, the brand boldly challenges conventional norms in the industry.
LE GRAINE
“Chapter01” emerges as a collection born from the designer’s two-decade quest for the perfect, enduring, and utilitarian wardrobe, to no avail. Yuko Nakamura poured her reflections into the collection, concluding that fostering a conducive atmosphere is paramount for impactful design. The stunning ensembles prioritize both comfort and functionality.
Crafted from exquisite, high-quality fabrics by skilled artisans, all garments embody unparalleled craftsmanship.
LE GRAINE made its debut in Japan in 2017.
MRS MOMMA BEAR
The latest addition to the professional attire scene comes from MRS MOMMA BEAR, showcasing a line of workwear set to revolutionize the landscape of professional fashion.
Dubbed Afterglow, the collection is the brainchild of designer Lee Evans Lee, drawing inspiration from the delicate harmony between urban chic and natural allure. Each piece in the collection radiates a contemporary elegance and refined charm, seamlessly marrying practicality with high-fashion aesthetics.
From impeccably tailored suits to striking jumpsuits, the collection boasts a diverse array of garments. The brand’s mission is to instill individuals with both confidence and sophistication in any setting.
Moreover, the craftsmanship shines through in the contemporary edge of the clothing.
Day 4 has arrived, offering a glimpse into the outcomes of Friday night’s dazzling displays.
LISA GRODEK
In this crochet fashion collection, designer LISA GRODEK merges elements of crinoline fashion from 1842-1870 with influences from the late Renaissance, early Baroque, and design elements spanning the 1920s to 1960s. Departing from tradition, GRODEK exclusively utilizes high-quality yarn as a substitute for the original fabric materials of these historical fashion periods.
Hailing from Germany, the brand presents their “Delicate Mesh” collection, showcasing a blend of feminine grace and classic elegance in earthy tones. Inspired by the urban diversity of Berlin, the collection captures the essence of the capital city’s cultural tapestry.
/AMIR | SAM
Making a comeback to the runway with their fall/winter collection is /AMIR | SAM. Entitled “Mutinous Ceremony,” these styles aim to orchestrate a dark symphony of empowerment, seeking to redefine Vancouver’s fashion scene. Encouraging wearers to delve into the shadows and unearth the inherent strength within, the collection serves as a bold statement.
With a fusion of edginess and elegance, the collection presents a daring range of garments.
Renowned for their boundary-pushing designs, the brand consistently challenges conventional fashion norms.
DOH TAK KEH
Exuding vibrancy and high-concept statement wear, the featured brand specializes in print-driven fashion and bold graphics. DOH TAK KEH offers a diverse range of garments, from shirts to pantsuits, each leaving a memorable impression.
Moreover, the brand ensures inclusivity by catering to all sizes.
Drawing inspiration from 70’s Bollywood glamour intertwined with Mumbai’s street culture, the attire showcases bling and intricate hand embroideries. Utilizing bemberg twill and tencel rayon flex, the collection epitomizes a fusion of cultural influences.
Designer Juhi Melwani finds her muse in Indian street culture, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Through her work, she seeks to evoke nostalgia while celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
CLLASHE
Founded in 2022, CLLASHE emerges as an independent menswear label, weaving together the enigmatic allure of the badlands with the rugged beauty of a decaying metropolis.
With roots extending from Tokyo to New York City, the “Until We Meet Again” collection redefines the narrative of clash and coherence. It celebrates the intrinsic beauty found amidst the fractures of our world, highlighting resilience in the face of inevitable change.
From oversized coats exuding urban sophistication to rugged carpenter pants tailored for harsh conditions and everyday comfort, each piece bears the hallmark of meticulous craftsmanship.
Designer Mario Schwaller places a premium on quality craftsmanship, with the brand dedicated to utilizing only ethically sourced, premium fabrics.
KUBO SAN MADE
Developed by Japanese designer Shizue Kubo, this collection was conceived with the infusion of retro French elements into the garments. The essence of KUBO SAN MADE encapsulates the spirit of modernity by blending elements such as paper and ink dyeing. Their approach represents a fusion of cultures evident in their choice of materials, patterns, and silhouettes.
EMJOTA STUDIO
Originating from Vancouver, EMJOTA STUDIO emerged in 2021 with a mission to challenge the pervasive culture of consumerism and the proliferation of fast fashion. Initially centered around soft corsets and upcycled denim, their designs have since evolved to encompass a diverse range of unique pieces catering to various aesthetics.
Their inaugural runway collection draws heavy inspiration from gothic and romantic motifs, incorporating rich metals and deep colors to accentuate the dramatic flair.
Crafted from simple materials, all garments are meticulously handmade in Portugal.
HYUNZOHA
The “Blood Sunset” collection encapsulates a captivating intensity within its garments, exuding a sense of restrained sophistication through the infusion of bold colors to evoke a particular ambiance.
Drawing inspiration from abstract materials, this brand crafts looks that revolve around unique silhouettes and textures.
HYZUNZOHA showcases the designer’s hand-drawn printed fabric in intricate details throughout the clothing pieces.