Vancouver Fashion Week Makes A Stylish Comeback

Vancouver Fashion Week Makes A Stylish Comeback

Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) Spring/Summer 2022 begins today with an incredible lineup of global designers. After a virtual show earlier this year, it makes a stylish comeback this season. VFW continues to be a platform that champions local and international talent, with brand showcases from Canada, Denmark, Korea, Japan, the USA, and Poland. There are many special appearances including one by  Tika the Iggy, who enjoys the show from the front row and dresses to the nines in a frilly white frock.

Mivinna

First off is to open the show is designer,  Mivinna who showcases a collection of evening and bridal wear. The inspiration for this collection is the sky. It opens with stunning purple dresses, transitioning from black to gold, and lastly into white. This is reminiscent of the sunrise and sunset. Above all, the gown uses luxurious Iranian and Turkish fabrics. Not to mention, these gowns have luxe beading and floral appliqués.

Aranka Jacoba Scheeper

Aranka Jacoba Scheeper showcases an expanded version of her BA collection that pays homage to the Danish military in charge of regulating the pandemic. The Denmark-based designer founded her eponymous brand in January 2020 after graduating from the Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design. The loose fit emulates the comfortable clothing many wore while in lockdown. Sustainable fabrics are hand-painted to create bold and daring garments that celebrate gender fluidity.

 

ATIRA x EMWA

ATIRA x EMWA presents a colorful collaborative collection created by nine women. This brand is a not-for-profit organization that assists women and children who have faced violence and other barriers in the Downtown Eastside. One program they run is Enterprising Women Making Art (EMWA), which offers a range of creative classes. Besides being able to create art in a safe space, women can also choose to sell or consign their creations at an EMWA store. It is ATIRA x EMWA’s sixth year showcasing talent at VFW.

 

Crystal Kang

Fourth on the ramp is Korean designer Crystal Kang of Crystal Dress who showcases a multitude of evening wear looks for women and men. The collection features glamorous fitted gowns in a variety of colors. Many dresses are heavily sequinned and metallic, shimmering under the bright runway lights. Some also feature tiny Crystal Dress logos hidden into the sparkly design. The menswear offerings included stylish suited looks, such as a tartan blazer and a black jacket with red piping around the shawl lapel.

 

Lilymoon

Next on the runway is California-based brand Lilymoon who presents an exquisite and moody debut collection. This collection was developed while designer, Lilymoon Perez, was studying at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Lilymoon is one of nine students in the Debut Advanced Associates program. Evidently, Lillymoon utilizes a dark color palette; garments come in black and gold brocade or luxe navy and burgundy velvets. Staples in her collection include white collared shirts, layered ruffles, and tied ribbons adorning sleeves and wrapping across the chest.

 

 

UNDEPENDENT

UNDEPENDENT showcases a simple and colorful genderless collection. Founded by Saki Nakamura in Fukuoka, Japan in 2019, this brand offers casual unisex clothing. The garments are cool-toned; jackets, tees, and hoodies are shown in various shades of blue. Additionally, the collection has pops of yellow, peach, and even neon pink. Clearly visible are pink drip marks around a sweater’s neckline. UNDEPENDENT also plays around with asymmetry, showing multiple striped button-up shirts that had a jagged diagonal hem.

Priyanka Signature Couture

To continue forth, Seattle label Priyanka Signature Couture presents their latest collection, “BE-Nari 22”. This collection consists of stunning saris, tunics, and lehngas. Also, the brand graces the runway for the first time at VFW. Accessorized with gold jewelry, belts, and beaded purses, some models also strutted wearing maang tikka and nath. These designs include using bold ornate fabrics in chartreuse, emerald green, teal, hot pink, and gold. Priyanka Signature Couture delivers a bright and glamorous collection ready for any formal event.

 

Emerald Queen Art

Emerald Queen Art showcass a jaw-dropping collection of corseted dresses. Founded by Polish designer Urszula Luczkanyn in 2016, this brand is inspired by the alternative culture and late 19th and early 20th-century style. Emerald Queen Art perfectly combines these interests by designing gowns with over-the-top silhouettes in modern fabrics and aesthetics. Her garments consist of custom-made feather and PVC accessories. The finale look featured a gorgeous black lace corset and a matching hoop skirt.

 

J:A Collection

Next we have, Korean brand J.A Collection presents a versatile and sensible collection of women’s and menswear. For womenswear, there are suit sets in a loose silhouette. Additionally, trendy cropped blazers pair well with a pencil skirt. A standout look is a black tweed dress with a leg slit along with a lace collar blouse. Menswear looks include a sheer floral dress shirt and a white vest look. The brand showcases a perfect balance of stylish business casual attire in muted blue and black tones.

 

TOOT

Finally, Japanese label TOOT closes the show on day one of VFW. TOOT showcases men’s underwear that was full of personality. The brand presents a diverse array of brightly colored briefs, including a pair of daring red jockstraps. Most models walk the runway wearing only underwear, but TOOT also shows some casual loungewear looks. This includes colorful tees,  a hoodie, and sweat shorts set emblazoned with the brand name.

 

About Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW)

Since its conception in 2001, Vancouver Fashion Week dedicates cultivating the success of both established designers and award-winning emerging designers. VFW does this through its global perspective and highly multicultural approach.  Furthermore, it believes in championing diversity as its greatest strength. Vancouver Fashion Week has grown to be the second-largest fashion week in North America and continues to grow today as the fastest growing fashion week in the world. The team at VFW continues to provide its designers not only with a platform for their craft but also with ongoing opportunities for commerce and growth.

 

For more information and photos, please visit:

Vancouver Fashion Week website: www.vanfashionweek.com

Instagram: @vanfashionweek

Facebook: Vancouver Fashion Week