Monday, March 18th, 2019 – Vancouver, BC – the Opening gala night was a night to highlight the local talents from Vancouver complemented with a few from further afield.
First of all, Squamish Nation Councillor Deborah Baker, Ancestral name k’ana, gave a welcome acknowledging that Vancouver Fashion Week is operated on the land of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh nations.
To begin the shows, LaSalle College celebrated their 10 year anniversary of showing at Vancouver Fashion Week, with three promising designers presenting collections in the theme of Taboo. Shaghayegh Tafreshi’s collection evoked striking geometric patterns, with the use of contrasting materials in lace and synthetic highlighting the intersection between Western and Persian design and her background in architecture. Venezuelan fashion designer Valentina Valor’s work was focused on gender fluidity, but more importantly confidence in the self with strong and provocative figures that inspire poise in the wearer through opaque materials and belted features. Prisco completed La Salle’s showing with another genderless collection that utilized flowing silhouettes with tones in a calming palette, while focusing on the use of natural fabrics.
Photos by Filippo Fior / Imaxtree.com ©
Next for opening Gala night, attendees were privy to the Designer Preview. The sampling was a cross-cultural experience that juxtaposed intimidating, leather-clad gothic looks and sparkling, transportive Indian bridal wear. Featuring loud red sparkles, soft woolen comfort wear and sexy fun swimwear, the Designer Preview had a bit of everything. Such variety inspired intrigue throughout the crowd as anticipation builds for collections to be shown throughout the week.
Japanese designer Emi Jingu showed off the endless artistic possibilities of balloons with her collection ‘Unlimited’. She captivated the audience with her innovative and sophisticated dresses all using the unique material of balloons. Jingu pushes artistic boundaries as she effortlessly coordinates a metallic palette of grey, bronze and gold tones while intricately layering balloons of different dimensions in such a way to create elegant couture silhouettes. Jingu’s dresses featured peplum-styles, slim bodices, and flared skirts, highlighting her extraordinary talents. The eccentric garments were complemented with sleek hairstyles, glossy makeup with ashy tones, and stilettos to encompass the chic futuristic style.
YONFA, a collection from Japanese designer Kim Yonghwa, was the embodiment of accessible, comfortable elegance to end the evening. In her collection, Yonghwa played with dimensions, offering a range of oversized jackets, crisp calf-length white shirts and sweaters cut at unique yet flattering angles. Yonghwa’s commitment to basic materials, such as wool and cotton, worked in harmony with her flattering silhouettes and elementary palette of white, navy, black and tan, to create looks free from fuss that express comfort, elegance and accessible style.
