Canadian fashion talent shone bright at the Vancouver Fashion Week, with young talented designers presenting promising and charming Spring/Summer 2019 collections. Some of them made me wonder at the vastness and variety of fashion inspiration across the world. Cultural references, new technology, and above all a fresh gaze at things, are worth discussing.
PHUONG MY: Vietnamese Designer Phuong My began her SS19 show with the ringing resonance of dulcet bells, thus, setting a harmonious tone to her collection. With an exquisite blend of sumptuous silks and a subdued color scheme, My’s polished models took to the runway with poise. The palette was filled with dusty baby blues and reds, with dashes of periwinkle and navy throughout. My took a modern take on classic silhouettes that accentuate the female form with tapered peplum waistlines, exquisitely tailored silk folds, and varied demure necklines. An elegant feminine strength is exuded throughout.
YAS GONZALEZ: ‘FOREVER CUBA’ the colourful collection from Miami based designer Yas Gonzalez, is a nostalgic glimpse into her childhood in Cuba – with printed fabrics featuring memories of great grandmother’s kitchen tiles, the family church, and parks where she played. A delightfully ostentatious collection with rich vibrant fabrics, peacock feathers and floral embellishments accentuating the female form. A green corseted bodice with voluminous skirt in bold blue and oranges took us right to Havana.
ANELIA ART: B.C.’s Anelia Basson of Anelia Art debuted her ‘Explore the Journey’ collection for SS19. Each piece was a wearable work of art with unique tribal influences complemented by a simple topknot hairstyle with feathers and beaded accessories. Basson’s colour palette was bright and playful with detailed prints on UV safe and environmentally friendly fabrics. Each garment flowed with the model’s movement which was further highlighted with an interpretive dance that delighted VFW fashion-goers. From versatile dresses to fun swimwear, Basson’s pieces will be sure to instil confidence and capture the individuality of the wearer.
eimy istoire: To end the night, Japanese women’s apparel brand eimy istoire, known for their mixed-materials and cutting-edge designs, presented a pretty pastel pink and grey collection with ruffles, tulle, and feathers. Feminine silhouettes were structured from peplum waists, drop shoulders, and voluminous skirting. Velvet, silk, and lace created texture. A serenely feminine concept for SS19.
