what we loved…
Josie Saldat | Jr. Fashion Assistant | NICHE magazine
After much excitement building up to the most sought after fashion event on the West Coast, the countdown had finally hit ‘O’ and it was time for Vancouver Fashion Week to begin. The semi-annual event took place at Vancouver’s Chinese Cultural Centre in Chinatown with designers presenting every day from September 17th to the 21st and kicking off with an opening gala on the night of the 16th. Vancouver Fashion Week brought numerous collections to the runway for Spring/Summer 2014 from local, international, emerging and established designers.
Noe Bernacelli was one of NICHE’s favourite designers of the week, bringing a modern romanticism to his collection he captured the audience in an incredibly striking collection. Monochromatic tailored sets in pastel tones were brilliantly accessorized with gold chokers and belts. Noe also included various elaborately detailed gowns incorporating lace, beading and sheer underlays creating a modern fairy tale feel.
Designer Sara Roka took a spin on menswear reinvented to create a wearable feminine collection. Sara’s impressive pedigree, working under the likes of Micheal Kors and Valentino, became evident in the immaculate tailoring and stylishly sophisticated looks she sent down the runway. White button down shirts were juxtaposed with obi style wrap belts in pops of bright spring shades. NICHE especially loved Sara’s white floor length shirt-dress with buttons down the front centre.
(Watch for Sara Roka and Noe Bernacelli in 2014 editorial features)
Vivid Haiku Meroe was a collection that will stay “vivid” in any of the runway observer’s minds. The soft nudes and blush pink colour palette of charming sleepwear brought a dreamy essence to the runway. Floral appliques, sheer fabrics and tulle were used to create a very delicate yet current cohesive collection.
Dandilion Wind Opaine has a strong background in preforming therefore applies her theatrical esthetic of designing into a true runway performance. This season Dandilion told a story to the audience with models walking down the runway in nymph like headpieces, floral walking sticks, laundry hanger dresses and a caterpillar inspired piece. The backdrop of an open country back road set the mood for the elaborately handcrafted one-of-a-kind garments.
El Closet de mi Hermana, the brilliant designing duo originating from Lima, Peru started off their show with a short video clip to set the emotion of the collection. With the constant use of soft tones and backbone of femininity, this spring/summer collection included extremely wearable pieces for a stylish woman. By using a mix of knits, organza and lace in raspberry, mint and neutrals garments were translated into an effortlessly chic style.
Vancouver Fashion Week brought exposure to many designers as they break into the fashion industry. NICHE enjoyed the extreme diversity amongst each and every designer and the inspirations they had behind their collections. Throughout the week it was inspiring to examine the local emerging talent such as designer, Evan Clayton and his very McQueen like esthetic and performance as well as international talent such as Angela Reyna from Mexico who showcased a trendy and innovative bright collection for the upcoming spring season.
NICHE magazine is currently compiling a short video which includes interviews, behind the scenes and never before seen footage of Vancouver Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014 collections. Stay tuned for that to come in November.
See you at Vancouver Fashion Week in February!!
