Fashion Weeks
The Designers We Loved at Vancouver Fashion Week
There was a collection for everyone, from super-wearable streetwear to future-forward designs.
by : ELLE Canada- May 29th, 2023
Since its inception in 2001, Vancouver Fashion Week has been committed to spotlighting fashion’s most imaginative players. Whether they are local homegrown talents or emerging labels from across the globe, VFW uses its platform to elevate their potential, including giving out the annual Nancy Mak Award, which is presented to a promising B.C.-based designer with the goal of bringing their brand to the next level. Here is our top crop of designers who showed at VFW’s Fall/Winter 2023 showcase—30 undeniable talents who brought a kaleidoscope of culture and perspective to the big stage.
2. Alex S. Yu
The unmatched style in Shibuya made for some incredible inspiration for the Alex S. Yu collection.
3. Atelier ren Kimonoremake
This Japanese brand is crafted by an 80-year-old designer who reimagines classic tunics.
4. Ay Lelum
Based out of Nanaimo, B.C., Ay Lelum takes Coast Salish tradition and transforms it into modern designs.
6. Cerita Tur
One-of-a-kind kimonos and super-wearable bomber jackets are standouts in the Cerita Tur lineup.
7. Chynna Mamawal
With a through line of undeniable elegance, Chynna Mamawal brings a feminine feel to the eveningwear space.
9. Eduardo Ramos
Architectural shapes and incredible construction are tenets of Eduardo Ramos’ designs.
10. EMS Fashion
This Belgian-based brand melded streetwear with future fashion for its latest collection.
11. Jober’t Cristobal
Drawing from his Filipino roots, Jober’t Cristobal relies on cut and colour to create standout pieces.
12. Katerina Lukashyk
A “liquid”-chainmail-like dress is ingeniously topped by a graphic corset from this Toronto-based Ukrainian designer.
13. Konoma Clothing Studio
Crisp white shirting is elevated by a faux-fur bottom in this monochrome look by Konoma Clothing Studio.
14. Kurriizmatic
Designer Hector Diaz employs a graphic weaving technique using scrap textiles to create his “nightmarish” pieces.
15. LaSalle College Vancouver
Everyday outerwear gets the chopped-up-and-remade experience from LaSalle College’s fashion-design students.
16. Lotte van Stijn
Amsterdam-based Lotte van Stijn finds beauty in layering wild colour and airy fabrics.
17. Love to Ukraine
This special showcase makes use of vintage Ukrainian textiles to celebrate the country’s rich culture.
18. Maison Mercier
Glittery goodness abounds from this Vancouver label that puts a modern spin on eveningwear.
20. Neithan Herbert
This Ecuadorian-born, Mexico-based designer explores femininity through fashion in fresh ways.
21. ORAKI
The catsuit says it all: ORAKI’s eco-focused garments are made from recycled and bio-based materials.
24. Satomi, el beso
Seeing double? That’s the unexpected appeal of Satomi, el beso’s cool costumelike pieces.
25. SAYF
This French label creates endless layering potential with its effortless blending of classic sportswear with a street-style feel.
26. Shelley Klassen
Vancouver local Shelley Klassen brought her beach connection to the catwalk with this crochet cover-up.
27. Terra2k
All of this Calgary-based streetwear brand’s pieces are made using sustainable design practices, including upcycling and printing on organic cotton.
28. Unserten
Dialed into its avant-garde approach, Unserten delivered a lineup featuring black leather, harnesses and eye-catching grommets.
29. VCC
Vancouver Community College showcased eight students who got the chance to give their grad collections the runway experience.
30. Wearing Maia
For its latest collection of one-offs, Wearing Maia’s future-forward designs were inspired by ‘90s pop culture.
Photo credits: Chelsey Wright and Aarun Nevader
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