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.

1. AISH

Unique tailoring and mismatched fabrics were a sight to be seen at AISH.

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.

5. Bluetamburin

Korean designer Bo-min Kim looks to the past for a fresh take on menswear.

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.

8. Devyani Mehrotra

The nomadic spirit is at the centre of this contemporary Indian designer label.

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.

19. Maria Samaniego

Knitwear takes on a whole new feel in Maria Samaniego’s designs.

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.

22. PCYCL

Eye-catching draping and sophisticated colour are the focus of PCYCL’s latest collection.

23. Rolla Summers

Gravity-defying architectural elements are standouts for this Lebanese designer.

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