Vancouver Fashion Week SS21 Virtually

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas

Photos by George Pimentel

This season, we watched Vancouver Fashion Week, online, October 24th and 25th, from 3:30-5:30. We knew it was coming, and after lots of street fashion photography heads up, the schedule was up! The introduction featured a behind the scenes look at hair and make-up and runway previews. Catchy and quick, it invited watchers directly into an efficient schedule of seven designers: Marisa P. Clark, FAUN, Jordan Kendrick, JK Designs, Libere, Naked, Sabina Low: Sabina Low Official, Jae Smane; Jaesmane, John Pfaff; Skip Floa. Designers presented a video and then their runway collection, with a 15 minute interval between shows. 

I found the Vancouver Fashion Week Designer write-ups informative and the videos showed the range of each collection. Without these, the runways would only be part of the whole story of the inspiration, cultural background, training and focus of Designers and their work. Even more background for the shows, is provided by writer, Marilyn R. Wilson as she interviewed many. I look forward, too, to the analyses of Andrew Jackson. Both of them, as Media, attended the taping of the shows, Oct. 24th, in an almost empty, carefully socially distanced space. So thanks to them for always being there. I miss their voices and all of the other conversations that happen during Fashion Week as we knew it over so many seasons.

Here are my impressions of the shows. I encourage you to look at the websites and instagram for more details and purchase information. I saw a lot of red and orange and can see myself in one of each. Lots of interesting jackets, tees and hoodies. Braids, studs, cutouts, patches, straps, streetwear, workwear, informal and formal. Colour and energy, what more?

First up was Faun Studio by Calgary based Marisa P. Clark. Fresh, sunny yellows and bright whites, masks matched the outfits, silky material made casual, ready to wear, look luxurious. A variety of pants and a stunning jumpsuit were favourites. Loved the fit and elegance of this collection. Marissa's mom, a seamstress in Viet Nam, taught her to sew early. She retains her connection to Viet Nam by partnering with a Production Company there, to ensure sustainable fabric and practice. 

JK Designs by Jordan Kenrick was prefaced with a fantastic video. Lively, fast paced and great music! The jewel tones, especially dark pink colours were favourites. I liked the jumpsuit and a white, off the shoulder dress. This is a made to measure collection and the fit of each piece attests to that. Pacific Northwest Luxury, imagine. Much needed during this time of at home casual. More at 

Jae Esmane of Jaesmane is from the Philippines but Vancouver based, now and a Grad of VCAD, here, 2017. A classically trained pattern drafter, he is interested in shape and form. But he takes his inspiration from everything: Art, Architecture, History, Techno Culture and more. Designing for men and women, his matched shirt and short sets are cool as are his dresses and scarves. Loved the asymmetric dress with cutout detail and the orange vinyl ruffle dress. Great colour and style. 

Vancouver based Designer Rain Secil Turhan is the Designer of Naked, a collection reflecting the search for inner balance and acceptance and the push for self expression. It is a statement collection with its black studs and vinyl. Though the videos music was quiet, this is not a quiet collection with its strong blacks, transparent vinyl and powerful reds. It is layers: masked, skin and blood, protected but pulsing. I liked the reds, best. This is a collection of hand made sustainable pieces that come directly from her to you. Rain grew up in Turkey and Canada, which brings language and journey, fitting in yet expressing creative individuality, all to the common mix that is Fashion. 

Sabina Low is a 17 year old Vancouver Designer who showed her first public collection. Designed and produced here, this collection is colourful and young. I loved the orange sundress with belts as straps. The fabrics are silky and luxurious looking. I like the white, off the shoulder dress as well as a long, hooded blue one. For next Spring and Summer, you will want this line.

Libere Official features street style clothing for men and women. I liked the hoodies, cargo pants with straps, and the wide variety of jackets. Arty T-shirts catch the eye. The brand inspiration: LIBERE =REBORN (LOTUS) in black and white pattern on tops and pants, was really different. Saw some bags and would have liked to have seen a group of them on the runway to be picked up and carried on the walk back. 

John Pfaff''s Collection, Skip Floa has a wonderful variety of jackets, especially! I liked the black with coloured panels and a longer one, worn over pants. Many of the outfits featured patches of different colours. Skip means, literally to skip along, like kids do, and the models seemed to impart this feeling as they walked the runway. Floa means love of animals and John supports many charities for them. Miss Teen Canada 2020, Keena Klee and Miss Canada 2020, Bremiella de Gusman looked fantastic in their dresses, one an orange dress with floral panels and the other in orange and yellow. Bri Lina Shuang Zheng and Myriam Callot also brought the designs to life. Sunshine and new looks for these times.

Thanks again Vancouver Fashion Week for bringing the shows back, safely and with lots of  Design! Thanks Kate Mullen, Public Relations and Media Manager, VFW!