Nashmin Thursday, September 20th, 2018 – Vancouver, BC –Thursday marked an international day at Vancouver Fashion Week with designers featured from across the globe.
Kicking off the show, four talented students proudly represented NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti), an Italian education Academy focusing on art and design. First up was Anna Bonifazi, opening a dark collection with a provocative white evening dress paired with opera length gloves. Next, He Yan hit a playful note, showing structured vinyl suit jackets in an array of candy colours. Yeqi Tang followed with a striking display of artsy prints on flowy, oversized dresses. Gaoming Chen closed the show with an intriguing line of experimental pieces, contrasting the predominantly white palette with pops of cherry red buttons and deep blue piping. These emerging designers proved their impressive talents are a force to be reckoned with.
Elena Pignata of the Italian brand Ombradifoglia showcased a very personal line of avant-garde looks, styled with a rigorous femininity. An impressive volume of delicate fabrics in a surplus of patterns saturated the runway for the S/S19 season. Plaid trousers, culottes, and chinos paired with bold red tops, full maxi skirts topped with airy overcoats, and confidently striped pantsuits were abundant. The finalist of Project Runway Italy’s inaugural edition demonstrated great versatility with her mix-and-match line.
Italian designer Giulia Solda’ of Maatroom brought her fuss-free aesthetic to Vancouver with her newest collection, ‘Then Comes the Sun.’ Maatroom utilizes an obvious simplicity to showcase the high-quality Italian fabrics and attention to tradition in a monochromatic scheme of black and white. Flared jumpsuits, oversized button-ups, and a plethora of crisp white dresses in various silhouettes were both assured and inviting. Sleek low ponytails complimented the minimalist vibe with a reserved attitude that pervaded the runway.
Japanese brand thibaut presented ‘Annie Vibe,’ a collection of loungewear inspired by the white linens and posh dresses from the 1982 movie Annie. With a background in choreography, Meiko Ban epitomizes the balance of life: messy but clean, relaxed but anxious, rough yet still soft. Barefooted models wore loose knit pullovers, waffle knit leggings, and ribbed camisoles. A lingerie inspired teddy in white lace was styled over a disheveled button-up shirt. Delicate ruffles were a theme in a predominantly neutral colour palette, all coming together for a show that was charmingly sensual.
Mexican brand Kan by Paulina Hernandez showcased the swimwear collection ‘Temiqui’ full of colour and life, with inspiration taken from the Mexican ethnic group Huicholes, and the Wixárika culture and their art. Hot pink, cyan blue, and green graphic printed women’s bikinis and men’s swim shorts were paired with fringed hooded ponchos and striped coverups.
‘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.
Erin Clare Bridal, from Australia, showcased the Eclipse collection, in a soft white palette with ivory and a range of nude tones. Unique laces embellished with feathers, flowers, leaves, stars and butterflies appeared like delicate paper cutouts on beautiful wedding gowns. Models with plaited updos wore feminine A-line silhouettes with accentuated waists and sheer sleeves. An exquisite and romantic collection.
Photos by Arun Nevader for Getty Images
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