Nashmin Friday night was a night of contrasts at the David Lam Hall in downtown Vancouver.
Profanity by LillzKillz showed the world the latest and greatest in streetwear in what could only be described as ‘fashion-on-acid’. The young Vancouver designer gets her inspiration from music, but the clothes are unquestionable of her own expression – profane, eclectic, and cool. Lillzkillz used bold neon, shiny latex, checkered print, coloured tiger-print fur, and platform shoes to wow the crowd and kick off the start to the weekend.
Apparel Magazine curated a group of New Zealand designers in an inspiring and varied show. First, Georgette Pollock- Johnston, with the Renée collection, named after her late grandmother, shows off sensuous kimono-wraps, lustrous overcoats, evening dresses, and pantsuits. Featuring iconic imagery of Renée in a Versace-esque style, embellishments include pearls, crystals, and beads. The ‘first love’ collection by Traceygh featured pastel tones in floaty silks and chiffons for a light and free feel. Jerome Taylor for Not For You, a high-end men’s streetwear line featured a crepe de chine trench coat, logo branded bombers, and tough-looking leather boots for a collection with attitude.
San Fran based brand JK Menswear presented deconstruction-style men’s outerwear for FW18. Designer Julie Kintner, inspired by the ‘uncut’ aesthetic of walking in the forest, getting lost and feeling raw, plays with patterns and textures that complement nature, with contrasts of neon and metallic for effect. Silkscreen prints feature on loose-fitting utility coats, pleated t-shirts, hoodies, drawstring shorts, pants, and bomber jackets.
L.A brand Nadjarina is all about detail, seamlessly blending organic and industrial inspirations. Thread fringe style embellishments add texture to tops, and pale blue is complimented with natural colours. The model’s feet were wrapped in ribbon in place of shoes, giving off a care-free vibe which matched the garments beautifully.
Arizona based designer Alexander Sanchez showcased a flamboyant collection of feminine gowns. The elegant line expressed high luxury design and style with a transition through yards of black silk, structured dresses and jackets, sleek velvet, sequins, white lace, frilled hems, and ruffled cuffs.The showpiece; a full-length lace number in vibrant red complete with long train gave a dramatic finale.
Japanese brand Perspective.Tokyo followed a utilitarian style, with a uniform of off-white discoloured fabrics, lifted with printed numbers and letters. A unisex clothing line, with pieces to switch and layer up, all in a subdued palette. A minimalist men’s look was composed of a button up grandad collar jacket with square patch pockets worn with wide leg pants and sliders. Layers of soft fabrics were shaped with belts and straps; a collection of pieces to inspire thought.
Inspired by shadow and reflection Australian designer Allie Howard looks at revealing and concealing the body. Leather is developed with laser cutting, bonding, layering, weaving, and stacking creating intricate textures for her FW 18 collection GRID. A collection of hybrid forms of natural fibres, leather and organza silk; this is clean and sophisticated womenswear with beautiful finishes and graphic shapes.