Haley sengsavanh This year’s unique hybrid Vancouver Fashion Week Spring Summer 2022 season allowed for both virtual and live shows. Day 2 occurred on Oct. 23 at the David Lam Hall in Vancouver, B.C. Nine talented designers from across Canada, the United States, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, and India presented their collections. Audiences viewed a variety of garments that would allow the wearer to be the best dressed at any occasion; from a fun night out to a sunny picnic to a fancy gala.
If you missed the Vancouver Fashion Week Spring Summer 2022 Day 2 showcases, you can re-watch on the official VFW YouTube channel.
Kicking off Day 2 was Kaka the Label, showcasing a collaborative collection entitled “everlasting Play.” This Vancouver-based collaborative brand began in 2020, and these latest garments were created by co-founder and designer Angelina Wu. This collection is inspired by the Beijing Opera and draws from Wu’s Chinese heritage. Models strutted in avant-garde garments and unique makeup that drew parallels to the cover art designed by another local young creative, Vivian Zhan. Layering a variety of grey and cream silks and lace, Wu masterfully questions what modern Chinese culture looks like. The finale look features a massive fan strapped to the model’s back, with fabric water-falling and built up into a unique silhouette.
Maison du Mardi presented “Canadiana,” a debut collection that proudly celebrates Canadian culture. Designer Samantha Reinhard created the brand shortly after receiving her degree in Apparel Technology from Olds College in Calgary. Her colour palette was designed to highlight the Canadian natural landscape; white represents snow, gold is for the prairies, and black is for the night sky. This line features twelve womenswear pieces that are versatile and easy to mix and match. Reinhard showcases a variety of techniques as well, from hand smocking and beading to designing the “C’est la Vie” print used on the cropped bomber jacket.
American eponymous label Jordan Kendrick showcased a luxury casual collection that is inspired by the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. She created the label after graduating from the Art Institute of Portland with a Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design. Jordan Kendrick designs garments in universally flattering silhouettes and creates them made-to-order. Her fabrics are excess designer fabrics sourced from New York City. This line featured lots of fine silks and bold colours, like emerald green and her signature fuchsia. This comfy yet classy aesthetic is epitomized in the finale look, which was a slinky shimmery gold jumpsuit.
Helga Raspa showcased “Ressur-Action”, a powerful collection inspired by the transformative characteristics of fire. This eponymous brand was created during the pandemic by a young designer who recently graduated from the Instituto Italiano Design. Raspa was emboldened to create garments that symbolizes rebirth, using a fiery colour palette and even singing some pieces to get her inspiration across. Her hometown of Perugia is known for their knitwear, so this line features lots of hand-knitted pieces created using a custom blend. From sweaters, jackets, to bags, to the standout look: a gorgeous white knitted bodycon dress. She also used fabrics like Italian taffeta, poplin, organza, and chiffon in shades of red, black, and white.
Vancouver-based eponymous brand Tamar Kate presented an easygoing and eco-friendly collection. Every aspect of this label is focused on sustainability. Tamar Kate uses fabric that is leftover from sample making, eco-friendly thread, biodegradable washing tags, shipping tags made from corn, and sustainably made patches. This collection shows her spin on West Coast fashion, spotlighting the outdoorsy and on-the-go lifestyle many in B.C. have. Her colour palette consists of earthy tones like olive and teal with a bright pop of neon green. The clothes are relaxed, showing a variety of comfy tees and loose overalls. Bumblebee and butterfly patches were also a common motif, adorning the bottoms of dresses and decorating cross-body bags.
Sugar Coats is a Winnipeg-based brand that showcased their latest collection of women’s outerwear. This label was created by Debbie Hall, who went back to school to study Apparel Design at the University of Manitoba after raising her two children into adulthood. Models wore black lace masquerade masks and a variety of coats in different cuts, colours, and fun floral prints. While mainly sticking to a black and white colour scheme, she featured bright pops of pink, gold, and yellow, in the lace and lining. One standout was the second look, featuring a white coat with delicate black lace detailing around the centre.
Seoul and Los Angeles-based brand Julianne Daisy presented a darling and feminine womenswear collection. The garments were created in timeless silhouettes for someone who loves vintage style. These summery looks featured light and flowy floral fabrics in light colours like cream, baby blue, and peach. Models walked in natural makeup, and were styled with a curated selection of stylish matching handbags and headbands. many dresses had delicate lace collars and puff sleeves. The standout looks were the pink and tan gingham print skirt suit set and a beautiful maxi dress created using a black polka-dotted tulle.
Elegant Curiosities showcases a strong and opulent collection featuring only black fabrics with gold accents. This label was founded by Dutch designer Laila Verseput in 2013. Due to health complications, she was unable to attend the show herself but will be making a return at the upcoming VFW show in April. The opening look featured a male model wearing black gloves and a maxi skirt, decked out in a towering hairpiece. The luxurious detailing was created with 24 Karat hand gilded and silver-plated details, gemstones, freshwater pearls, sterling silver and 14 Karat gold. Two models also walked side-by-side, with one in an oversized black hat and bodycon dress leading the other, who was shirtless and wearing a delicate gold leash and muzzle-style mask.
Indian label ANK by Amrit presented a trendy and brightly coloured travel-ready collection. The brand was founded by designer Amrit Kaur in 2016. She has studied at the Pearl Academy in Delhi, Central Saint Martins in London, and Nottingham Trent University. Her garments were created using ornately patterned fabrics in shades of gold, teal, rust, and black. The opening look featured a geometric-patterned blouse tucked into a flowy maxi skirt. With this loose silhouette, her clothes move beautifully down the runway. Many garments also featured a tie detail with tassels. The finale look was a black sequinned blazer and slacks set, styled with a mustard yellow bra top.
