The Fashion Spot

With the big four over, it’s hard to image that anyone would have the stamina for more presentations, but for those emerging designers outside the hyped areas of the world, local fashion weeks are the best (and most cost effective) way to get their new designs out there. Canada has been known to produce, and export, some very innovative and creative designers yet their fashion weeks are notoriously under-attended and, quite frankly, a bit sad.

Last week we told you about Toronto, which granted has made some major improvements in the last few years, but this past week was the near laughable Vancouver Fashion Week. At this point, most buyers (even ones in smaller cities) have used up their budget money, and even the media outlets sponsoring the event don’t cover it. But The Fashion Spot supports fashion and creativity in both small and big arenas – so with that, here are some highlights of the week’s festivities.  

Angela Chen for Orange NYC

This Vancouver-raised graduate of Parsons showed a not so innovatively themed black and white collection that got the most hype of the small presentation week. The designer showcased a taste of her Spring 2010 at Boston Fashion Week, but she saved the full presentation for Vancouver where she presented a collection filled with structured yet feminine pieces.  

Paul Hardy - Polytechnic University

This Ryerson-educated fashion darling is hardly new to the scene.  Having been named one of the top 10 Canadian designers by ELLE Canada, Paul Hardy’s ‘Shades of White’ collection was definitely a highlight of the week. It is slightly worrying that an established designer would show his wares at a small fashion week, especially in this economy, but kudos to him for trying to support the cause.  

Maggie Coulombe
Hailing from Maui, Maggie Coulombe tried to inject as much of her hometown as possible into her Spring presentation. With club-ready minis walking alongside dramatic (yet revealing) evening wear, her collection certainly targeted those ready to cut loose and take a vacation in the sun. This young designer has already caught the eye of celebrity stylists and their clients, so time will tell whether or not her night-out looks will keep her in the spotlight.

Eco Friendly Fashion

Taking a cue from the now permanent trend of sustainable fashion, VFW dedicated the early evening of this past Friday to eco-friendly fashion by showcasing labels such as Red Jade, Lav & Kush and Hawks Ave. Lav & Kush, as seen above, took the opportunity to show a relaxed collection of day dresses made from fabrics such as Modal, Tencel, soy, and bamboo jersey.