On October 7, Sad Mag writers Jessica Russell and Farah Tozy went on assignment for Vancouver’s Eco-Fashion Week for their second season. With the excitement of one season under their belt, they approached the five day melange of events with the a passion to find out more, network, and deepen their understanding of the ever-growing eco-fashion lifestyle—something they’ve realized is not a passing trend.
Eco-Fashion Week // P.1
And we’re back! Jess and Farah here reporting from Eco-Fashion Week (EFW) Season Seven at Robson Square! We are so excited to be invited back this year to rub shoulders with Vancouver’s eco-friendly fashion family. Sustainability and going green continue to be buzzwords in Vancouver, showcased by events such as EFW. Last season we learnt about repurposed clothing and sustainable materials, leaving us inspired to be more eco-aware in our daily lives. This season we were greeted by some familiar faces, and had the opportunity to network with many new ones!
After seeing the list of designers for this season’s runaway shows, we were thrilled that superstar Evan Ducharme was not only tackling the 68 Pound Challenge but was also being profiled prominently at the event. We noticed that his stunning skirt from last season was on display in the showroom and it was also the main image on EFW’s promotional material.
When we arrived to this seasons EFW, we were excited to get our hands on some amazing organic Cono Sur Vineyards wine and tasty Noodlebox. But the fun really started when we were taken backstage to interview Evan Ducharme.
As we entered the hectic world of hairspray, makeup, and beautiful models, we gained a new appreciation for all the hard work that goes into a fashion show.
Ducharme himself was enjoying one last moment of peace getting pampered by La Biosthetique before the show began. We interrupted his moment of serenity, but he didn’t mind when he recognized us as the two crazy girls from last year. With a big smile on his face, we began the interview.
Sad Mag: Last season you featured form-fitting pieces that flattered the female figure. Can we expect to see the same thing this season?
Evan Ducharme: There are definitely some form-fitting pieces in the show. Just recently, my customers wanted something a bit looser, so there will be looser silhouettes as well. I kind of did a reinterpretation of the drop waist from the 1920s. I’ve taken silhouettes from my favourite decades of fashion, the 1920s to the 1950s and given them a 1960s hippie aesthetic. They’re still loose and elegant but have more of an easy sensibility to them.
SM: Did you have any restrictions when creating this line?
ED: I didn’t think of them as restrictions as much as ways to challenge myself design-wise. I set out a strict colour palette of black, white and grey because I knew choosing a particular colour would be impossible to find. Plus, I’ve been feeling a monochromatic look for summer. It’s easy to go bright colours; they scream summer, but something a bit cleaner and streamlined like monochrome are easier to wear in the summertime.
SM: What were your inspirations for this collection?
ED:I started with my favourite decades of fashion and reinterpreted them for the modern woman or man. I took those ideas of clothing and made them more modern and easy for people to wear. I also looked at old images of Coco Chanel and her friends—the way they styled themselves and the main silhouettes or fabrics—I took that idea and wanted to bring it to the catwalk.
SM:Last time we talked to you were unsure about a mens line, what changed your mind?
ED: I’ve been inspired by menswear. I want to create things that are really unisex so many people can wear them. Then you can share them with your boyfriend or girlfriend and that’ll maximize your wardrobe. Right now people don’t have money to be spending on clothes, and I think designers need to think of the sociology of their customers; what customers need to get out of their clothes, or making things you can share or do many things with.
SM: Will you always work in eco-friendly sustainable fashion?
ED: Definitely. It’s the place for me. I’ve been doing it for quite a long time. I just realized I’ve been working towards becoming a designer for 10 years now. I started sewing when I was 11, now I’m 21.
SM: What is the soundtrack to this collection?
ED: The runway music this year is Blondie and Fleetwood Mac. I was looking for really fun, dance music, with a moody aesthetic. I’m taking the golden age of fashion, and the golden age of music, and morphing them together to make a big story.
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