Vancouver Fashion Week just wrapped up its 26th season on Sunday at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Chinatown. Throughout the week, more than one hundred local and international designers showcased their Spring and Summer 2016 collections. In a whirlwind of colour, texture, and flare, models paraded down the runway, bringing to life the work of the featured designers. The superior level of craftsmanship made this Vancouver Fashion Week a standout.
Friday night featured the Silent Rainforest line from GREEN EMBASSY, an Australian based, eco avant-garde company that believes that “sustainability should be at the heart of the fashion and textile industry.” Certified by Global Organics Textile Standards, GREEN EMBASSY is devoted to challenging the fast-fashion, throw-away mentality of so many consumers. The brand uses only 100% organic materials and is working towards zero waste at its production studios. This was the second year GREEN EMBASSY presented at Vancouver Fashion Week, and it made its presence felt in a big way. 
The show began with a short film which highlighted the destructive impact humans are making on Earth. Two models graced the stage in ethereal matching sets and opened the show with tribute to Mother Nature. From there the show flourished. Female and male models of different ages and sizes danced and glided down the runway, something not often seen in the fashion world. The diversity of the models made the whole experience a lot more authentic.
The delicate and airy textiles displayed in the Silent Rainforest line brought the clothes to life. In conjunction with the pops of colour and abstract prints seen throughout the collection, the flouncy silhouettes added to the serene, free-spirited mood of the show. Every item was meticulously constructed; together, the entire collection flowed to form one coherent story. It was a true fashion spectacle that celebrated diversity, the human body, and Mother Earth.
