In February and March, fashion capitals around the world including New York, Milan, London, and Paris hosted prestigious week-long fashion marathons where influential and highly-respected designers showcased their collections for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. It’s a high point of the year for style connoisseurs around the globe.

Although not one of the “big four,” Vancouver also holds a successful fashion week of its own. This year’s show took place from March 16 – 22, marking the 12th year of the Vancouver show. A total of 62 emerging Canadian and international designers gathered to flaunt their fall and winter lines. Included among these talented creators were a handful of Vancouver-based designers who brought a fresh, new outlook for fashion in the city.

One local standout this year was Alex S. Yu.  Having appeared at Vancouver Fashion Week once before in 2014, Alex is asserting himself as a creative, passionate, and talented local designer. The playful and youthful garments from his brand ALEX S. YU matched the upbeat energy of the room, as attendees cheered and clapped. His innovative use of brightly coloured fabric transformed the modern garments into quirky, attention-grabbing, yet wearable works of art. Alex seems to have found his niche as he continues to create garments that explore the fine line between fantasy and reality.

The youngest and perhaps most audacious designer was Kate Miles. This mere 15 year old travelled from Oregon for the launch of her brand, Kate’s Couture. Her collection astounded the audience; models floated down the runway dressed in romantic, avant-garde wedding gowns. Each and every dress was a treasure in itself, with the detail and precision Kate had poured into it. Sequins, tulle, and velvet were the dominant elements of her work, creating a beautiful juxtaposition between old and new. Kate made great sacrifices to be able to present under the marquis at the Queen Elizabeth Theater, as she reportedly sold her horse and several gowns destined for future college savings to fund her debut appearance.

Vancouver Fashion Week was a great success due to the diverse range of collections. Each designer brought a unique style aesthetic and concept to the table, while remaining true to a common theme of texture. The bold and unconventional concepts displayed throughout the week eliminated the unfashionable Vancouver stereotype of fleece, gore-tex, and yoga pants once and for all!