Vancouver Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2014 Day 2

Vancouver Fashion Week is well under way, with yesterday being the first day of shows, featuring Christina Exie, Elfer Castro, Theresa Chen, and a host of other talented designers. There was a good amount of diversity among the designs shown, with everything from bikinis to eveningwear, from bright hues to muted tones.

I started off the week with a retro-inspired look with a few modern touches. Peplum is always a way to amp up the ladylike factor, and a red lip makes things a little more dramatic. On a regular day, I'd pass on the hat and just wear this outfit for work, but for fashion week it's all about the flair!

Theresa Chen's collection was easily one of my favourites of the evening; it's hard to resist when she uses my favourite colours red, white and black. Not to mention lace. Sara Roka had some stunning designs as well; these aren't my usual style, but I have to admit there was something very beautiful about the way the silk flowed as the models walked the runway. On the other hand, Elfer Castro's collection of Columbian-inspired designs was a fresh, avant-garde surprise. It was great to hear that Elfer has worked hard to support and create jobs for Columbians in the cotton-making community : that's truly sustainable fashion!

Sara Roka:

Christina Exie:

Regina Jessen:

Theresa Chen:

Designer Theresa Chen herself (right)

Dominique Hanke of Hive Mind Millinery:

Elfer Castro:

Designer Elfer Castro after his show

Nina Tan:

Ovide Couture:

Rony and Pavan - always the most stylish couple:

Shelley Klassen - Story of a Girl:

Shelley Klassen - Blushing Boutique

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Vancouver Fashion Week FW2013: Day 1

I was so anxious today up until the shows began...when it only comes twice a year, you can't help but yet overly excited and stressed (about what to wear, obviously). It was a fantastic night, and the team did such an amazing job of making the experience enjoyable. The bestie/photographer and I, and our new blogger friends Angela Estelle and Tina had front row seats to the fabulous runway shows featuring the designs of Eik Designs, Mirae Kim, Emily Hart, QiQee, Papillon, Nikki Babie, and Shelley Klassen.

I was overjoyed to see some of my favourite fall/winter trends from last year will be carrying over to this year. Leather seemed to be a prominent component of many of the designers' collections, and was used as everything from piping to panels to texture blocking. Other trends like peplum and the high-low hemline also appear to be here to stay for the time being!

As it was the first day of Spring today, I went all out in terms of both colour and print. With a floral print as busy as this, I thought it best to keep my other bold colours as solids. I chose to mix bright hues of tangerine, pink, and cobalt with black pieces to keep the floral look under control. Especially with the rain that ensued, it was nice to have a healthy dose of colour in my outfit!





Blazer-BCBGeneration(thrifted), Shirt-Urban Behaviour, Skirt-H&M(thrifted), Shoes-G:21(via Walmart), Sunglasses-H&M, Necklace-H&M




With blogger buddy Tina- her boots are my fav! They're just perfect for staying fashionable in Vancouver's cold/wet weather. And her bow purse is just adorable beyond words.




Eik Designs:


Sequinned paneled pants: I am in love and must have a pair! These were one of my favourite designs of the evening.




The talented ladies behind Eik Designs: Elisabet Ingfa Kristofersdottir and Jocelyn Neufeld.


Mirae Kim:


Yes, those are eye on her pants. I was actually more interested in the leather-detailed blazer. Just too cool for words.


This flowing cape/jacket is so incredibly unique; I have no idea how I would wear this, but it stole my heart.








Emily Hart:




These jackets were a big hit this past fall/winter. I'm glad to see they will be breathing new life into them for f/w 2013!


With some of the other fashionable guests of VFW: Rony Walia and his date


Part of the make-up team, Lisa Plaza took the time to grab a picture with us before getting back to work behind the scenes!


QiQee:




One of my other favourite designs this evening: the top has a 'warrior' feel to it that exudes a powerful sexiness with the leather detailing. And that sheer skirt just seals the deal!


My absolute favourite design of the evening. This gown needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate it's vibrant hue and flowing fabric. The dreamy and shocking highlighter fabric, combined with the leather bodice gives this dress 'statement' status and makes it to the top of my 'want it NOW' list!


Pandora:




Papillion:




The collared dress is too cute! And so is the print! This would make an adorable summer dress that could transition easily to fall.




Shelley Klassen:


Peplum is back too! Another trend that has proved to last another season.


The high-low hemline is another trend that appears to be sticking around: and I couldn't be happier. The flouncing fabric exuded a strong, feminine appeal, and the blue hue was a perfect choice.

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See you on the runway!


Happy Styling! xo

~Britta