BAHAR KIANPOUR AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK
A Whimsical Journey from Architecture to Fashion
On April 24th 2024 Bahar Kianpour, graced the Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) with her debut collection. For the past month I have been giving my reviews and insights on the fashion from Vancouver Fashion Week. I am always excited when a new designer presents their first collection. Kianpour presented a collection that spoke to this critic with the sophistication and refinement of a designer far more experienced.
Born and raised in the rich cultural backdrop of Iran, Bahar’s early life was steeped in the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and profound history of Persian art. This exposure to such a dynamic environment sparked a deep-seated passion for creativity within her. Her path, however, initially took a different direction as she pursued studies in architecture after immigrating to Canada. The discipline of architecture provided Bahar with a robust foundation in design principles, spatial awareness, and an appreciation for the structural integrity of forms1.
Despite her success in architecture, Bahar’s heart yearned for a different canvas to express her creativity. She made a bold decision to pivot towards her true calling—fashion design. Her educational journey continued at the Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver, where she honed her skills and developed her unique voice in the world of fashion. It was here that her talents were recognized with the Blanche Macdonald Centre Award of Excellence, a testament to her exceptional abilities and potential.
BAHAR KIANPOUR AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK
A REVIEW
Bahar Kianpour at Vancouver Fashion Week presented a collection aptly named “Forgotten Poet,”. Bahar's work is a testament to her storytelling through fashion. Each piece in the collection is not just a garment but a narrative, a poetic expression of her vision.
Bahar's vision on the runway was one of romance, beauty, and whimsy. A fairytale world unfolds with designs that transport the audience to a place of wonder. The clothes are perfectly executed with delicate, flowing fabrics. Lace, chiffons, satin, and tulle peeking out from hems are combined with original silhouettes. Black and white neutrals with a flash of silvery mauve make up a controlled color palette. The first look is a dress that combines elements of fashion history into a contemporary look that has a girlish charm from the 19th century; a black clad Alice in Wonderland. Bahar Kianpour is current with her nod to the "Coquette Aesthetic"; a fashion movement that is characterized by a mix of sweet, romantic, and sometimes playful elements that focus on femininity.
Models carry lace parasols and delicate mini handbags. Each look is detailed: pearls, 3d butterflies, a series of graceful pleats, trailing ribbons, and puffed sleeves with ruffled cuffs. The designer includes male models clad in more tailored, nontraditional looks in fabric choices that give a gender-fluid vibe. The designer closes the collection with a frilly, romantic wedding look that exemplifies the designer's core aesthetic of feminine beauty. While the designer's clothes have a dramatic effect, they are all wearable, ensuring that the collection displays art and practicality. The designer's vision is evident in each choice; the romantic notion comes across in a refined, elegant collection complete with whimsy and fantasy. Bahar Kianpour's clothing resonates with ethereal elegance and dreamy sophistication.
IN CONCLUSION
Meeting , seeing and reviewing new fashion designers is one of the things I love most. The joy of seeing a first runway show go well for a starting designer is exciting. I was thrilled with the collection that Bahar Kianpour presented and am equally excited to see what she will present in the future.
CIAO FOR NOW J. ANDREW