CHANDRA V ; A DESIGNER FOLLOWS HER DREAM AT VFW F/W 2025

Chandra V debuted its most recent collection at Vancouver Fashion Week on Wednesday, April 9th. I am always interested in writing about Vancouver's local designers. Eva Red is the designer of Chandra V, and I have been aware of her presence on the local fashion scene for a while now. I was excited to see the brand on VFW's schedule.

Chandra V, named after designer Eva Red's birth name Chandra Vakia, is a radiant celebration of duality: the whisper of her mother's elegance meets the bold, unapologetic glamour of her father's taste. The result? A collection that dances between understated chic and commanding presence — these are clothes designed for a woman who is set on making a fashion statement with her unique style.

When I asked Eva Red about her collection, she told me it's called Spring Blooms—a tribute to her late mother. "Every piece reflects her spirit," Eva said. After her mother's passing last June, Eva found herself in a deep grief that only deepened over time. When the opportunity to show at Vancouver Fashion Week came, she saw it as a way to heal. Designing became a conversation with her mother, choosing colours, shapes, and fabrics as if guided by her hand. Though the name hints at a season, Spring Blooms is really about rebirth—rising from loss and finding hope after sorrow. "This collection is my love letter to her," Eva shared. "A reminder that even in grief, something beautiful can grow."

CHANDRA V - THE REVIEW

The clothes Chandra V sent down the runway are an example of pieces that fall into a confident woman's elegant wardrobe. Designer Eva Red made the wise decision to partner with mature modelling agency JANE XU MODELS for her runway show. The designer's inspiration was her mother, and the clothes convey a sense of maturity and sophistication. While not necessarily intended for older women, the designer is focused on creating classic, enduring clothing and has no interest in chasing the latest trends.

The runway show was divided into sections by clothing type; the first section featured a series of four looks comprising trousers and a variety of tops. The colour palette for this portion of the show is rich in hues of rust, various blues, including a standout pant suit in a vibrant teal, paired with a lean, knee-length tuxedo-style blazer complete with a matching corset over a white blouse. The teal trouser suit crosses to an evening look in a glistening satin.

The trousers and tops lead the way to a series of looks that are suitable for both day and evening wear. Her Fall 2025 collection, while ideal for various occasions, is predominantly eveningwear. This self-taught designer shows various silhouettes with a common thread being a celebration of the woman's form. Close-fitting, body-hugging gowns graze the floor with an aubergine velvet number that channels pure Old Hollywood glamour—lush, sculpted, and unapologetically dramatic. Floral appliqués trail across the bodice and spill elegantly off one side, adding movement and romance to its rich, moody silhouette.. There's a quiet sensuality here. The closing, brilliant red gown gives runway moments suitable for the many images that have populated Instagram feeds. Photographers loved this look, and its sheer quality was a stunning finish to the series of eveningwear.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

BY PHOTOGRAPHER ARRUN NEVADER 

Rooted in a philosophy of crafting timeless, meaningful pieces, Chandra V by Eva Red distances itself from passing fads in favour of authentic self-expression. This ethos is woven into every detail of the Spring Bloom collection, where each design is produced in small, exclusive batches, making every item a rare and personal statement. Chandra V partners with its clients to collaborate on custom creations that embody their unique visions and aspirations.
Eva Red is most comfortable designing evening wear, and she shows finesse in her evening dresses. This was a solid collection of sophisticated and elegant clothes, and Chandra V is a brand to watch.

IN CONCLUSION

Darling readers and fabulous creatives,

You know I live for local fashion, and few things thrill me more than championing the fierce talent emerging from our own Vancouver design scene. While this season, I've been a bit quieter than usual (life, in all its fabulous messiness, had other plans for a moment), my passion for celebrating our homegrown style stars has not dimmed. If anything, it's only grown stronger.

Though my pen—or rather, keyboard—hasn't been quite as busy this time around, rest assured, I'm still here, watching, writing, and plotting future posts. There's so much more to come. So many stories to tell. So many looks to gasp over.

To all the brilliant models, stylists, and creatives who brought their magic to the runway and beyond, please share my posts with your networks, especially those I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet. Let's continue to weave this stylish web together.

And to the designers I connected with this season: thank you. You reminded me why I do this. Your work was bold and inspired. It's been a joy to share space with you, and I look forward to spotlighting more of your brilliance soon.

With fashion, love, and maximalist dreams,

J. Andrew Jackson and designer Eva Red of Chandra V

CIAO FOR NOW, J.ANDREW JACKSON