March 20, 2019 | 9:12 pm

DAY 1 OF VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

Darlings I'm just returning from Day 1 of Vancouver Fashion Week f/w 2019. Since many of you may not be to familiar with VFW, have a look at my previous post. Since day of 1 of Vancouver Fashion Week is billed as an opening gala I'm pleased report it was both awesome and exciting.

While many of you may be familiar with NY , London, Paris and Milan fashion weeks, VFW is not that. However if you attend smaller Fashion Weeks like Vancouver's, you will be exposed to up and coming talents that are both local and international. Certainly in my opinion it is where you'll see and encourage some of fashions rising stars.

Since its beginning in 2001, Vancouver Fashion Week has been dedicated to cultivating the success of both established designers and award-winning emerging designers. Furthermore with its global perspective and highly multicultural approach VFW is unique in its mandate. In fact championing diversity its greatest strength, Vancouver Fashion Week has grown to be the second largest fashion week in North America – and continues to grow today as the fastest growing fashion week in the world.

DAY 1 VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

MY GALA EXPERIENCE.

Certainly I am excited to be attending VFW . In fact this is the first year I have a media pass and intend on attending most of the events. First girlfriends I'm here to give you an honest and knowledgeable review of what I see and experience. However my reviews will also be kind and hopeful to the young talents who are giving us their best.

For whatever reason I decided I would walk to the David Lam Hall in downtown Chinatown. However dears it may not have been the best idea, from my west end home it's a lot farther than I thought. Therefore I arrived a little hot and flustered . However I have the best intentions to walk most days

Certainly the David Lam Hall is a great venue. Upon entering I was meet with the most cheerful legion of black glad volunteers who checked me in and escorted me to my seat. I was excited to be sitting in the front row. Remember dears it can be hot in many fashion show venues so stay hydrated. Whenever I attend a fashion event, I arrive early enough to get a good vantage point and enjoy the street style. Since this was the opening gala the crowd did indeed Dress The Part.

DAY 1 VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

THE SHOWS

LA SALLE COLLEGE

The opening show for Day 1 Vancouver Fashion Week was presented by Design students from La Salle College. The collection I would like to explore is by Shaghayegh Tafreshi

Shaghayegh Tafreshi gave as look at an alternative world, where the men wear the dress or skirt in the family. A strong theme of the collection seemed to deal with gender identity. In fact a strong young male masculinity is challenged by the desire to cross-dress. Tafreshi uses strong historical references to imbue her clothes with a dignity and reverence of the past . In fact the future looks bright for this young designer , who at this time in her career is developing a great eye both for details and proportions.

Firstly we saw a tunic/dress with buccaneer style cuffs and collar with a button and beaded torso. Certainly one of the best pieces , it had historical content and showed a variety of interesting details. On the other hand a clear vinyl top with a sarong skirt , added a contrast of shiny and matte surfaces. Whether the male skirt or dress is the next logical step in history only time will tell. However I tend to look forward to a time when society accepts the gender fluidity that is a part of our progression.

In fact a shout out goes to all the Lasalle students , who's creativity is evident !

DAY 1 OF VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

Designer Preview

Certainly the energy was one of excitement for the opening Gala . In fact the crowd gathered were an assortment of media, Fashion Week sponsors ,Fashion officials and fashionistas of every description. Black and sequins was the preferred attire . Since those who know me know I'm sequins lover, this old queen is a maximal-ist when need be.

The designers preview presented a piece from some designers collections later in the week. Exciting to get a taste but I'll keep you waiting ...to follow later in the week.

Balloon Fashion / Designer

Emi Jingu

Pursuring the new possibilities of the balloon

YONFA

YONFA, a collection from Japanese designer Kim Yonghwa, exemplified the minimalism we are seeing on many of the worlds runways . This elegant collection was a wonderful way to end a great evening.

Darlings you read my blog to get my opinion , and those who know me are aware minimal fashion is not my first love. However that's my personal taste , and I surely can appreciate a great minimalist collection.

Yonghwa gave us just that a great minimalist collection. Playing with dimensions, presenting an array of oversized jackets, succinct white shirts and sweaters cut at unconventional yet complimentary angles.

Yonghwa’s commitment to natural fabrics, such as wool and cotton, worked congruently with her flattering silhouettes and fundamental palette of white, navy, black and tan, to give us a mix and match wardrobe free from fuss , with both elegance and style.