RICHARD WEI AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK S/S 2026

October 24, 2025 | 12:38 pm

RICHARD WEI

Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) featured numerous debut collections on the runway this season. One of the standout debuts on the opening night, was RICHARD WEI, the eponymous brand created by creative director Richard Wei. As one of the local Vancouver labels I was eager to see, RICHARD WEI generated significant excitement among the audience. Below is an excerpt from the biography available on the Vancouver Fashion Week website.

Richard Wei, a Canadian fashion designer based in Vancouver, brings a distinctive sensibility shaped by both artistry and heritage. Having once managed a watch and jewelry company, Richard Wei cultivated a refined eye for detail, proportion, and craftsmanship—qualities that now define the precision and elegance of his fashion creations.

For Richard Wei, fashion extends beyond appearance; it is an expression of how one inhabits the world. Through his designs, he invites individuals to experience beauty, practicality, and cultural resonance as one seamless whole.

RICHARD WEI - A REVIEW

The words that best capture Richard Wei's debut collection are in its title, "Sea to Sky." This title refers to Vancouver, highlighting both its natural beauty and dynamic urban life. Richard explains, "My inspiration for the Sea to Sky collection comes from Vancouver, a city where urban elegance meets natural inspiration—where mountains rise beside the ocean and the horizon blends the sky with the water." Vancouver is known for its laid-back style, which, for those in the fashion world, can sometimes appear too relaxed.

Richard Wei brings a unique blend of his Chinese heritage and Canadian ideals of freedom, diversity, and creativity to the West Coast fashion scene, refreshing and enhancing Vancouver's laid-back aesthetic. Wei's approach to style is accessible, fresh, and inviting. His designs are not outrageous or overly fashion-forward, ensuring they appeal to the customers he aims to attract. He states, "My vision is to make luxury accessible—offering beautifully crafted garments that the middle class can enjoy without sacrificing design or style."

RICHARD WEI-THE RUNWAY

Richard Wei took a unique approach to his fashion show, starting with evening wear before transitioning to daywear. The opening set felt like being at a cocktail party, a trendy restaurant, or celebrating a best friend's birthday. It featured a series of playful, fun dresses, with the first two outfits adorned in pastel sequins. The miniskirts are youthful and exude a confident, sexy attitude. Among the standout pieces are two floor-length sequin dresses: one with a fuller-cut skirt in a rich midnight blue, reminiscent of a glamorous 1930s gown. The first section closes with an edgy black tulle dress that showcases a more adventurous design compared to the others.

ALL PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

As we transitioned from evening wear to daytime attire, the clothing showcased the ease and versatility of contemporary lifestyles, suitable for both the workplace and everyday outings. White stretch lace was utilized to create sensual day looks. The garments exude elegance and are aligned with the current trend of quiet luxury

The designer has ventured into several menswear pieces. However, there were no options for men to complement the glamour of the women's eveningwear. The collection included outdoor pieces that emphasized functionality while incorporating refined design elements. The Sea to Sky collection showcases essential wardrobe staples that transition effortlessly from metropolitan settings to natural environments. I am excited to see where Richard Wei will take us next with his vision of a wearable, elegant lifestyle brand. In closing, let’s hear the designer in his own words: "My creative approach emphasizes the fusion of city and nature, showcasing the idea that elegance and practicality can coexist."