VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK S/S 2025
This week marks the beginning of the six-day fashion week in downtown Vancouver. Vancouver Fashion Week ( VFW) runs from Oct.22nd to Oct. 27th at David Lam Hall at 50 E Pender Vancouver.
Since 2018, I've been covering VFW, and each season brings a new wave of excitement. This Spring/Summer 2025 season, we're in for a diverse fashion experience. VFW is a platform for local, Canadian, and international designers, showcasing a variety of styles from emerging labels, established designers, haute couture craftsmanship, and avant-garde creations. VFW is known for celebrating diversity, and this season certainly follows that tradition.
I have been busy researching the designers who will present this season, highlighting some of them here. While I can't show all the designers, I have selected a diverse cross-section of labels to show what to expect when you attend VFW.
VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK S/S 2025
DAY 1
The opening night of VFW this season is a momentous occasion as it opens with a special 10th-anniversary show by Vancouver designer Alex S YU. The tenth-anniversary collection, Prologue 3688, draws inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale, "Alice in Wonderland," and the nostalgia of childhood daydreams. It will feature 50 runway looks that showcase ALEX S. YU’s journey and a rich, East-meets-West cultural canvas that defines his design ethos.
The first night also includes a selection of Vancouver designers from the Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver. I eagerly anticipate the VFW premiere of Emma Ireland Shepherd's brand EMMA IRELAND DESIGNS, whose collection, " Love Letters to Girlhood," promises to be a nostalgic look at hyper-feminine designs in spring colours.
VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK S/S 2025
DAY 2
The second day of Vancouver Fashion Week opens with a significant show, 'Love To Ukraine.' Tetyana Golota, a renowned producer at VFW , has consistently used her shows to share the beauty of Ukrainian culture with the world. This year, she will collaborate with three other designers to create a showcase that not only celebrates fashion but also serves as a cultural bridge.
The celebration of international culture continues with The Mestizo La, a global brand that celebrates the beauty of Filipino culture. The Philippines' rich heritage inspires the designs. By blending traditional Filipino elements with contemporary styles, designer Gil Gabriel Gonzales produces a line accessible to all. Gonzales's personal story, recounted in an interview with writer Marilyn R. Wilson on her blog Olio By Marilyn , deeply resonated with me, and I'm excited to see what he puts on the runway.
THE MESTIZO LA
VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK S/S 2025
DAY3
Vancouver Fashion Week S/S 2025 will not only showcase established designers but also features work by up and coming student designers. In the past years I have developed a relationship with La Salle College and have guest critiqued in the fashion program. I am really excited to see work of the students at VFW. First shows for new designers are a big deal, this may be the first opportunity for the designers to see their work on a professional runway , with styling, hair and make-up. I often find some of the best shows to be the students, they are full of ideas, creativity and new concepts.
Dots ( Polka Dots) are the darling of the fashion world. The iconic pattern shows up almost every season and is definitely on trend at the moment. Lively and energetic a brand showing on Thursday night at VFW is called "DoDot". Based on the tagline of “do dot.”, this brand creates clothes using only dot patterns. I'm all in and think I will wear my one of favorite pattern Polka dots.
LA SALLE COLLEGE
L to R, Anahita Heydari, Valery Natasja Wongsari, Florence Duong, Taraneh Tadayon, Somaya Ahmadi,
Sophia Glaubach, Sara Yasaei
" DO DOT "
VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK S/S 2025
DAY4
Friday sees VFW highlighting a selection of designers from Asia. One is the label NAOKI MULAKAMI. This is a shirt brand designed by two people: Naoki, who is in charge of paintings, and Shota, who is in charge of patterns. Paintings are done directly on the fabric, and the pieces are basically made to order. This collection, titled "I AM I," takes a deep and philosophical approach to the concept of "Self," stimulating the intellect. The original graphic patterns set this brand as a powerhouse of creativity.
I am also looking forward to Handbok Goong, a Korean brand that uses the traditional Korean Hanbok as a design staple. Lee Eun-jin, the designer of the brand, has put the most effort and thought into developing designs based on traditional Hanbok styles that fit modern clothing and lifestyles.
VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK S/S 2025
DAY 5
Saturday night brings some powerhouse designers to the catwalk. One of the designers I always look forward to seeing is Eduardo Ramos. Ramos is a Vancouver based designer who incorporates his personal story and ideas into his couture collections. For S/S 2025 Eduardo Ramos will present his latest collection Exodus that showed recently at London Fashion Week.
PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS COLLECTION BY ARUN NEVADER
Another returning brand to Vancouver Fashion Week S/S 2025 is Tess Mann Atelier. Last year at this time , Tess Mann showed her refined and elegant bridal wear, and I interviewed her then. Tess told me, " I am already thinking of coming back in the fall. My upcoming collection is being designed with a move towards letting myself go. No considerations for individual clients, allowing me to fully express my creativity. It will be full of colour and vibrancy, an artistic letting go. I have been thinking about this next collection for a while. I will design it with me in mind, creating a personal connection with each piece".
What I took away from the interview was Tess Mann's truly unique design approach, where she wanted to create a collection that was a true reflection of her, using colour and more daring silhouettes. Now, the time has come, and I, for one, am intrigued to see what Tess sends down the runway in The Sophisticate Collection.
PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS COLLECTION BY ARUN NEVADER
VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK S/S 2025
DAY 6
The final night of Vancouver Fashion Week S/S 2025 continues our global vision with ARTISAN COLLECTIVE LTD., a Kenyan company that specializes in slow fashion and was established in 2020.
The company has three distinct brands under the umbrella: Nomadic Artisan (women’s wear), Hayan Collection (men’s wear), and My Little Samurai (baby and kids’ wear). Each brand has its unique style yet operates under the common theme of creating one-of-a-kind, high-quality pieces. All garments are produced by seven Kenyan seamstresses, under the design created by Nairobi-based designer duo ARTISAN COLLECTIVE - Ayumi Awil-Taki and Rayzak Awil.
As Vancouver Fashion Week S/S 2025 takes us on a global fashion journey, it fittingly concludes by shining a spotlight on West Coast Indigenous culture with the contemporary stylings of Ay Lelum The Good House of Design. Crafted by sisters Aunalee Boyd-Good and Sophia Seward-Good, Ay Lelum's designs beautifully blend the rich culture of the Coast Salish with a modern twist. This year's 'Your Spirit' collection is a moving tribute to family member, artist, and master carver Joel Good.
IN CONCLUSION
Calling all fashion lovers—it’s time to strut your stuff at Vancouver Fashion Week! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned front-row pro, this is your chance to witness runway magic up close. Expect jaw-dropping designs, high-energy vibes, and a serious dose of style inspiration. And hey, while you’re there, keep an eye out for yours truly—I’m always up for a chic chat!
