fashion news

Strut – A Fabulous Evening of Spring Fashion for a Cause

I was at home just finalizing a few things on a models casting I was producing, hours on the computer with the TV droning in the background for company. I happened to hear an ad on TV for Strut. As I do fashion reporting from time to time I thought I would follow up with a call to the organizers to see if they would appreciate a reporter coming in to do a story. Heather Morgan, Special Events Manager with Variety The Children's Charity, gave me a call back to touch base and later called me to confirm that Deborah Stetz, Show Producer had given me the thumbs up to attend and report. From the ads on TV I have to say I was definitely looking forward to covering the event.

                                                       

Upon my arrival to the Boulevard Casino I was greeted by a packed parking lot. Looking across the lot I could already see a large line forming in anticipation to the doors opening. For a brief moment I saw a side door opening and a woman with a headset ushering another woman in. I knew I had part of the production team at arms length so I announced my arrival. They seemed to know who I was upon the mention of my name and brought me in immediately steering me in the direction of several other assistants with headsets and walkie talkies. I was shown upstairs. People were busy putting the last minute touches and organizations to everything and it really did look beautiful. So many different stations and opportunities for the ladies (and a few gents) who were lucky enough to have purchased a ticket to attend the event. I met Heather Morgan upstairs and she greeted me briefly and directed me back downstairs to the registration desk for guests to get my pass, show brochure and special tickets. Free martini (delicious), swag bag and a draw were all a part of the package. I was told I was very welcome and to help myself to an advantage point seat inside where the runway show would take place in approximately 40 minutes. All were ready and waiting backstage and I was welcome to shoot some pics of last minute hair and makeup touch ups.

Once in the theatre it was immediately apparent this was a show that was done up right. A lovely crisp white wide runway with beautiful gobo lighting and 2 large visual screens that visually projected the word Strut. There were approximately room for 400 seated and about twelve gorgeous little bar height café tables crowned with an under lit glass Cinderella slippers with classy flower arrangements beautifully inset and designed by Vivio Flower Gallery dotted the rest of the room.

                                                            

I shuffled through the red seats and skirted in through the thick velvet curtains backstage. Sound and visual personnel were busy at their computers as I hurried past to the rolling racks of clothes ready to go.

                                                          

Another headset-adorned woman greeted me and lead me to a downstairs models holding area where they were doing final touches on makeup and hair. I can always recognize MAC training from a mile away as there is always lots of prep to deciding on a look for the show and careful application by the professionally trained makeup experts.

                                                            

The models were seated here and there in groups, busy chatting about life and other such adventures. Someone came down and announced excitedly that there was at least a block of people waiting around the place. Everyone looked at each other with a look of glee and went back to what they had been busy concentrating on before. The hair looked terrific and once again, as in many fashions shows in town, the team at Barbarella and Colorbox had come through with shining colors.

I headed back upstairs and back into the main area as I wanted to spend more time seeing the ladies (now milling about the main and upstairs areas) enjoying themselves at the variety of Pampering stations. Amidst the statue celebrities and the real LIVE celebrity look-alikes by Famous Players there were many things to keep you amused. Back stage Photo Set photo opportunity by Darla Furlani and Fred Fraser, the Vodka Ice Luge, and many Hair, Eye, lip, massage, skin care and fragrance stations. You also had the chance to enter a draw for $1500 Diamond ring from Acinda Jewellers and Airfare for 2 anywhere AirTransat flies.

                                                            

The announcement came over the speakers, the show would begin in 20 minutes. Everyone lined up in a jiffy and I cut my way through the line and straight to my seat. Once inside everyone filled in very quickly and the house lights were down in 10 minutes and on with the show. Global TV’s Randene Neil came out and introduced herself and the show sponsors then spoke briefly of the two charities we were supporting and then showed informational videos for both. This was a nice touch as we were told in great detail just exactly what the monies were being raised for and how it would be spent. Very good indeed. On with the show. Over the next 45 minutes most of the top models in Vancouver strutted fashions by Jacob, RW & Co, Tristan, Aritzia, Suzy Shier, The Bay, Tan Jay, Sears, Tip Top, Cleo, Northern Reflections, La Vie En Rose Aqua, Golf Town, Jacob Connexion, West 49, Jacob Lingerie, Stitches, Urban Behaviour, Bootlegger, Coast Mountain Sports, GAP, Sport Check, Zellers, Boutique of Leathers, Blue Line Sports, Extreme, Below the Belt, Buffalo, Old Navy, Off the Wall, Smart Set, Fairweather, Reitmans, Tabi, Eddie Bauer, La Vie En Rose, Change, Guess?, L3 Fashions, Kebe, La Senza, Motherhood Maternity, Le Chateau Men’s, and Le Chateau. It was a very good show and very well presented.

                                                             

I left right after the show as I needed to get back to pressing work at home. I hear the band was fun and the famous Players got things rockin.

I left of course with my Diva Swag Bag filled with all sorts of goodies from the evening!

Aahhhh yes, another evening of fashion. My life is great!


Strut Show Information Overview

Hosted by Global TV’s noon hour anchor Randene Neil. Fashions provided by H & M

Strut Organizing Committee:
Chair Deborah Stetz, Heather Scott, Nava Mizrahi Rosenberg, Heather Morgan, Lisa prophet, Karen Horton, Jennifer Han, and Alanna Koshlay.

Presented by: Boulevard Casino, Coquitlam Centre and Red Robinson Theatre.

Charities Supported: Variety, the children’s charity and Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation

Gold Event Sponsor:
Market Place IGA

Silver Event Sponsors:
Angelo’s Salon & Spa
The Body Shop

Bronze Event Sponsors:
Acinda Jewellers
air transat
Charlie’s Chocolate factory Ltd.
Vivio Flower gallery
Westwood Printing
Tower Graphics

Media Sponsors:
Global TV
Tri-City News
103.5 QM/FM

If The Shoe Fits Sponsors:
HBC
Sterling

Photography by:
Darla Furlani Photography
Fred Fraser Photography

50/50 draw by Scotia Bank

special thanks to the Firefighters from Port Moody and Coquitlam for their participation

Footwear provided by Sterling Shoes, Spring, Aldo Shoes, and Payless Shoesource.

Fashions by:
Jacob, RW & Co, Tristan, Aritzia, Suzy Shier, The Bay, Tan Jay, Sears, Tip Top, Cleo, Northern Reflections, La Vie En Rose Aqua, Golf Town, Jacob Connexion, West 49, Jacob Lingerie, Stitches, Urban Behaviour, Bootlegger, Coast Mountain Sports, The gap, Sport Check, Zellers, Boutique of leathers, Blue Line Sports, Extreme, Below the belt, Buffalo, Old navy, Off the Wall, Smart Set, Fairweather, Reitmans, Tabi, Eddie Bauer, La Vie En Rose, Change, Guess?, L3 Fashions, Kebe, La Senza, Motherhood maternity, Le Chateau Men’s, and Le Chateau.

Online Auction Participants: Open till May 10th at www.coquitlamcentre.com

Make your bid and help the charities along!

Shopping Experience for two – Value $800 – Coquitlam Centre and Room Cosmetics

Shoe Wardrobe – Value up to $400 – Meridian West Coast Mortgages

Tee Party – Value $1,280 – Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club and Golf Town

Lifestyle Makeover – Value $525 – Flaire Image Consulting, The Body Shop, Jack FM and Cleo

Day of Pampering – Value $1,100 – Angelo’s Salon & Spa

Room Makeover – Value $1,000 – Tri City Paint and Benjamin Moore

Girls Night Out – Value $800 – SilverCity Coquitlam

Ultimate Night Out - $200 – Boulevard Casino

Concert Entertainment Package - $750 – QMFM, CTV, Rock 101

Spring Fashion – Value $500 – Guess?, Aritzia and MAC

Romantic Get Away - $460 – La Vie en Rose, Westin Grand, Aria Restaurant.

Dinner Party – Value $250 – East Side Marios

Ultimate Look – Value$450 – Boutique of leathers, Powder Room Cosmetics

Ultimate Adventure – Value $825 – Hyak Wilderness Adventures


Thanks for your bid and see you next year at Strut II!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BC Fashion Week News - 08    Mar 31st - April 4th

BC FASHION WEEK GOES PUBLIC - March 26/08 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, BC, Canada (March 26th, 2008) – One of the most anticipated highlights of the BC Fashion Week Fall 2008 schedule of events will be the 2nd edition of the specially designed Generation Next show that will feature three finalists of the best up and coming Canadian designers.

The selected Generation Next finalists will be featured in a composite show presented during BC Fashion Week, where a final selection will be made and the enviable top prize of Generation Next Designer for Fall/Winter 2008 will be named. The winner will receive a full package tailored to foster the fledgling designer: a sponsored fashion show, financial and marketing plans, public relations services, an editorial in a leading industry magazine, and more.

The Generation Next finalist show, presented in collaboration with Fashion High and Portobello West, will be held Thursday, April 3rd at 5:30 p.m. Finalists Carny Love by Christie Clayton of Vancouver, Lara Presber of Calgary and Marcy Ross for Morena Clothing of Victoria, will be proudly representing their home cities in a truly western Canada event. Popular again this season will also be the “Dress Local” pre-show to be held starting at 4:30 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to wear Canadian designs for an opportunity to win prizes, in support of Canadian labels.

“Becoming a successful designer is a daunting proposition when you are starting out and we have an obligation as members of an active and healthy industry to mentor, nurture and encourage those new to the business - to become stronger,” states Vladimir Markovich, Creative Director BC Fashion Week. “Generation Next for each season is tailored to give that extra hand to those that are not ‘playing at fashion’ but have a strong vision of where they want to be; talented but in need of some support and guidance to get them to that next level”.

Last season’s winner, Nicole Bridger, will be presenting her Fall 2008 collection on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in an individual show as part of her prize package from Generation Next. Winning, says Bridger, opened a lot of doors: “It helped us to be taken more seriously.”

As the countdown continues to the BC Fashion Week Fall 2008 collections, organizers released tickets as well to the second event of the week open to the public, in response to the increasing demand for events for public access. Although a primarily business-to-business series of events, the public holds a critical role in the fashion industry and this party is in celebration of the total unified community. Wrapping up the week of events will be the official After Party – Sound of Fashion – “Where Fashion Meets Music”, being held this season at the main stage for BC Fashion Week – the Chinese Cultural Centre in downtown Vancouver on Friday, April 4th. DJ’s Kit Kat, Nima, Resonance and Siavash Ashrafinia round out an exciting lineup of entertainment.

“Each season we are pleased to be able to expand and diversify BC Fashion Week to include more and more of the community that encompasses - even embraces - fashion in Canada,” enthused Debra Walker, Executive Director BC Fashion Week. This season will once again see the live-streaming of the shows through partnership with Arc2 Intertainment. She continues, “the synergy of all of us working together, regardless of our day to day challenges, will be what amplifies our voice to the world and contributes to our overall vision”.

Tickets for the Generation Next and the “Sound of Fashion” closing party are on sale now online at www.clubzone.com/bcfashionweek  

For Generation Next inquiries and further information on Fashion High, contact Sarah Murray at sarah@thehoneymustard.com

Information on Arc2 Intertainment can be found at: www.arc2.tv  

For further information on BC Fashion Week and its associated events, contact Deb Walker, Media Relations at press@bcfashionweek.com or 604.688.8741.

About British Columbia Fashion Week www.bcfashionweek.com
British Columbia Fashion Week was created to produce a unified, organized and centralized week of individual collections showcasing designers to domestic and international audiences. As an international event on the world fashion calendar and the premier fashion event in Western Canada, the objective of BC Fashion Week is to provide a platform for Canadian designers and the fashion industry to become recognized in the global fashion business.

March 30th, Sunday - Press Meeting - Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens

Ahhhhhh, BC Fashion Week. I look forward to this occasion twice a year as this fashion effort by the organizers Deb and Vlad feels like the real deal to me and never fails to impress.

The Chinese Cultural Centre will be our fashion Showroom for this season and gives me the chance to check out a part of town I rarely take the time to visit. Although I am told where my press meeting will be I go on auto pilot and head mistakably to Granville island to the Performance Works Theatre. As I am hading down 2nd Ave I realize, “hey wait a minute you goofball its in Chinatown this year!” Doh! So I turn myself around and start heading in the right direction back to Chinatown.

Upon arriving I realize parking is going to be a complete hassle. Construction, not enough stalls and metres anyway to begin with and almost every metre taken up with temporary pno parking permits. I guess more filming going on? I mange to find myself a parking spot and use a can opener to pry myself in running over an empty box of chicken and two empty cans of Dr. Pepper.

Its still light outside and the place is only a block away but I still feel a little unsafe as a single gal walking aong sharing the street with at least 6 other people that looked like they could use the empty Dr. Pepper cans I just ran over.

I get around the corner and don’t see any signage indicating to me for a press meeting or BC Fashion week or anything so I sort of ramble back and forth in front of the building till I see someone dressed fairly fashionably go into a dark grey structured building in the center courtyard. Still I don’t see a sign???? Upon entering I run into Shey who is busy giving the volunteers their instructions but not too busy to give me a big warm hug and a great welcome. If you’ve been to BC Fashion Week before you’ll recognize Shey. She’s the gorgeous Black woman that is in charge of the main runway room and seating. Can’t really miss her, stunning as always even in a hoody and always with a headset on her, talking feverishly, pointing in one direction or another keeping things running like a top.

Funny enough while standing there waiting for my opportunity to enquire about the where abouts for the meeting in the vicinity a woman comes up with a question. She says she just heard today that there was BC Fashion Week being held in the neighborhood and even one of the designers who is featured in a show on Tuesday night is a supplier of clothing to one of her girlfriends stores and even she didn’t know about it. Hmmmmm, I say to myself. Me thinks maybe Deb might need some help on spreading the word at least 2-4 weeks previous to the running of the shows so the designers can get on board and notify their clients and make the most of the exposure and so on. Note to self, get a signage company on board as a sponsor, talk to Deb about publicity for BC Fashion Week itself.

A few other people arrive for the press media meeting and we are lead out the door across the courtyard to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Gardens. I have always wanted to go in this building but never took the time. From what I can see its definitely worth it. Upon entering we were escorted through a cobblestone lobby entrance area into another lobby area where I came around the corner and got a resounding warm welcome from Deb. I can always look forward to my warm hug and back rub from her. Cheery as always and looking great she welcomed the press group in and said we were welcome to look around the gardens and drinks and snacks would be presented shortly.

March 31st, Monday - Jacqueine Conoir

My birthday evening couldn’t have started out better. Now that I had the hang of the parking ($2.50 for the entire evening on Keefer and Columbia is the secret) I made my way quickly to the Chinese Cultural Centre. I could see Channel M and their LIVE on location hovering. As I approached the inner courtyard I could hear the crowd and as I rounded the corner I could see a long line of people gathered in anticipation. The Jacqueline Conoir show is always a hit and never fails to satisfy. This year was no exception.

Of course the who’s who of Vancouver were in attendance and a lot of the crowd was wearing the designers threads. Jewel tones in lovely silk dresses were seen everywhere. The crowd was a real mix though of age and fashion style. I think everyone and anyone related to fashion or BC Fashion Week was there and the place was brimming to the rafters as usual for this show.

Show designer Vlad had created a stunning LED light curtain and starry night backdrop to set the tone for the week. Very Studio 54 kind of feeling. Sponsors and designers logos illuminated the screen.

On with the show and our Fashionistas’ Featured Vik’s picks!

The first model oon the runway hit the demographic for this line right away. The hair and the makeup were perfect. The hair especially terrific and well suited to the line.

1st pick - that really struck a cord with me was the full length (down to the floor!) black wrap trench coat with bright blue lining. Stunning. Very slimming.

2nd pick - was the high waisted cream pants and matching trench.

3rd pick - was a gorgeous black Emma Peel like jacket with front zipper and belted detailing shown with patent pumps and stirrup tights.

NOTE TO MODELS*** Please go over coat removal!!! There were three occasions when the jackets were removed in a very sloppy way which resulted in them being very bunched up so hanging lines were impossible to recognize and inside lining details not properly shown for the designer. Sorry to preach, but you are there to show the clothes to the best of your ability for your client and what everyone saw was not an example of that.

4th pick - WOW!!! Oxblood knit turtleneck dress with asymmetrical split skirting

5th pick - was a see through thin mustard top with open cowl back

6th pick - was a gorgeous eye popping turquoise 2 pc suit. Oohs and aahhhs were heard from the crowd. This is what to wear at that next corporate party if you want to get noticed.

7th pick - was a gorgeous simple classic sequined elegant mini dress with cheek and sass.

8th pick - was a magenta pink silk spaghetti strap open back gown with bustle train. All jewelry was coordinated and draped down the back for a very elegant sexy feel.

9th pick - a full length Gold Goddess dress

10th pick – out of this world purple scarf tied open back blouse with flowing bias cut skirt.

11th pick – Cobalt criss cross empire waist open back full-length dress. Very pretty.

12th pick – Teal open back dress with gorgeous matching back draped jewels.

The Jacqueline Conoir shows are always a treat and not to be missed!!!

Looking forward to Evan & Dean tomorrow!

April 1st, Tuesday - Evan & Dean

I was actually quite surprised at the low numbers of people for the Evan and Dean show. They had had quite the spectacular turn out at their previous shows over the years so it made me wonder what happened with promotions of their line on their part???

I was really looking forward to their show as previous shows had been quite stunning. This show however (my own opinion) was lack luster and I think overall I just wasn’t happy with the color choices and cohesiveness in the total look of the collection.

Main color choices seemed to be grey hospital pink, grey carmel browns (chestnut), cream and burgundy patterns with no punch. I did like the knitted forearm armcuffs and the layering in the colored hose but overall I was disappointed with the line and the audience turn out.

There were some stunning pieces in the collection however and these were my picks

So on with the show and our Fashionistas’ Featured Vik’s picks!

With a look at the first model to hit the runway, makeup and hair was interesting but I’m not sure suited the line entirely. 40’s kind of styling with the hair tossled in loose curls on top and a rust red over-the-top blush on the cheeks and temples. Sometimes clashing with the burgundy tones that were shown.

I did appreciate having their lineup sheet with a description of each outfit to be shown. Thank you for the simplicity and ease of this. It made your show easy to watch and outfits that were especially pleasing easy to check off.

1st pick – 5th to be shown in the collection was the Beet silk dress with shoulder detailing.

2nd pick – 8th to be shown was the black lacquered linen bow dress.

3rd pick – 14th to be shown was the white oversized bow collar top.

4th pick – 20th to be shown was the sheer nouveau blouse.

5th pick – 22nd to be shown was the chestnut double-breasted hip length jacket with unique sleeve detail. Lovely!

6th pick – 23rd to be shown Lacquered linen blouse.

7th pick – 26th to be shown was a brown toned Baby Alpaca sweater

8th pick – 30th show WOW!!! Absolutely stunning Black bias wool crepe gown with silk side buttons and wide ribbon detailing. The model was perfect for this dress. Gorgeous.

Looking forward to Wednesdays shows with Nicole Bridger and Melinda-Mae Harlingten

April 2nd, Wednesday - Nicole Bridger/Mellinda-Mae Harlingten

Unfortunately I had a heavy workload that day and there were two traffic accidents on the way in from my drive from White Rock so I arrived late.

I must have looked disappointed and harried when I arrived as Deb said not to worry they had just started the show a half hour later so she shuffled me quickly in the back side door just on time as the first model hit the end if the runway in the photographers circle.

My immediately reaction was “now here’s a very West coast look and feel. The hair and makeup and model choice for the collection was perfectly suited and the ease and look of the entire line was as if the models owned the clothing themselves and had gone into their own closets and dressed and accessorized themselves for the day. Very West coast, very livable, well done and presented.

Fashionistas’ Featured Vik’s picks! The entire line! I loved the presentation and the collection. Great representation of Vancouver Fashion and the West coast feel.

A little bird told me they were shooting a pilot featuring Nicole. Way to go girl!

Wed April 2nd – 4th Show –Chinese Cultural Centre – Melinda-Mae Harlingten

Vik’s Picks

Melinda-Mae is a gorgeous outgoing woman herself so it wasn’t a surprise that the house was packed, and obviously packed with fans!

The show started out very dramatically in pitch black with very beat driven heavy music. Then up went the terrific mmh logo on the LED scrim and the show was off and running.

For such a young designer she certainly knows her stuff. The designs were all very wearable and fun and funky at the same time. Some were shown with bowler hats and brightly colored mini top hats and the craftsmanship of the garments was superb. Her choice of fabric, line and color was bang on.

Makeup and hair was sleek and perfectly in sync with the line.

Now on with the show and our Fashionistas’ Featured Vik’s picks!

1st pick – fabulous cream-colored high waist pants

2nd pick – baby doll swing dress with cap sleeve

3rd pick – gray striped sweater with floor length panels in front and short cropped back

4th pick – matte black wrap disco dress.

5th pick – gray and black plaid flannel jacket with high collar detailing

6th pick - dark gray and black large hounds tooth coat

7th pick – Fave!!!! Black empire waist button detailing, high collared jacket

8th pick – cream high waist pant with tailored black shirt.

9th pick – long jersey tunic with sleeveless top with open draped back

That’s it folks. A fine fine showing.

Looking forward to the Generation NEXT public Show at 5:30pm featuring Lara Presber from Calgary, Carny Love from Vancouver, and Morena by Marcy Ross from Victoria and after that at 8:30pm Tiger of Sweden which is usually a show not to be missed!

April 3rd, Thursday – Dress Local – Generation Next – Tiger of Sweden

4:30pm Dress Local

I was quite disappointed with this shindig. When I arrived I made sure I dressed in a local designer. I was there in Wanny Tang from head to toe. I guess I just assume or think big or, I don’t know, but I was quite sad to go into the pre lounge room and find 5 people that were just sitting around. Someone was unpacking and stacking cans of red rain energy drink and other were just quietly sitting on their own not talking to one another. I asked several people if they were wearing a local designer and most replied no. There wasn’t even any music which made the room feel quite awkward.

Thank God Jacqueline Kirby arrived and I had someone to talk to. She also commented on the scene in the room. It just felt really strange and for an upcoming show like Generation Next and the hype around the upcoming designer showcase we thought there might have been some promo on each of them or a representative there talking about the show coming up or displays of work or perhaps a showcase gallery of certain pieces or anything! But sadly no.

Finally the time came to shuffle into the main room for the runway show. I opted to sit in the second row as the small round seats in the front row were quite painful to sit on for myself. I have long legs and I felt like my knees were up around my ears earlier so it made it uncomfortable to take my notes.

The host of the show came out who seemed ill prepared and not familiar with her speech at all, stumbling over her words and devoid of presentation panache. They weren’t sure if the mic was on, the lighting didn’t seem to be right then the lights were out when they asked us to check our tickets for the door prize and we couldn’t see so all blaring house lights went up and that broke the ambience that had finally been painted for the show. Quite honestly the way the whole thing was rolling out I felt sorry for the designers.

5:30pm Generation Next

Carny Love

I like Carny’s energy. She is like a little sprite, brighjt pink hair and just a ball of energy. She always has some cooky cute casual outfit on so I was eager to see her line and I wasn't disappointed.

Vik’s picks

1st pick – wide legged casual pant and matching hoody crop top

2nd pick – white and gold chort cropped jacket.

3rd pick – gold and white brocade high waisted dress shorts.Beautiful material.

4th pick – gold and white brocade jacket with big button and pocket detailing.

Lara Presber

Beautiful girl. Looked like a model herself. She definitely showed a line that was very wearable and practical for the working gal. Lovely use of textured materials and her lines were very good. She was voted in the end as the winner of the competition.

Vik’s picks

1st pick – crinkled shark skin bronze two tone with multi thin pleated skirt and ruffle detailed collar shirt.

2nd pick – multi pleat, button detailing, bronze shark skin skirt.

3rd pick – gold scaled mermaid detailing skirt.

”Morena” by Marcy Ross

This was a very interesting line and one I immediately felt would do well in Asia particularly Japan as there was something almost cartoonish about it. Layers, on layers and of all different fabrics be they a knit or jersey or denim combination.

Here are the pieces I thought were particularly good.

Vik’s picks

1st pick – black leather handbag with bone and stick handles. Fabulous!

2nd pick – gray & lilac puzzle piece sheer fabric top

3rd pick – Polar bear bag. White & black combo of colors with stick handles and a bone closure.

4th pick – mustard top with stripped asymetrical bubble skirt and bustle back detailing.

8:30pm - Tiger of Sweden

The crowd was good for this show and the pre press kit and all info was appreciated. The makeup and hair was perfectly suited to the line and the show had a very European feel to it.

Always nice to see some really great mens shoes come out with the outfits. We rarely get to see a really great pair of shoes on guys here in Vancouver.
Vik’s picks

1st pick – lovely chocolate brown trench

2nd pick – gradated burnt orange colored knit sweater dress

3rd pick – stiff black trench with high collar detailing

4th pick – black borge faux fur coat with skinny black pant

5th pick – dark gray slim line 60’s beatles look suit

6th pick – black two button closing women’s swing coat

7th pick – gun metal gray colored dress. Very sexy.

April 4th, Friday – Quicksilver Woman

There was a packed house with high expectations. The press kits had been extensive and there was excitement in the air. I appreciated the unique lifestyle video presentation before the show.

Unfortunately when the show began I felt I had stepped into a showing of whatever was available at Value Village that week. Nothing stood out as a real fashion piece and everything I had seen before. Although the Quicksilver line has a reputation of a casual look I felt this year it had truly lost any sense of style. Had they stuck more to how things had been presented in the video and brought that energy into the show maybe the pieces would have had a different feel.

The sound died twice during the show due to technical difficulties and I left the last show of the week feeling fairly deflated and totally lacked the energy to continue on with the night and enjoy the carefully planned After Party that Vlad had created with the Sound of Fashion for the launch of ZINK.

There were some outfits that stood out more than others though:

Vik’s picks

1st pick – black hose and casual shorts with a bright top

2nd pick – wide legged heavy hemmed buttoned detailing jean with a brightly colored top and chestnut crop jacket

3rd pick – burgundy ruffled shirt dress.

4th pick –tartan shirt

5th pick – knit mini with triangle top with empire waist and front button detailing

See you in September at the next BC Fashion Week!