Vancouver Fashion Week Begins

A spotlight on VFW’s spring/summer showcase.

From its roots in the private salon shows in Paris during the 1800s to its reinvention in the 20th century as a multi-cultural collection of global runway shows, fashion week has always remained a celebration of all things style; both on and off the catwalk.Vancouver Fashion Week begins its 26th season this week with an expected attendance of over 30,000 guests. Founded by Jamal Abdourahman in 2001 as a way for young talent to reach an international audience, VFW features over 115 established and emerging designers from over 25 global fashion capitals.After gloomy weather rained on last spring’s white tent at Queen Elizabeth Plaza, VFW has taken the party indoors for its Spring/Summer 2016 show. This season, the event has set up shop in Chinatown at the Chinese Cultural Centre, which was styled by Home Reworks and Marie Khouri Design.Vancouver’s fashion scene turned out in full force for last night’s opening gala: a woman dressed in black and white stripes with a stuffed animal perched on her shoulder; a man with a clipboard sporting a suit jacket with safety pin seams, and a trio of women with fascinators atop their heads in the style of Isabella Blow.Some designers to watch out for on the fashion runway this week include Maaji, a swimwear label inspired by captivating and surrealistic landscapes; Evan Clayton, winner of the prestigious Nancy Monk Award, whose fashions create a theatrical engagement; Canella Hostal, with a collection featuring vivid colours and geometrical shapes; Tieler James, a 15-year-old designer and winner of Project Runway: Threads; and Vancouver’s own Grandy C. of Grandi’s Atelier with her collection of Art Nouveau inspired couture gowns.Stay tuned as we check out the best of VFW for you.Vancouver Fashion Week, September 28-October 450 East Pender St., Vanfashionweek.com#VFWStreetStyle