The heady rush of the opening night gala dissipated around 4am on Tuesday morning. Coincidentally that is when my phone finally stopped buzzing and blinking. The official After Party was over and the second round of the nights’ texts had finally ceased. My dreams were filled with confusing collages of potential outfits for the following days and ultimately had turned nightmarish when my alarm went off.
The response to the beautiful green feathered hat that I wore to the gala from Granville Island Hat Shop was so positive that I rearranged my wardrobe to wear Day 3 outfit on Day 2. My sleepy chauffeur Vlassis and I jumped on the motorcycle and whizzed over to the studio of Bound by Bond. Jennifer fitted me with a Victorian style snap front corset with flossing. The material had a great dark denim colour and was complimentary to the 1980’s London Look inspired by the early Boy George. I paired the top hat and corset with a pair of self-distressed 1969 Boyfriend jeans, Tahari tuxedo shirt and sports inspired Dolce & Gabbana pointy boots (all from Kitsilano Kitty’s Closet).
Designer Rebekah Adams. Image courtesy Vancouver Fashion Week (http://www.vanfashionweek.com)
Rebekah Adams is an independent designer currently based in Seattle who designs streetwear with a twist of romance and tribal influence. Internationally educated and skills in hand-crafting, her designs reflect a simplicity that was a welcome counterbalance to many of the crazy complicated pieces hitting the runway this week.
In April 2014, Rebekah was featured at RAW Artists Seattle and has recently been selected to compete in the Independent Designer Runway Show on the Vogue Magazine Runway during Bellevue Collection’ s Fashion Week in September 2014. Her collection is readily wearable and easily mixed and matched with your existing wardrobes pieces. For wearers of black (read fashionista‘s worldwide), the neutral palette and sheers will fit in easily.
MLZ asked Rebekah how she felt about showing at Vancouver Fashion Week. “As a whole, it was wonderful to feel so much positive energy in response to my collection. It was exceptionally humbling and flattering to receive specific encouragement from the Director of the event and respected writers– Especially since this was my first time presenting at Fashion Week”
As for the future she says, “In truth, no one can predict the future. But my short-term goals are to continue receiving custom orders for my current designs. My ultimate ambition is to have my own sustainable, locally sourced line, and be made available in boutiques across the country.”
Vancouver Fashion Week (http://www.vanfashionweek.com)
Rebekah hand-makes each piece in her studio on a per order bases. All orders can be made by contacting her directly through www.RebekahAdams.com or by email at contact@rebekahadams.com.
Designer Thabo Makhetha image courtesy of Vancouver Fashion Week (http://www.vanfashionweek.com)
Thabo Makhetha is a long way from home! This 26 year old designer is from Lesotho, South Africa and showing for the first time in Canada at VFW S/S 2015. That is some very heady stuff! I spoke with her in the VFW exhibition area about her line of blanket jackets and she said was very pleased with the response to her collection and the amount of people visiting the exhibition talking with her about her journey.
Thabo first received international recognition when the South African Elle Magazine Editor wore a black and white cape to the Louis Vuitton Fashion Show outside the Cour Car duree Louvre in Paris – a cape that Thabo had personally designed.
Being in the front row, fellow media and I are often privy to close-up views of the garments that traverse the runway. We see evidence of the last minute alterations to fit models, the jagged scissor cuts on the hem to adjust for heel heights and more…but we also see perfection. When Thabo’s line came by the quality of the construction, sewing and pattern matching was apparent. Gorgeous. No flaws. Beautifully designed and crafted pieces. Amazing!
When asked how she felt the collection was received by west coast attendees, Thabo says “I believe it was received quite well. I received complements regarding the colour use as well as overall presentation on the runway.”
Vancouver Fashion Week (http://www.vanfashionweek.com)
Thabo is hoping to showcase this particular collection back home in South Africa to which she will be adding a more longer pieces. She is also looking forward to the outcome from having showcased in Vancouver and looks forward to seeing how the collection will do internationally.
The Thabo Makhetha ready-to-wear label consisting of ethnically inspired bridal wear, cocktail and evening dresses are sold in her boutique in Port Elizabeth and her signature blanket coats are available through boutiques in Cape Town, Johannesburg as well as an online shopping platform. The company has already begun with plans to roll out an online store targeting the international market. With a pricing ranging from $180 to $320US these beautiful pieces are definitely affordable. Purchases can be made online at www.Hellopretty.co.za and also the 2015 S/S collection showcased in Vancouver will be up soon with pricing available through design@makhetha.co.za.
Akira Kuwabara design photos courtesy of Vancouver Fashion Week (http://www.vanfashionweek.com)
Akira Kuwabara is a quiet designer (at least in Vancouver) whose pieces speak volumes for his talent and architectural eye. Akira’s 3D designs were previously highlighted in his MLZ spotlight so today’s focus will be the upcycled looks that accompanied his sci-fi reptilian dresses on the runway. Utilizing traditional trench coats, he creates asymmetrical sculptural pieces that caught the attention of the audience in a big way.
Local lifestyle writer, blogger and front row VFW fixture for 10 years, Marilyn Wilson, has got her hands on the khaki green waffle side coat in the photo. She was smitten the second she spied it on the runway and through a series of interactions with Akira’s entourage and translator, she will wear it on Day 3. Lucky lady!
(This article was written by Helen Siwak)
ECO.LUX.LUV 