Once again this season, Vancouver Fashion Week brought together a mix of Canadian and international talent. It also marked the event’s 25th anniversary as the event continues to serve as a platform for both emerging and established designers.

Some of the shows presented concise ready-to-wear collections with mostly neutral palettes, while others brought the runway to life with eccentric, more artistic collections. FAJO chose to highlight two designers whose careers we feel you should keep an eye on.

Atsushi Nakashima

Titled Sputnik, after the first satellite that opened the space age, Nakashima’s collection featured an electronic circuit pattern printed on zip-up sweaters and sporty separates. A minimal influence was seen in casual monochromatic looks in black and grey. The bright yellow, green and blue featured on the runway was an interesting counterpoint. The Japanese designer’s collection also featured a mix of neoprene, knitwear and faux fur.

Female models sported grey neoprene coats and dresses that were belted and worn over colourful leggings. There were also brightly coloured faux fur separates, jackets and accessories. Nakashima also showed tailored pea coats for men. His outwear for both genders was a strong point of the collection.

Noe Bernacelli

The show centered around monochromatic eveningwear, beginning with white cocktail dresses, outwear and gowns, and seamlessly transitioning to champagne, then black, then burgundy and, finally, a deep green.

Many looks featured lace, with a mix of intricate overlay detail and sheer areas that left the skin exposed. A subtle metallic, floral brocade was also used for some dresses. Each piece gave the feeling that it could be worn on a Red Carpet or a gala. Particular highlights of the collection were the sheer floor-length burgundy and forest green gowns. The white trousers paired with a sheer, white lace top and worn under a knee-length white jacket with fur trim was another notable look.