Each year, Vancouver Fashion Week brings together local and international designers, models and fashion goers. The event has become one of North America’s largest fashion events, and it celebrates the discovery of emerging design talents. White-on-white styling, wide-leg trousers, and pops of red and blue were all staples on the runway this season.

FAJO has selected some highlights from the key shows.

Jon Mikeo

International designer Jon Mikeo opened his show with longline vests styled over dresses and wide-leg trousers. Soft, monochromatic off-white looks transitioned to monochromatic brown, and back to off-white. These looks were broken up by unexpected pops of orange that gave the collection a contrasting edge. Sheer panels, velvet and a geometric print added texture to the otherwise minimalist collection. The highlights of Mikeo’s presentation were outerwear, round duffle bags and the use of colour blocking. His mens- and womenswear designs complemented one another throughout the show.

Ameri

“We can wear whatever we want” is the concept behind Japanese designer Naoko Kuroishi’s brand Ameri. The visual-merchandiser-turned-designer balanced flowing silhouettes with tailored pieces for a feminine collection. Wide-leg trousers and jumpsuits, matching separates and trench coats were the focus of her line. The pale blue, white, beige and grey colour palette was a refreshing departure from the mostly white-and-black collections seen on the runway throughout the week. An oversized blouse and matching wide-leg trousers in a fiery sunset print created a memorable final look.

7crash

Enchi Shen’s collection had three different motifs, centred around the use of various prints, and all three included mens- and womenswear. The first motif, with a sportswear influence, used a zigzag print on blazers, bomber jackets and raincoats. There were also matching dresses and even an umbrella. The second featured matching pantsuits, separates and jumpsuits, and alternated between blue and purple geometric print. The third and strongest phase of her collection began with sportswear-inspired pieces, and ended with suits and eveningwear. The use of a black-and-white floral print mixed with an inverted version of itself gave these designs a feminine edge. The A-line cocktail dresses and men’s suits were highlights of the collection, but most memorable was the full-length black gown with its transparent skirt and textured bodice.

Monica Lepschy

This self-titled collection mixed hard and soft elements by combining silk and leather. Beginning with taupe, Lepschy’s designs transitioned to vibrant red looks and finished with dramatic black dresses. Sleeveless silk shift dresses and blouses were adorned with leather chokers, and cropped leather chest plates were paired with flowing silk pants. The collection was pulled together with leather flatform sandals and leather backpacks.

Viviano Sue

Viviano Sue’s collection brought drama to the runway. The models wore all-white layered looks—each piece with a unique structure. A recurring symmetrical print was the perfect counterpoint for the stark white fabrics and clean architectural lines. Each model also wore a white face mask, covered in 3-D butterflies.

Tumiila by Tumisola Ladega

Ladega, a UK-based designer, showed a feminine collection that was brought together with an artistic element. Fitted knee-length dresses and crop tops paired with midi pencil skirts were finished with patent leather triangles that created interesting patterns and textures on each garment. The use of clean, straight lines was another focal point of the collection.