Local Talent Shines at FW15 Vancouver Fashion Week

Local designers hit the catwalk with their fall/winter 2015 collections during Vancouver Fashion Week

This year, four local designers will present their fall/winter 2015 collection at the LocoBC Dress Local Show during Vancouver Fashion Week at Queen Elizabeth Plaza: Allison Wonderland, Sofia, Aniimiism and Eliza Faulkner.

Audiences will see designs ranging from tailored minimalism to modern bohemian. Amy Robinson, co-executive director of LocoBC says that this lineup is, “the best B.C. women’s wear designers for the runway.”

To help promote local fashion, these four labels are contributing prizes in the Dress Local contest. Wear your locally made threads to the shows and have your photo taken against the media wall and you could win:

• $100 gift certificate for Allison Wonderland
• $100 gift certificate for Sofia 
• A fringed cardi-shawl from Aniimiism
• A coat and T-shirt from Eliza Faulkner 

Show times

Friday, March 20

• 5:15 p.m., Allison Wonderland
• 6:00 p.m., Sofia
• 7:30 p.m., Aniimism

Sunday, March 22

• 6:15 p.m., Eliza Faulkner

Click through to read more about each of these local designers.

Allison Wonderland

Allison Smith is the designer behind the label and brings 17 years of experience to the show. Her designs are youthful and accessible, with a playful nod to retro details from the ’70s. She also produces a capsule wardrobe under the brand, Pillar, which focuses on eco fabrics. This fall and winter, shoppers can look forward to pieces made from organic cotton, yak down, bamboo viscose and recycled polyester.

Sofia

A native of Chile, Sofia Mendez Schenone brings an inherent element of imported flair to her designs. Though now firmly rooted in Vancouver (including all production), she continues to design clothes with a cosmopolitan vibe.

Pictured above: SAM jumpsuit, $180 (left); ANNE coat, $300 (centre); MARION sweater, $152; ELIZA pants, $140 (right)
 

Aniimiism

Aniimiism might be new, but designer Cassie Dee comes with a pedigree from Lululemon as a full-time Senior Product Developer. While there’s an urban, sporty element to her designs, there’s nothing you’d wear to a yoga class. Rather, Aniimiism is more at home at brunch or an art gallery. The silhouettes are flowy yet tailored, with details that show considerable thought without impinging on comfort.

Pictured above: Lucca Chiffon Dress, $220.00 (left); Florence Pleated Blouse, $160.00; Florence Pleated Trouser $160.00 (right)

Eliza Faulkner

Originally from Vancouver Island, Eliza Faulkner learned her trade at Central St. Martins in London and spent time interning with Erdem. She now combines her love of finely tailored clothes with Vancouver’s laid-back esthetic to produce an accessible line that favours clean lines and comfortable styles.