For more about this event, read Style By Fire.

By Megan Hui, MMV Fashion Writer

At the beginning of June, Hardihood Clothing Co., a local Vancouver clothing label, held its first annual charity fashion event at the Caprice Nightclub in downtown Vancouver. The evening was warm and a long line, teaming with stylish and fashion savvy adults, waited excitedly to get into the club. Inside, the DJ played the latest hip hop and pop soundtracks.

The show began with a special guest performance by one of Vancouver’s premier hip hop MCs, Kanabliss Tha Supaspliff. The first half of the fashion show displayed Hardihood Clothing Co.’s Spring/Summer 2009 Collection which featured an assortment of men’s clothing articles including white t-shirts with intricate graphic designs, polo shirts, and shirts with metallic and skull designs as well as writing. The collection also included light-weight hoodies that could be worn during the summer, each one also featuring a unique illustration. Every top was worn along with army fatigue pants and black army boots. All the models had their hair done in voluminous up-dos and their faces decorated with camouflage face-paints. Rather than simply strutting down the runway, the models danced and some even flipped across. An interesting surprise occurred when women were also featured in the fashion show wearing the men’s shirts. However, theirs were cleverly cut, ripped, torn, and re-designed to fit their bodies perfectly.

The Fall/Winter Collection exhibited hoodies made of thicker fabrics to guard against the colder weather. Each hoodie had the label’s signature “H” as the zipper-pull and was embellished with rhinestones and contemporary designs. Another style of sweatshirts displayed were hoodies with double-breasted pockets. In addition, the collection included long-sleeve T-shirts with eagle themed graphic images on the front and back, as well as a women’s tube dress that would be perfect for any night out around town. The colours in this collection were darker including black, grey, and dark purple.

The show concluded with another guest performance by Kanabliss Tha Supaspliff, in which the models came back on the runway to toss T-shirts and gift certificates from the line into the cheering audience.

Photographs by Masi Photography

Last night, Suki’s Hair Salon put on an extravagant hair show at Republic.  The evening started off with a competition between three stylists and their models.  Each participant had 15 minutes to transform their model’s hair into a stunning updo.  There was a diverse assortment of hair to be worked with – on the left was sleek black hair; in the middle, a head full of tight ringlets; and on the right, a tousled mass of blond hair. Mirrors behind the chairs allowed the entire process to be viewed from all angles.

Starting from the left, the updo was styled into a slick, upside down cone. How does it stay up like that? Hairspray was involved. Lots of hairspray. Although unusual and extravagant, the sheer sleekness of the entire updo (including an extremely side-swept fringe) made the look bold, yet classy.

Meanwhile, the middle model smiled mysteriously as her curly, curly hair was styled and pinned tightly to her head.

As for the model on the right, the stylist with her quick hands, knotted her hair into a chain-link braid, swept across her forehead. Big rolls were styled at the back of the model’s head, held up with high volume backcombing and hairspray.

The audience cheered and applauded the dazzling creations of the stylists.  Shortly after, part two began, and the same stylists, with the same models, had another 15 minutes to create a new look.

It was amazing to watch, as hair transformed into an updo before our eyes.  The model on the left had stunning red extensions inserted into her hair, reminiscent of a rose in full bloom.  Meanwhile, the model on the right had a criss-cross hair piece jutting out at an angle at the top of her head.  Not so practical for everyday wear, but it showcases the skills and talents of the stylists.

As for the rest of the show, we were offered a taste of everything hairstyling has to offer!  From updos, to long tousled hair, to sleek bob cuts, the stylists at Suki’s can do them all.  Most notably was the use of hair pieces and extensions to enhance the models, transforming their look into an almost space-like creation.  Pre-made accessories were inserted into the hair, creating thicker texture, higher volume and more intricate hair styles.  The audience came for a show, and a performance was what they got.  Burlesque dancers came on stage with extravagant headpieces.  Shortly after, models dressed in fashion outfits made completely out of paper walked across the stage, one with fiery red hair which contrasted the whiteness of her paper outfit.

Most of these were not your everyday haircuts – it’s fashion at its finest – stunning, but impractical.  A definite showcase of talent, and inspiration and imagination.  Limited not by length, color or texture, the crowd catcalled and whistled as the hairstyles became increasingly outrageous.

At the end of the evening, Suki herself came on stage to thank the crowd for coming out.  She talked about how each client that passes through her studio is treated with the heart and talent of each stylist and how each Suki’s client is valued.

For more information about Suki’s Hair Studios, visit their website at Sukis.com.  I am also pleased to remind you that Modern Mix Vancouver’s one-year anniversary will be held at the Suki’s South Granville location on Tuesday May 12th from 6:30 to 9pm.  Please RSVP at info@modernmixvancouver.com if you haven’t already.

Photos by Donald Chu

Photographs by Mischa Bartkow, MMV Photographer

I had the opportunity to catch the MAANAKIS show on Thursday during Vancouver Fashion Week.  Although the shows ran almost two hours behind schedule the shows still went on in order.  At the Storyeum venue, a concrete runway is lined with wooden folding chairs.  Concrete pillars, wooden beams and brick walls exemplify the Gastown location.  The crowd, for the afternoon show, isn’t overly stylish.  Perhaps more men in dress shirts than usual, but still a lot of hoodies, jeans and leggings to remind us that this is, afterall, the casual westcoast of Canada and we can’t hide our typically relaxed mentality towards fashion.  Despite this, I love runway shows.  As the man sitting beside me describes it – it’s like going to a free concert!

The international MAANAKIS collection consisted of full-length party dresses adorned with flashy jewels and sequins.  The problem with using so many jewels in high-end fashion pieces is that lower-end retail chains tend to mimic the look, but with cheaper materials.  As a result, the entire premium fashion line is compromised with copycat fashion.  Regardless, in certain pieces of the MAANAKIS collection, the silky material of the dresses reflected the premium fashion and clung nicely to the models as strategically placed bunches in the fabric gave the outfit a fancy flair.  Bright colors such as magenta and yellow stood out on the runway.  Some outfits consisted of two pieces – a cropped top with a floor-length skirt of the same material.  The entire collection had a middle-eastern influence to it.

It’s that time of the year again.  And with a website name like “Modern Mix Vancouver”, it’s only appropriate that we cover the 9th annual Vancouver Fashion Week, which kicked off with an opening gala last night at Leone (757 West Hastings Street).  The event featured a melange of fashionable designers and models who will be presenting on the main runway for the rest of this week at Storyeum (142 Water Street).  Media and photographers were highly abundant, with big SLR cameras and fast scribbles on notepads.  A widespread range of chocolates by Daniel was available for sampling with unique flavors such as chai-vanilla truffles and sea salt caramel in the shape of a milk-chocolate heart.  Wine was served in the back corner of the spacious venue as members of the fashion industry mingled and networked throughout the evening.  Jewelry and accessories were showcased on glass countertops.

A jewelry designer in particular caught my eye with her wire crochet necklaces, earrings and bundles of small semi-precious nestled Tess Klein loves color.  As a Whistler, BC resident, Tess learned how to crochet from her grandmother but has modernized the skill by crocheting jewelry instead.  Although the jewelry market is competitive, Tess points out that Whistler is an attraction for people from all around the world and her jewelry has managed to develop some loyal repeat customers.  Right now, the only Vancouver location selling her jewelry is Object Design on Granville Island, but Tess hopes to expand further into the Vancouver Market.

Another jewelry designer is Susan Kellof, who has been in the accessories industry for 18 years but just recently expanded into metal work.  With small letters and shapes stamped into silver bracelets, necklaces and earrings, Susan puts an emphasis on telling your own personal story through her work.  Each piece is custom made, resulting in a personalized piece of jewelry you can truly call your own. Susan works primarily in silver and uses a torch and a variety of hammers and marking tools to create various textures onto the silver. The uniqueness of her designs is in the story each piece tells. “Stories are the links to our own personal histories,” she says. Susan honors these stories in her craftsmanship, hammering them into silver in the form of words, names, dates, numbers and symbols. The result is the creation of one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art with significant meaning for the owner.

At around 9pm, an after-party continued the evening at Pop Opera.

None of the photos may be used or reproduced without permission from Grace Lau Photography.

The schedule for the rest of the week is as follows:

THURSDAY, MARCH 26: Canadian/Local Design

Storeyum – 151 Cordova St
4:00pm Papillon Eastern
5:00pm Gianni al Maanaki
6:00pm Porscia
6:30pm Frost Sportiva

The Centre for Performing Arts
7:00pm Aliqua in fashions from Marie Sainte Pierre
7:30pm Haight & Ashbury fashion show

FRIDAY, MARCH 27: Eco-friendly design

Storeyum – 151 Cordova St
5:00pm Hawks Ave/Flora&Fauna
6:00pm Global Ghetto Organics
6:30pm Adele Wechsler

FRIDAY, MARCH 27: Shanghai Night

Storeyum – 151 Cordova 7:30pm doors
8:00pm Boutique Show: Lushuz, Niche, Tokyo Cop, 4th Ave, Remix
9:00pm Helen Lee

SATURDAY, MARCH 28: International

3:00pm: SoulFace Studios/Vixen Little/Factory Femme
3:30pm: Turnover
4:00pm: Lauren Vidal
4:30pm: Joseph Domingo
5:00pm: Helen Lee
5:30pm: Clothilde
6:00pm: Malene Grotrian

SUNDAY, MARCH 29: Streetwear

4:00pm: To The Nines Clothing/ Luminel Couture
4:30pm: Gully Klassics
5:00pm: Civil Society Clothing
5:30pm: Undone Clothing
6:00pm: Drew William
6:00pm: KILLA

At the Art Institute graduating class fashion show “La Musique” at the River Rock Theater, I have come to realize that despite being a “fashion” show, hundreds of audience members were in support of the designers and models; from wardrobe stylists, to make-up artists, to media members, to associated charity members, to writers and journalists, and blog writers toting along their loyal photographers with their SLRs and zoom lenses! Not to mention entire posses of family members supporting the 35 members of the AI graduating class with big bouquets of flowers in hand.

Noteworthy mentions from the night included a collection from Nancy Luong and her use of tie-dye patterns. By using light pastel patterns, swirls of pink, purple and green highlighted her pieces in a tasteful fashion, which were displayed in a grown-up playfulness.

Amanda Jackson showcased a collection reminiscent of when Alice went down the rabbit hole in Wonderland and met the Queen of Hearts. Her use of red, black and navy blue fabrics, highlighted with white, and the rigidity of her models, boldly stood out in primary colors.

After an interlude of video projections of an underwater scene, the couture of Chau Tran appropriately followed with big structured bows jutting out like fins, with pleats and folds on full-length, prom-like dressed.

As the beat of Faster Kill Pussycat (by Paul Oakenfold) played, Tina Tam’s biker-style pieces came down the runway with clear plastic components paired with silver studded leather. Mini skirts and silver zippers and corset-style lacing, her look was rockstar glam vs. dominatrix power.

Although the entire graduating class displayed a sense of originality, I noticed three reappearing trends in the midst of their diversity.

1. The “sweetheart” shaped and strapless necklines which portrays a feminine look of glamor by accentuating the neck and shoulders.
2. Corsette-style, criss-crossing lace-ups. These appeared on the front and back of tops as well as more subtly on short-sleeved blouses.
3. Parallel columns of buttons, big and small. Similar to the buttons on double-breasted winter coats but on tops instead.

Lastly, despite only being recent graduates at the Art Institute, we should not undermine a student’s knack for predicting upcoming trends. These are our local fashion icons for the future. Take their pieces as inspiration for your own style as these are the fresh ideas of eager young graduates who are about to face the real world of fashion and design.

The graduating Fashion Designers from The Art Institute of Vancouver’s Fashion Design & Merchandising program will be showcasing their designs at La Musique.

Date: October 21st, 2008
Time: 8:00 PM curtain up
Location: River Rock Casino Resort (8811 River Road, Richmond, BC)

The Lav & Kush Fall 2008 Fashion Show at Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street) was a great preview to its autumn collection. Named after two royal descendents who were forest-raised in Hindu Mythology, the Lav & Kush line strives to embody the beauty, strength and lovableness from the mythical story of nature.

As the models paced briskly down the catwalk, with a single peacock feather adorning their hair, the loose-fitting and comfortable pieces from Lav & Kush flowed down the runway. The colors were generally solid, dark blocks but with a hint of subtle playfulness; the occasional ruffle, pleat or pocket makes the look less ordinary.

One piece which stood out in particular to me was a violet and cranberry colored dress with a paisley-inspired pattern on silky smooth fabric [see picture].

Style & Sustainability. Beauty & Awareness. Who says you can’t have it all?
The video below is a short clip of the Law and Kush fashion show.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtflZkvcwcA]