Just in time for the fall weather, on a Friday evening in October, the 2^nd Floor of The Bay was transformed into a classy and elegant reception area and fashion runway for Flare Magazine and The Bay’s 2011 Fall Trends Report.

After some mingling over white wine and a wide variety of cute and scrumptious catered finger foods, guests were seated.  Hosted Lisa Tant, Editor-in-Chief of Flare Canada, and Suzanne Timmins, Fashion Director at The Bay, the fashion show covered upcoming must-haves for fall 2011.  The trends were categorized into 6 looks: 60’s Style, 70’s Style, Pattern Play, Vivid Brights, Man Up!, and Boho Folk. What made the show even more enjoyable was that the 6 themes were taken from the runway and adapted to retail, so that all of the looks could be purchased directly at The Bay.  I was particularly drawn to the 60’s, Man Up!, and Boho Folk trends showcased, so  I’ve decided to focus on my top 3 trends from runway to retail.

The 60′s:

There was a sense of mod couture in all the clothes in this segment, and by that I mean very reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn or Twiggy’s style, or a more modern and update from what you would see on the AMC television series, Mad Men. Since the featured outfits were made practical for retail, they were not costume-looking and would be totally appropriate for the workplace, or shopping around town.

Some 60’s inspired retail looks: Matching tweed cropped jackets and skirts, the peplum dress, strong shaped jackets worn over dresses, sunglasses, black long-sleeved dresses, leather skirts, big hats, and lots of fur.

Man Up!:

There’s something so cool and suave about slicked back hair in a bun, red lips, black aviators. Throw on a black dress shirt, black suit, and top it off with black pumps and the look intensifies. Got the image? Good. That was basically the concept of the Man Up segment, along with the other type of menswear that is so often seen on the streets, which encompasses masculine-styled clothing that are feminine in color and tone. What I loved about these looks was that they still held a sense of professionalism, with a tone that screamed “Girls kick ass!”

Some Man Up! inspired retail looks: Boyfriend blazer, the oxford shirt, ties, suspenders, loose ribbon neck ties, fedora hats, trousers.

Boho Folk:

The Boho Folk segment featured knits, over-sized sweaters, different types of fabrics, long socks, and military-styled boots—all of which were very practical, maybe minus the gold sequined skirt, which I know I cannot pull off… Layering is very trendy for the Boho Folk look, especially with camisoles, blouses, sweaters, cardigans and jackets. This look is very appropriate for nippy fall weather because you can bundle up in all of those comfy layers, and still feel stylish.

Some Boho Folk inspired retail looks: Fur vests, floral print, chunky sweaters, skirts or shorts worn with thigh-high boots, leggings, stockings, draped sweaters, booties, high socks, toques, lots of long and embellished accessories.

I was definitely inspired by the Fall Trends Report, and especially loved it because of its runway to retail concept, allowing me to easily include many of the items in the Trends Report to my own wardrobe. Thanks to Flare Magazine and The Bay for hosting such an exquisite and successful event!

In conclusion, here are some of  Suzanne and Lisa’s personal must-have’s for Fall 2011:

• Anything colored/patterned or that pops!
• Black or brown leather skirt
• Cape
• Shift dress
• Lace dress
• Geopatterns

For more about this event, read Style By Fire.

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

Helen Lee made her North American debut with her fall/winter collection at Vancouver Fashion Week 2009.  Entitled “Migrate”, the name of Helen’s latest fashion collection is derived from her Chinese name, “Li Hong Yan”, which means “Returning from Migration”.  Helen has put herself out there in the international fashion scene – speaking on Chinese fashion and retail at the Globe Forum conference in Stockholm, Sweden, winning “Best Designer” in the Shanghai International Young Designers Fashion Showcase (2006), named one of Vogue’s Top 20 Designers in China (2007).  Helen and her work has also been regularly featured in international publications, including Vogue, ELLE, Bazaar and her was also featured as a guest designer on American’s Next Top Model.

Helen’s collection at Vancouver Fashion Week consisted of many black and grey pieces with an obvious attention to detail.  Decorative knots were used as fastenings while black silks were embroidered with subtle oriental detail, reminding us of her Asian design influence.  She has, with innovation, fused Asian elements with modern shapes to create pieces that are very unique in pattern, structure and form.

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

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

Dubbed The Show, this year’s stage will feature one of the most exciting and diverse range of collections ever presented by this program. Designers reach new markets such as motorcycle menswear for boomers, eco?friendly bridal gowns, and travel wear for boys.

Widely recognized as a global platform for designers, Vancouver Fashion Week has become the West Coast’s most prestigious event, bringing together
15,000 designers, buyers, local and international media and the city’s fashionable set.

Now in its 8th year, VFW will kicks off the Fall/Winer 2009 runway collections in Whistler, BC at Garfinkel’s (Whistler’s largest nightclub and live concert venue) with a runway show featuring trends in snowboard and ski wear.  The rest of the runway shows will be at Storyeum (142 Water Street) in Gastown.  Thursday brings a focus on local designers, Friday features sustainable clothing lines, Saturday showcases international designers and the week finishes off on Sunday with streetwear.

Recognized as a global platform for designers and sponsors, VFW has become the West coast’s most prestigious event, bringing together a captive audience of 15,000+. Now celebrating its ninth year, VFW has established itself as a highly successful and widely recognized event providing a forum to nurture and celebrate the fashion industry in Vancouver. In recent years, VFW has featured internationally acclaimed designers including Versace, Parasuco, Rocawear, Ecko and Anna Sui in addition to emerging designers, such as Patricia Fieldwalker, David Dickson and Sanjana Jon.

For a complete designer line-up, schedule and show info, or to purchase tickets visit vanfashionweek.com