Eco Fashion World

  Photo by Jason Hargrove Photography

I was glad to be back at Eco Fashion Week to see what international eco brands had to offer for fall/winter 2012. This time the event took center stage at Robson Square, below street level under gepdesic domes in the beautiful green city of Vancouver. This presentation venue was incredible for atmosphere; it made me think back to the days when Toronto Fashion Week was in the tents at City Hall. (Which of course, was a nod to New York Fashion Week, the mother of all Fashion Weeks.) If VEFW wants to be more international, they are taking the right steps.

The opening runway show of Vancouver Eco Fashion Week was presented by Value Village. It was a lovely feast for the eyes, however hard to exactly translate commercially as it was all one-of-a-kind vintage finds. As all items were selected from Value Village locations, we can know that there are more clothes of this quality to be found, and the presentation provided great inspiration for what to look for at your local thrift store.

Sarah La Greca and Deana Palkowski collaborated to present a collection that was a mid-90’s Rachel-revival that met the 60’s lifestyle editorial spreads of Playboy. Minimalism, blocked shapes and pastel colours were very popular, with an emphasis on texture.  The collection started with a colour pallet of pastels, but, for fall? I say yes please! Sheer layers, maxi and shift dresses and a 70’s frill blouse revival would be other themes of this presentation. The stylists themselves were supper adorable, channeling a BleachBlack vibe. You can get some more of their hand-picked vintage finds at the uber-hip Vancouver Gypsy Market.

Eco Fashion Week founder Miriam LaRoche then had her turn to present what she is looking forward to next fall. Her collection showed why she is heading this fashion week. Her picks from Value Village were glamourous and more of a traditional fall look. Her details were very feminine, with hour-glass silhouettes, bold colour combos, and ribbon bows everywhere. One clever use of a tie bow was to create a gun-hostler look around the shoulders. Plaids and prints were cheerful against dark burgundies and blacks, and pops of red accents to match lips. There was a nod to equestrian, with fringe, horse patterns, boots, yoked skirts and big shoulders. I love plaid, but wrapped wool skirts seemed to me like a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen. Still completely lovely and inspiring, the collection made me imagine that Dynasty had met Broke Back Mountain for a picnic in Central Park.

F as in Frank  - Photos by Bill Stewart

F as in Frank is one of Vancouver and Toronto’s best selection of vintage. Originally opened in Whistler in 2007, brothers Jesse and Drew Heifetz take their lifetime knowledge of vintage and create inspiring and well selected stores. Expect nothing but the highest quality vintage sportswear, this is the one vintage store for all the swag men out there. SNAP is their remade clothing line for the ladies. I remember seeing their simple tees and skirts sold back in the day in Toronto at very rad stores like the (sadly) now closed Rage Boutique. F as in Frank f/w 2012 presentation seemed to be inspired by a Kootenay art school girl. There were lovely details of doilies and lace on hats and pockets.  Also a lovely use of floral and equestrian prints, fringe, tulip bottom tops, distressed denim, all wrapped up in a high wasted leather belt. A very tight collection, simple and easy to wear. Soon to be seen in every hip coffee spot and dive bar all over Vancouver.

EFW writer Meg Orlinski is a Deadly Nightshade.


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