FASHION Magazine

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A cold day two of Vancouver’s Eco Fashion Week had attendees sporting last season’s winter coats or shivering in this season’s diaphanous dresses, which was fine by Indigenous Designs, who showed first. The California-based label, which uses fair trade and organic materials, sent out a succession of cozy knits in all nature of rich fall colours and patterns. Topping off every look was a very Spring ’12 Miu Miu-esque red eye.

Next Kreati-Ka, designed by French Seattleite Kathy Sabin-Mensah, brought far dressier fare to the runway. She succeeded most with some wearable yet sexy shifts with sheer insets or overlays. Her last grand, voluminous gown got some oohs and ahhs and then some oh nos as the model wearing it tripped a number of times on its extra length.

For my last entry as a FASHION reporter, I couldn’t think of a story that captures the spirit of the Vancouver fashion industry better than this one. It’s the brainchild of photographer Darryl Humphrey (darrylhumphrey.com), who, during his time in the trade, has worked with some of the city’s finest local designers. Humphrey began to notice that, in passing, they would often comment on each other’s work and speak with the highest of respect for one another. But with their busy schedules, they rarely had the chance to meet themselves.

With the assistance of Shallom Johnson, editor of Stylefinds, Humphrey put together an event that would offer these designers the opportunity to interact socially and creatively.