DIVERSITY IS THE STRENGTH OF

VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

Vancouver Fashion Week has a strong commitment to diversity. Diversity in our culture is a value that I hold in the highest regard. Here is a definition of diversity.

Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. While diversity is often used in reference to race, ethnicity, and gender, we embrace a broader definition of diversity that also includes age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. Our definition also includes diversity of thought: ideas, perspectives, and values. We also recognize that individuals affiliate with multiple identities. 

VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

celebrating diversity...

Today the count down clock for Vancouver Fashion Week says 4 days till the opening. Therefore, apart from writing some preview articles and instagram posts, I have been busy reaching out to visiting designers. While all this keeps me busy, I am also planning my wardrobe.

While, all this is going on for me, imagine how busy the designers are readying themselves. In my past I have been a costume designer for theater productions and have styled many fashion shows, working to a deadline is always stressful. Furthermore, while all this is going on, many of the designers also have to make travel arrangements, arrange for printing, and reach out to media and others. However, all of this energy being expounded is what makes Fashion Weeks so exciting.

Certainly, one of my purposes here is to report on fashion that I believe will interest my many followers. However I also hope to share my experiences, knowledge and insights. But, of course I get rewards from being involved also. One of the greatest benefits I get from attending Vancouver Fashion Week is meeting and engaging with such a diverse range of participates.

Since its conception in 2001, Vancouver Fashion Week has been dedicated to cultivating the success of both established designers and award-winning emerging designers with its global perspective and highly multicultural approach.  Championing diversity as its greatest strength, Vancouver Fashion Week has grown to be the second largest fashion week in North America – and continues to grow today as the fastest growing fashion week in the world. 

from Vancouver Fashion Week - web site.

DIVERSITY AT

VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

CHIDO

For me to illustrate how diversity is the strength of Vancouver Fashion Week, I have selected a brand named Chido. While I have been writing and preparing for VFW, I have reached out to some of the designers who will show for S/S 2020. I was happy to receive an email from brand founder and designer Chido Dimairo.

Chido Dimairo, could easily be the face of diversity for Vancouver Fashion Week. Dimairo was 10 years old when she moved from her native Zimbabwe to New Zealand. While, living in Zimbabwe Chido experienced a life full of traditional arts and crafts, and developed a passion for art, especially textiles.

Moreover, Chido's love of natural fabrics, colorful textiles and strong simple silhouettes have been influenced by the large variety of cultures in New Zealand. Certainly, New Zealand not unlike Canada has benefited from diverse immigration, adding richness to it's culture. In fact, the influence of all these culture is evident in the the designs of the CHIDO label.  Since, exploring diversity is a goal of mine and Vancouver Fashion Week , I am excited to see what exciting designs Chido Dimairo will present.

Chido The Label will present on  Thursday  October 10th at Vancouver Fashion Week.

FOR TICKETS CLICK HERE

Website: www.chidothelabel.com

DIVERSITY AT

VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

DENZIL MAPFUMO

Diversity is the antidote to close-mindedness, biggotry, and hate, and our worldright now is in need of more diversity. In fact, in my opening definition of diversity we also deal with gender diversity. For this reason Denzil Mapfumo stands out to me as a label that not only explores ethnic and racial diversity but also explores gender diversity. In fact, his non-binary and gender fluid approach to fashion is an example of one of the latest battlegrounds for human rights and equality. Moreover, sexuality and gender are being championed by not only Denzil but through out the fashion community.

Denzil Mapfumo combines two worlds in his designs, one, of his childhood in Zimbabwe the other his life in Great Britian. Certainly, his designs are a fusing between two cultures.  The point of convergence. is a label that is substantial, full of heart and fun. I am always looking for labels that combine fun and substance and Mapfumo does that with a clean and sophisticated aesthetic .

"SS20 titled ‘Brothels & Bottle Stores’ is set in 60s Senegal, delving into the lives of a pair of star-crossed lovers separated by fate but bound by a twisted and magnetic love. Inspired by Malick Sidibe, West Side Story and 60s Africa, the sailor and the working girl take refuge at the desert oasis. Gender and sexuality are explored through a fluid approach to cutting. Bold prints and sunset hues invoke the spirit of the oasis. "

Excerpt taken from the Vancouver Fashion Week site.

For another great insight into Denzil Mapfumo read an interview in MICRO MACRO MAGAZINE.

Denzil Mapfumo will present on  Monday October 7th at the Vancouver Fashion Week Opening Gala.

FOR TICKETS CLICK HERE

DIVERSITY AT

VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

AY LELUM – THE GOOD HOUSE OF DESIGN

Certainly, we don't have to go around the globe in our search for diversity. In fact, I would like to put forth one of  our backbones of diversity is our relationships with indigenous peoples. While, we are still in the process of reconciliation in Canada, we have made huge strides in celebrating diversity. I am excited to see that Ay Lelum-The Good House of Design will again present at VFW.

Certainly, the diverse native culture in Canada is varied and specific to regional differences. In this case Ay Lelum is from the Coast Salish People. The Coast Salish people have a very active artistic life with many of their creations centred on storytelling and spirituality.

This brand of ready-to-wear and Coast Salish Couture is designed and produced in B.C. by Sisters, Aunalee and Sophia as a part of their family artistic collective. Presenting, a wide array of garments they are an audience favorite and have opened many to indigenous design. The inclusion of Ay Lelum- The Good House of Design in VFW as well as other first nations designers certainly add a lot to diversity.

Ay Lelum Good House of Design will present on  Saturday October 12th at Vancouver Fashion Week.

DIVERSITY AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

While there are many fashion weeks around the world, however few offer the range of diversity that VFW does. Since many fashion weeks deal with their local fashion community only, the difference here is we welcome many international designers. Therefore, I have stressed diversity in several of my posts as I see it as one of VFW's greatest strengths. I hope to encounter many of my local followers next week. Celebrate diversity !!

CIAO FOR NOW J.ANDREW