HELGA RASPA, PRESENTS RESSUR-ACTION AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK S/S 22

A big part of Vancouver Fashion Week is the opportunity to see designers from around the globe. These international designers bring a cultural and artistic exchange that enriches us all. The excitement for us and these visitors makes for an exhilarating atmosphere that encourages the sharing of ideas. It also exposes us to some fabulous fashion. Accolades go out to Jamal Abdourahman and his team at VFW for exposing us to an array of international designers.

Helga Raspa is a young designer that comes to Vancouver Fashion Week from Italy. Helga Raspa is a recent graduate from the Istituto Italiano Design, Perugia in fashion design. This is the 2nd visit of a designer from the Istituto Italiano Design to Vancouver Fashion Week. Thanks to the efforts of Benedetta Risolo, in charge of International relations at the school, for exposing us to these talented graduates.

Helga Raspa is a twenty three year old designer who is passionate and hard working. This is her first collection entitled "Resurr-action".

I used my personal name as a brand: it represents femininity and whimsy through the acceptance of ourselves and of the world around us. Helga is a brand born under the pandemic period and it's found inspiration in the darkest period trying to bring out the best of itself in total desperation. Helga is a name, which identifies people with characteristics such as elegance, flair, audacity and femininity.

Excerpt from VFW bio.

HELGA RASPA- THE COLLECTION

"RESURR-ACTION"

This season has had a common inspiration for many designers " the pandemic ". While this source of inspiration could be seen as dark, and negative it could also be cathartic. Helga Raspa turned this theme on its head and created a hopeful collection. " In “Resurr-action” my goal was to create something different, able to reflect the strength of the fire without affecting my creative personality. Ressur-Action finds inspiration with fire, a strong and predominant characteristic element, which changes to adapt to what is around it" says the designer.

The opening garments were perhaps the purest in design and in their Ressur-action. White, ethereal, and hopeful, these flowing summer garments showed the skill of the designer to work fabric. The first three garments could easily take you to a beach or an outdoor market. Each of these ensembles was smart, fresh, and wearable.

The pieces included slinky wide-legged trousers, dresses with whimsy and charm, skirts and tops , and countless sweaters. Knits are the through-line tying everything together in this cohesive collection. The men's clothing was oversized and fluid. A variety of trousers would have given more life to the menswear. The women's garments were imbued with sexual energy, featuring flashes of bare skin and exposed midriffs. This is an ambitious collection for a new designer with perhaps several pieces that may have belonged in a different world. A peach dress, flowing and billowing, while lovely, seemed to come from some where else. A cream knit dress with a spider web quality was a standout.

IN CONCLUSION

While putting clothes down the runway leaves you open to criticism, it also brings huge accolades. I rise to my feet to applaud this designer. Italian blood runs through the fashion world, and while the country suffered immensely during the height of the pandemic, art and culture and beauty have risen out of suffering. Reflected in "Ressur-Action" is transformation, growth and change. Brava Helga Raspa.

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