EDUARDO RAMOS

The last night of Vancouver Fashion Week is a time to celebrate some of Vancouver's outstanding designers, like Eduardo Ramos. Ramos showed his collection ARS MORIENDI (The Art of Dying) to an exuberant hometown crowd. The following is an excerpt from the biographical notes provided by Eduardo Ramos.

Born and raised in the vibrant setting of Mexico City, Eduardo embraced art and entrepreneurship from an early age. His desire for knowledge led him to Vancouver, Canada, where he pursued his career as a Fashion Designer.

As a student, Ramos debuted 'Aqua' at Vancouver Fashion Week in 2019. In 2022, his graduation collection 'Bravia celebrated modern femininity, gaining international attention, including a feature in VOGUE. His success continued on prestigious European runways, with appearances at Paris, London, and Milan Fashion Week. This year he was honored with the Nancy Mak Award for Emerging Designer of the year.

Simultaneously, he contributed to the 'Love your Own Way campaign in partnership with the Vancouver Club, emphasizing the universal power of love. Eduardo firmly believes in the transformative power of clothing to influence human experiences, emotions, behavior, and perception.

 

EDUARDO RAMOS

ARS MORIENDI - THE ART OF DYING

The following excerpt is from the designers show notes.

Latin for 'The Art of Dying' is a historical concept from the Renaissance-era literature, which delves into embracing life's ultimate chapter and the inner struggle between temptations and virtues.

This collection is a visual representation of the virtues and temptations found in the book. It encourages you to embrace the virtues of faith, hope, charity, humility, and patience, while being mindful of the temptations of despair, pride, and worldly attachments. Through this collection, you're invited to explore the depth of the human spirit in the face of life's most profound transition.

EDUARDO RAMOS

A REVIEW

Rarely do I publish the designers' show notes. In this case, I decided to share them because of the specific inspiration for the collection: The Art of Dying, a writing from the Renaissance. The Renaissance followed the Dark Ages and the period of the Black Death. Ars Moriendi is a guide on how to have a good death. While we in the modern world have distanced ourselves from death, in the Renaissance era, it was much more a part of daily life. The designer invites us "to explore the depth of the human spirit in the face of life's most profound transition."

Ramos showed a collection of ten looks representing five virtues and five temptations drawn from Ars Moriendi. Catholicism and religious iconography have long been a source of inspiration for fashion designers. The influence of the Catholic Church is so prevalent that the Met Gala dedicated a gala to its influence on fashion.

Eduardo told me, "The original idea for the collection is deeply personal; it has to do with the life, beliefs and death of my grandfather. He was a profoundly religious man who struggled with his religious views in daily life. In my research, I came across Ars Moriendi, and the ideas of virtue, temptations, and a good life resonated with me."

Ramos was also influenced by Renaissance paintings in the collection of the National History Museum of Mexico. Some of the fabrics on the runway are silk scarves purchased from the museum.
One might think that a collection entitled "The Art of Dying" would be dark and moody; however, it is not. Much like the designer himself, there is an air of hopeful optimism portrayed with jewel-tone colors and light and fresh silhouettes. Looking at the clothes, one is reminded of the sunlight coming through a stained glass window and figures stepping out of one of the paintings.

PHOTOS BY ARUN NEVADER

Eduardo Ramos told me," I am interested in designing clothing that has meaning, and expresses my views and emotions. I really want to connect with people through my designs. I not interested in making just another pair of pants or blouse."

The runway exhibition unveiled a captivating array of meticulously detailed garments, showcasing the designer's exceptional talent and artistic vision. The seamless fusion of silk scarves, adorned with Renaissance-inspired imagery, created a harmonious blend of elegance and innovation. From the ethereal floating dresses to the tailored pieces exuding grace and refinement, each ensemble exuded a unique beauty. The final black mourning dress a tribute to Ramos's grandfather served as a poignant testament to the designer's heartfelt emotions.

Eduardo Ramos's fourth collection surpasses all expectations. With an unwavering commitment to his dramatic flair, Ramos continues to captivate his audience through his exceptional narrative design. Each garment serves as a vessel for storytelling, forging a profound emotional connection with those experiencing his creations. Ramos's acute sense of glamour and elegance is ever-present, empowering his wearers with a unique blend of strength and femininity.

MYSELF AND EDUARDO RAMOS

THE ART OF DYING COLLECTION

CIAO FOR NOW J.  ANDREW