A FASHION WRITER’S WORLD: COVERING VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK
As Vancouver Fashion Week opens, I penned this short essay about a fashion writer's world and what a fashion critic like me actually does. Firstly, this is a passion project. I do sell occasional stories and advertise on my blog, but I do this because I love fashion. I trained as a theatre designer, worked as a costumer, and gradually moved to fashion, my true obsession (read my about page for more details). I love fashion shows. They are partially fashion, partially theatre, and are a collaborative art form using the talents of make-up and hair artists, photographers, sound technicians, musicians, movement coaches, and more. Moreover, I am committed to giving knowledgeable, insightful, and critical reviews of fashion runway shows. Armed with studies in art and fashion history, a knowledge of clothing construction, and impeccable taste (humble as I am), I write reviews of both digital and live fashion shows.
A FASHION WRITER'S WORLD: THE FASHION SHOW
As the lights dim and the crowd falls silent, the anticipation builds. The first model gracefully glides onto the runway, captivating our attention. We're not just witnessing a fashion show; we're deciphering a complex visual language. Is that asymmetrical hemline a bold statement of rebellion or a cry for attention? Is the oversized bow a nod to Marie Antoinette's extravagance or a playful poke at excess? We eagerly jot down every detail, trying to unravel the mysteries of each design.
Fashion shows are akin to Tinder dates: thrilling, anxiety-inducing, and sometimes underwhelming. We swing between ecstasy ("That sequined jumpsuit is my perfect match!") and agony ("Did that model just stumble over her avant-garde sleeves?"). Our emotional journey rivals that of a Shakespearean tragedy. However, I'm always looking for the positive, that special collection that makes it all worthwhile. On occasion, a designer can transport you from the runway to a land where their vision lives, tell a story that has a greater meaning, and beautifies the world. And sometimes the creator just makes damn good clothes that are wearable, accessible, and often unique.
A FASHION WRITERS WORLD
THE CRITIC
Here’s the million-dollar question: How do we distill this sensory overload into a review? We weigh creativity against wearability, and innovation against insanity. We ponder existential queries: “Is this collection groundbreaking or just a glorified potato sack?” Our verdicts emerge like phoenixes from the ashes of our caffeine-fueled musings. Of course, all of this plays well in a witty dissertation on a blog, but the quest is to cover fashion and give insights. Because this fashion writer is obsessed with his subject, he writes with love, hope, and promise.
Once upon a time in the world's fashion capitals, a scathing review could shatter a designer’s dreams faster than a stiletto heel on a glass runway. But today? Designers scroll through Instagram and shrug. Why? Because social media democratized the discourse. Everyone’s a critic now, armed with emojis and GIFs. The power dynamics have shifted.
Designers crave feedback like models crave a sandwich (and trust me, that’s a lot). But where do they seek it? In many cases, from the writers themselves. I often enjoy conversations and discourse with designers about their collections, inspiration, goals, and dreams. They sometimes dive into the murky waters of social media. I advise using caution; not everyone has the knowledge or the best interests of the creators at heart. Finding a trusting voice will help guide designers through the sometimes deafening critics.
The Final Bow
As the runway show concludes, we fashion journalists gather our thoughts like wayward sequins. We pen our reviews, our words echoing through the corridors of fashion houses. Some designers will bask in our praise; others will raise an elegantly arched eyebrow. But one thing remains constant: the runway spins on, a carousel of dreams and daring. If you are a designer showing at Vancouver Fashion Week reach out and we can talk. All the guests at VFW please say HI !
So next time you see a fashion journalist scribbling furiously in the front row, spare a thought for their caffeine-addled brains. We’re the unsung heroes of this glittering circus, the magicians who turn fabric into folklore. And as the lights fade, we vanish into the night, leaving behind our ink-stained footprints on the catwalk of eternity.
