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40 Days and 40 Nights of Events: a recap

June 10th, 2009 | Published in Event Report

Words by Maria and Kari. Photos by Maria and Alex Ramon.

In actuallity, there weren’t parties one every single one of the last 40 days, as this article’s title may imply, but they certainly were quite packed with anniversaries, launches, and good, old fashion shows. Below are highlights of some of these events, complete with photos and astute commentary.

Pout

Pout: a John Casablancas student production

John Casablancas’ students always put on a good show, and this was no exception. Although a little rough around the edges, the show delivered a variety of playful styles for Spring. It even included designs by some of the students themsleves, something that is always a treat since the JCI program is not focused solely on design and students are always too busy learning all the wonders of the fashion industry to sew up a collection. Good on them!

EP!C

EP!C: the sustainable living expo

Sustainable living and sustainable clothing are phrases we hear so much they are starting to lose meaning. Fortunately for us, advocates of this mandate are always coming up with fun ways to really encourage the public to stay focused and to not forget how important sustainability is. EP!C’s fashion portion delivered a number of fashion shows during it’s stay in Vancouver showing collections from Vancouver’s own eco-designers. Very consumer friendly and well put together.

Pout

Lexington Models Three-year Anniversary Party

Vancouver’s Lexington Models has hit its 3 year mark and is continuing on its fourth year with a roster of talented ladies, plus now adding men as well. Tawnya Busch (above photo, right), founder, has selected models for her agency that are not only beautiful, but also versatile, enthusiastic, and easy to work with. See various of String Magazine’s editorial’s for evidence. You can also see for yourself at String Magazine Spotlight, our anniversary celebration, where Tawnya’s ladies and gents will grace the runway.

Pout

Modern Mix Vancouver’s One-year Anniversary Party

Modern Mix Vancouver’s first year has been a successful one, and founder Vanessa Choot (above) threw one great party to celebrate. From club openings to yummy restaurants to fashionable encounters, MMV’s content has satisfied many reader’s cravings. MMV’s fans, readers, and supporters filled Suki’s on South Granville, where the event was held. CRU, Ganache, and Qoola Yogurt filled up the bellies of attendees, many of whom also left with prizes and gift bags that were raffled off during the event. That Vanessa sure knows how to please a crowd.

And last but not least:

Pout

JK Models’ Launch Party

For this event, String’s very own Kari Chellouf, gives us her personal take on the agency and the event itself:

Fashion is a medium for expression. It’s a tool that I use to empower and teach clients about loving their bodies, but women (and men) beat themselves up every day. It is heart-wrenching, because I used to be one of them.

Seven years ago, I wore size 18 clothing. People were cruel, as we all are often judged by appearance. Today I am healthy and strong, but many others feel crushed by imperfection because they see skinny, spotless models everywhere. These individuals may torture themselves with food and clothing, in a brutal, obsessive mindset cycle that is difficult to break. They are killing themselves to compete with airbrushing and high-powered fans. My job requires being “in the know” about trends, but sometimes fashion works against people, and it makes me sick. Something needs to change. NOW!

The fashion industry must take risks, not its customers. Ta-da! Jennifer Koning’s Vancouver agency JK Models has a roster that includes all shapes, sizes, colours, and ages, looking for clients with inner sass that shines through. Their launch party on May 21st was a fundraiser for The Looking Glass Foundation, aiming to change the lives of those who are battling eating disorders, and was hosted by Blushing Designs, which carries gorgeous clothing up to size 16. It was an honor to be there and take part in something that could save people from harm.

Do you also crave a world filled with self-esteem, realistic models, and amazing clothes that fit healthy people? If so, it is crucial that pioneers like JK Models exist, to help us find balance by challenging current “that’s how things work” boundaries and red tape. By demanding change, surely we can create it.

All good things come in varieties, so it’s time we started seeing that in advertising, too!

If you or someone you care about is struggling with an eating disorder, please visit the National Eating Disorder Information Centre at www.nedic.ca to find help.

More events coverage to come! Including: Marjolyn Ustaris’ Sweatshirt Show and Hardihood’s fashion show.

Published in Event Report

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