Generation Next Rocks BC Fashion Week
October 1st, 2008 | Published in Event Report
Words by Leanne and Maria.
Above photo credits: Left, Amy Williams. Middle and right, Alex Ramon.
The reasons why BC Fashion Week is one of the most fabulous events in Vancouver are many. But one reason in particular and a highlight of the week is the Generation Next show. Here, three emerging designers are given the chance to win the top place as Generation Next Designer, along with other prizes such as a spot on the catwalk at BC Fashion Week the following season.
Eco-friendly Nicole Bridger was the first to take the prize exactly one year ago when Generation Next was first created. She amazed the judges and has since been a presence at BC Fashion Week. This season, Nicole Bridger stuck to her socially conscious fashion mandate while unveiling a new line of knotty neutrals. Her palette consisted primarily of earth-tones: browns, blues, and greens… essentially the only colours one would see walking through the trails of Stanley Park. But Bridger took these muted tones and combined them with creative draping to make her pieces more interesing.
A blue chiffon dress proved sustainable fashion need not be plain. Indeed, this frock was every definition of pretty, looking like a wistful raindrop on the runway. Bridger took exception to her signature muted-tones with a floor-length coral dress with a lot of pop. This one, I imagine, was for the girl who wants to stand out while being a stand-up friend of the earth. Finally, Bridger closed the show with a pure white gown, perfect for a bride who wants to be green without sacrificing her princess gown dreams.
Lara Presber, the winner of the Generation Next title last season, cashed in her prize making her first appearance with a complete collection during this most recent BC Fashion Week. And although her line was not one that stood out the most during BCFW, this time around she showed us more of what she is capable of: from a knack for combining structure with flow to a keen eye for detailed simplicity. Her colour palette was straightforward in itself— various different shades of green were paired with white and soft browns—aside from one swirly print that was the apparent climax of several of her pieces.
Triangular necklines stood out of clean-cut A-line dresses and mirrored at the back, unifying the garment into a sleek and chic look. Structured skirts with flowing strips of silk sewn along their length fluttered around delicately as the models strutted down the runway. A white dress with draped patch pockets stood out the most as it contrasted structure and flow–the body’s brilliant colour structure distinguishing itself from the olive green of the soft jersey pockets.
This time around Margarita Angelatos of Red Jade came out victorious wearing the crown of Generation Next Designer for the Spring/Summer ’09 season. Angelatos also works with natural fibres and upkeeps sustainable practices, but she does eco-chic in a whole new way: her pieces are very sophisticated through subtle details and bold styling. A black ensemble made up of a high-waisted skirt and a cropped jacket with a high collar exudes “powerful”. But the silhouette this outfit creates is hourglass and was topped off with an orchid hairpiece and strappy heels, giving the whole outfit a sensual femininity reminiscent to that of Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct, plus the panties. A jersey top coupled with a pair of sand coloured bermudas and a pair of fierce over-the-knee boots surprised us when it showed its back: strands of chains and ribbons draped from one shoulder to the other, matching the line the top made as it hung low to expose part of the model’s back. That’s what I call a feminine ensemble with bite.
The competition this season was indeed fierce on the catwalk as all three lines made their appearance and they stumped the judges into making the final decision. In the end Red Jade came out on top, but it certainly doesn’t take away from the ability of the other contestants. Jenny Yen and Tabitha Savoie of Two of Hearts showed that they could also do eco-chic in yet another way: colourful fabrics and fun prints made for a casual collection that was flirty and lively. Michelle Lee and Garry Favell of Joseph and Elizabeth enthralled the audience with their strong collection and fearless styling—a black and grey mermaid dress with a boldly stylized print stood out as a classy, but innovative piece.
For those who aren’t part of the fashion industry (yet!), this is frequently the only event during BCFW that is open to the public, so keep your lids open for the next Generation Next show. Red Jade will be cashing in this time with its complete Fall/Winter ’09 collection and most of us will be bouncing in our seats in expectation at the show. Crowds have been growing season after season and support for emerging designers has been growing along with it. Join the fun and see for yourself what our local designers have to offer.
Above photo credits: Left, Amy Williams. Middle and right, Alex Ramon.
