WCFW Final Night

The latest season of Western Canada Fashion Week wrapped up with phenomenal collections from Beverly Gan, Stanley Carroll, Laura Dreger, Serendipity by Kelsey McIntyre and Sofiss by Joanna Wala.  This season has been bustling and WCFW drew in crowds in great numbers.  The air on closing night was positively electric!

Sofiss by Joanna Wala displayed designs with a strong focus on color blocking and mixing of textures and fabrics.  The adorable mini dresses and peplum dresses were mature, feminine yet remained edgy, which is a difficult balance to master, but Joanna Wala does this very well!  We would wear absolutely every piece that made its way down the runway!  

When it was time for Kelsey McIntyre's Serendipity Collection to take the runway, Row and I had great expectations, and Kelsey did not disappoint!  Kelsey has been a long time favourite of ours.  Her quality of work is stellar.  Being that she is a well seasoned designer with an eye for style and what looks good on a woman, Kelsey is our first choice when we need to be styled for an event. (Plus she has an infectiously positive personality which we gravitate to).  We spoke with Kelsey last March to discuss her Fall/Winter 2011 collection (click here for that interview).  Kelsey's latest Spring/Summer collection featured playful and flirty pieces with polka dots, florals and stripes.  Dresses and skirts were played up with lace and tulle underlay.

Beverly Gan is an Edmonton raised, and London UK based, designer with whom we've recently had the pleasure to meet with and interview for Western Canada Fashion Week.  Beverly recently graduated from Istituto Marangoni, commonly known as La Maranga, in London and clearly has the creativity and solid execution of someone who has been designing for 30 years!  We are so honoured that she chose to launch her first collection at WCFW.  We can expect great things from this designer.  What we loved about the origami inspired collection, was that Beverly was not afraid to use black in her Spring Summer collection.  Pieces also incorporated ethereal whites, emeralds and folding techniques.

Laura Dreger featured capes, suits, gowns and cocktail dresses in solid black and animal print.  Looks were elegant and sophisticated.  The models donned adorable up-do's and the overall looks were cohesive and well thought out. To us, Laura Dreger's collection really spoke to the unabashed and unrivaled strength and beauty of a woman.

Stanley Carroll, a fashion industry veteran, remained consistent in his latest showing.  His usage of heavy knits, monk inspired pieces and plaid, reminiscent of 90s grunge, gave the collection a feeling of great profundity; the message was much deeper than clothing and fashion.  Perhaps a message of humility and individuality, who knows.  Either way, well done  Stanley!

See you next season!!