Don’t forget to weigh in with your favorite looks on Twitter @Vanfashionweek!

The Business of Fashion via System Magazine has published an intriguing interview with the designer, delving into his fractured relationship with the storied design house and his plans for the future.

Here’s an excerpt:
“It was really that lack of culture which bothered me in the end. The strongest pieces that we made for the catwalk got ignored by the business people. They forgot that in order to get to that easily sellable biker jacket, it had to go via a technically mastered piece that had been shown on the catwalk. I started to become unhappy when I realised that there was no esteem, interest, or recognition for the research that I’d done; they only cared about what the merchandisable result would look like.”

Read the piece here.

Referred to as bar, eatery and supper club –HouseXGuest offers an enviable spread and has become well-known amongst the locals for its quirky twists on classic menu items.

VFW will be holding this season’s closing party at HouseXGuest on Sunday the 24^th of March – stop on by after the final shows and celebrate an amazing week of fashion!

Fortune’s fame has been earned by its street-chic style, innovative design, artwork and most importantly, their official Funktion One sound system. VFW will be hosting official after parties at Fortune Sound Club on Friday 22^nd and Saturday 23^rd of March. The first 100 VFW guests who show their tickets will receive free entry until 11:30PM.

We thought that we would share with you a little bit about our amazing venue design contributors- for without them, our venue just wouldn’t be the same!

Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning

Kasian represent our interior designers, Svetlana Mykhaylova, Lisa Yip and Kimberly Bellman, who have so professionally (and creatively!) designed the layout and selected the furniture and décor for the space. They have been very generous with their time and effort, and have transformed the venue to make Vancouver Fashion Week gorgeous and atmospheric for all.

Loungeworks

Being Western Canada’s largest supplier of rental furniture, Loungeworks was on the top of our list when it came to furniture rentals. From tables, chairs and couches, Loungeworks have been amazing. Rachel Kane of Loungeworks has been very generous with her knowledge and wisdom, and has provided us with a large selection of furniture for our show-goers’ comfort!

Atomic2 lighting

The ambience of our venue could not have been achieved without specialized lighting provided by Jonathan MacLeod at Atomic2. Jonathan has been working hard to supply us with unique outdoor lighting installations. Specializing in film, TV, and events, Atomic2 lighting has been irreplaceable in helping us make Vancouver Fashion Week a production to remember.

Megan Davis from The Commodore Ballroom

Megan warrants a special mention as she has been a driving force behind the project conception, development and execution. Her wealth of knowledge and experience has paved the way for the entire venue design team.

We would also like to express thanks to our other venue design contributors, whom without our event would not have been possible: Adanac Carpet, Tandus Flooring, Lightform, and Showmax Event Services.

Calabash focuses on making authentic Caribbean Cuisine in a cool, reggae-centric environment. Not only do they serve delicious and authentic food, they also have a strong focus on live music and a gallery space where they support local artists in exhibition.

Supporting artistic talent is what Vancouver Fashion Week is all about, so this season VFW is proud to host our first official after party at Calabash on Thursday March 21^st, and we cannot wait for the fabulous food, drinks and music!

Check them out on facebook for more details!

Vancouverites are one of the most ‘outdoorsy’ kinds there are. Grouse Mountain is a local hotspot where locals and tourists alike can hike, ski and snowboard in the great British Columbian outdoors. Start the day with a hike up the mountain, and end it with a ‘Gondola’ ride down to take in the breathtaking views of Vancouver City.

2) Visit the Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium, located in Stanley Park, is a fun trip, for both the young and old, to see and learn about the local aquatic life, including the new addition, penguins! The Vancouver Aquarium was the first official aquarium opened in Canada – and has had more than 35 million people visit since its opening in 1956.

3) Shop at one of Vancouver’s great shopping districts

Vancouver is up the top of the list when it comes to hotspots for shopping on the west coast of North America – and hosts many fashion flagships from around the world.  The local shopping scene offers something for everyone – from haute couture to ready-to-wear. Gastown and Downtown are the perfect place to go and explore what Vancouver has to offer in fashion. With retailers ranging from local thrift shops to fabulous boutiques – the options for your VFW outfits are endless.

4) Check out the Sea Wall at Stanley Park

Another one for the outdoorsy types – take in the beautiful west coast shorelines on Vancouver’s 22km Sea Wall. Starting at Coal Harbor, you can make your way from False Creek all the way through to Kitsilano Beach by running, walking, cycling or even rollerblading!

5) Get Artsy

Vancouver is a hub for the arts and there are many ways you can experience the city’s creative offerings. The Vancouver Art Museum is the most well known, but if you have the time to delve in a little deeper, the Vancouver Contemporary Art Gallery is the place to visit for contemporary visual art, exhibits, research and documentation.

6) Take a walk on the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Yes, this is yet another one for the outdoor adventure seekers. The Capilano Bridge is suspended 230 feet above the Capilano River and is a great place to sightsee and take in British Columbia’s beautiful green surroundings – if you don’t mind heights, that is.

7) Go to Granville Island

Granville Island is Vancouver’s unique local hub of markets, restaurants and live entertainment venues. Visit the Granville Island public markets to pick up your local fresh fruit and vegetables, produce, seafood and baked goods. After you’ve stocked up on the amazing food, head off to the playhouse to catch some theatre.

Experience Vancouver’s unique cuisine and dining experience

Here are our top 3 restaurants that are a must when visiting Vancouver!

-Cloud 9 Revolving Restaurant and Lounge-

Bored of just having dinner on ground level? Why not venture up 42 stories to enjoy an amazing meal with a unique 360 degree view of downtown Vancouver, on rotation.

-Secret location-

Eat, shop, and drink in this one stop shop in historic Gastown. This venue offers some of the biggest names in designer wear accompanied with high quality food. Yes, you read it right. Amazing fashion and food – all under one roof!

-Raw canvas-

Step away from the traditional dining experience and create a work of art while enjoying locally produced organic biodynamic food. This is a unique place to kick back, enjoy some fine food and get creative!

9) Check out the Vancouver nightlife

End your perfect day in Vancouver by unwinding with your favorite drink at any number of Vancouver’s bars and clubs, or work off the post-show excitement with a boogie on the dance floors. Head down to Granville Street, Gastown or Yaletown to check out the local hotspots.

10) Visit the Olympic Cauldron at the Vancouver Convention Centre

Thousands came to see the Olympic Cauldron lit during the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. Even though the Games have ended, the Cauldron remains as a permanent landmark on the Jack Poole Plaza at the Vancouver Convention Centre, surrounded by the mountains and located on the waterfront at Canada Place in the heart of beautiful downtown Vancouver.

Spa packages range from $15 to $120, with add-ons available. VFW was treated to the Diamond & 23 Karat Gold Treatment, which features hand and foot buffing, with nothing less than a diamond dust file, followed by a rich, gold flake scrub. Afterwards, a hand massage with 23 karat gold oil and lotion completes the treatment, leaving us with an impossible glow on an otherwise dull and rainy afternoon.

Whether you live in Vancouver, or are just visiting, Luxe Beauty Lounge and Mobile Spa is a fabulous place to let your worries be scrubbed, buffed and polished away. It’s the perfect place for local and international Vancouver Fashion Week show-goers to get any last minute touch ups to draw together the complete, polished look.

On the search for every girl’s dream of becoming a Princess, Luxe Beauty Lounge is the first stop on your whimsical journey.

Check them out on facebook for their latest deals and offerings.

This season’s showrooms will display an array of local and international clothing, shoes, bags, hats, makeup and accessories by designers that are being featured on our runway, as well as other guest exhibitors. These showrooms offer show-goers, media, VIPs and buyers the chance to get an up close look at their favorite designer’s pieces in a more intimate setting.

So make sure to take a look at this season’s VFW showrooms, located upstairs (right next to the bar!) at the Chinese Cultural Centre during show week.

Freshii founder Matthew Corrin thought of the idea while working for Oscar de La Renta as the Marketing Manager. He was tired of having unhealthy lunches day after day and wanted to add something new to the fresh food industry. Freshii’s mission was ”to eliminate the excuse that people don’t eat well because there’s nothing convenient or affordable.”  With the motto of “Eat. Energize” Freshii opened in Toronto in 2005 and currently has 50 locations worldwide, 3 being in Vancouver.

Freshii offers a variety of delicious salads, burritos, wraps, rice bowls, yogurts, breakfasts and soups. Our models and staff can’t wait to sample the nutritious Freshii spread this show week!

Stop by and check them out on facebook for all the information from the inside!

There are two spaces we would like to showcase your art:

Central Lobby Focal Art Installation:

• Evoke fashion and the conceptual drivers of Vancouver Fashion Week (Flow and Movement)
• Preference in bold intense colors! Think popsicles!
• Must be able to hang
• Lightweight
• Maximum overall dimensions: 4’0”- (Wide) x 17’0” (Height) x 6” inches deep
• All costs incurred by artist
• Opportunity to sell art during show

Four spaces are also available for 3Dimensional wall installations

3Dimensional Wall Installation:

• Four spaces available (you may submit for just one or all if you choose)
• Preference in bold and intense colors! Think popsicles
• Any medium accepted
• Maximum sizes available:

1. 12′-3” (Wide) x 7′-11′ (Height) x 1′-0” (Deep)
2. 14′-6” (Wide) x 7′-11′ (Height) x 1′-0” (Deep)
3. 12′-3” (Wide) x 7′-11′ (Height) x 1′-0” (Deep)
4. 14′-6” (Wide) x 7′-11” (Height) x 1’0” (Deep)

• Reused Everyday objects encouraged
• Industrial objects encouraged
• Collaboration for all four spaces welcomed
• Minimal installation requirements (hanging, gluing, etc.)
• Must be safe to touch
• All costs incurred by artist
• Opportunity to sell art during the show

We are requesting a sketch that will convey your concept you would like to showcase. The sketch should indicate concept driection, overall dimensions, proposed use of material, colour palette, installation method and any other requirements (power, etc.) This sketch should be submitted to Svetlana.Mykhaylova@kasian.com by March 8th 2013.

Art to be installed March 18th-19th, 2013.

For questions or inquires please contact Svetlana.Mykhaylova@kasian.com