Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) is a highly anticipated biannual event that showcases a diverse array of fashion from both emerging and established designers. Held in downtown Vancouver, this week-long fashion extravaganza is known for its inclusive approach, featuring models of all skin tones, genders, sizes, and heights. This year, the Fall/Winter 2024 season is scheduled from April 23 to 28, while the Spring/Summer 2025 season will take place from October 22 to 27.
Featured Activities
Vancouver Fashion Week features a blend of local, Canadian, and international designers. As the organizers highlight, attendees can expect to see haute couture craftsmanship, avant-garde creations, and a showcase of innovative designs. The event aims to provide a platform for both well-known and emerging designers, offering them the opportunity to present their latest collections on an international stage.
Vancouver Fashion Week's FW 24
The show of Vancouver Fashion Week's FW 24 on April 28, 2024, was a breathtaking showcase of diverse talents and compelling narratives. Maria Halfyard presented her mernini raincoats, a vivid collection inspired by Newfoundland and Labrador’s maritime heritage. Her designs, praised for their blend of practicality and style, captivated the audience with their vibrant colors and detailed craftsmanship. Hazi Haus followed, featuring bold, sustainable garments that drew from Chang’s Taiwanese roots and innovative design philosophy. The pieces stood out for their striking visuals and eco-conscious materials. Love to Ukraine's collection by Tetyana Golota embraced Ukrainian cultural heritage with intricately embroidered shirts and vests, symbolizing protection and love. Misaki Tanaka's SOLIT! offered inclusive fashion with adaptive designs that celebrated everyday life in Tokyo. Meihana showcased traditional Japanese textiles reimagined, while Raquel Grebler Quesne’s Ahblo Luxury Knitwear enchanted viewers with its Alpaca wool creations, merging luxury with sustainability. The evening encapsulated a rich tapestry of cultural stories and forward-thinking fashion.
Ticket Information and Parking
Tickets for the Fall/Winter 2024 season of Vancouver Fashion Week, scheduled from April 23 to 28, were available online, with prices set at $30 per show or an all-access pass for $350, allowing entry to all shows throughout the week. For the upcoming October 22-27 season, ticket information will be available soon.
Location and Infrastructure
Vancouver Fashion Week takes place at the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza. This central location is easily accessible from various parts of the city and offers several nearby parking options. Public transportation is also a convenient option, with numerous bus and train routes serving the area. Vancouver itself is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its thriving arts scene and beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the scenic waterfront. The event’s downtown location ensures that attendees have access to a wide range of dining, shopping, and accommodation options.
History of Vancouver Fashion Week
Founded in 2001 by entrepreneur Jamal Abdourahman, Vancouver Fashion Week began as International Fashion Week before rebranding to its current name. The event has grown significantly over the years, becoming the second-largest fashion week in North America. It has been instrumental in launching the careers of many designers and has consistently championed diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry. In 2016, VFW expanded to include Vancouver Kids Fashion Week, further highlighting its commitment to showcasing diverse talent. Additionally, in 2017, the Global Fashion Collective was launched to give designers increased international exposure, with shows at New York, Tokyo, and Paris Fashion Weeks.
