Global Fashion Collective (GFC) is an expansion of Vancouver Fashion Week, but has events around the world. The platform was created to support emerging international designers by showcasing them in fashion capitals – in front of international media and buyers from across the globe. GFC hopes that through this they can help grow these budding designers into fashion icons, and fuel diversity within the industry.
GFC produced two collective group runway shows for SS19 looks at last week’s New York Fashion Week, each putting together developing designers for two very different but equally eye-catching shows. See the first one here.
These designers all demonstrate avant-garde and sculptural designs that walk the line between haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion.
Chinese brand XY’s show featured a charismatic child model, beaming and wearing a traditional silver headdress. The collection is inspired by Chinese cultures, and in particular the Miao people. Designer Han Zhang uses traditional Chinese embroidery with contemporary silhouettes to create a silk-heavy range that would be jaw-dropping anywhere in the world. Black, red, and green are dominant colours, and the fabrics – silk and tulle – are consistent, but the cuts and silhouettes are exceptionally creative. The collection features an off-shoulder dress with a princess-line bodice, a bomber jacket, and dark, dramatic angel wings.
Canadian designer Kirsten Ley took a refined approach to her collection MITØSIS. It’s about the division of self, and the choice to leave a version of oneself in the past whilst moving forward. This is portrayed through bone whites and dark blues, brought to life with crimson accents: print work, leather, chiffon, and fur all work together to create garments that evoke a sense of transformation. One piece to look for is a two-piece in red leather, with dramatically structured shoulders and high-waisted shorts. The sleeves become white, voluminous leather just above the elbow.
TERRA is a resort collection by American designer Carlton Jones. The lightweight, layered fabrics all work well worn together, and the print work abstracts animal print into something more chic and muted. Jones took inspiration from Eastern silhouettes, but this is a truly international resort wear collection. Earthy, sandy tones and flowing fabrics make this collection at home in the desert or at the seaside. A white jumpsuit with asymmetric sleeves is a particularly striking piece.
Runway Photographer - Brandon James / Fashion Nomads
Instagram - @Brandonjamesmc / @Fashion.Nomads
Backstage Photographer - Nick Merzetti / Fashion Nomads
Instagram - @Merzetti / @Fashion.Nomads
