From bright crocheted swimwear to colorful floral gypsy style dresses, local designers have been bringing a breath of spring air to British Columbia during the province's fashion week.
Sizzling rainbow-hued creations by Anna Kosturova wowed the audience as the designer sent a selection of signature bikinis and cut-out maillots down the runway at the Performance Works Theatre in Vancouver on Thursday night. And the Canadian-born creative, who has built a reputation with earthy, neutral crocheted creations, has expanded her range for the coming year with the addition of sultry cover-ups and sarongs.
At veteran label Jacqueline Conoir flowing dresses inspired by the Vancouver-native's favourite eras from the past – the Fifties, Sixties and Eighties – lit up the runway in a whirl of billowing, multi-hued fabric. Especially eye-catching were the kimono-style jackets, off-the- shoulder tops and gathered peasant gowns.
Not all the designers presenting their work during the fashion week – which is now in its second year – were old hands, however. Earlier in the week 23 new talents from the local art institute helped kick off the fashion fest with The Journey, a launch production which transformed the city's River Rock Theatre into a Cirque du Soleil-style fantasy.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
