Soi.:
In French, this translates to “myself”. This relatively new (2022) Japanese brand had the audience falling in love with a White tab front collar sleeveless gown that was perfect in its utter simplicity. Add to that, the fact that it would look equally elegant on a size 12 or 2. The Black hat with a beaded fringe added a Breakfast at Tiffany’s Audrey Hepburn-esque attitude. Another notable look was a long Black satin slip dress worn with a hat set at a dashing angle and a Mustard Yellow tulle bolero.
Designer Website: https://soi-tokyo.jp
Tess Mann Atelier:
The collection was billed as “a sophisticated collection”, which it was, as one could easily imagine these dresses being just right for a mother of the bride and bridesmaids. The vibe was fun and unabashedly eighties in both color and silhouette. Ms. Mann is a designer who’s not afraid of color – think a vivid shade of Violet and Lemon Yellow. Best in show were #2, a Violet satin A-line dress with shoulder flounces on the back and #8, a Lemon Yellow lace gown with a deep V-neck and skinny multicolored jeweled belt. Either would work well for cocktails, or a wedding. An interesting departure was an elevated version of a Bavarian bar maid’s uniform in Black.
Designer Website: https://www.tessmannatelier.com
Jemma Russo:
Jemma Russo ethically sources the silk they use, and their Italian leather is made in a family-owned factory in Florence. This designer has a strong grasp of how to execute the illusion treatment Vera Wang popularized for her wedding gowns. #4, a skinny satin pant with a sheer Black long sleeve blouse embellished with a velvet split front velvet vest and diamond jewel collar was one such example. #3 was for women who prefer skirts over trousers for evening wear. The shawl front satin capelet with a diamond snowflake brooch and long beaded waterfall skirt with a chastity belt effect underneath had the front row nodding in approval. The designer also gave a nod to the animal print trend with #5, a leopard print shirt dress that would look well in any size.
Designer Website: https://jemma-russo.com
About the Show Organizers:
Global Fashion Collective (GFC) is a platform led by a group of dynamic individuals who share the goal of cultivating an inclusive and diverse fashion industry. Global Fashion Collective aims to accelerate designer development by producing innovative runway showcases globally in fashion capitals to increase international media visibility and expand new market opportunities for their show’s participating designers. As the sister company to Vancouver Fashion Week, which has produced shows since 2001, GFC works with a wide range of international designers at all runway shows. Global Fashion Collective operates a showcase during Tokyo, New York, London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Week.
-Vivian Kelly ( @TheFashionHistorian )
