It’s good to see someone write about this, especially at this time. I’ve been having this conversation for some time now. The first problem is that both shows are currently run by complete hacks and thieves. This is not an opinion, it is simple fact; these people steal money from people, consistently fail to pay their vendors and staff and simply embarrass the industry and city itself with their slapped together sets and ridiculous lack of management.

Some notable professionals have all expressed interest in placing the right people in these positions. Unfortunately, I agree that VFW & BCFW are dead as brands. Something completely new and ‘professional’ needs to be created and properly executed. In the coming months meetings will be held to discuss the best practices moving forward and away from the current organizations. I truly hope that those individuals that have given their time to these former events will focus their efforts elsewhere as well as the community discontinuing their attendance to these amateur shows.

I believe Vancouver is much better off without a Fashion event until a proper event can be produced at a quality and respectable level. In plain english, people, forget about Vancouver Fashion Week and BC Fashion Week. These events are no longer worth considering and have been tainted beyond repair.

I hope this discussion continues in many more forums and in depth. This is a great city full of remarkable talent that is deserving of proper representation and a ‘real’ platform for exposure.

Regards,

melo

#VFW, #BCFW

HERE HERE!!!

i couldn’t agree more.
my heart breaks when the hardworking devoted talent of this city have to suffer because 2 parties cant get along.

And sometimes, people wonder why we can’t stand a chance to be a renowned fashion city… The thought that talented people will work for free will do this…

THANK YOU Victoria for bringing this issue to light! I am a student and intern pursuing a career in the fashion industry. It is difficult when BOTH Fashion Weeks are completely disregarded in this city, it certainly feels disheartening for people like me to try to make it here. It is sad to see this happen because there certainly are people in the Vancouver Fashion Industry with immense creativity and talent…

THE BLOODY EVENTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN CALLED, VANCOUVER/BC FASHION WEAK!

I was actually volunteering at BCFW this year along with a friend of mine. We both go to Kwantlen Polytechnic University and are taking a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design. We had been struggling with the lack of organization and to be quite honest they didn’t respect our volunteered time and we were standing around most of the time in the way.

I was backstage on Friday afternoon when the show was shut down in the middle of a particular designer’s looks. The models were unprofessional, the designers were not informed or organized, and the backstage crew aggressive. I feel so bad for the designers and everyone else who put their heart and soul into this only to have it shut down and in the end become a waste of time.

I was very glad to see the designers band together to put the show on in the lobby of the building when they found out the show was canceled. It was heartwarming and it just shows me how dedicated these people are and that they deserve so much more.

@Val: if you’re wanting a solid career where you’re taken seriously in this industry, you’re going to have to relocate.
@Victoria: It does not surprise me that the models were unprofessional and there was no organization. The ‘models’ are essentially mall rats with inflated egos where the capabilities do not match the look. What an utter failure.

I already replied to you on Twitter but feel once again to share my thoughts – you’ve hit it spot on in terms of the need to consolidate it into one event. I totally agree that until the event can be more professionally organized, it should not even occur. I can’t remember if it was BCFW or VFW but when i was a student fresh out of uni, i went with a friend to interview to work/volunteer for them and the guy took us up into his penthouse at the Shaw centre. It was totally creepy and I knew it was unprofessional. Nothing happened but I did not want to work for them. Months later, they were refusing to pay my friend for the time she spent helping them.

Guys you are all part of the problem. Victoria you are just flat out ignorant and rude. What because you have a blog you think you are some sort of expert when it comes to fashion. These people are trying, it’s more than you are doing with your shitty blog. How about giving people a little slack. Maybe if this city weren’t so quick to trash we’d find ourselves being more constructive than destructive. Your comment on the models is rude, mall rats??? Ok let’s see you walk the runway. Let’s see you strut your stuff you non-contributing zero. I will admit the shows this year have suffered from a lack of professional polish but they are trying. You idiots and your blogs just piss me off, fashion isn’t a spectator sport so get off your ass and participate. Be part of the solution instead of playing your sophomoric game of “point out the obvious”. Peace

@Ted: You accuse me of being ignorant and rude, yet you openly attack me? Do as you preach, Ted.

Ignoring the failure of BCFW and VFW isn’t working, and if nobody makes a stand about the terrible job that is being put through than it won’t be considered a problem. The time of patting these people on the back and with a “good job – you did your best” has finished. If they can’t do a proper job, they shouldn’t be doing it at all.

Until we pull up our socks, Vancouver will continue to be the laughingstock of the fashion community. Our designers, photographers, models or admin staff will never be taken seriously until we can selvedge what’s left after years of these ‘fashion’ week mishaps.

By your point of view, I will assume that you are involved with one of these failing productions. Perhaps if VFW and BCFW didn’t put such little effort and professionalism into their product than we would hold our tongues.

I’m flattered that this blog angers you, as you are clearly part of the problem. Placation and acceptance of poor products only exacerbates the underlining issue, but if you’re content with failure than that’s your issue.

Good day.

Anyone and everyone in the fashion industry out here knows the poor reputation of VFW and now BCFW. People on the east coast think we are a joke-with good reason! VFW organizers are only out to grab peoples money while they want models to work for free and work with as much freebie staff as possible.

Vancouver is known for it’s craigslist freelance models with no training or presence on the runway and organizers that care more about making money then promoting the local designers and giving people a show worth watching that actually puts Vancouver fashion in a good light!

I went to a few shows at the FW 09/10 VFW and most of them were so bad I didn’t go back. It’s hard to write a captivating story about the shows when they look like they’ve been thrown together in ten minutes.
Many large-scale events in Vancouver are poorly run, which is sad. I think by letting the organizers know that their so-called fashion week(s) are sub-par, we are only speaking the truth. We can’t just keep patting them on the back, as it only produces more poor-quality shows that embarrass our city and province.
There is so much talent in BC, it’s too bad we don’t have a talented crew running either fashion week.

Wow, never ceases to amaze me just how plain stupid you wannabe fashion people are. Have fun watching from the sidelines while we actually work in the fashion industry. Just so you know I don’t work for either fashion weeks. I think since Vlad and Deb stepped down BCFW has taken a dive but it needs all of our support. So have fun getting fatter at home as you rip shit off better blogs and pretend to know what you are talking about with your bachelors degree in Communications. I think its great that you are interested in fashion, just try and remember that peoples feelings can get hurt from uninformed and ignorant comments. If you honestly think your sophomoric antics are going to get you anywhere in life…..good luck and have fun making my lattes

ted

@Ted: I’m certain that a barista puts together more successful art than you’re capable of, so don’t try to demean them while you’re grasping at straws.

Intelligent people don’t support a failing effort, so no, we aren’t going to be supporting a group that takes advantage of its volunteers and churns out a terrible presentation.

My comments are not uninformed or ignorant, don’t rip content off other blogs and am not fat, thank you.

Move along, your own uninformed and poorly written attacks are not welcome here.

Hi Ted,

Either post a link to your portfolio/website/work or shut the fuck up.

If you’re not going to back up your statements, there is no point to them.

I expect you don’t have any so you’ll stay a ranting, anonymous shadow in the background.

Regards,

Paul
meloCreative.com | styleQuotient.ca

Here are some facts about the industry in other cities.
a) Models: agency and paid
b) Stylists: agency and paid (not someone who is qualified b/c they read Vogue)
c) Hairstylist: agency and paid, (Not makeup artists but actual hairstylists)
d) Makeup artists: agency and paid
e) Producers: worked up the ranks of the fashion biz to where they are gaining experience before they decide they can run a show.
f) Photographers: agency and paid
g) And perhaps most importantly…the take themselves seriously and act with pride and not ego.

This is truth for ALL productions and editorials. For some reason we expect to gain a foothold internationally, without bringing or standards up to their level. Juniors and inexperienced individuals start by mentoring with someone and GAINING EXPERIENCE. Perhaps we should try to emulate the cities we wish to be instead of thinking we know what we are doing. I am all for supporting the effort when the effort is working up the ranks, NOT trying to run the show. We have a lot of talent in the city, but the truly talented don’t work for free. So instead we have the less talented representing us and as they gain the skill they no longer work for free..so on to the next junior. This a successful industry does not make.

I was under the impression the reason BCFW ended so abruptly this year was because they had to return the clown car early or face extra mileage charges.

My office/studio happenes to be next door to BCFW office. I also happen to be involved in design and fashion. Yes, they were a joke, it is evident and obvious to anyone with any sense. Same goes for the other fashion week. Total amatuer hour.
The problem is that they are being run by people who know very little about fashion, culture or designer”s needs. It would be nice to see some good people run an event instead of leeches and hanger-ons that the fashion world seems to always attract.
The problem is that most “good” people are actually doing stuff and not concerning themselves with dodgy fashion shows, parties full of wonna be’s and bullshit “events”. Overall its a very lame scene here as far as Fashion Weeks go, however there are some talented people/companies here in Van, doing some good work in fashion and design.

Great points – mentoring, experience, and emulating. You can’t be successful without learning from the experienced (well, it’s a slower path, which Vancouver is on). We first need to emulate and learn from other cities the basics and then we’ll be able to define ourselves.

The core of the problem lies in the leadership of events as everyone stated. So then we need a leader or group of leaders who can bring in big sponsors to bring in the big money to pay for professional talents and organizers. So now the question is who are these people and will they step up? The Vancouver fashion industry needs leaders!

“Anyone and everyone in the fashion industry out here knows the poor reputation of VFW and now BCFW.”

I’ve only been to 1 event for VFW, and it was a complete joke. As an professional event manager, I’ve put on better events than VFW and BCFW put together. “Ted” is already a gong show and doesn’t deserve the time of day. Hiding behind a computer screen doesn’t make him worthy. Vic, you’re totally right. And I’d wager that you’re one of the more knowledgeable in the YVR Fashion industry.

I would like to say something for the Models of BCFW this year, because I was one!
I have been working in this Industry for over 10 years and now I freelance because I am married! I am 5’11 and have the right measurements!
I find your comments about us being “Mall Rats with inflated egos where the capabilities do not match the look.” very harsh and rude!
The models who I worked with were professional back stage by arriving on time getting into hair/ make-up and first outfit. Then hit the run way the best to their own style/ experience! WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?????

The changes behind scene were not organized well and I actually had no helper to change into my second outfit during the one show. Which has never happened to me before in a show! I managed it fine, but it wasn’t so helpful for the new models who have never done run way before!

We might have looked like an amateur act because nothing was explained to us before we walked out on the runway. At Circa Lounge the catwalk was explained to us very quickly in the back room on a piece of paper! So if we didn’t look like we knew what we were doing now you know why!

Yes it wasn’t all that organized this year, but they did try!

At least we still have some sort of fashion event for BC.

So complain about it on a blog but will that really change anything?
Why not get inspired to challenge them?
Try to put on a real Fashion Week Show!
You must have access to ppl in the industry from the way your talking!

Next time don’t be so ill-advised!
Go backstage to all shows before you judge, then you will see the mayhem that causes the storm!

Anyways Art is Art and it challenges one to speak out in all forms! This time most of you reflected emotionally upon it with animosity, hostility, and intolerance’s!

Which is understandable!

Irene

@Irene: Just things going on behind the scenes aren’t being posted plan by plan, that does not mean that criticism without act is occurring. I have been backstage at the shows, and I have seen what other people have corroborated; I stand by my opinion of models largely being unprofessional and unqualified to be there.

Don’t try to back up your argument with the ‘they did the best they could with what they had’ argument; that wasn’t the best they could do, and it shouldn’t have been done. That was a prime example of the art of mismanagement and poor organization, but not of performance or design skill.

I appreciate how enthusiastic you appear to be, but by what you’re telling me is that you’re content with this failure of an event. To me, I don’t consider this event acceptable, and do not want this representing what this industry means for this city. There are times when being a negative voice is called for, and this was definitely one of those times.

Perhaps you may want to take a moment and review what a Fashion Week means to New York, London, or Paris – they’re doing this event justice. If they couldn’t put together an event to be proud of, you can bet that there would be no event rather than risk utter humiliation of the models, designers and admin staff.

Clearly Vancouver does not have the resources to put together a show of that caliber, but that does not mean we cannot get creative and put together a quality event with the best of what we have to offer, not some sub par half thought of some press biters who recruit staff three days before a show.

I was not saying in any way that I was happy with how it was run! I was just standing up to your rude comment about the models.
By the way every model I talked to had an agency and I was actually the only Freelancer. We also got paid! SO if you have a problem with the models talk to all the agencies in Vancouver about them signing on “Mall Rats with inflated egos where the capabilities do not match the look.”

I even gave examples of what happened at the shows that I didn’t appreciate!

I understand everything that goes on for Paris, New York, and London. Hell even Toronto Fashion week is better than ours. I seriously do not know where Vancouver went so wrong!
Maybe one should dig deeper in the sores and look at Vancouver Fashion out on the streets, what do you mostly see? Sports wear, like Lulu Lemon. We as a community in Vancouver/ BC have almost no style! Thats another thing that Bugs me about Vancouver. If you go across to Paris, London and New York you see that Every Women Dresses up for a normal day and wants to look her best!
We have Lazy society here concerning Fashion. So no wonder our community can’t pull off the best fashion week!

But Like I said why don’t you do something about it instead of just blogging!
Get on to the horse and challenge it!
If you don’t then who will?
Will you’ll just be sitting on here typing away next season how horrible it was!
Stop being a contributor to the mess by not doing anything and organize a plan of action!

Irene

@Irene: If you would have understood what I initially responded to you with, you would have absorbed what I choose to publish is not the extent of what is occurring in my world. There are works going on in the background which are not being spoken of regarding improvement of the VFW event which nobody will hearing of until the event is ready.

As I already stated, blaming our lack of ability to create a proper event cannot be blamed on the likes of Lululemon [etc]. By your logic, you shouldn’t be writing comments because you can’t thread a proper sentence! It’s silly, and people need to stop blaming the scene or city and accept that unless a complete 180 has been turned, this event will continue to fail.

You’re searching for a needle when you need to be cleaning up the haystack.

@Irene,

Forgive the approaching plug, but 3 months ago today I launched a ‘style’ blog based here in Vancouver because I was, well, mostly complaining about the lack of style in Vancouver. While on a trip to New York, inspired by all the fashionable people, I decided to stop complaining and do something about it… http://www.styleQuotient.ca was born.

Within 2 weeks I discovered that well, there in fact IS style in Vancouver, quite a lot of it, in many, many forms. More so, there is a definite interest in ‘fashion’. I suddenly opened my eyes and ‘saw’ differently.

Where Vancouver needs improvement is in the ‘industry’ of fashion here. As stated in many of the posts above, the problem here is that the ‘industry’ and its image have indeed been commandeered by aspirational and hopeful amateurs who lack the experience, ability and taste level to represent the industry properly on a world stage, let alone even a local one. (Funnily, BCFW ended without a stage at all.. literally.)

So, don’t say Vancouver doesn’t have style, it does, and the fact the our residents pull off fashionable looks despite the limited shopping options is a testament to each individual.

And for the record, the last time I was in Paris I can assure you that ‘every’ woman was not dressed up.

Anywho, chin up. It’s getting better, new things on the horizon. Don’t get angry, get dressed.

After reading everyone’s posts and being in the industry myself, i think what is being said is quite foolish.
Everyone is naturally entitled to their own opinion, however i find it hard to take those bashing both companies seriously.
While yes both companies may have had issues previously, and the unfortunate events that happened at BCFW this year but first and foremost they are DIFFERENT companies and need to be addressed separately. When bashing one, don’t throw the other in there as well without any base for the season at hand.
Also, for those that are actually in the fashion industry…shame on you for the ignorance you have displayed!
we all know how fast our world of fashion moves and as so called fashion savy people you should know that you judge a collection, a showcase, a label, the production PER SEASON.
if you didn’t like what you saw at Aprils Vancouver Fashion Week, don’t be so careless with your presumptions of what may come the following season and watch what you say when you bash everything together as an entirety because you simply sound inexperienced and oblivious.

Not to mention that with any and all companies there are aspects that not all individuals like, but is good work experience for those truly involved. Pay or no pay (not everything is about money)…and instead of making uneducated comments about the showcases, maybe you should try and be in the shoes of the people behind the scenes, although from the sound of some peoples comments you couldn’t handle it.
VFW is what we have, so for those who claim to want to be in fashion or who blog about fashion, or even for anybody who likes fashion, instead of bashing something you clearly don’t know a lot about be grateful for the individuals that are trying to contribute and work towards improving Vancouver’s fashion scene…since they are proving to be the only ones that matter.

Fashion is about an open mind, so please remove ones pretentious head from ones ass and maybe one day you can get there…

@Natascha: I’ll avoid repeating my responses to other commenters, though I will say that though VFW and BCFW may be different companies they failed together. If I were a designer or name backing one of these runway shows, I would have ensured they would have been of higher quality, or removed myself.

You need to quit your little insults if you’re going to be an effective argument for VFW and BCFW. As far as I’m concerned, people like you who accept sub par presentation are part of the problem.