WCFW Fall 2021

Up until a week ago, my only frame of reference to what a fashion show was that one episode of Wizards of Waverly Place. Though that episode featured an unlikely array of the top supermodels strutting down a make-shift ramp in the middle of a sandwich shop, I always assumed that is what fashion shows consisted of – chaos, clothes that are far too absurd to wear in real life and a dash of magic to solve the day’s problems. That, however, was quite the opposite of what I saw at Western Canada Fashion Week. 

Having such low expectations and zero knowledge of what fashion really is, fashion week seemed a far stretch for me. The panic leading up to the day, revisiting my outfits to ensure I don’t under-dress or subsequently over-dress, all withered away once I got there. The air held a heavy sense of achievement, while backstage, you could feel the excitement and anticipation swirled together with nerves and tension.

While the speed and urgency witnessed during dress rehearsal summed up the chaos I had expected, I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly and gracefully the entirety of the show flowed despite the recently implemented restrictions. Each model wore looks that I, someone who rarely bothers to change out of her sweats, would actually look forward to wearing. De Ocampo Fashion House, ChristCitizen, Dark Knits Boutique, DovAlexander’s UpCycled Fashion and Phabrik all displayed their latest looks on the catwalk, each showing a unique take on casual styles. A steady balance between regular, everyday clothes, with a refined twist to take your outfit up a couple of notches, were the perfect styles for a community slowly crawling out of a year of wearing the most comfortable clothes in their closet. The simple yet chic clothes were the most tasteful looks to inspire a whole new season, and likely era, of style. 

Though magic saved Fashion Week in Wizards of Waverly place, unfortunately, without wizards at our disposal, Western Canada Fashion Week was brought to an abrupt end after the first day. As the pandemic rages on, we must all remember that safety is key. Though these times are tough and frustrating, it is important to focus on what we have in our control, what good we can cultivate from the time we have, and hopefully, look forward to some new and inspired creations designed in quarantine at the next Western Canada Fashion Week.