It’s been a few weeks since the whirlwind of Eco Fashion Week and I wanted to share a few of my highlights! But before I dig into it, I’d really like to say what an incredible job the Eco Fashion Week team did at bringing the sustainable theme to life. Here are my top five:

The Fairmont Waterfront

We started our Eco Fashion Week by checking into the Fairmont Waterfront. I’ve always been a big fan of this beautiful space but I didn’t realize just how amazing it actually is. The Fairmont Waterfront was just certified as Canada’s only Zero Waste hotel by Recycle Smart. Additionally, The Fairmont Waterfront has also been awarded Platinum designation from Trip Advisor Green Leaders, Gold Level with Green Tourism Canada and have been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. Needless to say it made perfect sense to pair up with Eco Fashion Week.

On our last night, they organized a “raid the kitchen”. It was such a fun concept; we sort of felt like kids at a sleepover! I loved making my own sandwich in the unbelievable two-story royal suite. I think it’s safe to say I’ll never look at the Fairmont the same way again!

The Shows

I have to admit I was somewhat skeptical when I first read that there would be no traditional runway shows but I am really loving that Vancouver and other major fashion cities (NYFW) are expanding their creativity beyond the garments themselves. It’s a breath of fresh air. This year the Value Village 81lb Challenge was designed by Evan Biddell, where 81lbs of second-hand materials from Value Village is transformed, to reflect the average 81lbs of yearly discarded textiles per average North American. Evan Biddell transforms, upcycles and reuses thrifted items from Value Village, in an effort to illustrate the enormity of textile waste while inspiring consumers to rethink and reuse. See the complete story below.

The Aesthetic

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of beauty. While I love the clothes, I equally enjoy seeing the completed looks. That means, clothing, footwear, makeup, hair etc. It can make or break the collection for me—create a romance with the brand and complete the look perfectly or compete with the clothing and completely cheat the designer from having their garments really appreciated. The Eco Fashion Week official beauty sponsor was La Biosthetique, chosen for their all natural ingredients! I’ve been a loyal La Biosthetique client for years and I even had them do my hair for both of the days I attended the show. Not only did their hair creations absolutely knock it out of the park but I have to mention their Babybios hairspray. When Eco Fashion Week feels like a family reunion, Babybios and the La Biosthetique team kept my hair looking fresh through an entire day of hugs!

Gastown Shopping Tour

When I first read that a Gastown Shopping Tour was on the docket, my initial thoughts were a.) awesome, I get my steps in and b.) I already know all the shops! While I’ve certainly shopped Gastown before, going on a guided tour was a completely new experience for me. It made me so unbelievably PROUD of the brands and shops Vancouver has produced. As always, Nicole Bridger was a big highlight of mine. I really admire the work she has put into her label and the strong ethics she stands by. If you get a chance, pop into her shop on 14 Water Street.

The Wardrobe

Anytime I’m stepping out to an event I consider the crowd I’ll be around. Will they dress up? Is it more casual? I make my wardrobe choices accordingly. The wonderful thing about Eco Fashion Week is you can go as big and bold or as subtle and chic as you want to! Anything goes! For Friday Opening night I went with a Michael Kors little black dress from Mine & Yours, Saturday’s Gastown Shopping date I wore my favourite white Fidelity Denim with an easy plaid top, a nude Maria Lucia Hu Dress from Mine & Yours later that evening and for the Sunday Showcase I wore a strapless blue midi dress from Mine & Yours and paired it with a white leather jacket.

I had an excellent time covering Eco Fashion Week. A big ‘congratulations’ to the team at Eco Fashion Week—what an incredible job, and to all of the designers making sustainable fashion a priority, it’s truly inspirational. Well done! If you didn’t get a chance to check out Eco Fashion Week this season, be sure to follow them at @ecofashionweek for news on their upcoming events.

What are some of your favourite eco-friendly brands that you like to wear? I would love to hear about them in the comments below!!!

n xx

Photography by Christine Pienaar Photography

Makeup by Preet Dhaliwal

Clothing provided by Mine and Yours Co.