Vancouver Fashion Week’s opening night kicked off on Monday evening at the historic Chinese Cultural Centre (50 E. Pender St.) with a runway preview for the Fall/Winter 2016 collection. As Revlon Professional’s Runway Insider for Vancouver Fashion Week I have an exclusive press pass for week-long event including shows, presentations and backstage access. This year marks 27 consecutive seasons of Vancouver Fashion Week that provides an exciting opportunity for both local and international designers to showcase their latest designs and styles to a global audience.

Vancouver Fashion Week FW16, Opening Gala Runway

Designers came as far as Germany, Peru, Brazil and Japan and some right from home that included Alex S. Yu – Canada, Melanie Delis – France, Danny Reinke – Germany, Sofia – Canada, Gabrielab – Brazil, Shinya Yamaguchi – Japan, Brunette the Label, Canada and Noe Bernacellli – Peru.

I was so surprised and delighted to received a truly lovely gift from designer Akshay Wadhwa. He was so thoughtful to have picked out a god, bejewelled evening clutch for me while he was back home in Delhi recently. Wadhwa is a strong feminist and he believes in inspiring and empowering women in the workforce. His collection reflects the elegance of Western styles with the opulence of the Indian tradition.

With an exclusive backstage pass I got the scoop on this season’s top hair trends. Models on the Vancouver runways turned heads with the help of Revlon Professional Stylists, the exclusive hair sponsor of Vancouver Fashion Week. With a packed house inclusive of multi-media, international bloggers and local press the audience was exhilarated with the vibrance of the evening and an impressive showing of styles and fashions. Hair trends this season include undone, messy waves, bohemian braids and sleek up-dos. “Each unique hair look is the final statement of the designer’s vision and Revlon Professional is pleased to provide the products and expertise to help do that this season.” Jessica Stevenson, Marketing Director Revlon Professional Brands Canada.

Products used on the models include: Style Masters, UniqOne All In One Treatment, Equave, NutriColor Creme and Revlonissimo.

Vancouver Fashion Week runs March 14 to March 20. For more information including the full show schedule and ticket details, click here.

Follow along here @RevlonProCanada @langstonnatalie @vanfashionweek #RevlonProxVFW #NatalieatVFW

Natalie xx

Behind the Scenes, Interview with Designer Samuel Yeung

Backstage Interview with Designer Alex S. Yu

Backstage Interview with Designer Miriam Alden from Brunette the Label 

Behind the Scenes with Designer Akshay Wadhwa

Touch-Ups with Revlon Professional Lead Hair Stylist Julian Lane Scott Backstage

YAHEL WAISMAN

BRUNETTE SHOWROOM

EVAN CLAYTON

MELANIE DYLIS

Vancouver Fashion Week FW16, Designer Showcase

Stylists prepping models backstage with Revlon Professional products 

Opening Gala sitting front row as Revlon Professional‘s Runway Insider 

Dress | Jacket | Hair | Makeup

Images by Ed Ng Photography