Offspring and I were invited to attend the first official Vancouver Kids Fashion Week for their Spring Summer 2017 Fashion Shows.  It was a two day fashion event dedicated to children’s fashion and a fundraiser for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

We were only able to make it on Saturday because of a prior commitment to attend a birthday party on Sunday.  We loved the show, and afterward enjoyed chatting with the lovely ladies of Vancouver based Amaterasu Beauty (formerly Geisha Ink). I bought a mascara which I adore and later ordered their liquid brow liner, another of my favorites.

The Saturday show at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver showcased six designers/brands:

VONBON™

Vonbon is designed and made here in Vancouver, using the softest organic cottons and sustainable jersey and fleece fabrics. They have recently expanded their line to include larger sizes, so the soft and stylish collection is available from newborn to children aged 5.

“Inspired by a muted color palate, cozy textures of cable knits and the softest bamboo fleece, the Everyday Essentials collection was born. A re-introduction of their most popular antler motif, makes an appearance in a gorgeous new color way. Exclusively designed prints makes this line one of a kind and so easy to mix and match to make the style uniquely yours.”

House Farola

Named after their Father’s village in India, House Farola is a collaboration between four sisters and is their homage to the culture and colors their lineage.

The Stratford Mission collection, captures the essence of spring and summer seasons through their designs that were all inspired during the designer’s vacation travels.

“It is all about spring and summer and the sunny beach time. This collection is straight from their hearts, and even more so, their dreams. The four sisters are travellers and beach bums, and their inspiration comes from their experiences during the vacation. Cotton, canvas, jersey, and splashes of tulle, mermaids and fishing are the core theme for this season. The inspiration is to get lost in the coral and ferns and keep dreaming away in our comfort.” House Farola

Velveteen

Velveteen is designed with the idea that kids clothing can be beautiful but it also needs to be comfortable and kids must be able to play in it. The line is available for girls and boys, ranging from 3 months to 14 years old.

“For SS17, we wanted to take our Velveteen customer on a Gaucho inspired journey across the open plains with a cowboy chic collection that is as fun as it is sophisticated. Feminine laces and frill finishes are set in contrast against gritty earth tones and dazzling gold embroidered leather accessories.”

Lil’ Boo Apparel

Lil’ Boo Apparel was born out of necessity when a mom moved across country with her family and was looking for a way to contribute to the family budget. As a mom, the designer knows that function is as important as fashion.  The brand specializes in children’s swimwear and beachwear in fun and unique prints.

“Lil’ Boo Apparel dedicates their SS17 collection to bold floral and camouflage prints for children’s unisex swimwear. Their swimwear are made from recycled plastic bottles to promote eco friendly fashion.”

Ballon Rouge

Ballon Rouge is a children’s fashion house well-recognized for its unique rock’mantic aesthetics that fuses French elegant styles with a twist of rock’n’roll attitude and artsy playfulness.

“Ballon Rouge’s SS17 collection features a new expression of their signature rock’mantic style, mixing romanticism with a good dose of coolness and soft rock attitude. This year, their blouses and tops are designed with refined Chinese silk and suggested with colorful slim cut leather pants. It’s exactly the “effortless” look that Ballon Rouge portrays.”

City Kids Style

City Kids Style features one of a kind urban style pieces for girls made completely from upcycled clothing and fabric scraps.

“The City Kid Style Downtown collection is made completely from upcycled clothing and fabric scraps. Designing one of a kind pieces from upcycled textiles is inspiring to Claudia as each piece turns out differently from the last and has a story of it’s own. Menswear pieces that have patterns with pinstripes and plaids are turned into urban yet feminine pieces for girls. Old and perfectly soft tshirts take the form of twirly dresses for little girls to run and play in. Claudia’s vision is to give new life to old textiles, her line can make an impact on our environment, and teach children what can be accomplished by recycling and reusing materials.”