SENKO
Senko is a new brand created by Vancouver designer Lesley Senkow. While, I cover many of the visiting designers who show at VFW, a big part of the what I want to cover are local designers. Certainly, I want to encourage and support resident designers. With many local schools to study fashion, young designers are more common and new brands are arising. One movement that is becoming prevalent is the slow fashion movement.
Many terms come at you with a force when looking at the fashion world. However, like trends many come and go. In this case, I believe strongly in the slow fashion movement and believe it is here to stay. So what is slow fashion? Slow Fashion is the movement of designing, creating, and buying garments for quality and longevity. It encourages slower production schedules, fair wages, lower carbon footprints, and (ideally) zero waste. Certainly, what I like to encourage about shop local/slow fashion is the development of personal style.
Certainly, SENKO , is a new label that is a perfect example of the move towards a slow fashion industry in Vancouver .
SENKO AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK
SENKO is a fashion brand being launched by emerging designer, Lesley Senkow. After years of visual merchandising and working with a multitude of fashion retailers Lesley decided to pursue her creative passion for design. This will be Lesley’s first time showing at Vancouver Fashion Week after recently graduating from the design program at Blanche MacDonald. The S/S 20 collection is inspired by the moons gravitational pull on water and effect on the tides. Mixing abstract patterns and statement pieces along with structured and elevated neutral classics are part of the brands mission for a more complex wardrobe. Excerpt taken from Vancouver Fashion Week website.
SENKO
From my seat in the front row of VFW, I always try to be prepared for what I will see. Certainly this includes doing my research on the labels presenting. In this case an insightful interview in Micro Macro Magazine helped me learn more about designer Lesley Senkow. Because of my hectic fashion week schedule I am not able to interview all the designers myself so a special thanks to Micro Macro Magazine.
The moon’s gravitational pull on the tides is the influence for Lesley Senkow’s first collection at Vancouver Fashion Week. The power of the moon has been an influence on artists since time began. Set to electronic music we see a background of the galaxy projected while models take to the runway. The tides are moving.
While, the tidal theme maybe taken literally with the teal blue and watery hues in abstract patterns the effect was impressive. The colors of this collection are shades of teal, blues and a sophisticated use of neutrals. Head to toe neutral beige ,white and cappuccino offer a chic alternative to women wanting to invest in a versatile and timeless wardrobe.
The silhouettes are contemporary and timeless at the same time. Certainly, a balloon style sleeve is a standout adding movement and unique detail. In fact, my personal favorites are the glamorous chic pants , coupled with a potpourri of refined blouses and bustiers .
SENKO GLAMOROUS AND WEARABLE
The garments that make the SENKO collection are well curated. The dresses, pants and shorts, that along with other pieces form a definitive Spring/Summer collection. Certainly, a strong point is the variety and seasonal tone of the collection. Bright, refined and timeless are words that define Senkows designs.
When a young designer presents a new label it is a launching pad for the future. In fact, what I found in SENKO is a label that is market ready. It appears to me that Lesley Senkow has taken the time to work out the quirks that often challenge a first collection . Furthermore, in a collection their are pieces that are more or less successful, of course this is true of Senko as well. However in this case overall I see a glamorous chic collection loaded with wearable timeless items.
Search out the work of SENKO and other local Vancouver designers, (most of the designers have links in the designer drop-down menu on the Vancouver Fashion Week website.)
WHAT’S HOT
What’s hot is not a question but a statement. Making a statement is a fashionista’s mantra. Therefore as the winter weather comes and it’s time to don a winter coat why not make a statement. While grandma’s mink is destined stay in the closet due to political and security reasons,who’s faux fur isn’t HOT. Fashion’s obsession with wildlife motifs in recent seasons goes one step further in winter’s bright and bold animal print and faux fur offerings. Plus, you get all the snuggle and none of the guilt.
faux fur