Vancouver Eco-Fashion Week 2010 - Nicole Bridger

2 weeks ago I was privileged enough to attend the inaugural Vancouver Eco-Fashion Week. Featuring the latest in environmental and sustainable fashion, Vancouver Eco-Fashion Week is one of the first of its kind in North America - go Vancouver! For the first year, I found the event to be very professional and slick, so bravo to all the amazing volunteers and staff! I only had time (as I was in the midst of moving) to attend one show, which was for Nicole Bridger.

I was very curious to attend the runway show, having interviewed Nicole before. As one of the stars of the week, Nicole's fashions typify what to me is Vancouver's take on eco-friendly duds: soft, wearable pieces, that flatter bodies and drape gracefully around curves. Nicole's runway show did not stray from this vision as she sent models down the runway wearing her characteristic draped pieces for the S/S season.

If I had to describe the collection in a few words, I would say it was very reminiscent of a West Coast beach in early spring when it is still quite rainy and misty, yet there are vistas of sunshine. The colors were all muted and soft, with the exception of a splash of bright chartreuse. The clothes hung easily on the models, with many of the dresses featuring laid back Henley necklines and fluttering hems. It was the kind of collection that you would wear with an effortless, undone grace - think Serena van der Woodsen, minus the cleavage and overloaded accessories. The star of the show though was surely the hair & makeup department. I was head over heels with the fresh, luminous faces and gracefully messy buns of the models. I think I will be sporting lots of pink blush and rose lips this spring!

This pale peach color drew a chorus of "oooh!" from my corner

Chartreuse: along with mustard, my new odd colour love.

Must. Get. Puffy. Shorts.
Must. Become. Taller. So. As. Not. To. Look. Like. Medieval. Jester.

All photos courtesy of Peter Holst Photography.