Blanche Macdonald Centre Blog

If there was a theme running through Fashion Forecast, the Graduation Show for the Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design Class of 2010, it was one of wild eclecticism.

Luxurious evening gowns enwrapped in chains emerged down the runway after asymmetric avant-garde cutout dresses. Sporty shapes with an energetic vibe sprinkled the line-up followed by elegant historic silhouettes of Victorian-style Duppioni corsets. Frida Kahlo-inspired leather jackets with power shoulders commanded a strong dramatic flare in contrast with a flirtatious, entrancing stream of lingerie.

From the relentlessly wild to the distinctively wearable, in the glamorous surroundings of Vancouver’s Westin Bayshore Hotel, in front of 1,300 fashionistas from across Vancouver, Canada and the world, 43 talented designers and their collections illuminated the runway, proving that their year of creativity and hard work at Blanche Macdonald’s Fashion School was time very well spent.

Blanche Macdonald’s Creative Consultant for Fashion Forecast was Tyler Udall, whose incredible résumé includes stints as Senior Fashion Editor in London for publications including AnOther Magazine, AnOther Man and Dazed and Confused, Contributing Fashion Editor for L’Officiel and Teen Vogue and as Creative Director for the Agency Fred and Associates in New York.

“Graduation shows are a really fascinating time to spy on emerging talent,” enthused Tyler. “There is something to be said for the bright eyed optimism and sense of abandon students put into their debut collections before the wears and tears of the industry instil a seasoned designer’s sense of refinement. From street wear to the evening gowns that verge on couture, students are given equal opportunity to showcase their strengths, identify their weaknesses and ultimately learn so they can take their work to the next level. That’s why seeing such a plethora of aesthetics all melded in to one cohesive show is such a rare treat!

“I absolutely relish the opportunity to see the next generation of the fashion community make their mark. Of course not every look is going to be to your specific taste, but any industry professional with a decent eye could recognize moments of brilliance shining through. What an exciting moment to bear witness to!”

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