Vancouver Fashion Week SS25 Interview W/ Designer Bahar Kianpour (Canada)

Bahar Kianpour will be presenting their SS25 collections on the runway at VFW on Tues., October 22nd at 6:45 p.m. You can purchase your tickets HERE.

From the VFW Website -

Bahar Kianpour is a Vancouver-based fashion designer who specializes in creating ethereal, dreamy, and elegant clothing that exudes a sense of whimsicality that transports wearers to a dreamy world. In Bahar's world, fashion becomes a means of storytelling, with each garment narrating its enchanting tale. Her signature style is characterized by flowing fabrics, and intricate detailing, capturing the imagination of all who encounter her work.

Born and raised in Iran, Bahar's upbringing immersed her in the rich tapestry of Persian art and culture. Growing up surrounded by the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and rich history of her homeland, she found herself deeply inspired to explore her creative nature. After immigrating to Canada, she pursued her studies in architecture, which provided her with a strong foundation in design principles, spatial awareness, and creativity. 

Despite her background in architecture, she made the bold decision to follow her true passion for fashion design and studied at Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver. During the progression of her studies she was rewarded with the Blanche Macdonald Centre Award of Excellence, granting her the opportunity to present her debut collection, BK001- The Forgotten Poet, at the Vancouver Fashion Week in April 2024.

Interview - 

Please share a bit about your journey to embrace fashion design as a career.

I chose fashion design because it allows me to express emotions and tell stories through creation and art. Despite my background in engineering and architecture, I switched to fashion, inspired by my mom, who is also a tailor. Fashion became my way to connect with others and express myself. For me, it’s not just about making garments; it’s about creating pieces that hold meaning and resonate emotionally with others.

How did you learn your skills?

I studied fashion at Blanche Macdonald Centre, where I had the opportunity to learn from amazing instructors and designers like Alex.S.Yu, Sara Armstrong , and Evan Clayton. In addition to that, my mom has been sharing and teaching me all of her knowledge and experience, which has been a significant influence on my journey.

What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?

What comes easiest for me as a designer is turning emotions and stories into visual concepts. The hardest part is balancing my artistic vision with the practical aspects of creating wearable and functional pieces. But overcoming these challenges helps me grow, and that’s what keeps pushing me forward!

Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is colour to your design process?

I find inspiration for new collections in personal experiences, emotions, and the stories people carry with them. I'm often drawn to themes of memories, dreams, and inner struggles. Also art, music, poems, and quotes inspire my creative process, helping me tap into deeper layers of meaning.

As for color, I usually work with a minimal palette, primarily black and white, to emphasize contrast and emotion, allowing the designs themselves to tell the story.

Readers would love to know more about the collection you be showing at Vancouver Fashion Week.

I will be showing BK 002 -DÉJÀ VU at VFW. It is my second collection and features all menswear. The collection explores the emotional journey of a boy trapped in his memories and nightmares. Each piece tells a story from his past—times of happiness, sorrow, dreams, and heartbreak. The designs reflect his struggle to escape the endless loop of déjà vu, with some pieces feeling light and free, while others feel heavy and constrained, symbolizing the boy’s conflict between hope and despair.

Using black and white, the collection captures the contrast between the brightness of his past and the darkness of his present reality. Simple yet striking, the designs show how the boy is chained to his past, unable to fully break free, but still searching for a way out of the loop. The overall mood is dreamy and romantic, where memories blur and nightmares linger, but hope also exists

Do you have a favorite look in this collection?

It’s kind of hard to tell, but yes! It’s a cream quilted jacket with beads and gems and pearls.

Where can readers purchase your designs?

Through my instagram page or my website.

 
What's next for you as a designer and your brand?

Next, I’ll keep exploring new ideas and expanding my brand. I want to create more meaningful collections and connect deeper with my audience, making my brand a platform for storytelling through fashion.

Links - 

• Website - www.baharkianpour.com
• Instagram - @baharkianpour