VCC Fashion Design Grad Show will be presented on the runway at Vancouver Fashion Week FW 25 on Wed., April 9th at 6:30 p.m. Purchase tickets HERE!
About VCC -
Showcasing a collection on the runway at Vancouver Fashion Week is the culmination of the two year Fashion Design & Production diploma at VCC. This isn’t the first time the students are showcasing their talent to the world though. Throughout the first year of the program, they are creating products under the label Colure that get sold at boutiques around the city. After only six weeks in school, their first item, usually a tote bag, shows up for sale in boutiques like Giving Gifts. They also create t-shirts and tops that get sold at Dream on Granville Island, and Branches and Knots. The money raised from sales goes into scholarships for the students.
Being on the runway though is different. They have spent over 135 hours designing, drafting and constructing their final collection. The clothes they create are an expression of their own sartorial interests and personal experiences that they hope will catch the eye of the industry, media and possible employers. It’s their moment to shine and to showcase all they have learned at VCC.
Erica Moreno
Erica Moreno is a fashion student with a fine arts background who aspires to blend fashion
and art together to craft unique pieces of wearable art. She pushes her creative boundaries by balancing sculptural silhouettes with elegance and femininity through applying fabric
manipulation techniques to capture the beauty and the organic shapes of nature. With flowers like lilies and orchids as her main source of inspiration— specifically the unique markings on their petals— Erica infuses each design with a soft, organic charm. And with a love for bright, feminine color palettes and abstract prints, she brings a whimsical charm and graceful flair to each design. Her formal training in traditional art shines through in her pieces that are hand painted as she approaches fabric surface design with the same mindset as a painter that approaches a canvas. Through vibrant storytelling with hues and prints, she extends her artistic vision, bringing her designs to life as an expression of art.
Email: morenoericamae@gmail.com
Bahare Karami
My final collection is a tribute to the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, drawing inspiration from the significant social changes and the empowerment of women during these periods. Each piece reflects my journey as a designer, connecting my heritage from Iran, where women have also strived for greater freedom, with the historical context of the Western world. This collection embraces Persian colors like Persian Blue, incorporating them to add a unique and vibrant touch to the designs. It features dramatic silhouettes, exaggerated elements such as high collars and voluminous skirts, and elegant accessories like hats and gloves, all designed to evoke confidence and presence. Through this collection, I aim to celebrate the strength and mystery of women while paying homage to the past. I hope my work resonates with those who appreciate craftsmanship, history, and the ongoing journey toward self-expression and empowerment.
Email: B.karami94@yahoo.com
About VCC -
Showcasing a collection on the runway at Vancouver Fashion Week is the culmination of the two year Fashion Design & Production diploma at VCC. This isn’t the first time the students are showcasing their talent to the world though. Throughout the first year of the program, they are creating products under the label Colure that get sold at boutiques around the city. After only six weeks in school, their first item, usually a tote bag, shows up for sale in boutiques like Giving Gifts. They also create t-shirts and tops that get sold at Dream on Granville Island, and Branches and Knots. The money raised from sales goes into scholarships for the students.
Being on the runway though is different. They have spent over 135 hours designing, drafting and constructing their final collection. The clothes they create are an expression of their own sartorial interests and personal experiences that they hope will catch the eye of the industry, media and possible employers. It’s their moment to shine and to showcase all they have learned at VCC.
Erica Moreno is a fashion student with a fine arts background who aspires to blend fashion
and art together to craft unique pieces of wearable art. She pushes her creative boundaries by balancing sculptural silhouettes with elegance and femininity through applying fabric
manipulation techniques to capture the beauty and the organic shapes of nature. With flowers like lilies and orchids as her main source of inspiration— specifically the unique markings on their petals— Erica infuses each design with a soft, organic charm. And with a love for bright, feminine color palettes and abstract prints, she brings a whimsical charm and graceful flair to each design. Her formal training in traditional art shines through in her pieces that are hand painted as she approaches fabric surface design with the same mindset as a painter that approaches a canvas. Through vibrant storytelling with hues and prints, she extends her artistic vision, bringing her designs to life as an expression of art.
Email: morenoericamae@gmail.com
Bahare Karami
My final collection is a tribute to the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, drawing inspiration from the significant social changes and the empowerment of women during these periods. Each piece reflects my journey as a designer, connecting my heritage from Iran, where women have also strived for greater freedom, with the historical context of the Western world. This collection embraces Persian colors like Persian Blue, incorporating them to add a unique and vibrant touch to the designs. It features dramatic silhouettes, exaggerated elements such as high collars and voluminous skirts, and elegant accessories like hats and gloves, all designed to evoke confidence and presence. Through this collection, I aim to celebrate the strength and mystery of women while paying homage to the past. I hope my work resonates with those who appreciate craftsmanship, history, and the ongoing journey toward self-expression and empowerment.
Email: B.karami94@yahoo.com
Vismita Sehgal
Vismriti is a heartfelt Indo-Western fashion brand founded by Vismita, who brings the vibrant spirit of Indian culture to life in Vancouver. With a deep love for her heritage, Vismita blends traditional and modern styles, crafting pieces that resonate with people from all walks of life.
Driven by a passion for ethical fashion, Vismriti focuses on sustainability by responsibly sourcing materials and collaborating with local artisans.
For Vismita, each garment tells a story, reflecting both beauty and mindfulness. She believes fashion should be a joyful expression of who we are.
Through Vismriti, Vismita invites everyone to join her in celebrating the fusion of cultures. Here, fashion is more than just clothing; it's a connection, a celebration of diversity, and a way for each person to express their unique identity.
Sofia Belov
Sofia Belov is a Brazilian fashion designer based in Vancouver, dedicated to transforming emotions into wearable art. With a background in video production and photography, she has a keen ability to capture the intensity of each moment through visual storytelling. Currently residing in East Vancouver, she draws inspiration from the city’s dynamic street culture to create contemporary streetwear. However, her aesthetic is also deeply influenced by her upbringing in Salvador, a coastal city in Brazil, where she was surrounded by draped, fluid, and ethereal garments with a tropical essence.
A true multidisciplinary creative, Sofia is passionate about exploring all forms of art. Her innate curiosity and multipotentiality drive her to continuously seek inspiration through travel, immersing herself in diverse cultures and expanding her creative perspective.
Each of her collections reflects a strong foundation in sewing techniques, pattern drafting, and draping—skills she honed during her studies at one of Vancouver’s top fashion design and production institutions. Confident in her vision and creativity, Sofia came to Vancouver to launch her career as a fashion designer, but her ambition extends far beyond. With a relentless drive for knowledge and artistic growth, she aspires to become an internationally recognized artist, drawing inspiration from the world’s most unique cultural landscapes to continue creating and translating her experiences into design.
Email: belovsofia17@gmail.com
Caleb Illescas
Born and raised in Burnaby BC and behind the label “GOMEZ” is designer and creative Caleb Gomez Illescas. Growing up with a fondness for the performing arts, Caleb strives to create lustrous garments that will glimmer on any body they adorn. In his debut collection titled “Double Edged Love” he ventures through the various emotions we experience when falling in and out of love, we see this beautifully reflected in his glamorously lurid designs.
= = =
VCC’s Fashion Design & Production Diploma mimics the real-world fashion industry. Students experience a fast-paced production process while learning fundamental skills and the use of industry standard software such as Illustrator and Gerber CAD. The self-directed final garment project is a student’s opportunity to hone in on their craft and personal sartorial interests. For more information, please visit www.vcc.ca/fashion.
Follow us on Instagram @vccfashion and Twitter @vccfashion
Vismriti is a heartfelt Indo-Western fashion brand founded by Vismita, who brings the vibrant spirit of Indian culture to life in Vancouver. With a deep love for her heritage, Vismita blends traditional and modern styles, crafting pieces that resonate with people from all walks of life.
Driven by a passion for ethical fashion, Vismriti focuses on sustainability by responsibly sourcing materials and collaborating with local artisans.
For Vismita, each garment tells a story, reflecting both beauty and mindfulness. She believes fashion should be a joyful expression of who we are.
Through Vismriti, Vismita invites everyone to join her in celebrating the fusion of cultures. Here, fashion is more than just clothing; it's a connection, a celebration of diversity, and a way for each person to express their unique identity.
Email: vismitasehgal@gmail.com
Sofia Belov
Sofia Belov is a Brazilian fashion designer based in Vancouver, dedicated to transforming emotions into wearable art. With a background in video production and photography, she has a keen ability to capture the intensity of each moment through visual storytelling. Currently residing in East Vancouver, she draws inspiration from the city’s dynamic street culture to create contemporary streetwear. However, her aesthetic is also deeply influenced by her upbringing in Salvador, a coastal city in Brazil, where she was surrounded by draped, fluid, and ethereal garments with a tropical essence.
A true multidisciplinary creative, Sofia is passionate about exploring all forms of art. Her innate curiosity and multipotentiality drive her to continuously seek inspiration through travel, immersing herself in diverse cultures and expanding her creative perspective.
Each of her collections reflects a strong foundation in sewing techniques, pattern drafting, and draping—skills she honed during her studies at one of Vancouver’s top fashion design and production institutions. Confident in her vision and creativity, Sofia came to Vancouver to launch her career as a fashion designer, but her ambition extends far beyond. With a relentless drive for knowledge and artistic growth, she aspires to become an internationally recognized artist, drawing inspiration from the world’s most unique cultural landscapes to continue creating and translating her experiences into design.
Email: belovsofia17@gmail.com
Armanpreet Kaur
Designer Arman's vision for ARMOHI was formed out of his enthusiasm for fusing modern design with classic elegance. The dedication to designing clothing that embraces a timeless quality that honors artistry, craftsmanship, and the wearer's individual style is at the heart of ARMOHI. With a profound regard for heritage, every item in our collection captures the spirit of contemporary sophistication.
Our designs incorporate traditional craftsmanship into contemporary silhouettes, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of cultural sources. Every component, from elaborate stitching to opulent textiles, exhibits a respect for the traditional methods that form the cornerstone of our design philosophy. Arman's goal with ARMOHI is to honor these roots while reimagining them to appeal to the self-assured, fashion-forward person of today.
We want to start a dialogue between tradition and innovation with every piece of clothing. Modern accents, striking cuts, and distinctive textures are used to reinterpret classic silhouettes, producing a combination that is both recognizable and pleasantly novel. ARMOHI is defined by this combination of the aggressiveness of modern design and the beauty of tradition.
Every item from ARMOHI is designed to give the wearer a sense of empowerment, style, and authenticity. From choosing high-end textiles to crafting silhouettes that accentuate each figure, Arman's design approach is characterized by painstaking attention to detail. Every item of clothing is made to be adaptable, so it may be worn from formal to casual settings and from day to night with ease.
ARMOHI is more than just a clothing line; it's a thoughtful and high-quality experience. In order to bridge the gap between the skill of production and the art of wearing, each collection is meticulously designed with an emphasis on workmanship that showcases the craftspeople behind each piece.
Our business caters to people who appreciate self-expression, appreciate fine details, and recognize the impact of a well-made item. The ARMOHI lady is poised, self-assured, and not afraid to be herself. As a way to express her contemporary identity and connect with her culture, she views clothing as an extension of her personality and background.
ARMOHI honors the past while looking to the future with each collection, continuing its journey of elegance and innovation. ARMOHI is still committed to quality, classic style, and honoring the craft of dressmaking under Arman's leadership. We cordially invite you to discover ARMOHI, a brand whose pieces are reflections, stories, and celebrations of beauty that transcend fashion
Email: armanpreetkaur730@gmail.com
Designer Arman's vision for ARMOHI was formed out of his enthusiasm for fusing modern design with classic elegance. The dedication to designing clothing that embraces a timeless quality that honors artistry, craftsmanship, and the wearer's individual style is at the heart of ARMOHI. With a profound regard for heritage, every item in our collection captures the spirit of contemporary sophistication.
Our designs incorporate traditional craftsmanship into contemporary silhouettes, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of cultural sources. Every component, from elaborate stitching to opulent textiles, exhibits a respect for the traditional methods that form the cornerstone of our design philosophy. Arman's goal with ARMOHI is to honor these roots while reimagining them to appeal to the self-assured, fashion-forward person of today.
We want to start a dialogue between tradition and innovation with every piece of clothing. Modern accents, striking cuts, and distinctive textures are used to reinterpret classic silhouettes, producing a combination that is both recognizable and pleasantly novel. ARMOHI is defined by this combination of the aggressiveness of modern design and the beauty of tradition.
Every item from ARMOHI is designed to give the wearer a sense of empowerment, style, and authenticity. From choosing high-end textiles to crafting silhouettes that accentuate each figure, Arman's design approach is characterized by painstaking attention to detail. Every item of clothing is made to be adaptable, so it may be worn from formal to casual settings and from day to night with ease.
ARMOHI is more than just a clothing line; it's a thoughtful and high-quality experience. In order to bridge the gap between the skill of production and the art of wearing, each collection is meticulously designed with an emphasis on workmanship that showcases the craftspeople behind each piece.
Our business caters to people who appreciate self-expression, appreciate fine details, and recognize the impact of a well-made item. The ARMOHI lady is poised, self-assured, and not afraid to be herself. As a way to express her contemporary identity and connect with her culture, she views clothing as an extension of her personality and background.
ARMOHI honors the past while looking to the future with each collection, continuing its journey of elegance and innovation. ARMOHI is still committed to quality, classic style, and honoring the craft of dressmaking under Arman's leadership. We cordially invite you to discover ARMOHI, a brand whose pieces are reflections, stories, and celebrations of beauty that transcend fashion
Email: armanpreetkaur730@gmail.com
Rolanda
Rolanda is a Chilean fashion designer based in Vancouver , draws a lot of inspiration from nature, and her love for birds and outdoor living reflects a holistic, eco-conscious lifestyle. Her passion for nature also extends to long walks in different weather conditions, which no doubt influences her work, especially her fashion collection designed for those who face everyday outdoor challenges in tough climates. Her collection " Desierto Florido " was inspired by her country and the traditional festivity of " La Tirana " which occurs in the middle of the dryest desert every year , the beach and forest from her hometown and of course Chilean Patagonia, Exploring the use of water-resistant fabric mixing them with Chilean wool creating a ready to wear water resistant collection suitable for Chile , Canada and everyone who want to wear it.
Email: lor.garfias@gmail.com
Rolanda is a Chilean fashion designer based in Vancouver , draws a lot of inspiration from nature, and her love for birds and outdoor living reflects a holistic, eco-conscious lifestyle. Her passion for nature also extends to long walks in different weather conditions, which no doubt influences her work, especially her fashion collection designed for those who face everyday outdoor challenges in tough climates. Her collection " Desierto Florido " was inspired by her country and the traditional festivity of " La Tirana " which occurs in the middle of the dryest desert every year , the beach and forest from her hometown and of course Chilean Patagonia, Exploring the use of water-resistant fabric mixing them with Chilean wool creating a ready to wear water resistant collection suitable for Chile , Canada and everyone who want to wear it.
Email: lor.garfias@gmail.com
Pearl
Pearl Lui is a Hong Kong fashion designer who champions equality, freedom of expression, sustainability, and individuality. She seeks to empower people to live authentically by wearing what best represents them, while also committing to sustainable fashion and social responsibility to build a better future.
A graduate of Vancouver Community College, Pearl brings a contemporary edge to the timeless art of craftsmanship and a passion for translating her knowledge into designs that enlighten and uplift everyday life. Sourcing eco-friendly materials from around the globe and ensuring ethical practices in her Vancouver studio, she maintains full control over the quality and sustainability of her creations. Her commitment to sustainable fashion is not just about the materials used but the intention behind every garment—creating pieces that not only look beautiful but feel meaningful and lasting.
Inspired by her cultural heritage and the urban, fast-paced lifestyle, Pearl weaves its rich history and ethos into designs that resonate with the global pulse of today’s world.
Pearl believes in the transformative power of fashion, and her designs are created with the purpose of empowering individuals to embrace their true selves. Fashion should not conform—it should liberate, inspire, and create space for self-expression. Her work is for those who aren’t afraid to stand out, for those who want to make a statement not just with their clothes, but with their presence. In her pieces, you will find a celebration of both the individual and the collective, grounded in values of equality, creativity, and freedom.
Email: Madnatca@protonmail.com
Pearl Lui is a Hong Kong fashion designer who champions equality, freedom of expression, sustainability, and individuality. She seeks to empower people to live authentically by wearing what best represents them, while also committing to sustainable fashion and social responsibility to build a better future.
A graduate of Vancouver Community College, Pearl brings a contemporary edge to the timeless art of craftsmanship and a passion for translating her knowledge into designs that enlighten and uplift everyday life. Sourcing eco-friendly materials from around the globe and ensuring ethical practices in her Vancouver studio, she maintains full control over the quality and sustainability of her creations. Her commitment to sustainable fashion is not just about the materials used but the intention behind every garment—creating pieces that not only look beautiful but feel meaningful and lasting.
Inspired by her cultural heritage and the urban, fast-paced lifestyle, Pearl weaves its rich history and ethos into designs that resonate with the global pulse of today’s world.
Pearl believes in the transformative power of fashion, and her designs are created with the purpose of empowering individuals to embrace their true selves. Fashion should not conform—it should liberate, inspire, and create space for self-expression. Her work is for those who aren’t afraid to stand out, for those who want to make a statement not just with their clothes, but with their presence. In her pieces, you will find a celebration of both the individual and the collective, grounded in values of equality, creativity, and freedom.
Email: Madnatca@protonmail.com
Heather Cameron
Heather Cameron is a Vancouver fashion design student with a style that matches the colourful fluidity of butterfly wings. For her current collection, she uses patchwork techniques to replicate the casual nature of streetwear and how it is adapted through various inspirations. The collection is inspired by Heather’s desire to reembrace colourful vibrancy in her wardrobe and use such colour to positively express herself.
The majority of her pieces use thrifted or deadstock materials as it contributes to the reduction of textile waste and subsequently makes all her pieces one-of-a-kind. When Heather finds a garment she likes, she will take the time to unpick all the seams to maximize the fabric at her disposal. No matter what she creates, Heather always adheres to the same values of repurposing and comfort.
Her collection serves as a visual representation of positive self-expression and a desire to reembrace colourful vibrancy in her clothing like she had in her youth. Heather wants others to have the opportunity to express themselves in this way too. This is prominent in her patchwork garments which also function as an extension of her belief that the diversity between people is what connects us all. Our ability to bond over shared experiences and our honest curiosity about new things, enable her belief that we are all pieces of stories stitched together.
Heather’s patience, creative vision, and sewing skills allow her to explore various ways of reusing discarded materials to present a visual narrative of comfort, personality, and self-expression.
Email: hmmc@telus.net
Heather Cameron is a Vancouver fashion design student with a style that matches the colourful fluidity of butterfly wings. For her current collection, she uses patchwork techniques to replicate the casual nature of streetwear and how it is adapted through various inspirations. The collection is inspired by Heather’s desire to reembrace colourful vibrancy in her wardrobe and use such colour to positively express herself.
The majority of her pieces use thrifted or deadstock materials as it contributes to the reduction of textile waste and subsequently makes all her pieces one-of-a-kind. When Heather finds a garment she likes, she will take the time to unpick all the seams to maximize the fabric at her disposal. No matter what she creates, Heather always adheres to the same values of repurposing and comfort.
Her collection serves as a visual representation of positive self-expression and a desire to reembrace colourful vibrancy in her clothing like she had in her youth. Heather wants others to have the opportunity to express themselves in this way too. This is prominent in her patchwork garments which also function as an extension of her belief that the diversity between people is what connects us all. Our ability to bond over shared experiences and our honest curiosity about new things, enable her belief that we are all pieces of stories stitched together.
Heather’s patience, creative vision, and sewing skills allow her to explore various ways of reusing discarded materials to present a visual narrative of comfort, personality, and self-expression.
Email: hmmc@telus.net
Caleb Illescas
Born and raised in Burnaby BC and behind the label “GOMEZ” is designer and creative Caleb Gomez Illescas. Growing up with a fondness for the performing arts, Caleb strives to create lustrous garments that will glimmer on any body they adorn. In his debut collection titled “Double Edged Love” he ventures through the various emotions we experience when falling in and out of love, we see this beautifully reflected in his glamorously lurid designs.
Email: illescascaleb22@gmail.com
= = =
VCC’s Fashion Design & Production Diploma mimics the real-world fashion industry. Students experience a fast-paced production process while learning fundamental skills and the use of industry standard software such as Illustrator and Gerber CAD. The self-directed final garment project is a student’s opportunity to hone in on their craft and personal sartorial interests. For more information, please visit www.vcc.ca/fashion.
Follow us on Instagram @vccfashion and Twitter @vccfashion
Comments
Post a Comment