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

Bahar Kianpour will be presenting their FW25 collections on the runway at VFW on Sunday, October 19th at 7:30 p.m. You can purchase your tickets HERE.

Bio -

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.

BK004 - LACRIMOSA

LACRIMOSA is a journey through memories and fears,

and the quiet beauty that lives within pain.
It reflects the traumas we carry from childhood
The ones that never healed.
The ones we only learned to hide
behind our masks.

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