ECO FASHION WEEK

Sustainable style hits the runway

1 The 81 Pound Challenge:

A consistent favourite of the annual style event, this year’s challenge has been boosted from 68 pounds to 81 pounds to reflect the growing number of textiles the average North American throws away annually. So, what exactly is the VCAD 81 Pound Challenge? The event, which is presented by Eco Fashion Week sponsor Value Village, will see students from the Visual College of Art and Design create a full collection of garments — using 81 pounds of thrift clothing. The designers will be mentored by VCAD teachers Jason Matlo, Wen-chee Liu and Glencora Twigg. The 81 Pound Challenge is scheduled for April 11 at 9 p.m. at the Fairmont Waterfront hotel.

2 Designers to watch:

This season’s designers include a lineup of talent that is sure to turn heads including Vancouver’s own Abel and buzzworthy American designer Jeff Garner behind the line Prophetik. But the runway show we’re most excited to see is that of local bridal wear brand Laudae. Designed and crafted in Vancouver, the newly minted collection features timeless weddingday designs — many crafted from recycled polyester and lace. The runway shows are slated to take place at the Fairmont Waterfront April 10-12.

3 Beds to Balmain:

The hospitality — and specifically the hotel industry — is reportedly a huge source of textile waste thanks to bed linen and towel turnover. This year, the EFW team will look to reduce that amount (if in a small way) with a design challenge in partnership with the Fairmont Waterfront hotel. The event, which has been dubbed the Chic Sheets: The Bed Linen Challenge, will see eight designers including Tammy Joe of Young Oak and Project Runway Canada alum Kim Cathers create pieces inspired by designs from French fashion house Balmain’s 70-year-spanning archives — all crafted from used hotel linens. The designs will be unveiled on April 10 at Pacific Centre and votes from the public will be tallied to award the three top designs prize money ranging from $250 (for third place) to $1,000 (for first).

PETER JENSEN A model wears Carlie Wong on the runway of Eco Fashion Week in Vancouver.

FILES Myriam Laroche is founder of Eco Fashion Week in Vancouver, which showcases sustainable creations.

NOAH ASANIAS/ THE ARTISTRY COLLECTIVE A model wears a gown by Vancouver-based designer Laudae.