We’ve packed in dozens of unedited photos from last night’s Vancouver Fashion Week gala opening at the Terminal City Club after the leap, plus a release on first day of show action…

VANCOUVER, November 5, 2009 – Today will mark the first day of shows from Vancouver Fashion Week. International and multicultural designs from emerging and established designers will be showcased today at the Colin Campbell Design Showroom located at 494 Railway St, Vancouver.

Vancouver Fashion Week is celebrating true Vancouver culture through today’s shows. First to send a Spring/Summer 2010 collection down the runway will be Dorothy Grant, an established aboriginal designer.

“She is paving the way for new comers in this industry to stay true to their roots. She has showcased her Haida roots and with Vancouver at the forefront with the Olympics approaching, Dorothy showcases how her style is truly an art form that is healing and spiritual” says a Dorothy Grant representative. “Today we can expect to see her roots shining thorough but with a modern and contemporary feel. Her designs are artistic and true to the heart”

In addition to Grant, at 5:00PM, emerging designers Industry and Button will each be showing their collection, followed by contemporary ready-to-wear designer Papillion. In addition, a trio of Italian designers will each take the runway this evening at 7:00PM.

Closing the shows for the day will be Crossover; the product of Raanee Khaira, a Vancouver based designer, and Suniel Shettywhich. Crossover has brought Bollywood style into a mainstream market.

Raanee Khaira states that Crossover is “a new and unique retail concept brought to international markets from the world’s largest film industry, Bollywood in India.” Her concept is “an exclusive and unique combination of the Eastern and Western world designs. They allow for the self expression of the woman of today along with enhancing the beauty of the individual.” In essence, Crossover “combines the beauty of Indian Art with the beauty of the Indian woman.”

This exciting show will have a unique aspect because it will feature all East Indian models, which strays from the industry norm.

Vancouver Fashion Week will wrap up the first day of fashion week with an after party at Ginger62. Tickets to shows and after parties are available at clubzone.com and more information is available at www.vanfashionweek.com.

About Vancouver Fashion Week: Established in the year 2000, Vancouver Fashion Week is focused on featuring local, international, and eco-friendly designers.

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