PARKSHOW 2017

Last weekend was PARKSHOW 2017, which marks the seventh year I've attended this Canadian fashion event - a fact which makes me think about how much PARK has grown since their first shows and also their purpose.  Comparing not only the relative size of the shows I've attended since 2011 but also how much technology has changed since then, the ubiquity of professional photographers and smart phones at these events mean it is now possible to view virtually the entire show through various social media streams almost in real time.  What then is the purpose of attending?  

Clockwise from top left - two looks from LUXX Ready to Wear, LAC ANN, Alex S. Yu

Photos: Doug Wong

Gone are the days of grainy photos and videos when virtually everyone now carries a high-definition camera in their phones at all times, gone too are slow-loading designer websites with little information and no possibility of shopping online.  But what is still lacking online is a sense of touch: the way a fabric feels against the skin and how that makes the wearer feel.  The expansion of the market space at PARKSHOW 2017 allowed attendees to feel, touch, and try on not only what they saw on the runway but also the entire collection of each designer showcased.  

Lennard Taylor

Highlights of the two-day show include the drama of the textural sequins and fringed outfits from LUXX Ready to Wear, as well as the live-painting of outfits on Lennard Taylor's runway.  Of the newcomers to PARK I loved the soft earth tones and embroidery of LAC ANN, the fresh simplicity and florals of UNI, and the unexpected fabric pairings and flounces of Alex S. Yu.  I was, however, quite surprised to see a private label collection being shown - considering that the collection was designed and manufactured by another party (likely in Korea, judging from the Hangul labels), I did not feel that it belonged in a showcase of Canadian talent.  

Wearing By Jean Michel x Widhi Budhimulia for Day 1 of PARKSHOW 2017

But my absolute favourite part of PARKSHOW 2017?  Being able to meet and talk with the designers from the show as well as the Canadian brands with stands in the market space, like Flannel Foxes.  Finding out about their inspiration and getting a close up look at their pieces is important to me not only when choosing new designers to showcase at Studio Intent's future pop ups, but also as a consumer myself.  Knowing the whys and hows behind #whomademyclothes is always a step in the right direction for ethical fashion and more sustainable practices in the fashion industry.  

Well done, PARK.  Can't wait to see the market spaces coming up for your next events!