This year’s theme celebrated elegance, and David Chen did not disappoint.

Related story: International Fashion Gala: Ole to Elegance

Guests enjoyed music, dance, bridal wear, and opulent fashions.

David Chen himself showcased a beautiful floral dress with blue flowers. This was followed by YiYi Chinese dancers from Seattle, WA, and Japanese kimono dresses.

Mine Fashion presented a range of elegant yet stylish wedding, bridesmaid, prom, and evening dresses available for rental.

My favourite looks of the night were from the Myles Elegance collection. It presented theatrical flair, from the old-world opera to modern extravagant fashions. 

This year, Chen has partnered with the BC Cancer Foundation to champion the Vancouver Cancer Centre’s technology innovation initiative. 

Beneath the tall stained-glass windows surrounding the runway, the Gala was filled with fashion indulgence. An evening enjoyed by all. 

Photos: Simon Lau

The post International Fashion Gala Finale appeared first on styledrama.

This inspiring theme set the stage for the Handmade for the Earth fashion show by Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA), which transformed the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) into a hub of creativity last May.

Related Story: EFWA: The Buya Subi Project

Handmade for the Earth

For more than 10 years, Founder and Creative Director Dr. Zuhal Kuvan-Mills has carried her eco-fashion vision across continents, inspiring audiences from Perth and Vancouver to Florence and, now, Palu, Indonesia.

Handmade for the Earth weaves together age-old textile artistry and contemporary design, sparking innovation in sustainable fashion and nurturing the growth of green economies.

The fashion collection featured Buya Subi, a silk Sarong Donggalaven from Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, handcrafted for over 300 years.

Eco fashion designers

The VPL fashion runway came alive with creations from more than a dozen designers representing Canada, Estonia, the Czech Republic, the UK, Spain, Italy, Indonesia, and Australia.

Vancouver audiences saw Green Embassy, Atelier Zuhal, Sylvia Calvo, LJR Design by Linda Russel, Leah Kelly By Design, Samantha Faye Designs, Fabric of Nature, Amme Dennis, Atelier Biologico, Nenjaka, Ravencroth Textile Studio, Funk N Soul97, Mon, Fina Collection, Acca Atelier, Temple of Redress, Haruu Zuzana Hrubos and Olga Ignatenko.

Buya Subi

We were all treated to eco-conscious runway shows in which sustainable designs blended bespoke craftsmanship with contemporary flair.

The Handmade for the Earth collection featured Buya Subi, silk Sarong Donggala textiles hand-woven in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, for over 300 years.

Dr. Kuvan-Mills strongly believes that the most radical act in fashion is to make it by hand. The future is handmade.

Fashion is much like art

EFWA is working towards:

• Preserve cultural heritage in the face of globalization.
• Drive sustainable, zero-waste design practices.
• Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

For Dr. Kuvan-Mills, fashion is much like art, sparking conversations about sustainability and cultural preservation, shaping consumer choices and the industry’s future.

EFWA’s next fashion show will be held in Perth, Australia, from October 30 to November 1, 2026.

Photos: Simon Lau

The post Handmade for the Earth appeared first on styledrama.

Originally opened in 1959 as Oakridge Centre, the mall was developed by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) on a then-undeveloped 32-acre forested site at West 41st Avenue and Cambie Street. Built with a construction budget of $25 million, the open-air shopping centre became Vancouver’s first major mall, anchored by the Woodward’s department store and surrounded by 2,500 surface parking spaces.

Related story: International Fashion Gala: Ode to elegance

Walking through the front doors of the new Oakridge Park reveals just how much Vancouver has evolved over the decades — from a quiet forestry town into a global city preparing to host FIFA and attract visitors from around the world.

Offering a luxury shopping experience

The all-new Oakridge Park is centred entirely around luxury retail. There are no fast-fashion outlets here. Instead, shoppers stroll along expansive granite floors lined with brands ranging from local favourites such as Lululemon and Aritzia to prestigious European fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Brunello Cucinelli, and Bvlgari.

Surprisingly, several luxury boutiques, including Dior, were still not open despite the redevelopment having been underway for more than a decade. Most remaining tenants are expected to be operational by the fall.

Inside the mall, suspended glass art installations hang overhead, including a small indoor amphitheatre with church-style wooden pews that provides space for live performances and cultural programming.

Time Out Market

Located above the shopping centre is the new Time Out Market, the internationally recognized food hall concept founded in Lisbon with locations around the world. My most recent visit to a Time Out Market was in Barcelona last year, and stepping into the Vancouver location immediately brought back memories of enjoying authentic Spanish paella.

The food hall promises an elevated culinary and cultural experience, featuring cuisine from some of the city’s top chefs. Visitors can choose from 18 kitchens, three bars, a coffee shop, and a main stage dedicated to arts and cultural events.

Dining here, however, comes at a premium. The Le Croc burger from Feenie’s starts at $27.99, add foie gras, port wine jus and truffle fries, and your tab climbs to $72.96, not including tip and tax.

Most seating consists of large communal bench-style tables accommodating up to 1,000 guests. During the summer months, visitors can also dine outdoors on the rooftop patio while enjoying some of Vancouver’s best people-watching.

Luxury fashion and dining converges at Oakridge Park

Oakridge Park’s upscale retail tenant mix targets affluent shoppers and has historically posted the highest sales per square metre among malls across Canada.

Strategically located between downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport, with access to the Skytrain, Oakridge Park appears well-positioned for long-term success despite a recent slowdown in global luxury goods spending.

Beneath the mall are 2,000 underground parking spaces, including 200 electric vehicle charging stations. Valet parking is available on the P1 level at both the north and south atriums, while the first two levels of underground parking remain free for up to three hours.

The Oakridge Park redevelopment was approved by the City of Vancouver in 2014 as a then-$1.5-billion project. Since then, it has expanded into a $5-billion development that includes five luxury condominium towers nearing occupancy, future office towers, and a proposed street-style shopping district still awaiting a construction timeline.

From luxury fashion to contemporary streetwear, Oakridge Park aims to bring together some of the world’s most established and innovative names in fashion. Vancouver has certainly grown since its beginnings. 

The post Oakridge Park redefines luxury retail in Vancouver appeared first on styledrama.

Produced by the Chef’s Table Society of BC (CTS) in collaboration with the Pacific Prawn Fishermen’s Association (PPFA), this cherished coastal tradition has been a Vancouver favourite since 2006. The festival kicks off the much-awaited BC spot prawn season, bringing together chefs, fishers, and food enthusiasts to celebrate one of the province’s most iconic and sustainable seafoods.

Related story: Harry’s Cafe de Wheels

This year, they warmly invite Vancouverites to support our local fishers during the Spot Prawn festival, especially as they navigate uncertain times caused by foreign tariffs. With export demand and prices declining, our harvesters and the coastal community are feeling the financial strain. Let’s come together to show our support and appreciation for their hard work.

Eat more prawns

We must all step up to support the local people who power the industry and bolster domestic demand. Eat more spot prawns. Our future depends on this effort. 

You have three ways to support the fishers at the Spot Prawn Festival:

Back by popular demand, Chefs’ Table Society will serve up a Prawn & Seafood Chowder. Tickets for the chowder with a freshly baked bun are $12 per bowl (plus tax and service), and you can take it to go!

No long waits

Choose to enjoy your Prawn Seafood Chowder in one of the following time slots:
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
The time clearly indicated on your ticket should be respected. Please note that arriving early will not grant earlier access, and arriving late may result in a longer wait.

Live Demo Stage on the dock (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Join talented chefs for 30-minute cooking demonstrations as they share tips, techniques, and inspiration for cooking with BC Spot Prawns.

Spot Prawn Festival Brunch
Excited about attending the weekend brunch featuring a tasting menu with six delicious spot prawn dishes that showcase the many ways this delicacy can be enjoyed. Dishes will be prepared by some of BC’s finest chefs—a great way to sample a variety of creations and connect with the chefs as you move between food stations, while enjoying samples of BC wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. A sweet treat will be served as well.

Participating chefs and restaurants include:
Ben Kiely, PICAchef
Bobby Milheron, Maxine’s Café and Bar
Christopher Janowski, Sunflower Café
David Lee, Vancouver Aquarium
Jay Park, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Jitin Kapoor, Glowbal
Kailash Chandra, Sula Indian Restaurant
Lina Caschetto, Say Hey Cafe
Malindi Taylor & Alex Guido, Fanny Bay Oyster Bar
Raimund Heuser, Blue Water Café
Steve Kuan, Torafuku
Tyler Prevette, Folietta Ristorante & Bar
Ysmael Media/Catalino III Javier, Halina Modern Filipino Kitchen + Bar

Chef’s Table Society

Each year, the Spot Prawn festival helps build domestic appreciation for BC Spot Prawns while raising vital funds for CTS programs, including culinary scholarships, mentorship, and sustainability initiatives. It also supports The Commons by CTS—a dynamic new culinary hub in Vancouver dedicated to preserving BC’s rich food heritage while fostering education, industry connections, and the next generation of culinary talent.

Event Details
Event: Spot Prawn Festival 2026
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Venue: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf 
Host: Chefs’ Table Society
Tickets & Information: Chef’s Table Society

All photos courtesy of Chef’s Table Society of BC.

The post Come and enjoy the Spot Prawn Festival appeared first on styledrama.

Above photo: SpiralAloe

Related story: Heritage in Motion: African fashion and art show

This year’s runway shows dazzle with joyful, colourful designs that embody the bold spirit of African fashion. With bright colours and eye-catching looks, the showcase features six talented fashion designers setting major trends while promoting sustainability through environmentally friendly fabrics.

Founded by Yao Zeus Agoeyovo in 2018, this remarkable event has grown into a platform that supports local economies and empowers entrepreneurs within the African community. Attendees at the BMO Theatre’s Newmont stage were treated to an unforgettable evening filled with art, music, dance performances. Plus, a bustling marketplace that brought together the essence of life itself.

The impact of African Fashion Week Vancouver goes beyond mere aesthetics; it nurtures a global community united by a shared appreciation for rich textiles and motifs. As audiences witness these bold statements on the runway, they are encouraged to embrace diversity while supporting sustainable fashion practices.

Here are the designers celebrating African Fashion Week’s extraordinary fusion of style and substance—be part of something truly transformative!

Photos: Simon Lau

The post African Fashion Week Vancouver: joyful and colourful appeared first on styledrama.

Related story: The Art of Living by Jean de la Croix

Their innovative unisex designs are suitable for all and challenge traditional fashion standards. I have learned that their best sellers include oversized sweaters, turtlenecks, cable-knit pullovers, and knit tank tops.

Ahblo’s exquisite alpaca knitwear offers unparalleled comfort for cozy nights at home and stylish gatherings with friends.

At VFW, each piece is crafted with care and attention to detail. A luxurious addition to your wardrobe with the softest baby alpaca fibres.

Alpaca products are practical and feel luxurious against your skin, renowned for their incredibly silky texture, warmth, and functionality. Alpaca yarns are hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating, and naturally water-repellent.

They exclusively use natural materials to craft each garment with integrity and purpose. The fibres they use are sustainable, smart, and luxurious.

By utilizing natural, plant-based dyes and ethically sourcing their Peruvian alpaca wool fibre from Fair Trade-certified suppliers. They are committed to eco-friendly and ethical apparel production practices.

Experience pure luxury and comfort. Ahblo luxury fashion designs encapsulate the laid-back, relaxed spirit of the West Coast. While their alpaca knitwear pays homage to traditional Peruvian artisan techniques.

Let their soft luxury alpaca knitwear allow you to express your personal style. 

Explore their seasonless collections of cozy baby alpaca sweaters, crop tops, knit vests, shorts, headscarves, and ponchos. All are available online at Ahblo.

The post Discover the luxurious Alpaca fashion collection by Ahblo appeared first on styledrama.

Photos: Simon Lau

Related story: Jumper Zhang haute couture boutique opens in Vancouver

In keeping with the brand’s commitment to sustainability, these looks were crafted from eco-friendly materials and produced using ethical manufacturing practices. The brand is dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint while creating fashion that enriches the lives of its clientele.

Viewing Jean De La Croix’s collection at the front row of VFW is undeniably visually stunning and culturally meaningful for women who are world travellers. Each garment is meticulously designed to inspire creativity, ignite passion, and evoke a sense of wonder in those who wear it, regardless of the occasion or location.

The launch of this collection heralds a new chapter, one that is designed to spread joy through its exquisite and thoughtful details. The bold geometry and vibrant colour palette are a testament to blending artistic expression with everyday wearability. With luxurious fabrics and intricate details, a fusion that is sure to resonate with those who appreciate the artistry of luxury fashion.

I am excited to see this level of fashion talent in Vancouver, a collection that celebrates joy and artistry, inspiring all who experience it.

The post The art of living by Jean De La Croix appeared first on styledrama.

I recently attended the runway collection by Zhang Peng, the founder and art director of Jumper Zhang, at Vancouver Fashion Week FW24. The event offered a glimpse into China’s emerging fashion talent, now making its mark on the global stage.

Photos: Simon Lau

Related story: Top fashion looks from VFW FW24

Zhang Peng combines traditional Eastern elegance with modern haute couture in his designs. His collection “Circle” draws inspiration from humanity’s reverence and worship of the sun, one of China’s oldest abstract decorative patterns. The collection revolves around the ancient symbolism and historical meaning of the sun.

The looks for Jumper Zhang’s collection are not just clothes; they are works of art meticulously crafted by hand. Each piece showcases a unique blend of techniques such as bead embroidery, needlework, applique, layering, weaving, and rhinestone decoration, demonstrating Zhang’s commitment to quality and innovation.

The collection, through a contemporary high-fashion lens, pays homage to the beauty of the natural world. While respecting cultural traditions, the designer hopes to set a new vision in the fashion world.

His talent and creativity have placed him among China’s top ten fashion designers. Interestingly, his artistic prowess is not limited to fashion alone. Zhang is also a national champion in Tai Chi Quan and Tai Chi Sword at the National Martial Arts Championship.

The post Jumper Zhang haute couture boutique opens in Vancouver appeared first on styledrama.

As the leader in premium Alaskan vacations, this nine-day Princess Cruises tour includes two nights in Anchorage. Plus, a bear-watching experience at Brook Falls in Katmai National Park.

Related story: Sun Princess Arena shows will memorize guests

Princess Cruises Katmai Park Tour

The Princess Cruises Katmai Park tour begins with a visit to Alaska’s Wildlife Conversation Centre, situated just outside of Whittier. This centre is dedicated to the conservation, education, research, and quality care of Alaska’s wildlife. During your visit, guests can see various animals such as moose, muskox, reindeer, wolves, lynx, and caribou.

Cruise guests will fly from Anchorage to King Salmon to observe giant brown grizzly bears eagerly welcoming the returning sockeye salmon. Plus, view dominating male bears compete for the best catching spots at Brooks Lodge.

Experience wild brown bear habitats

Guests can hike scenic trails through natural brown bear habitats and salmon-feeding locations, including the iconic Brooks Falls. A complimentary lunch is provided at midday, and Princess guests receive an exclusive souvenir.

Travellers can choose 16 northbound and 16 southbound departures from Vancouver or Whittier (Anchorage) for the Katmai Park tour.

Voyage of the Glaciers cruise

Enjoy your tour before or after a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, which includes an opportunity to visit Glacier Bay National Park. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers in College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Consider a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise on Grand, Royal, or Sapphire Princess, followed by a three-day stay in Anchorage. Sailings is scheduled to depart from June 8 to August 29, 2024. 

Experience Alaska’s magnificent wildlife in its natural habitat with the Princess Cruises Katmai Park tour.

The 2024 season marks Princess Cruises’ 55th anniversary of sailing in Alaska. Seven ships will sail from five homeports: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage (Whittier).

The post Princess Cruises new Katmai Park tour departs from Vancouver appeared first on styledrama.

Get into the holiday spirit by experiencing the infamous Dancing Lights. Explore the themed light areas and treat yourself to delicious snacks from a variety of food vendors. This year, there are three Dancing Lights sets to enjoy. You can catch the show every 20 minutes from the top of the hour.

Don’t forget to stop by the Scottish Shelter to light a candle and donate to our charitable partner, Make-A-Wish.

VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights tickets must be purchased online in advance for a designated entry time. Tickets are not sold on-site.

Related Story: 2023 Vancouver Michelin Guide

The post VanDusen Festival of Lights appeared first on styledrama.