/Meet the Future of Fashion: Our Featured Kid Models UPCYCLE YOUR IMAGINATION
/Sustainable Fashion for a Greener Future
GAIA INTERVIEW
/Spotlight on Young Talent: Gaia Interviews the Models
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Floral Designer Ivonne Herrera Hidalgo / México
#VKFW CATWALK
Vancouver Kids Fashion Week hosted an exciting Catwalk Challenge, inviting kids to strut their best model walks at home and share their videos on Instagram. With so many creative and fun submissions, our feed was filled with talented little stars showcasing their unique styles!
#VKFWCATWALK #vankidsfashionweek
Moemusisan Collection
VKFW FW24 RUNWAY REVIEW
This runway featured a range of brands, from Moemusisan’s modern kimonos to ReToRu’s monk-inspired designs and Audrey Raine’s whimsical children’s wear, each blending tradition with creative innovation.
LONGSHI
Longshi is celebrated for its exceptional ability to blend tradition with modernity, creating designs that are both culturally rich and visually striking. Rooted in ancient Mongolian heritage, the brand’s collections embody a deep respect for cultural storytelling, with each garment reflecting a harmonious blend of the past and present. Longshi meticulously selects the finest silks and decadent brocades, ensuring that every piece not only looks luxurious but also feels exquisite to wear. The brand’s signature embroidery, executed with precision, adds depth
and texture, transforming each garment into a work of art that resonates with history.
What sets Longshi apart is its bold use of color and intricate patterns, inspired by Mongolia’s vibrant landscapes and cultural motifs. These elements are reinterpreted with a contemporary twist, making the designs feel both timeless and innovative. The seamless integration of cultural heritage and modern fashion sensibilities positions Longshi as a unique force in the industry, capturing the essence of tradition while continually pushing the boundaries of style.
Topao by Tomoko is a collection that marries warmth, elegance, and sustainability. Named after the Croatian word for "warm," Topao reflects Tomoko’s commitment to creating handmade, eco-friendly garments. Each piece is crafted with high-quality sewing techniques, offering simple yet refined designs. A portion of their sales support the WWF, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to environmental conservation. Topao is more than fashion—it's a lifestyle choice that brings art and joy into everyday life.
Audrey Raine is a cherished local brand known for creating clothing that kids absolutely adore, blending fun, whimsy, and creativity into every piece. Specializing in custom-madeto-order garments, Audrey Raine ensures each item is truly unique, reflecting the child’s personality and individual style.
The brand is also committed to inclusivity, offering adaptive clothing for children with special medical needs, designed for both comfort and ease. Beyond these thoughtful designs, Audrey Raine features innovative pieces like grow-with-me clothes and garments kids can color on, adding an interactive, artistic element to their wardrobe. Whether it’s a custom piece or an imaginative everyday outfit, Audrey Raine turns dressing up into a joyful, creative adventure that every child will love and remember.
facebook.com/audreyrainecanada
@audreyraine_canada
LITTLE PRINCESS GOWN
@littleprincessgown
Little Princess Gown
Little Princess Gown is a local brand that specializes in crafting exquisite dresses for life’s most special moments, including flower-girl, prom, and party dresses for young girls. Renowned for their attention to detail, the brand offers customizable styles, colors, and fabrics, ensuring each garment is as unique as the girl who wears it. Little Princess Gown also caters to performing arts events, creating beautiful costumes for ballet dance shows, theatre productions, and kids' choirs.
Their commitment to quality is evident in every stitch, and they strive to build lasting trust with their online customers by delivering stunning, high-quality dresses. The brand’s motto, "Every little girl is a princess," is at the heart of their designs, ensuring that each girl feels truly special in a Little Princess Gown. Whether it’s for a memorable event or a performance, Little Princess Gown makes sure that every little girl looks and feels like royalty.
BGM DANCE STUDIO
Closing performance
The closing performance of Vancouver Kids Fashion Week was a highlight, featuring the talented young dancers from BGM Dance Studio. Founded in 2019, BGM is the Lower Mainland’s first K-Pop-focused studio, known for its vibrant and diverse dance styles. Their dynamic performance brought energy and excitement to the event, perfectly capturing the creativity and skill that BGM nurtures in its students. With a focus on everything from K-Pop to hiphop, BGM Dance Studio continues to be a beacon for aspiring dancers, making this finale a fitting end to an incredible day of fashion and talent.
@retorukids
ReToRu, founded by Runo Tomita in 1999, is a brand deeply rooted in love and family. Named after her children, Ren and Runo, the brand initially focused on children's clothing but has since expanded to include designs for adults as well. This collection showcases ReToRu's commitment to traditional Japanese craftsmanship, featuring the "kozo" style, inspired by young Buddhist monks, and a distinctive "lacquer" coating that adds a unique touch to each piece.
ReToRu’s mission goes beyond fashion; it seeks to inspire children to pursue their dreams and live fully in the present. Each garment is meticulously crafted, embodying the heart and soul that Japan takes pride in. The brand’s philosophy centers on the belief that true confidence comes from within, and ReToRu designs with both outer appearance and inner strength in mind. By creating clothing that is as meaningful as it is beautiful, ReToRu empowers its wearers to embrace their authentic selves and live joyfully in the moment.
Founded in 2016, Moemusisan reimagines the traditional kimono by blending classic Japanese elements with modern, Western influences. Inspired by Kyoto’s rich heritage, the designer began by crafting clothes for her children, quickly gaining attention for her unique style. Moemusisan’s kimonos mix colors, patterns, and @moemusisan moemusisan.jp
materials from various cultures, making each piece versatile and personalized. The collection, "KIMONO: Threads of the Old for the New," offers a fresh, casual take on traditional attire, with some garments reviving kimonos passed down through generations. Moemusisan aims to make kimonos a stylish, everyday choice for a global audience.
victoriavalentinacouture.com
@victoriaandvalentinacouture
Victoria and Valentina Couture was born out of Creative Director Princess Ada’s lifelong passion for fashion and her personal journey to find the perfect dresses. Trained as a lawyer, Ada always had a discerning eye for style, but finding dresses that matched her high fashion taste was a challenge. Growing up, she recalls how her mother would spend hours searching for the right dress during the seasons, only to come up short.
This struggle continued into adulthood, where Ada still found it difficult to discover dresses that aligned with her unique sense of style. When she had her first daughter, Ada was excited to dress her in beautiful Princess dresses. However, the same struggle reappeared when it came time to find the perfect dress for her daughter’s first birthday. Unable to find what she envisioned, Ada decided to take matters into her own hands and designed the dress herself. The success of this design ignited her passion to create a children’s clothing line that offers stylish, unique pieces for every single occasion.
Victoria and Valentina Couture is the realization of Ada’s dream to provide every child with a wardrobe that reflects their individuality. The brand
is dedicated to creating exquisite, one-of-a-kind garments that cater to each child’s unique style, ensuring that they feel special and confident. For parents seeking beautiful, high-quality dresses for their children, Victoria & Valentina offers a collection that combines elegance with a personal touch, making each child feel like royalty.
Lucas Han
Angela He
INDIGO EDUCATION
CONFIDENCE
Indigo Education empowers children to take the stage with confidence, just like today’s emcees. Offering courses in acting, public speaking, and storytelling, Indigo helps kids discover their unique talents and build essential life skills.
TALENT
Whether aspiring to be in the spotlight or simply improving communication, Indigo Education guides children with expert instruction and a supportive environment, ensuring they grow and succeed.
Performance by INDIGO Education Sunday Opening
Frank Lai
Indigo Education kicked off Sunday’s events with a vibrant and heartwarming rap performance, showcasing the talents of their young students. The performance blended creativity, rhythm, and energy, captivating the audience and setting a high bar for the day. It highlighted the confidence and stage presence developed through Indigo’s comprehensive programs.
These young performers demonstrated the impact of nurturing talent in a supportive environment. Indigo Education’s commitment to building communication and performance skills was clear in every moment on stage. Their performance was not only entertaining but also an inspiring reminder of the potential within every child.
Thank you to Indigo Education for an uplifting start to the day, paving the way for the fashion and talent that followed.
Asher Li
Linda Zheng Boen Zheng
A Fusion of
LONGSHI: Tradition and Innovation
Longshi’s designs are more than just fashion; they represent a deep exploration of cultural heritage and innovation. Under the leadership of Gao Yanlong, the brand is committed to preserving and revitalizing Mongolian and Han traditions. Gao’s dedication led him on an immersive journey, visiting 28 Mongolian tribes to study their traditional clothing and the rich narratives these garments embody. This extensive research has shaped every aspect of Longshi’s collections, where ancient techniques are masterfully blended with modern design, resulting in garments that resonate with historical depth while being strikingly contemporary.
At the heart of Longshi’s work lies a profound respect for traditional craftsmanship. Gao meticulously applies age-old embroidery techniques to modern silhouettes, ensuring that these skills are preserved and reimagined for today’s audience. This thoughtful fusion of the old and the new creates a harmonious balance, celebrating the past while pushing the boundaries of modern fashion.
Longshi’s vision challenges the fashion industry to rethink how cultural heritage can be integrated into contemporary design. By showcasing its collection at Vancouver Kids Fashion Week, Longshi isn’t just presenting clothing—it’s telling a powerful story that bridges the past and future. The brand honors cultural traditions while inspiring a forward-looking approach to fashion, proving that heritage and innovation can coexist.
Photographer: Yvonne Hanson Model: Andrew Zhao, Parisa Chen, Serina Zhang
Check out these cool Japanese anime vintage t-shirts that are making a big fashion statement right now! Modaku sells vintage anime T-shirts from the 80s to the 2020
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BLOGGER
Meet two inspiring mommy bloggers who seamlessly blend family life with creative flair. Follow their journeys for parenting tips, style ideas, and everyday adventures.
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Laura Crawford
Athenas Angulo
Fall Family Activities to Enjoy in Vancouver
As the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall sweep across Vancouver, it's the perfect time to explore the city and surrounding areas with your family. From pumpkin patches to thrilling Halloween events, here are some must-do fall activities that our family love!
1. Cranberry Harvest Tour at Hopcott Farms
Experience the beauty of fall with a visit to Hopcott Farms for their Cranberry Harvest Tour. This unique tour lets you and your family witness the vibrant cranberry fields up close, learning about the harvesting process while enjoying the picturesque scenery. It's a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the local agriculture and get some fresh cranberries to take home.
2. Maan Farms: Forest Pumpkin Patch and Signature Fall Treats
Maan Farms in Abbotsford is in our top of the list for fall activities. Wander through the enchanting Forest Pumpkin Patch, perfect for snapping that Instagramworthy selfie. Afterward, indulge in their Signature Fall Treats, like the Double Pumpkin Spice Cream, Halloween theme treats and my personal favourite their Blackberry wine. Maan Farms also happens to be the home for the scariest corn maze in Canada!
3. Taves Family Farms: Pumpkin Patch & More Taves Family Farms, also known as Applebarn, is a
fantastic destination for fall family activities. Their Pumpkin Patch is a highlight, where kids can pick their perfect pumpkin while enjoying other farm activities like pony rides, a petting barn, and a corn maze. The farm also features apple picking and a country store filled with delicious treats, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
4. Fright Nights at the PNE
For families with older kids or teens, Fright Nights at the PNE is a thrilling way to embrace the Halloween spirit. With haunted houses, terrifying rides, and live performances, this event is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. It's a spooktacular experience that will leave you screaming for more.
5. Bear Creek Park Halloween Train
Younger children will love the Bear Creek Park Halloween Train. This family-friendly ride takes you through a decorated forest with fun Halloween scenes and friendly characters. It's a not-too-scary option that lets little ones enjoy the magic of Halloween without the frights.
These fall activities around Vancouver offer something for everyone, from harvest tours and pumpkin patches to Halloween thrills. So grab your cozy sweaters and get ready for a season full of family fun!
Laura Crawford
PARIS with Teens and Tweens
Paris has been a dream to share with the kids for years and it did not disappoint! I loved getting to photograph them with the Eiffel Tower and other beautiful, iconic spots. As parents we enjoyed getting to watch them experience it all and here’s what we learned.
Consider renting an apartment. Many different sites offer vacation rentals. This way everyone has a bit more space. We absolutely loved the place we rented in the Palais-Royal. In fact, staying like a local and in a Parisian neighbourhood park no less, was our teen’s favourite part. She loved walking to the local corner grocer, bakery or just reading in the garden.
Fresh Pastries Nothing quite like fresh pastries to get kids out of bed and moving in the morning! And with a bakery (boulangerie) on most blocks, quite easily accomplished with one early riser who enjoys a morning walk.
Disney Paris was a highlight and favourite of both kids (despite the 12 year old not being a huge Disney enthusiast) and both would readily return given the opportunity. It made for a great, but very long, day!
Crepe Carts are your friend, possibly your best friend, or at least the best friend of your 12 year old! She made it a personal goal to try to search one out daily and devour a freshly made warm Nutella crepe.
Cafes and Bistros were a delight for all. Especially when it was the kids turn to choose. If there was not somewhere we were set on eating, we would let them look around and decide.
Hot Chocolate is unparalleled in Paris. Our tween LOVES hot chocolate so it was fun thing to experience in little cafes who have perfected it.
Cooking Classes are a terrific idea. For our 12 year old it was a no brainer to choose a macaron class. She loved it even more than I expected. Having taken many wonderful classes through the years with Cook’n with Class Paris, I already knew the adult classes were great. Having the kids help plan and look at the options will give you an idea if this is an interest to your teens or tweens. Book Stores are wonderful in Paris. And since our teen is a very avid reader, she had found places to visit and see ahead of time like Shakespeare and Company. She also adored planning outfits, aesthetics and photos at famous sights, so we leaned into that!
Parisian Sights abound. Each of the kids had their favourites. The Tuileries Gardens, Sainte-Chapelle and The Conciergerie (with an interactive iPad self guided option) were a hit with both kids. Our teen’s favourite museum was the Musée d’Orsay (which also happens to be mine) in the beautiful, old train station. However, the 12 year old did not always love ‘all the museums full of naked people’ but DID love the gift and souvenir shops to explore!
Paris is always a good idea and definitely has something for everyone. Even just wandering and exploring the city has its own joys. But to make things go smoother, try to include your kids in the planning and incorporate their individual likes and interests where possible.
Je t’aime Paris.
Kids Model Introduction
BRIAN TOMCZYK
Rising Star Shaping the Future of Kids's Fashion
Introducing Brian Tomczyk , a rising star in the modeling world! With two years in the industry, Brian has made a lasting impression, gracing the runways of Vancouver Kids Fashion Week, New York Kids Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week. His natural charisma and dedication have made him a standout, catching the eye of top designers and industry professionals. Featured in major runway shows and media, Brian's journey is just beginning, as he continues to build an impressive foundation for a bright future in fashion!
Brian’s journey is an inspiring example of how young talent can shine in the fashion world. Starting a modeling career early, like Brian, opens doors to incredible opportunities in the industry. Becoming a model at a young age builds confidence and provides a strong foundation for those looking to excel in the fashion world!
Model: Brian Tomczyk
Photographer: Arun Nevader
Meet Serina Zhang , an outstanding, emerging, young model from China. Her natural talent and grace on the runway have earned her recognition at prestigious fashion events, such as New York, London, and Milan Fashion Week. Serina’s dedication and passion for modeling set her apart, promising an exciting future in the industry. With each step, she continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide!
SERINA ZHANG
Shining Bright in the Fashion World
Serina’s journey shows how young talents can thrive in the fashion industry. Starting early has given her incredible opportunities, building confidence and a strong foundation for success. Whether on the runway or in the media, young models like Serina can make lasting impressions and set the stage for a bright future in fashion!
Model: Serina Zhang
Photographer: Arun Nevader
UPCYCLE YOUR IMAGINATION UPCYCLE YOUR IMAGINATION
Author: Merrielle Anguluan DeGuzman Model: Alice Comer Brand: ReToRu
Sustainable fashion is a trending topic in today's clothing industry. While several fashion brands are incorporating sustainable practices in their businesses, it is time to ponder and explore the possibilities for Kids' Fashion.
A fun way to dive into sustainable fashion is through DIY projects for children. It is a fantastic way to engage parents and children in sustainable practices. It taps into the growing trend of hands-on and creative activities that teach children about the significance of sustainability while allowing them to express their individuality, creativity, imagination, and most importantly, to have fun!
DIY sustainable fashion allows children to learn the basics of environmental impact and consumption habits at a young age. They will also learn about the craftsmanship behind Fashion.
This opportunity can inspire parents and children to refresh their wardrobes by revamping old clothes, bags, shoes, and accessories. Children can create their garments using vintage or reusable materialsan activity both boys and girls will enjoy as they love interactive play. It's a fun and effective way to learn!
Gaia interview
How was your experience with VKFW?
It was amazing being able to be a part of VKFW because I got to experience interviewing designers with their super creative collection of clothes and models with such awesome talent, and of course I was fascinated to see the incredible help of the VKFW team.
What was your favourite part of the show?
My favourite part of the show was watching the kids models show off their talent and their stunning outfits. They really showed their confidence and made the show fabulous!
Who do you want to interview?
I would like to interview even more designers to get to know more about their inspirations that led to their amazing collections and why they chose this awesome career in fashion.
Did anything surprise you during your conversations and did you face any challenges during your interviews?
Honestly, I was surprised that some of the young kid models had great answers and responded to my questions quickly! But, some of the challenges were having to understand what they were saying if they were a little shy and speaking quietly. Another challenge was figuring out what to say on the spot. But that’s also a fun part of being an interviewer! You get to ask them any question and bring out the fun in them!
How did you feel meeting all the designers and models?
At the start I was obviously very excited to meet them all but I was also a bit nervous. Then later on I felt really comfortable knowing that everybody around me was excited for me to interview them!
What are you most excited about for the next season?
The thing I’m most excited about for the next season of VKFW is getting to see the fun and inspirational clothing that all of the designers have to showcase. And getting to interview them and all the adorable models!
What was your favourite part about interviewing the kid models and designers at Fashion Week?
My favourite part about interviewing the kid models was listening to their honest and spontaneous answers. I loved hearing the irresistible answers the little ones had. And for some of the designers I liked how we had to translate their answers to English because they came from all over the world! It was unique hearing them and it made me feel more curious and into their designs.
How did you prepare for your interviews?
I didn’t really prepare for the interviews, I wanted the conversations with the kid models especially, to be fun and natural. As much as I was super excited, I also didn’t know what to expect for the questions. What surprised me was how much you guys put thought into these questions because I would never have thought of it. I’m super grateful that I have the opportunity to be doing this!
As a young interviewer, what advice would you give to other kids who might want to try something new and exciting, like what you did at Fashion Week?
Having a chance to do something like this is really awesome because being a young interviewer is rare, especially because interviewers are mostly adults and the bonus is that I love being on camera! And if you do too, don't leave it aside just because you have a lack of confidence. My top advice is to be yourself! Don’t let your lack of confidence get in your way. Pretend the camera is not there and show everybody your amazing and very special talent! And most importantly HAVE FUN!
