GFC takes Paris Fashion Week

Global Fashion Collective (GFC) presented its F/W’25 runway show during Paris Fashion Week, featuring a curated selection of international designers from Peru, Japan, China, India, Canada, and the United States, all of whose work blends human emotion with boundless creativity. 

From the structural silhouettes of Dr. MAAYA and YilliaQ, to the refined edge of Bahar Kianpour and Eduardo Ramos, each collection brought a unique narrative to the global fashion stage. 

Featuring emerging talents such as GRADUATE RUNWAY’s student designers, to established names like Noe Bernacelli, this exceptional convergence of talent created an exciting blend of international fashion on one runway as GFC’s designers presented their collections in the heart of Paris, the world’s fashion capital.

Dr. MAAYA: Redefining Shape in Architectural Fashion

Dr. Maaya, or Maaya Orii, has worked as a neurosurgeon for 10 years in Tokyo, Japan. Establishing her brand, Dr. Maaya Design Labo in 2013, Orii has participated in Vancouver Fashion Week SS24, New York Fashion Week SS23, Paris Fashion Week SS24, as well as Tokyo Fashion Week FW24. Orii’s cutting edge style and designs stems from her studies at Central Saint Martins in London, where she embarked on an intimate journey with art and design.

Taking a unique and captivating approach, Orii’s FW25 collection “Dr.MAAYA’s HOUSE ~ Architecture and fashion, research into clothing shapes ~” draws inspiration from her fascination with architecture. With the intersection between shapes and colors that is often explored in architechture, Orii works to reflect this in her collection as well. With her approach to angular design and the incorporation of square shapes in her collection, she challenges the boundaries of clothing, eliminating roundness and conformity.

“Dr.MAAYA’s HOUSE ~ Architecture and fashion, research into clothing shapes ~” showcases an emphasis of bright neon colors, complementing  the abstract shapes and silhouettes that her clothing sports. Boxes, rectangles and squares in bright contrasting colors create an eye-catching look, drawing attention to the imitation of windows, building structures, roofs and stairs. 

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YilliaQ: Embracing Imperfection, Healing the Soul

Yu Qian, who grew up in Inner Mongolia, has a 5-year clinical pharmacy background, growing to develop deep connections with mental and physical health. Founded in late 2023, YilliaQ is an energetic and dynamic fashion brand committed to revolutionizing the industry through its approach in fashion with psychotherapy. Their FW25 collection, “The Treatment of Soul” delves into the world of scoliosis. Extracting elements from orthopedic braces and surgical sutures, the silhouette was created. The colors red, blue, green and white are also present, representing a pathway to heal people’s spirit in Mongolian culture. 

The collection endowed people who suffered scoliosis with the courage to step out of the shadows of negativity, and allow them to accept their imperfections and uniqueness. From personal experiences and dysmorphia of having scoliosis since the age of 10, Yu struggled with the process of healing internally and physically. It is this deep sense of appreciation for medical professionals that aided in Yu’s physical and mental recovery that inspired “The Treatment of Soul” to have the means to inspire and encourage others while advocating for greater understanding, diversity and acceptance. 

“The Treatment of Soul” included a unique monochromatic white set with metal screws in the back of the piece. In Yu’s hometown of Inner Mongolia, white is considered the purest color in nature, representing truth and purity. As one of China’s ethnic minorities, Manchu, white represents auspiciousness and good luck in their culture. The metal screws on the back are both decoration and the embodiment of the theme of acceptance and representation of scoliosis; it  is a process from external pain to internal self-healing.  Other colors heavily used in the collection include bright primary colors. 

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THETHE: Formless Things – Reimagining Tradition and Breaking Boundaries

Not a stranger to the runway, Ruru Tanaka has previously worked on costume production and rental for brands participating in Serbia Fashion Week. As a culmination of her studies from a fashion institute in Japan, she shows her experience with fashion through her inspirational work. “Formless Things” focuses on her dedication to distinctive storytelling and worldview, incorporating traditional Japanese craftsmanship in the collection. 

This collection brought forward the idea of garments returning to the ocean of fabric; flowing endlessly, expressing formless things. As commentary against modern society’s rigid perceptions and increasing polarization of ideas, “Formless Things” aims to reach a broader audience and share its vision with the world. Seeking to incorporate traditional Japanese craftsmanship such as dyeing, weaving, and processing techniques, Tanaka hopes to also bring a greater awareness to Japan’s artisanal heritage. Currently focusing on Japan, THETHE plans to expand into Asia and Europe in the coming years, aiming for a global presence.

Some eye-catching pieces in the collection included tailored jackets fastened with Satsuma buttons, showcasing the East-meets-West aesthetic. Garments were also constructed using a draping technique, skipping over the sketching and patterned design, allowing for a natural shape. Using monochromatic colors, it contrasts the fun play through the use of textures and fabrics. Pleated dresses, gun-barrel pants, and a classic peacoat fused with the signature 60s mini skirt reinvented classic silhouettes, while also reflecting a narrative of destruction and transformation.

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shéller: I Bloom – Empowering Confidence Through Fashion

In the spring of 2011, at the age of 18, Nijiko Wakabayashi jumped into the world of fashion, which she had been longing for since her childhood. From age 18 to 26, she worked as a sales person and encountered countless interesting personalities. She came to strongly feel that “fashion has the power to sparkle people’s lives”. Through hearing others’ stories, her vision became clear and eventually in February 2020, she launched her own brand, shéller. 

shéller’s latest collection, “I Bloom,” expresses the brand’s core message: confidence, a push in the right direction, and the chance to meet a new you. The collection is primarily made from Bishu tweed, a proudly Japanese material. Since the launch of the brand, Bishu tweed has been well loved by Wakabayashi and her clientele. Featuring workwear attire with plaid and gingham patterns, ruffled eveningwear looks, and playful mix-and-match of blazers and large tulle skirts, “I Bloom” highlights the silhouettes that bring out the best of tweed and the blooming beauty of women. 

Wakabayashi feels from her own experience that her motivation each day depends on how she uses fashion and makeup for expression. After five successful years of shéller, Nijiko believes that the power of fashion can help people shine, thus the strong emphasis on silhouettes in the collection made by one of Japan’s most well known textile producers.  

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Bahar Kianpour: Weaving Poetic Elegance Between Past and Present

Bahar Kianpour is a Vancouver-based fashion designer who specializes in creating ethereal and elegant clothing that transports wearers to a whimsical dream world. This year, Bahar is the winner of Vancouver Fashion Week’s prestigious Nancy Mak award, created in 2014 in honour of the late Nancy Mak. Bahar represents Mak’s benevolent and inspirational spirit, with the award giving her the opportunity to showcase in Paris.

A poetic blend of past and present, “The Dream Reborn” revives archived and new designs, weaving together the essence of BK 001 – The Forgotten Poet and BK 002 – Déjà Vu. This collection delves into the intricate interplay between dreams and reality, love and sorrow, capturing the haunting beauty of art and poetry. Each piece embodies the timeless balance of light and dark, fantasy and truth, evoking raw emotion and the echoes of forgotten memories. “The Dream Reborn” bridges the past and future, crafting a deeply romantic narrative.

In Paris, Kianpour’s designs featured luxurious fabrics like silk, velvet, and fine wool, chosen for their ability to evoke both dreamlike fluidity and structured formality. Draping, pleating, and embroidery created intricate textures that reflect themes of memory and transformation. These silhouettes ranged from gowns to sharp tailoring, blending sensuality and strength. The color palette, rooted in deep tones with metallic and embroidered accents, enhances the collection’s themes of love, loss, and rebirth. Through these design techniques, Kianpour crafted a collection that told a profound, evolving story of life and dreams. 

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Eduardo Ramos: Unveiling the Layers of Resilience and Creativity

Eduardo Ramos is a Vancouver-based Mexican-Canadian fashion designer and couturier, renowned for his distinctive approach to tailoring, sharp lines, and fluidity, creating a unique blend of power and femininity.

Born and raised in the vibrant setting of Mexico City, Eduardo embraced art and entrepreneurship from an early age. His desire for knowledge led him to Vancouver, where he pursued his career as a fashion designer. Six months into his studies, Ramos was selected to present his first collection, debuting in 2019 at Vancouver Fashion Week. Later, in 2022, his graduation collection “Bravia,” which celebrated modern femininity, attained international recognition and was featured in VOGUE, ELLE, Forbes, and Harper’s Bazaar. Ramos’ runway presentations are more than a display of his collections—they are immersive experiences that reflect his personal journey and artistic vision.

For this collection, ALTER EGO, Eduardo uncovers the layers of his own story, revealing the side of him a few get to see—the version of himself that exists beyond the designer. While many see a confident designer, his alter ego is a person shaped by resilience and hardships, a side only the closest to him get to see. He believes both sides are one, without the hardships, he wouldn’t be the person he is today or design with the same depth and intensity. Both versions of the self fuels the other, creating a balance between light and shadow that drives his creativity. This collection is a blend of meticulous haute couture finishes while being intentionally contrasted with elements of imperfection. Featuring corsets and busters, dramatic upturned collars in golds, black and white, Eduardo is communicating both his pain and his beauty of who he really is in his personal collection called “ALTER EGO”.

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GRADUATE RUNWAY: Showcasing the Next Generation of Fashion Talent from Hamstech and ISDI Atlas University

Graduate Runway, a prestigious platform for emerging designers, offers fashion students and graduates from around the world a unique opportunity to debut their creations on the international stage. This initiative bridges the gap between education and industry, providing a global launchpad for the next generation of fashion designers to gain recognition and exposure early in their careers.

During Paris Fashion Week, Graduate Runway powered by Global Fashion Incubator featured the graduation collections of fifteen young designers from Hamstech and ISDI Atlas University. These talented designers presented their innovative designs in the fashion capital of the world, Paris, marking a significant milestone in their professional journeys.

This exciting showcase brought together raw, creative potential from both Hamstech and ISDI Atlas University, representing the future of fashion and the vision of the next big names in the industry.

Global Fashion Incubator (GFI), known for its experiential programs and commitment to design education, continues to support and nurture young talent. GFI’s mission is to foster innovation and provide unparalleled global exposure, allowing designers to evolve with the guidance of industry professionals.

The GRADUATE RUNWAY showcases bold colors and patterns that captivate the eye, combining innovation with timeless structure. 

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HINNA cottage: Where Tradition Meets Tranquility 

Founded by Nana Hirabayashi, a designer with deep roots in Japan’s cloisonné heritage, HINNA cottage is a brand that blends the serene beauty of traditional craftsmanship with modern fashion sensibilities. After gaining invaluable experience in the family business of cloisonné and later expanding into jewelry design with her brand Mai’a madestore, Hirabayashi transitioned into the world of swimwear and apparel. Drawing from her rich background, she launched HINNA cottage with a vision of creating a relaxing, healing space through clothing—focusing on light, comfortable pieces that offer both practicality and elegance.

HINNA cottage’s designs feature thoughtfully arranged silhouettes and fabrics that evoke the feel of a resort, emphasizing ease and freedom. A key element of the collection was the incorporation of traditional Japanese cloisonné buttons, including the distinctive Ginbari Yusen technique developed by Hinna’s grandfather. The result is a harmonious fusion of time-honored artistry and contemporary fashion, where every piece radiates comfort, beauty, and modern charm. Each item is handmade with care, including silver jewelry crafted in-house, making every piece a unique testament to the designer’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

Hinna Cottage embodies elegant simplicity through a refined palette of whites, creams, greys, and blacks, paired with soft, intricate fabrics. Each design is carefully crafted to enhance and flatter the natural shape, showcasing understated yet sophisticated features.

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LAATO: Celebrating 5 Years of Timeless Elegance and Personal Expression

LAATO’s concept, “I am who I am,” focuses on designs that seamlessly align with individual preferences, uniqueness, and personal interpretations. It caters to those who have already defined their style, prioritizing self-expression over fleeting trends. The brand embodies the grace and sophistication of mature women, often featuring soft, delicate colours.

Since its launch, LAATO has intentionally refrained from following the traditional fashion seasons, reflecting the director’s vision of allowing individuals to wear LAATO pieces in their own way, embracing personal interpretation and enjoyment. Their recent collection showcasing also rejects the concept of a seasonal theme, but instead chooses to reference their past collections in pieces that evoke the true LAATO essence.

This showcase during the F/W’25 season in Paris marks both the culmination of the brand’s journey as it celebrates its 5th anniversary, and a new beginning. LAATO’s “I am who I am” concept is reflected through each piece effortlessly integrating into the wearer’s personal wardrobe, becoming a natural extension of their unique expression. LAATO aims to establish a global presence, resonating with individuals from diverse backgrounds through LAATO’s unique brand identity.

This collection blends layering techniques with soft shades and bold textures, creating a balance between knits and elevated everyday couture. Featuring timeless elements infused with modern design, it redefines luxury with a focus on sophisticated, versatile styles.

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Noe Bernacelli: A Tribute to Peruvian Elegance and Heritage

Peruvian designer Bernacelli discovered his passion for art early on and declared himself an admirer of beauty in all its forms. Although he initially studied medicine, it didn’t take long for him to realize that his true calling lay elsewhere. Pursuing this newfound passion, he went on to study in Milan, Italy, where he immersed himself in the world of art and design. Within the industry, he has experienced many satisfactions, achieving the very goals he once dreamed of. Along the way, he has met numerous people who have become integral parts of both his life and career.

Bernacelli’s  new collection debuting in Paris, “SUMAQ” was inspired by Yma Sumac, an Incan princess from the 1950s, known for her extraordinary voice and timeless elegance. Reflecting her legacy, the palette featured burgundy, ivory, black, and antique gold, with luxurious materials like natural silk chiffon, delicate French lace, and alpaca—essential for tailored coats and knitwear. A tribute to the Peruvian diva who captivated Hollywood and Broadway, dressed by Pierre Balmain and celebrated in Parisian haute couture.

“SUMAQ” prioritizes natural fibers such as ethically sourced alpaca, and promotes slow fashion. Additionally, for this collection, Bernacelli is collaborating with artisans from Cajamarca, who meticulously develop the fabrics, telling the story of a woman who defied boundaries, bringing Peruvian culture to the global stage. The collection embodies confidence, grace, and the fusion of tradition with modernity.

Intricate fabric details in neutrals with floral elements, along with feathers, create a striking collection. The innovative structures remain flattering, highlighting the beauty of divine femininity with a creative, understated touch.

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Hair Team: 

• Credits: Hair by Odete DaSilva For Goldwell #OdeteDasilvaHairTeam
  • @OdeteDaSilvaHair | @VarisProHair
  • Official Sponsor: @GoldwellUS | @GoldwellUKI | @Goldwell_ITA | @GoldwellCA | @GoldwellFrance

Makeup Team: 

• Credits: Makeup By Godina.Worldwide.Team
  • @godina.worldwide | @godina.worldwide.team | @masha.glow

About Global Fashion Collective

Global Fashion Collective (GFC) is a platform led by a group of dynamic individuals who share the goal of cultivating an inclusive and diverse fashion industry. Global Fashion Collective aims to accelerate designer development by producing innovative runway showcases globally in fashion capitals to increase international media visibility and expand new market opportunities for their show’s participating designers. As the sister company to Vancouver Fashion Week, which has produced shows since 2001, GFC works with a wide range of international designers at all runway shows. Global Fashion Collective operates a showcase in Tokyo, New York, London, Milan, and Paris during Fashion Week.

Instagram: @globalfashioncollective TikTok: @globalfashioncollective Facebook: Global Fashion Collective Tag: #GFCtakesPARIS

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