Monday, 7 October 2013

How Weather Effects Fashion in Vancouver

(Lena White)
Fashion represents people’s identity. It can be an expression of who they are and what they do. Most of the time fashion is a “trend”. If we see many people dressed in the same style it becomes “today’s fashion trend”, and everybody wants to look like that. But sometimes a “unique” fashion style is a better way to show your identity. Everyone is unique, so we don’t need to follow other people’s steps. The best way to show our fashion style is to be our selves and wear what feels good!
Fashion is something that can help connect people, so we can say that it is a form of communication. During the last week we, IH Photography and Blogging class, have been learning how to photograph and communicate with strangers about fashion. It has been a fun challenge, especially when people are running around in the rain.
Here in Vancouver, there are more than 8 months of never ending rain, so rain boots, raincoats, hats, scarves, umbrellas, etc… are very necessary. In the past rain boots, raincoats, and other rainy day accessories have been used for emergencies (in our home countries). But here, in Vancouver they are commonly worn daily items. Because of this, Vancouverites {and those visiting from international countries}, have to adapt their fashion styles to fit the rain and cold of the fall and winter seasons. This does not mean boring big, black boots and coats; in fact we have seen that many people in this city have great fall fashion to look fabulous in the gloomy weather as well as stay warm and dry.

Below is a selection of blog posts created by the IH photography class over the first week of October. It was great to see that even in the rain, people still like to express funky, colourful, bold, styles. So when the rain comes down and all we can see is grey clouds in the sky, put on your brightest, warmest sweater and make someone smile.

This text was written by Stella Lin, and contributed to by Summer Kim, Eddie, and John Kim.


Sunday, 6 October 2013

'Rain-couver' ? It doesn't matter to fashionable people!

Such heavy rain these days! Are the fashionable alright? Surprisingly, rain can't stop them! We met many awesome people on the road. (Granville st and Main st.)
They didn't care about the weather conditions.
All photographs were taken by Summer Kim. All texts were written by Alex Kim

"Teal jacket guy."
He was wearing a teal jacket, sky blue shirt, and an avant-garde sweater. On the bottom, he was wearing plain black skinny pants to go with black ankle boots.

<Below>
She was wearing a beige trench coat, a tartan checks skirt, leather boots and a floral print umbrella
.

                                        
What a spicy guy!
We could feel hot when met him! He was wearing a bright, orange sweater, camouflage roll-up pants (that were rolled up at different lengths on each side), black sneakers, and a grey beanie.
                                                      


In Vancouver, some people were using scarves as an umbrellas.
This man was wearing a brown scarf on top of his dark brown hat,
and a light grey vintage long t-shirt, black brown leather jacket, dark grey skinny pants, and black sneakers. His main accessories were an Americano coffee and a cigarette.
It was a mix of grey and brown!



This man looks like a typical 'Rain-couverite. (NOT HOMELESS!)
   He was wearing a khaki rain hat, a trench coat, a green shirt,
deep blue jeans rolled-up, and dark brown soldier boots.
In addition, his moustache made a powerful statement.

***

It was difficult to find fashionable people out on rainy days. Nevertheless it was funny because all of us were together. Actually, we admired all the fashionable people in any fashionable place, it made it hilarious. Even though approaching strange people was scary, Everyone was kind and hospitable.
We really appreciate the nice guys! Thank you!


Johns Hottest Street Fashion Trends Fall 2013

 "Mermaid Girl"
Main St
"She was beautiful... I didn't believe that she was real in the world.
When I saw her, she had been walking on the opposite side of the street, but i didn't want to miss the girl. So I just followed her and her beauty, finally I got a photo"
Photo by John Kim
"Mermaid Girl"
Main St
Photo by John Kim



  "Red Girl"
Yale town
"She was so beautiful. so great! I asked her, she allowed me to ask.
We didn't speak any other word. I just wanted to remember her look. We didn't say anything. Look at her red coordination! Isn't she ... amazing?"
Photo by John Kim



China Town
 "I met them in China town. Because it was Vancouver Fashion Week.
 I couldn't stop my shutter."

Photo by John Kim

China Town
Photo by John Kim





"The Twin Fashion Look"
China Town
"It looks like they are twins.
 Look at their lip colours....Oh my god! Getting more dressed up! Nobody can stop them.
Lip stick, shoes, gloves, bag, tiara/hats...... all of it is so perfect!
They are completely beautiful. Finally, can you see that?
The girl on the left is wearing her underwear outside of her pants! Crazy!
 I can't believe it! She is so creative! Crazy underwear!!! "
Photo by John Kim

The 'Street Fashion' Women




This woman was waiting for the bus at the bus stop. It was raining very heavily so she sat on the bench. She was wearing a bright green raincoat and zebra-stripe leggings. To accessorize she wore black shoes and a brown bag. I thought that she looked nice and fashionable .She had a warm smile and I loved it.
               Photo and Writing by Hung-Yen Chien









When Stella and I were walking on the street, we met a special woman. She was taking photos on the street too. She was wearing a black jacket and a colourful scarf. She had cool style pants and brown shoes. She brought her camera which made me think that she might be a traveller or a photographer. She told us that she came from Germany and she was traveling through a lot of countries. She said that she would go to Victoria for two days.  She had a nice smile. We loved her and we thought she looked fashionable.
Photo by Stella Lin and Hung-Yen Chien and Writing by Hung-Yen Chien


What IS fashion?: Just be yourself, and feel good!

 I just want fashion ! Nobody can stop me!
               Photo and writing by Stella Lin













Its time to warm our bodies up: Layers and books are my fall equipment.
 Photo and writing by Stella Lin
    
"Are you looking at me? I'm a queen in the rain!"
 Photo and writing by Stella Lin

IH Fall Fashion


Meet  IH's Bobby Duzgun!
He is fall fashion. He's wearing a denim shirt with a mexican pattern and 
black jean pants. His accessory is a big black umbrella.
 He looks like he's kidding!.
Photo by Boyoung Kim. Writing by David-

Meet Mexican gal, IH student, Angelica Soria.
She's very fashionable and she's wearing a black, windbreaker jacket.
Also she's wearing floral leggings and Ugg style shoes.
She's a nice girl.
Photo and writing by Boyoung Kim

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

We are bringing up: Neighbourhoods [Part:1]

One of the most important things in a community is: trust, safety, kindness and a friendly community. In Vancouver we have found a sense of trust and security amongst the neighbourhoods.
Alex Kim, (IH Student) said “The people here are friendly. They talk with you even though they might not know you”. We can’t forget to talk about the spirit of sharing gifts in Vancouver neighbourhoods. Bo Young Kim, (IH Student) said “Here the neighbours invite one another to share their most delicious food”. People here are not selfish. When you need help or there is an emergency there is always somebody who shows up to help you, even with the less important things. Joao Amancio, (IH Student) said that on his second day in Vancouver a Canadian stranger gave him a lift to his student house. Stella Lin, from Taiwan, wrote…“If life is a painting now I have a perfect one. One month ago I lived in an amazing but unfurnished condo. I didn’t have money but I really needed something to fill up my place. Fortunately, there were lots of selfless neighbours willing to share their stuff with me.”Chien and Deina stated that, “For international students home stay is our second home. They share their kindness and trust with us to make us feel so warm and accepted. We think good neighbours are very important to make us feel comfortable and at ease."
*               
Thanks to our neighbours for sharing their love and generosity with us and helping us to complete our new home.
                                                               


A trusting friend in Oak Park. Photo by John Kim


Friends enjoying the neighbourhood at the I.H Nanaimo student house. Photo by John Kim
Friendly stranger, giving directions, on a sunny afternoon in Vancouver. Photo by Summer Kim