Without a doubt, the diversity movement in the local film industry is booming. With Telus Storyhive’s grant applications, up and coming filmmakers are now stepping up to voice their stories. For South Asians, more content is on its way. Director and Writer Jacquile Kambo and his team are working hard to campaign for their project involving a South Asian model in the fashion industry. “Showstopper follows Anisha, an insecure model who is up against her Mom’s perfect vision as the Showstopper for their upcoming fashion show. When things don’t go well with her kickboxing coach, Anisha must hide her secrets.”, he tells us. “It focuses on a South Asian cast with strong women dominating the story. I feel it’s a story that needs to be told”. Arshdeep Purba, attached to star in the short film, says it brings a lot of awareness and focuses on its core theme of Self-...

This season featured an epic line up of design talent from across the globe. Showcasing the best in local Canadian talent as well as designers representing Australia, Ghana, Japan, Chile, Korea, and more, VFW offered variety like no other. Special guest Miss J Alexander, America’s Next Top Model Coach attended the shows, and the Instagram famous Christopher the Pig brought smiles to the audience as he opened and closed the show for Bia Boro Bamboo's underwear line. Qiongxin Kou, a Chinese designer based in New York, showcased a dreamy collection of womenswear in pretty pinks, bright blues, and canary yellows. Thigh high mirror shine silver boots are contrasted with soft textured knits. Silky shining ruffles and pleated layers, flared sleeves, and printed quilted jackets demonstrate a thoughtful collection of wearable pieces. Beautiful oriental prints with delicate flowers and shapes filled the runway for Japanese label Baroque Japanesque. An earthy colour palette of...

Rami Kahlon, a local writer and actor, is bringing a new thriller film to Surrey. For the past 7 years, she has had a successful career as an actor, recently working on “Noelle,” opposite Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader, and on “Tom & Grant,” opposite Tom Cavanagh and Grant Gustin. Having worked on such networks as The CW, Walt Disney Pictures, and FOX, she is now passionate about contributing to local content that represents her city and its diverse population. Her script, “Odd Girl”, was an official selection and semi-finalist for the internationally held “Eat Crow Horror Scriptwriting Competition,” which has inspired her to bring the script to life. Based on a suburban school in Surrey, where ostracism is commonplace, the film is a thriller drama that revolves around two friends who fall victim to the obsession of the odd girl out. But, one of the friends quickly realizes that...

Sunday, March 25th, 2018 – Vancouver, BC – marks the grand finale of a full week of fashion shows at the David Lam Hall in downtown Vancouver. First up, local brand This is James presented a sophisticated collection of menswear. Classic pieces such as trench coats, pinstriped trousers, and crisp white shirts were juxtaposed with modern detailing such as studs along shoulder seams and floral printed segments. NOT DEAD YET, an experimental menswear label from Vancouver explored identity and sexuality in the collection SHAME. Models walked with attitude wearing latex in black, vibrant yellow, and acid green with white text ‘pics?’ and ‘loading’ emblazoned across garments. A duo show meshed the work of US based brands Yuner Shao x Zherui Huang seamlessly together. Yuner Shao’s creations acted as a canvas to carry anti-propaganda messages fusing graphic prints in primary colours. Bright yellow patch pockets and loose belts enhanced the youthful vibe. Zherui Huang’s casual unisex collection had a focus on technical details. Zips,...

Featured image credit: Qin Zhu Photo - Kirsten Ley Saturday, March 24th, 2018 – Vancouver, BC – at the David Lam Hall in downtown Vancouver marked a sensational evening of design talent from across the world. Returning designer Kirsten Ley stunned the crowd with a dark and powerful collection. ‘Nero’ featured a considered colour palette of blacks, neutrals, and deep greens. Sculptured leather was juxtaposed with sheer feminine features, with fitted midi skirts and straight leg pants. An artistic expression for FW18. Blue denim chaps and contrast edge collars brought a western vibe to Evan Clayton’s FW 18 collection NAUSICAÄ, a visual exploration of the classic Studio Ghibli film. Flounced silk voile and crystal clear rhinestone embellishments brought out a feminine feel with a muted palette of black, pewter, navy, and soft nude. KO by Katherin Olivos kicked off the show with a contemporary dance trio. This Chilean designer, inspired by the diverse landscapes from land to sea, has designed gowns that create movement featuring...

Featured image credit: Tristen Williams Photo - Priere Friday, March 23nd, 2018 – Vancouver, BC – Friday night was a night of contrasts at the David Lam Hall in downtown Vancouver. Profanity by LillzKillz showed the world the latest and greatest in streetwear in what could only be described as ‘fashion-on-acid’. The young Vancouver designer gets her inspiration from music, but the clothes are unquestionably of her own expression – profane, eclectic, and cool. Lillzkillz used bold neon, shiny latex, checkered print, coloured tiger-print fur, and platform shoes to wow the crowd and kick off the start to the weekend. Apparel Magazine curated a group of New Zealand designers in an inspiring and varied show. First, Georgette Pollock-Johnston, with the Renée collection, named after her late grandmother, shows off sensuous kimono-wraps, lustrous overcoats, evening dresses, and pantsuits. Featuring iconic imagery of Renée in a Versace-esque style, embellishments include pearls, crystals, and beads. The ‘first love’ collection by Traceygh featured pastel tones in floaty silks and chiffons for a...

VIDEO: Join Surrey604's Summan Kandola for a tour of Surrey's Vinoscenti Vineyards. Vinoscenti Vineyards is located on 13 acres of pastoral farmland in Surrey, lying alongside the winding banks of the lovely Serpentine River. Visit the winery for wine tastings and the opportunity to take your favourites home. Certified Wine Education is available for the wine professional and non-certified classes for the wine lover are also available. There is a private tasting room available and tours through the vineyards and tranquil spots around the winery and diverse weekly events taking place for the community. Experience social winemaking and curate your own wine collection. Work together with Vinoscenti's wine makers and winery team as part of the wine club!...

Featured image credit: Tristen Williams Photo - Pariah Thursday, March 22nd, 2018 – Vancouver, BC – at the David Lam Hall in downtown Vancouver marked an evening of variety with a strong selection of designers from around the world, and a special four-legged friend opening a show. Kicking off the night were students from La Salle College, the Fashion Design Program in Vancouver. The feature began with an attention to Global Warming – rethink, reuse, recycle as the theme for the four collections. The first designer was Shuo Yang, who beautifully layered blue and white tones together. Second, Azam Rezahosseini transitioned to gold and floral details, with pops of colour from the inside linings of black and white pieces. Next, Gukirat Narong’s collection brought pastel hues of nude, red and green to life with detailed high extended necklines. Alannah Anderson closed with a textured collection of ruffled tulle in navy blue. Vancouver designer Melissa Yin showcased flattering cuts with her eponymous leather-based...

Featured image credit: Tristen Williams Photo - King & Reign Wednesday, March 21st, 2018 – Vancouver, BC –at the David Lam Hall in downtown Vancouver, was a night to highlight local design talents from Vancouver and Canada as a whole. VCC kicked off the night with a wide variety of grad student talent. James Jurome created a fresh collection of edgy menswear with a military influence, featuring an original print of enzyme treated tencel twill. Stella Chu’s collection of classic pieces in a nude palette oozed confidence, and Nico Gruzling’s line of casual womenswear brought utility inspired overalls and hooded dresses with creative cutouts. Katherine Potter closed the show with ‘Circus Circus,’ a fun and over-the-top mix of loud prints paired with fur, leather, and floral embroidery. KPU alumni MUVMINT draws from a dance background to create a line that is simple yet effortlessly cool. Each piece is inspired by hip-hop culture. Cropped windbreakers, letterman jackets with oversized text, and...

Featured image credit: Tristen Williams Photo - Bone and Busk by Katharina Mior Tuesday, March 20th, 2018 – Vancouver, BC Tuesday evening at the Vancouver runway started with a succession of local BC based designers at the David Lam Hall in downtown Vancouver. Atelier Grandi showcased new collection Avium, bringing elements of nature to the runway. Inspired by winter birds of the north, classic silhouettes in hues of canary yellow and cardinal red were contrasted with stark winter white. Textures of airy feathers and warm, soft furs were layered upon luxurious silk and satin to reflect Grandy’s focus on timeless elegance and beauty. Luxurious, baroque fabrics in deep blues, reds and gold metallics accented with lace trims made a statement in the Nura collection by Nauni J, a Vancouver designer. Full skirts with tulle were contrasted with figure-hugging body suits and exposed backs. Every piece evoked a sense of glamour...

Feature Image by Aziz Dhamani Monday, March 19th, 2018 – Vancouver, BC – at the David Lam Hall in downtown Vancouver. Vancouver Fashion Week kicked off the week in style with a sensational selection of designers as part of the designers preview showcase. 14 brands exhibited one key look from their Fall/Winter 2018 collections as a tease of the incredible talent that we are to see throughout the week. Interesting textures created with hanging threads, wire structures, and feathers, were juxtaposed with smooth clean cut leather and fitted pieces. Colours ranged from clashing brights to serene metallics. A highlight reel showcasing an extraordinary mix of design aesthetics from across the globe. The featured designers displaying their full lines on the first night were Nicole Jedelsky, Who is ATK, and Qiongxin Kou. Nicole Jedelsky, a Sydney based fashion and textiles designer, brought a feminine feel to the runway with velvet and...

March 23-24, Vancouver Art Gallery (North Plaza) Fairly well known in the Vancouver area, Asad Khan, professionally known as Khanvict, is a Pakistani-Canadian DJ and producer based in Surrey, BC. Having arrived as an immigrant in 2001, Khanvict has spent the past few years exploring his roots through his music. After creating a name for himself in the South Asian wedding circuit, he has branched off and is now hitting the mainstream. Local industry players started to take notice after Khanvict was invited to play a set at on the Music BC stage at the Rifflandia Music Festival in Victoria last September. Building up from that momentum, Khanvict has been pursuing his original productions and other main stage opportunities. This will culminate next Saturday night when Khanvict will be one of the headlining artists to hit the stage at Let's Hear It! LIVE presented by CBC Vancouver and CBC Music....

Vancouver Fashion Week Fall/Winter 18 is set to be the best yet, and now you can see exactly who is showing and when on the VFW FW18 Schedule. Go to www.vanfashionweek.com/schedule to plan your perfect week. Kicking off with the Opening Gala on Monday the 19th, guests will be privy to a handful of designer previews giving us a glimpse into the incredible design work to come throughout the week. Full lines by Nicole Jedelsky, WHO IS ATK, and Qiongxin Kou make a strong start to the FW18 season.  Tuesday’s lineup features an eclectic mix of designers from across the globe. Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia will represented by the likes of Atelier Grandi, Si_Mee_Collections, Baroque Japanesque, and Allison Berger.  Wednesday will be a night to highlight the local talents from Vancouver and Canada as a whole. VFW has a long and strong history of partnering with local design...

This weekend, in Vancouver, there is going to be a surge of inspired young kids and adults heading to the Vancouver Playhouse for a couple incredible events. These two events will have you and your kids on the edge of your seats while you learn all the in’s and outs of the entertainment industry. What events do we have to look forward to? Let’s Hear It BC U-19 Songwriters’ Circle will be held on March 10, 2018 at 7:30pm the Vancouver Playhouse. On the same day they will also be holding an amazing Career Days featuring professionals in this ever growing industry. Several amazing BC artists will take the stage to share their music, their JUNO stories, and how they've come to find and establish their voice in creating music. There will be so many great artists you’ll be floored when you learn just how cheap the ticket prices are. Featured...

Surrey604 in collaboration with Raasleela Trends TV, brings you the best in fashion and updates on the latest international trends. In this series, we are bringing complete coverage of Asia's biggest Fashion Week "India Fashion Week" home to Surrey. More than 100 selected fashion designers participating and more than 50 showcasing on the runway. The crew of Amazon India Fashion Week consists of models, technicians, make-up crew, backstage help, security, volunteers, and more, which sums up to at least 150 people. Episode 5: Anupama Dayal – These unique designs put their own edge and style on traditional Indian textiles. She takes an international outlook with Indian soul. She enjoys bright color, animals, birds and florals on her garments. Shruti Sancheti – Shruti started her own fashion label in December 2009. She promotes Indian sensibilities in her designs. The detail associated with her work is second to none. Benaras by Citrus...