Paper Couture exhibition brings haute sustainable designs to Oakridge Centre

High fashion and sustainable design come together for Paper Couture, the sixth-annual exhibition of its kind to take place in Vancouver.

From now through Sunday, May 12 a visit to Oakridge Centre doubles up as a fashion studio stop with 24 paper-made gowns on display in the East Galleria. Each exquisite gown has been handcrafted by Langara College students enrolled in the design formation program.

Every dress featured is made from a variety of recyclable white or brown paper, tapes, tissue, spray paint, glue, paper twine, spray paint, cardboard, coffee filters, thumbtacks, and other raw materials.

The incredibly beautiful pieces on display were inspired by high-end designers including the late Karl Lagerfeld with Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Zhang Zhifeng for Ne Tiger, Versace, Alexander McQueen, and Paolo Sebastian.

Each participating design formation student had four short weeks and 16 class hours to research, finalize their chosen design, and recreate their authentic piece using modest paper supplies.

The two-year Langara program prepares students for the technical and conceptual aspects of design in both 2D and 3D applications. After graduation, designers can pursue a career in anything from graphic design to visual merchandising, or architecture.

“The students experiment and explore couture fashion history, and they problem solve to find solutions and techniques to work with a variety of everyday and common materials to re-create these haute couture gowns as paper sculptures,” Kevin Smith, design formation program instructor at Langara, said in a press release.

Langara student Oona Forrester re-created the infamous “Swan Dress” worn by Björk during the 73rd Academy Awards, which was originally designed by Marjan Pejoski.

“I wanted the dress I chose to be a statement piece, easily recognizable, something that doesn’t take itself too seriously and can be enjoyed as entertainment,” said Oona Forrester.

If you’re looking for something different to do this weekend, check out these paper-made fashion masterpieces.

Paper Couture Exhibition

When: April 24 to May 12
Where: East Galleria of Oakridge Centre — 650 West 41st Avenue
Price: FREE

See also

• This Canadian designer's vegan collection will take you through summer
• Consignment store donations surging thanks to Marie Kondo effect
• A series of clothing swap meets are happening in Vancouver this spring