Juan Eva
Eva Chen grew up in an artistic family. She has studied Erhu (Chinese traditional music instrument), singing, dancing and drawing since she was six years old. This has nurtured her creativity giving her a keen sense for design and a strong eye for fashion.
Eva worked as a fashion designer for the collections in several countries including the United States, Singapore and China. Since moving to Vancouver in 2000 Eva has gained a reputation as a sought after custom designer.
She received a degree from the Department of Fashion Design at the Academy of Fine Arts University, a leading art/design school in China. After completing her four year degree she was equipped with the skills she needed to enhance her natural talent.
Her trademark colors and patterns make her designs stand out and she is able to create distinctive designs and transform them into elegant yet edgy pieces.
Sarah Beverly Runnalls
Originally from Victoria and now based in downtown Vancouver, Sarah's approach to design has always been that of originality and modernity. Creating her own clothes since the age of 14, Sarah began designing as a fully self-taught artist. In 2007, after a series of smaller group fashion shows, Sarah had her first solo show. Her clothes were sold at various local stores including the Ayden Gallery in Vancouver, as well as creating custom design requests. In fall 2008, Sarah decided to perfect her craft by enrolling at Helen Lefaux Fashion Design School. Just over a year later, she graduated from Blanche MacDonald Centre (which took on the 2008 class of the now debunked Lefaux), with an award for Outstanding Achievement in Design.
Now with the solid foundation to match her natural skills in design, Sarah's 2010 fall collection features elegant and sophisticated evening wear with gothic undertones. Feminine silhouettes and aristocratic details heavily define this dark collection.
At just 23 years old, her attitude is already that of an experienced and mature designer. Sarah's craft has come a long way since her teenage years, and she is just beginning to realize her full potential to make her mark on the fashion scene.
Jen Cameron
Vancouver-based designer Jen Cameron first became interested in fashion after finding her grandmother’s 1949 sewing machine. Jen enrolled in Vancouver Community College (VCC)’s two year fashion arts diploma program. Jen’s designs were first featured in a fashion show organized by UBC students as a fundraiser for their model United Nations in Spring 2009. Jen Cameron`s graduating collection was inspired by the style of Japanese art known as the “Floating World.” The clothing featured a Japanese cherry blossom print, bows and band detailing.
Before her collection debuted at Fiat Mode, the VCC’s fashion show, Jen joined her father on a business trip to Japan. There, she organized a photo shoot with a Tokyo-based model and photographer. Following the VCC fashion show, Jen was invited to participate in Vancouver Fashion Week’s international design competition. Selections from her graduating collection were shown on Sunday, November 8, 2009. Jen tied for first place in the People’s Choice Award, based on audience votes. This made her the only Vancouver-based designer to be recognized. Selections from her graduating collection were also featured in Vancouver Fashion Week’s New Generation Showcase during the Olympics.
Jen Cameron’s past work can be seen in the online magazine at www.FashionBerry.com. The prize for the People’s Choice award is an opportunity to show at Vancouver Fashion Week in spring 2010. Jen will present a full line of clothing for the Fall 2010 season. The next collection is inspired by birds of prey; it features feathers and black silk.
Civil Society
Civil Society is a brand that occupies a unique place in the landscape of American and European design and fashion. It unites traditional craftsmanship and refined tailoring with modern textiles and trim details. Inspired by the passion, creativity and original style of musicians and everyday people, Civil Society credits its outlook on fashion to its same outlook on life.
Our success comes with a belief that there is always more to learn, design, grow, experience and inspire. We don't live and die by every design we do. However, we have great passion and pride for our work. Our main purpose is to make quality clothing that defies everyday fashion trends and explores the possibilities of imagination and being different.
Our mission statement is very clear: We create clothing perfect for independent people and thinkers who follow their own unique path in life and help them express their individuality.
www.civilsocietyclothing.com
