We popped by to catch the tail end of day one of the ever-popular and growing KnowShow that took place at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This bi-annual event first launched in 2006 with the intent on providing a unique, interactive twist on your typical trade show experience. KnowShow brings together more than 300 noteworthy brands, designers, stylists, and participants to showcase their wear to media and buyers alike, while offering plenty of networking opportunities.
The former proved to be a dangerous temptation for our wallets and gave us plenty of ammunition and desire to redo our wardrobe as we perused samples from spring/summer lines. Featured Canadian collections such as Lifetime Collective (now featuring a women’s line), Gentle Fawn and Orage were just a few that caught our eye. KnowShow also introduced us to notable lines, perfectly suited to the laidback, outdoorsy west coast YP lifestyle, such as Penfield, Crown and Colombia’s own Maaji.
Of particular interest were the number of YP small business owners, such as Feedback‘s Sean Miller, and independent designers all with their own inspirational story to tell. We managed to catch up with a few such charismatic individuals who shared their success stories, and were awe-struck by how driven with a unique vision they were. Look for their stories in future YP profiles.
KnowShow wasn’t all shoptalk, though. After taking in row upon row of fashionable finds, we made our way over to the bar to catch a live performance by “Rich Hope and his band of Evil Doers.”
Check out our gallery for more on the KnowShow experience.