Red Deer designer Ainsley McPherson had the exciting opportunity to present her designs during her debut at Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) on April 10.
A 2023 graduate of the Blanche Macdonald Centre’s fashion design program in Vancouver, McPherson was honored with the prestigious Award for Excellence for her exceptional work throughout the program. This award, which is given to three students in each graduating class, includes a year of mentorship, access to the Centre’s resources and staff, and a sponsored solo show at Vancouver Fashion Week.
McPherson learned of her award last year, and she dedicated 2024 to preparing her collection for the big stage. Her designs, inspired by powerful women in history, draw influence from figures such as Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, along with Tudor English fashion. “The collection features a mix of structured, military-inspired looks and delicate, feminine bridal styles,” McPherson shared. “It’s about creating contrasts between the strength of history and the softness of femininity.”
This collection is an extension of her graduation project, infused with elements from historical fashion and her Scottish heritage. Some of the designs even incorporated the McPherson tartan, adding a personal touch to her pieces.
The chance to showcase her work in a professional setting was a momentous occasion for McPherson, who expressed her excitement in seeing her designs come to life on the runway. “It’s been such a cool thing to see something I made in real life, on a real person, look the way I envisioned it and get it out there for people to see,” she said.
Following the show, McPherson has received more opportunities to promote her work, along with positive feedback from the models who wore her creations. “Since the show, more opportunities have come up for me to get my work out into the world,” she said, adding that the models’ response to her designs has been overwhelmingly positive.
McPherson is already hard at work on her next collection and hopes to return for another season at Vancouver Fashion Week. “As a creative person, I just want to keep making more and expanding on it,” she shared. “Having more pieces available for styling, shoots, and events would be fantastic.”
Some of the designs featured in McPherson’s VFW collection had already appeared in a music video earlier in the year, and these pieces have since become her most requested for photoshoots and styling opportunities. This has made it a natural decision for McPherson to further develop and showcase those styles during her VFW appearance.
Related Topics
- Milan Design Week 2025: Fashion Brands Redefine Their Role in Design and Storytelling
- Universo MOLA Fashion Week 2025 Concludes with Strong Regional Influence and Global Reach
- Copenhagen Fashion Week Partners with V&A for Fashion in Motion Showcase
