What I was responsible for?
Graphic Design
Strategy
Volunteering
Okay, so it wasn’t New York or Paris Fashion Week - but for me, Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) was just as dazzling. Twice, I got the chance to step behind the curtain (literally) and see how fashion, music, lighting, tech, designers, media, and pure chaos all come together to put on a show.
A Little Background
VFW is one of the biggest fashion events in North America, and honestly, I had no idea what to expect when I first signed up. Tickets aren’t cheap, and yet so many are sponsored - which I learned firsthand while working front of house. I noticed how carefully seats were reserved and rearranged at every show to keep guests happy and ensure everyone felt special. From VIPs to press to influencers, it was a balancing act that taught me more about guest experience than any textbook could.
And of course, none of it would run without the leadership of Jamal Abdourahman - the founder and face of VFW. I’d see him at orientation meetings and at the shows themselves, always present, always respected. Everyone who’s part of the event knows him, and I feel grateful to have worked under his vision, even in a volunteer role.
What I Did
Over two seasons, my curiosity took me across different roles:
Front-of-House: greeting guests, guiding them to seats, keeping the experience polished.
Backstage: helping with last-minute model prep and seeing the organized chaos that fuels the runway.
Media Team: capturing content on my phone, uploading to shared albums for the social media team - a big responsibility that made me feel trusted and valued.
Event Flow: attending orientation meetings, assembly briefings, and working in color-themed outfits with badges that made us part of the team.
What I Learned
Volunteering here didn’t feel like “free work.” It felt like being part of something that mattered. I learned:
How attention to detail shapes brand experience (even seating plans can make or break a guest’s mood).
How to stay adaptable, switching between guest services, backstage, and media without skipping a beat.
That organization and communication behind the scenes are just as important as what the audience sees on stage.
That curiosity can open doors even in industries you never expected to step into.
I left with new friends, recognition from models and staff who remembered me across seasons, and a new appreciation for how brand storytelling extends far beyond ads and into real-life experiences.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. As long as I’m in Vancouver, you’ll probably find me back at VFW with a badge around my neck, soaking up the magic all over again.
Here are a few moments I captured during my time at VFW 👇
Where the runway ended and conversations began - guests, media, and designers mingling after each show.
A quick snapshot with some of the models during the in-between moments.
Catching a moment with the founder of Baldy lox Vintage.
Pop-up makeup stations for guests, influencers, and maybe even sponsors.