Last night marked a thrilling milestone in Victoria’s fashion scene—the inaugural Fashion Splash Forum, hosted at the stunning Pacific Design Academy. As a commercial photographer and videographer, I was honored to document this groundbreaking event, where creativity, sustainability, and business savvy collided. From the buzz of the panel discussions to the energy of the audience, it was a night that celebrated the future of fashion—and I’m excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at how it all came together.
The Event: A Fusion of Visionaries
The Fashion Splash Forum brought together five trailblazers from across the fashion industry for an evening of candid conversations, actionable insights, and bold ideas. Held in the Pacific Design Academy’s sleek, purpose-built space—a hub for nurturing design talent—the event was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.
Meet the Panelists: Leaders Shaping the Industry
The star-studded panel, moderated by a dynamic MC, included:
- Mona Elliott – A marketing and web design expert, Mona specializes in crafting compelling brand stories through digital presence. Her insights on social media, web design, and brand identity resonated deeply with entrepreneurs and creatives alike.
- Paul Long – Founder of ANIAN Clothing, Paul champions circular fashion and ethical supply chains. His mantra—“clothing shouldn’t harm the places we love”—has fueled ANIAN’s growth, with stores in Victoria, Vancouver, and soon Calgary.
- Aimee Halfyard – As the new Owner & Creative Director of Smoking Lily, Aimee merges classic design with whimsy in her collections. Balancing her legal role at Gowling WLG with fashion leadership, she embodies the multifaceted modern entrepreneur.
- Jodi Bryans – A retail guru, Jodi shared gold-standard strategies for merchandising, staff training, and social media. Her practical advice is a lifeline for anyone navigating the fast-paced fashion retail world.
- Stephanie Mould – A 2022 Pacific Design Academy grad turned Pattern Drafting instructor, Stephanie is the force behind Smouldy, a slow-fashion brand gracing runways from Vancouver to Cannes. Her journey from student to Vogue-featured designer inspired aspiring creatives in the room.
Behind the Scenes: Filming the Forum
To capture the essence of the event, I deployed a two-camera setup paired with a live switcher, allowing seamless transitions between wide shots and close-ups. Wireless microphones ensured crystal-clear audio from the panelists and MC, while a backup recorder safeguarded the dual-camera footage.
Post-event, I hustled home to polish the edit, craft an eye-catching thumbnail, and upload the final video to my YouTube channel (embedded below!). The result? A dynamic, professional record of the evening that viewers can revisit anytime.
A Venue That Inspires
Huge thanks to Kevin and the team at Pacific Design Academy for providing such a vibrant, creative space. The academy’s commitment to fostering design talent made it the perfect backdrop for this forward-thinking forum.
And of course, a standing ovation to organizers Joseph, Aisling, and Erinn for curating an event that connected minds, sparked ideas, and set the bar high for future Fashion Splash gatherings.
Fashion Splash 2025: Save the Date!
Mark your calendars—Fashion Splash 2025 is already on the horizon! If this year’s forum was any indication, next year’s event promises even bigger ideas, louder creativity, and more connections that push the industry forward.
Relive the Magic
Check out the full Fashion Splash Forum video below! From fiery panel discussions to audience Q&As, it’s all there. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more highlights from Victoria’s thriving creative scene.
Whether you’re a designer, retailer, or fashion enthusiast, last night proved one thing: the future of fashion is bright, sustainable, and unapologetically bold. Let’s keep the conversation going—until 2025!
Interested in capturing your next event? Let’s collaborate! 📸✨
—Timothy West, Commercial Photographer & Videographer
