Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine

The year was 2003 and producer Andy Chu found himself at the Albert Hall in London attending the very first "Fashion Rocks". Fashion, music and art had always been his passions so the concept of uniting them in a single performance was intriguing. On return to Canada he quickly developed the smaller Stripped Concert Series to gain experience and then in the Fall of 2004 produced his first FMA. The show was a challenge with ten bands accompanying ten fashion segments, each with its own production requirements. Although it was a success, at the end Chu found himself sitting under a rack of clothes backstage wondering, "OMG! Is it done?". September 27th will be the fifth incarnation for this exciting show and it just keeps getting better.

Arc2 Intertainment has been in business for ten years, but Chu has been producing locally for over twenty. He started fresh out of high school. While working at a restaurant he picked up a video camera, wrote a script using his co-workers as cast and produced an amateur film that was such a hit at their Christmas party it became an annual tradition. Film school seemed like a good direction but "...I was always a rebel. They would be saying, 'This is how you do it...' and my friend and I would be, '...can we do it this way and that?' I actually learn more when I'm working on the set." Chu spent several years working as a stunt double to gain the access he desired. Arc2 now has seven feature films to its credit and produces a wide range of multi-media projects including work with Paula Abdul. The Stripped Series and FMA charity events are its most recognizable contributions to the Vancouver fashion scene. Arc2 TV (www.arc2.tv), one of Arc2's multi-media divisions, also produces live webcasts for events including BCFW, Stripped and FMA and has tapes of the events available on-line to view anytime.

Sky 360 is the theme for FMA 2008. The concept was born as Chu drove by the new BCIT Aerospace Technology Campus. "I loved the building. I saw all the planes inside and thought, 'That would be a great show!'" The lobby of The Centre will be transformed into a check-in counter with staff in 60's/70's inspired airline uniforms created by designer Jolie Chan. The show is divided into four segments, each with it's own unique live music. Terminal 1 - Eh! Canada introduces an exclusively Canadian roster of fashion designers, musicians and artists. Terminal 2 - Mile High showcases a provocative selection of lingerie and bathing suits. Terminal 3 - Eco Green features designers who are taking eco-couture to the next level. Terminal 4 - Elite Star is the finale of high profile designers. At press time the designers include: Evan & Dean, Bustle, Calvin Klein, Anna Kosturova, Walford, Mellinda-Mae Harlington, Agent Provocateur, Odd Molly, Betsy Johnson and possibly Evan Biddell (winner of Project Runway Canada). Always one to promote local talent, Terminal 1 will include exceptional local fashion design graduates. Tickets for this event benefiting Make Poverty History cost less than the price to attend most concerts. General seating is $55. VIP tickets are $100. A "Red Eye" after party will be held at Players Chop House.

For more information please go to the website at www.fmavancouver.com. Tickets can be purchased through www.fmavancouver.com (604-688-2826) or through Clubzone at www.clubzone.com (1-866-824-8212).