The Remarkable Rise
of
Fashion's Unexpected Star
All Images Courtesy of Joshua Pasquale
Craft, Collaboration, and Canadian Roots
Canadian fall is a palette of myriad colours, each leaf telling a story of transformation. Pasquale’s journey mirrored this sentiment. He shares that deeply rooted in the Canadian ethos, “Canada’s diversity has always deeply impacted me. If you look at my fashion, I love to transform into different concepts and places; it’s why I’ve always been called a chameleon. That’s why my logo and motif is a chameleon. I truly believe the variety and diversity I’ve been a part of in Canada reflect my need to transform. I also say that my rise to fashion has been a lesson in persistence, which I believe to be very Canadian. Canadians are the turtles that win the race.”
“I truly believe the variety and diversity I’ve been a part of in Canada reflect my need to transform.”
Over the years, I’ve witnessed thousands of stories unfold on the fashion stage. While every story has its charm, some tug at your heartstrings, reminding you why you fell in love with fashion in the first place. Today, I’m spilling the tea on a tale that embodies that emotion in this digital age, which has radically transformed many industries, and fashion is no exception. An email notification diverted my attention as I sat down with my evening cup of Green Tea, watching the fall leaves playfully chase each other to the ground. It was a detailed account of an uplifting story: how a fashioner, equipped with the powerful tools of our digital age, had crafted a space for himself in the esteemed corridors of global haute couture.
Josh Pasquale, a rising star in the fashion world, described the moment vividly: a regular evening turning extraordinary with one Instagram notification. Vivien Sophie, a name revered in fashion circles, had reached out. This was an anticipated surprise for someone who’d spent months honing his craft, targeting the creme de la creme of the fashion world.
The digital world is vast, but he knew where he belonged. With cities like Paris, Milan, London, and Berlin on his radar, this Canadian fashion aficionado harnessed his digital marketing prowess to position himself amidst European fashion stalwarts. This approach wasn’t random; it was the culmination of his years mastering the digital labyrinth.
Model and show opener Marble Nyathi and CEO Vivien Sophie | Hat by Canadian milliner Imagomillinery | Styled by Josh Pasquale
Pasquale’s synergy with Canadian artists L’Uomo Strano and Imagomillinery’s Sebastian Blagdon paints a vivid portrait of his commitment to his roots and his homeland’s eclectic spirit. “L’Uomo Strano is a good friend of mine. I was always a fan of his work because he’s a Black, queer Canadian artist who is authentic. Something I always respect,” he shared, his words resonating with admiration and reverence.
My rise to fashion has been a lesson in persistence, which I believe to be very Canadian. Canadians are the turtles that win the race.”
Sustainability – An Unconventional Approach
Pasquale and Vivien Sophie embarked on a mission in a world grappling with sustainability. Their designs weren’t just about aesthetics; they were narratives of recycled elegance. Emma Gilles of Crafty Wink Clothing, a fellow revolutionary in this green crusade, brings her flair for the unconventional to the runway. “Her designs included things like recycled origami seatbelts, upcycled vintage clothes, and even upcycled vintage Dior tulle she happened to have in her archives,” he shares, his words resonating with admiration and joy.
In his eyes, sustainability is the future, and through his designs, he aspires to lead the charge, ensuring that the legacy of fashion is as green as it is glamorous.
The Multifaceted Maestro
Stylist, model, and designer – wearing these hats isn’t easy, but it’s a challenge he embraced with zeal. His earnestness in ensuring each role’s sanctity was evident. Vivien Sophie’s faith in him wasn’t misplaced; he not only designed but also took to the runway, adding another dimension to the show.
Naomi Campbell’s fierceness and Shalom Harlow’s individuality fueled his runway passion. Their essence, combined with his unique flair, promised an electric presence.
The Path Ahead
Every journey offers invaluable insights, especially one as kaleidoscopic as this. His biggest? “Collaboration over competition.” In a cutthroat world, this refreshing perspective is evidence of his Canadian upbringing, where collective efforts often outshine individual pursuits.With Paris behind him, London beckons. But this isn’t about hopping from one fashion capital to another. It’s about etching his legacy, about turning every moment into a statement.