Jeffrey Montes presents collection Salma @ Vancouver Fashion Week Fall Winter 2026

About the Collection:

Salma is inspired by Jef’s muse Salma Zahore. Manifestation from caterpillar to butterfly. The styling of the collection is in collaboration with drag artist Hadi Moussally. The zero-waste 3D knitted and reflective woven materials are created in collaboration with Aitex Textile Institute Alcoy and TextielLab Tilburg. The inspiration of the collection reflects rainbow-colored childhood nostalgia.

Background and Inspiration: What inspired your journey into fashion design and the creation of your label?

The wedding picture of my Spanish grandparents. My grandmother made her own wedding dress from a tablecloth. I fell in love with this magical idea of creating fashion. My grandfather was an adventurer and a very skilled craftsman. My grandparents’ ingenuity motivated me to follow my dreams.

Are there any key pieces or techniques you’d like to highlight?

Yes, the 3D knitted designs are created in collaboration with a highly talented French technician. Damien Semerdjian translated my way of designing into an innovative knitted pattern. Aitex Textile Institute in Alcoy shipped high tenacity filaments to TextielLab in Tilburg. It was mandatory to work with special filaments that have a high breaking point. Several knitted puzzle pieces were seamlessly designed together, creating the final fashion design.

What story does this collection tell?

The story behind the 3D knitted design is about my cousin Bryan. He was my best friend. Our favorite game was Turtle Pizza Thrower by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The fluorescent orange color of Michelangelo was the starting point of the collection. Making the dresses felt like a healing process, and it helped me want to make the future more beautiful.

Would you say the brand / collection is sustainable?

Yes, it’s a never-ending process for me to keep developing new materials. Over the past decade I have created my own yarns and materials. I regularly collaborate with international tech hubs to innovate and collectively continue to become more sustainable.

Is diversity & inclusion focused upon within your brand / collection / activities?

Yes, it’s crucial for me to engage with the rainbow community. Muses and role models inspire me. Speaking from experience, finding a chosen family and a safe space to heal. To have a cheerleader and friend by my side that shines light in the darkness whenever it’s needed. That my brand may contribute to the lives of role models.

Future Goals: · What direction do you envision for your brand in the coming years?

To breakthrough and make my fashion dream come true.

How was your overall experience?

It was wonderful to visit Vancouver for the first time in my life and to be invited to present my collection as the sponsored designer during Vancouver Fashion Week. That was very special. The backstage team did everything they could to support me, and I am very grateful to the entire VFW team.

How did you feel supported by the team?

The VFW team took my energy levels into account. I have Wilson’s disease, and sometimes it is difficult to feel seen and heard. Wilson’s is a rare disease, and I am fortunate to have a good quality of life. I was given the space to raise awareness and to show my talent to the world. It is fantastic to be surrounded by a team that feels like a family and does everything it can to let designers shine.

Would you recommend VFW to other designers?

Absolutely. My participation in Vancouver Fashion Week was an unforgettable experience.

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VFW FW26 CREDIT SHEET

Vancouver Fashion Week: @vanfashionweek #VFW

Runway photo: @arunnevader

Runway video: Head of video: Nisara Ashif Somani @so_mani_media

Director of photography: Vinicius Burger @viniography Khary pollard @thedancingphotographer

Camera operators: James Park and Joe Nolasco

Hair Team: Key Hairstylist Lead: @OdeteDasilvaHair Hair Team: #OdeteDaSilvaHairTeam

Official Sponsors; @goldwellca

Makeup Team: Key Makeup lead @louise_kim

Official Supporting Partners: @modo_carcoop, @bosa_foods