The doubters were out in full force when Jamal Abdourahman started Vancouver Fashion Week in 2001.
The city's fashion industry was small and even his host for the event - a personality from FashionTV - told him it wouldn't work.
"We were excited and thought we were going to bring the whole world here," the VFW chair said. "The industry was much smaller here but I thought we could pull it off. Now after nine years, I can't tell you every season was great."
But Abdourahman persevered, making sure he put together a consistent program featuring local and international designers each year.
In that time, he's seen Vancouver's fashion scene blossom due to its tolerance for different cultures and the city itself has become a player thanks to its proximity to the growing Asian markets.
"Now I can say Vancouver Fashion Week is a truly global event," Abdourahman said. "It's really getting there."
Vancouver Fashion Week's ninth year kicks off tonight. For more info visit www.vanfashionweek.com.
