Toronto is not only the capital of the province of Ontario, for one week it was the capital of Fashion. From 12 March till 16 March, Toronto attracted fashionista`s from all over the world during the World MasterCard Fashion Week.
Toronto might not have the same reputation for Fashion Week as New York or London, but that doesn`t mean it`s not buzzing and vibrant! Some of the planet`s most successful fashion models and photographers call Toronto home. Now in it`s 12th year, the event occurs twice each year, spring and fall, and is Canada`s premier fashion event and the second largest Fashion Week in North America. The city puts its name on the world map by supporting young designers, while the designers are helping to brand Toronto as a fashion capital.
During my Toronto trip I paid a visit to the Fashion Incubator. What is this you might ask… I know I did. Toronto Fashion Incubator, TFI, provides critical business and professional support to help fashion entrepreneurs thrive and survive. They offer a studio for young designers to work and create their clothing line. Besides that they get educational seminars on the business of fashion, one-on-one mentoring with industry professionals and much more. TFI has fostered many of Canada`s most celebrated talents including Joeffer Caoc and David Dixon, … David Dixon is now a great mentor at TFI. All this is housed in a 8000 sq ft heritage building at the Exhibition Place in Toronto.
If you want to pay a visit, you can contact www.fashionincubator.com
I attended two fashion shows during my Toronto stay: Pink Tartan and Dare to Wear Love. Pink Tartan`s designs are elegant and sophisticated with a charm that gives each piece modern wearability. The latter one, DTWL, was a charity event and I can tell you, this was quite the event. Not your usual models on the runway, but singers, songwriters, actresses, even the granddaughter of the late Bob Marley rocked the outfits.
This little girl definitely stole all the attention at the Dare to Wear Love show
Not only did I attend the fashion shows, I also had the privilege of going backstage! This is where it all happens. The models get glammed up with make-up and hairstyles are created. We even got to see Grace Lee, make-up artist at Maybelline NY, in action, explaining us the look for this fashion show.
I have to say it was quite the experience attending the fashion shows. Thanks to Toronto Tourism for inviting me. Stay tuned for Toronto: Food & the City and Toronto: Shopping & the City.
I love watching fashion shows and going backstage must have been amazing to see what really goes on.
Hi Laurel, yes, it was quite the experience! The whole event was fun, but going backstage definitely made it extra special.