Toronto Fashion Week to Put Canadian Fashion in the Spotlight

The newest edition of Toronto Fashion Week (TFW) is thought to be Canada’s leading sartorial and cultural event showcasing some of the best local designers.Against the backdrop of cobbled streets, boutiques, cafés, and swanky restaurants, founding partners Yorkville Village, The Hazelton Hotel, Freed Developments, and Hill & Gertner will host this year’s event in Yorkville Village once again.

Last year’s jam-packed schedule was a celebration of music, art, fashion, and culture as designers, models, fashionistas, and industry experts turned up for runway shows, fashion panels, and presentations. Jean-Paul Gaultier led an “In Conversation” panel discussion with special guest host Derek Blasberg, fashion writer and host of CNN Style.

For February, TFW has reunited with their partner, THE COLLECTIONS, a Toronto-based production company that highlights Canadian fashion through events, film, and photography as well as experiential events and activations for consumers.

The partnership with THE COLLECTIONS has given TFW even more opportunity to promote Canadian designers, as well as shake-up traditional fashion week traditions with more refreshing and engaging experiences. The incorporation of the contemporary RE\SET platform (launched by THE COLLECTIONSin February 2016) will be integrated throughout the three days in February.

THE COLLECTIONS’ co-founder and fashion director Dwayne Kennedy feels the reimagined TFW is not about creating something like New York or London, but experimenting in order to discover ways to express things in a truly Canadian way. For Kennedy, “collaboration is the key to building and sustaining a relevant fashion economy in Canada that helps connect and lead designers to international success.” He sees the partnership with TFW as a way to unite the industry and put the emphasis back on what is important, local designers.

Carolyn Quinn, executive director of TFW, is equally thrilled about this continued relationship. “This partnership allows us to continue promoting and supporting the incredible emerging talent in the Canadian market; we can’t wait to further spotlight Canada’s fashion identity and continue to establish Toronto as the premiere destination in the fashion scene.”

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TFW is also teaming up with Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFA) and Fashion Talks to put on a series of talks where industry thought leaders can share their knowledge and experience in an intimate setting. Topics will include themes such as Fashion and the Royals, which is even more relevant when you consider that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have recently been spotted in Canadian brands.

Many of the designers on the catwalk at TFW this year reflect the powerful, diverse voices in fashion across Canada. At the heart of many of their collections is the idea of the modern individual. Contemporary, yet classic ready-to-wear brands from designers such as Andrew Coimbra and Hilary MacMillan feel connected and open to the idea of life as a modern urban individual.

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Some of the brands walking the runway embrace blurred lines and the shift in perception of gender and clothing. S.P. Badu is a cult unisex brand aiming to create a post-gender world by making staples that embody masculine and feminine elements, while designer Pedram Karimi has always wanted to be ahead of the curve. The thinking behind his brand has always been about neutral clothing that can fit various types of individuals with different lifestyles. UNTTLD, a luxury female clothing line that aims for timeless elegance with an androgynous feel, is also showcasing their collection.

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There will also be exhibits that reflect Canada’s flourishing multiculturalism. Designers Nina Kharey of Nonie and Mani Jassal have distinctly different styles, but Nonie’s minimalistic collection inspired by men’s suit wear and Mani Jassal’s beautiful dresses and bridal wear both have Eastern influences. You’ll see Canadian fashion’s playful side in Hayley Elsaesser’s bright, imaginative prints, and in the popping colors from the ready-to-wear street fashion brand, WRKDEPT.

Checkout TFW February 5–7, 2018. For tickets and more information, see their website.