Elle Canada presents the Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels

I have to admit, this is my first New Labels show, so I am writing from the point of view of someone yet to experience the pleasure of attending a super-stylish, well thought out and organized fashion competition made up of talented, established Toronto fashion designers. Most fortunately, the event provided all this and much more!

Guests schmoozed at Hazelton Lanes while sampling at least a dozen different wines, courtesy of Vin de Pays d’Oc wines; and the most tasty hors doevres and cheese assortment, thanks to Amazing Foods – fabulous pairing! Guests were most content and impressed, but complimentary cocktails usually have that effect!

When I commented that the affair seemed more fashionable than most at fashion week, TFI blogger Carolyn Rohaly said, “Well, they know how to throw a classy party!”

Fashion Design Competition

Extras aside, the Elle Canada/TFI New Labels event is an amazing opportunity for hard-working designers to compete for cash, magazine editorial and a chance to sell their wares out of the exclusive TNT Blu in Toronto’s Hazelton Lanes.

For 2006, four focused and coherent collections were presented down a curvy runway in the most engaging fashion! (If all fashion shows consisted of the work of such thought out competitors, we may never grow bored…) The models looked superb with gorgeous hair, make-up and styling. And definitely worth a mention is the graphic elements that were projected on the runway to create some serious atmosphere. Go to the TFI site to learn more about the show contributors.

And the Winner is...
Desperately Different

At first glance of Katya Revenko's innovative, winning collection, I thought that perhaps many (not all) pieces are too "Eastern European" for the average Canadian woman to embrace. But then again, with the influx of H&M and popularity of Zara - and with the prestige of winning this competition - and with the support of Desperately Different retailers Holt Renfrew and Boutique Le Trou - it is very possible that Katya will find much deserved success as a fashion designer in Toronto.

For FW 2006, Revenko sources her inspiration from iconic historic female figures such as Joan of Arc, Catherine the Great and Marlene Dietrich. The Joan of Arc jacket provides an armor of sorts for the modern woman who, with her strong exterior, can nurture and protect her soft vulnerable interior. The Isadora Duncan dress, a gorgeous swath of pleated lavish purple satin, is anchored by tweed on the torso but gives the wearer the freedom to move and sway away in satin.

The Desperately Different collection is one of velvet and jacquard; assymetrics and precise cuts, oversized pockets and varying shapes.To see more photos of this event, go to www.fortey.net The Desperately Different collection is one of velvet and jacquard; assymetrics and precise cuts, oversized pockets and varying shapes.

To see more photos of this event, go to www.fortey.net

Judges
Rita Silvan - Editor-in-Chief, Elle Canada
Kristin Booth - Actress
David Dixon - Fashion Designer
Arie Assaraf -Founder TNT chain
Natalie Atkinson -National Post fashion journalist

Rachel Schwab

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