Fashion News

Nicole Stewart

East is East

We begin with a look at our own fashionable backyard. L’OREAL Fashion Week took place at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto from March 17-22, with video screens and a glass wall on one side of the tent for onlookers to get a glimpse. The jam-packed schedule included the likes of Lucian Matis, Bustle, Carlie Wong, Joeffer Caoc, Philip Sparks, Comrags, David Dixon, and Andy The-Anh.

The 14th edition of Montreal Fashion Week transformed Marché Bonsecours from March 25-28 into a haven for fashion-goers. Bodybag’s British-inspired tea kicked off the event, with honourable mentions going to Helmer Joseph’s architecturally constructed shirts and newbie Audrey Cantwell, who was the winner in this year’s Télio contest.

Marie Saint Pierre was the biggest shock! An unexpected wide ruffle followed the collection in a unified manner. During the show, two cross-dressers jumped onto the runway wearing tawdry ensembles, fishnet stockings, and holding signs that read, "Cédrika est morte. Vive Cédrika," and "Montreal Fashion Weak." Montreal Fashion Week staffers quickly escorted the two rebels to the nearest exit.

Last season, Minister Raymond Bachand announced that $82 million would be set aside for Quebec’s garment industry, and during a press announcement at this show, he revealed the plan to allocate $40 million in tax credits, Montreal Fashion Week will receive $220,000 for Le Showroom to help showcase about 50 Canadian designers to potential buyers, and $620,000 has been set aside in grant money to 90 local artists. Designers like Arianne, Marie Saint Pierre, Mackage, Rudsak, and Denis Gravel are among the 25 recipients that have already been awarded the grant.

Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week (affectionately known as FAT) showcased over 120 artists in fashion design, visual arts, music, and performance art at the Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery District from April 9-11.