I’m sure by now that you’ve already read and seen every news article, blog post, tweet, Facebook update, Instragram photo and Tumblr related to Ottawa Fashion Week. But, just in case you missed anything, here’s a simple summary (with links) of our own coverage of the weekend’s most memorable moments.
Sadly this season of Ottawa Fashion Week has come to an end. We went out with a bang with some stellar shows, including our charity fashion show replete with star power. Read on to see what you missed and relive the amazing last day of Ottawa Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2012.
Serendipity by Kelsey McIntyre
Hailing from Alberta, designer Kelsey McIntyre returned to OFW to show the latest collection of her label, Serendipity. The collection epitomized McIntyre’s signature vintage chic style. The flirty skirts with chiffon overlays that dominated the collection were reminiscent of ballet skirts and appeared in deep teal, vintage pink and mustard. Cinched waists and bold buttons added detail to McIntyre’s creations. A full-length white gown ended the show, a tribute to McIntyre’s first design love, wedding dresses. The collection was unapologetically feminine and wearable.
loft 604
Next up was loft 604, a Toronto menswear brand designed by Willie Fung. The relaxed collection was full of detail; refined but casual cardigans and pullovers were paired with dark, well-tailored jeans. The sweaters were all made in cool browns, greys, black, and cream. The sophisticated nature of the sweaters derived from diamond pattern and cable knits, toggle buttons, and elbow patches. This season loft 604 also showed two womenswear pieces that echoed their male counterparts in grace and style. One female model wore a grey kimono-style cardigan with a rope belt while the other wore a casual cream pullover. The collection left us yearning for the relaxed European lifestyle that inspires loft 604.
Ella Peru
Ending the first segment of yesterday’s shows was Ottawa designer Su-Hui Chu with her line Ella Peru. The Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, entitled “Euclid and Ulster,” pays homage to the Victorian neighbourhood in Toronto. Chu used browns, peaches, forest greens, beige, and plum in her bold creations. The collection was reminiscent of a 1920s circus; models’ hair was in a deep wave tease and crimson lips complemented the feminine designs. Wedge shoes were provided by Urban Outfitters to complete the looks. Shapely dresses, fur caps, high-waisted shorts, and colourful nylons added an essence of funk to this edgy collection.
An electric performance by Camp Fortune led us through the first break of the evening with remixes that made every guest want to dance. Meanwhile, loft 604 models handed out free earbuds in the marketplace.
Helmer
The show opened with a pair of flowing white and black plaid pants and a grey asymmetrical blazer. This was just a sample of the patterns and textures to come, which included more plaid, miniature polka dots, feathers, ruffles, elaborate beading, rosettes, and metal embellishments. Joseph infused his collection with drama using sensual reds, hot pink, white, black, vibrant blues and gold. Designs ranged from wide leg pants, elegant evening gowns, and fitted blazers to dramatic, avant-garde statement pieces, including one look that sounded like wind chimes as the model glided down the runway. Mostly set to tango music, the show closed with a live bagpipes performance while a bride and bride walked down the runway, and the audience sat in awe.
Symbiose by Hinda A.
Returning designer Hinda A. showed her newest collection of her label Symbiose, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. The collection proved to be an interesting marriage between edgy designs and traditional workwear. Hinda A. added subtle detail to minimalist designs using sequins, gold accents, and sheer and velvet fabrics. The few prints used updated neutral fabrics with bold filigree. Cigarette pants, feminine blouses, and sheath dresses dominated the collection, whose mainly neutral colour palette popped with occasional jewel-toned pieces. This Autumn/Winter 2012 collection reminded us why we love Symbiose.
Sukhoo Sukhoo
Ottawa designer Frank Sukhoo showed off an astounding collection of his label, Sukhoo Sukhoo Couture, before the final break of the evening. Awe-inspiring designs dazzled us in electrifying pinks, blacks, browns, and tangerine. Styled with big, teased updos, shadowy makeup and black lips, models strutted down the catwalk in delicate silk pinstripe and sexy animal print dresses. Capes and two-piece skirt suits were another recurring them in the Sukhoo Sukhoo show, set to electro-dance music. Bright sequins were contrasted by dark sheer ensembles and feather accents while the collection boasted an eclectic mix of pieces, beautifully displaying the incredible range of Sukhoo’s talent.
After the show the backstage area was buzzing with excited voices celebrating the success of the individual designers’ shows and getting pumped up for the Ottawa Fashion Week UNICEF charity fashion show. Meanwhile Sound of Lions entertained the rest of the crowd with a creamy acoustic set performed by band members Whitney Delion and Will Assaad.
UNICEF Charity Show
Attendees packed the runway room for the final show of the Ottawa Fashion Week A/W 2012 season. It was a bittersweet mood in the room as guests lamenting the end of OFW mixed with an air of excitement as we prepared to watch the OFW UNICEF charity show, Runway for a Better Way. Designers Rachel Sin, Turbine, DeMOYO, Sukhoo Sukhoo, and MMCrystal jewellery provided the ensembles worn by our celebrity models. Solange Tuyishime, an ambassador for UNICEF, began the show by sharing her experience of living in a refugee camp as child and thanking UNICEF for helping her when no one else would. The celebrity models were guided onto the runway by members of the University of Ottawa GGs Men’s Basketball team, dressed in loft 604. Actress Gabrielle Miller, Rosie Edeh of ET Canada, Casie Stewart, and singer Cory Lee wore designs by Rachel Sin. Lianne Liang of CTV Morning Live Ottawa and ballroom dancer TL Rader and Leesa Bulter wore cocktail numbersby Turbine. Tré Armstrong of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Olympic silver medalist Elizabeth Manley, Gail McInnes of TDot TV, model Helena-Alexis Seymour, and Solange from UNICEF wore designs from DeMOYO’s A/W 12 collection. Finally, Erika Wark of CBC’s Steven and Chris donned sequins à la Sukhoo Sukhoo Couture. After the show, Cory Lee premiered her new song “Fashion Show” with an energetic performance on the runway that left guests humming the tune. Ten dollars from each Sunday ticket and each weekend pass went to support UNICEF Canada.
This season of OFW finished with a relaxed wrap party at the Shore Club at the Westin. Guests mingled, ate, drank, and laughed to end what was definitely our best season so far. We hope you’ve enjoyed our coverage of OFW. Until next season.
It’s hard to believe, but the incredible first day of Ottawa Fashion Week has come and gone already! The amazing six designers who showed lastnight set the bar high for the rest of the weekend, and in case you missed anything, here’s recap of Friday’s highpoints and highlights.
Elena Hinke and Elena’s Creations
Ottawa-based designer Elena Hinke opened OFW with the Fall/Winter 2012 collection of her label, Elena’s Creations. Her show featured beautiful floor-length evening gowns, short and sassy cocktail dresses, and sophisticated, structured jackets that would make any woman feel glamorous! While the central colours in her elegant creations were electric blue and vibrant cherry red, the collection featured a lot of lace and sheer overlays. Fur capes and long gloves accentuated the classy feel to every piece in Hinke’s collection. Backstage, Hinke was beaming after the show and posed with her models while photographers clamoured around her for a photo.
Amanda Emmanuel
Next up was Amanda Emmanuel, a designer new to OFW. Emmanuel’s background in interactive technologies was evident in her stunning Fall/Winter 2012 collection, “Hidden Treasures,” dominated by silk fabrics featuring angular lines, geometric shapes, and exciting colours. One print featured power lines on a flirty pink fabric – the ultimate combination of design and fashion. Many pieces combined floral prints, jewel prints and blocks of colour to create an ultra-feminine look. The models wore their hair in smooth, high ponytails and their makeup was minimal; for such breathtaking designs, very little was needed to make them a crowd favourite! In fact, the representatives from Otto’s BMW and Subaru loved her creations so much that they had Emmanuel to shoot a commercial for them outside The Westin. Emmanuel says the collection was inspired by vibrant colours, exotic birds and exquisite heirloom jewellery.
During the break attendees were serenaded with the soulful sounds of Renee Landry. She performed her original jazz and blues songs to an excited crowd, while her smooth voice slid throughout the rest of the Westin’s fourth floor. This was her second time performing at OFW, and we are so happy she came back.
frAsh
Meanwhile, jewellery designer Isobel Walker remained remarkably calm, though everyone backstage and front stage was anxiously anticipating the latest collection from her label, frAsh. The show opened with a ballet performance by a dancer dressed in black. This turned out to be a stark contrast to the rest of the styling, which had the models painted white from head to toe. Their chests were covered in white feathers which created a beautiful stage to display the jewellery. The first look had a model wearing a long, sheer, black train from her waist and a heavy, black and gold necklace, complimented by long black earrings. Gold was the main colour in the collection, accented by bursts of deep red and black. Many neck pieces were pectorals and the earrings were delicate but large. Some models also wore cuffs the length of their forearms in deep green or lucite. The collection, inspired by Joan of Arc’s transition from warrior to saint, ended with a massive headpiece made to look like a biblical halo from the renaissance.
!Nu.I
Returning Montreal label !Nu.I had the runway room abuzz with what Vickie Joseph would do to astound us this time. The collection, entitled “Nostalgia,” certainly took everyone back in time. The styling was a throwback to the 70s, with crimped hair and big, clear-framed glasses. Teal was the main colour, both accenting black and brown hounds-tooth print pants and being used all on its own in capes and dresses. A teal leather maxi skirt really got people talking both at OFW and online. As the models flowed down the runway, teal was replaced with creme knits and black leather, with lime green accents and knee socks. The looks, whether they included pants, capes, dresses, or skirts, were both strong and feminine and made us yearn for the past.
Keeping the crowd entertained during the break was Anastasia Filippova. Her soothing piano melodies and electrifying voice was just what the crowd needed to get them pumped up for the next round of shows.
Illyria Design
Dress designer Illyria Pestich defines simple elegance with her label Illyria Design. The models’ dark, dramatic eye makeup was an ode to the wonderful work the L’Oreal stylists had been doing all day and the refined up-dos showed off the skills of hairstylists from The Loft. Plum, black, and white were the main elements of Illyria’s colour palette, though striking prints including grey-tone snakeskin punctuated the collection. The pieces ranged from wrap dresses to tunic dresses. One plum piece had a hood and pockets, and others were complimented with statement dress jackets and gold jewellery.
!Y.D.N.A. Collection
As if the other five designers didn’t already make the first day of OFW one of the best we’ve ever seen, Montreal designer Andy Nguyen ended the evening with nothing less than an astounding show. His label, Y!D.N.A. Collection, has made him one to watch since its launch in 2010, and Nguyen did not disappoint with his latest collection. Nguyen had attendees standing up before the even show started to get a glimpse of a mysterious box sitting at the beginning of runway. When the show started, a model popped out in a black leather and danced sharply to electrifying music to set the tone for the show. Many of the models’ bodies and faces were painted white or black and had angular lines drawn on them. The collection was mostly black, white, and grey, with lots of leather. Headpieces were plentiful in this dramatic collection and ranged from top hats, to studded gas masks, to black discs. Notable looks included one model in a white morph suit with black combat boots and a mix of leather and a knit. Another included a model wearing a creme, flouncy knit with an oversized flower applique and carrying an orange birdcage as an accessory.
If you aren’t already following us on Twitter (@ofw_live) or Instagram (ofwlive), check out our pages for live updates throughout the day on backstage preparations, runway shows, and all the excitement going on the marketplace.
Learn more about some of the performers that will be bestowing their musical whimsy upon us during Ottawa Fashion Week.
ADROCK ACOUSTIC
Feel that reggae beat with AdRock Acoustic at Ottawa Fashion Week. Previously opening for bands like illScarlett and Bedouin Soundclash. Acoustic’s, also known as Adam’s, easy listening musical style will provide a much needed downtime atmosphere to the hectic events. Straight out of Waterdown, Ontario, Adam’s first solo EP will be hitting the scene this summer. Twitter
ERIN SAOIRSE ADAIR
With folkloric sounds spiced with a bit of blues, Erin Saoirse Adair is a diversified vocalist and composer in the folklore scene. Based out of Ottawa, Adair strives to tell stories through her music. Her inspiration draws from the poet Walk Whitman and songwriters Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell, among many others. She has performed with other acts such as Three Little Birds and the Young Griot Collective. Twitter
BLACK DOGS
Black Dogs are a folk duo who have been playing original material locally for the past year. The focus is on a stripped-down simple approach to song writing that translates into an intimate live performance. Facebook
See all three performances tonight on the L’Oreal Professionel Stage during the event from 5pm-10pm.
Fashion and music going hand in hand – everybody knows that. Read about some of the performers that will grace the Front Stage in between shows during Ottawa Fashion Week. I think we’ve mentioned this before, but did you know that these gigs are free to attend? Come to the Westin Ottawa to enjoy some local musical talent and see the collections of some great Canadian designers. Get more details here.
THE STRAIN
For The Strain, music has always run in the family. Siblings David Taggart and Rylee Taggart grew up in Wakefield, QC watching their parents play music at family get-togethers. Along with their cousin Alex Serre and a childhood friend, Nick Johnston, they formed The Strain. Inspired by bands like the White Stripes, Phoenix, and Arcade Fire, The Strain will bring their indie rock sound to Ottawa Fashion Week tonight from 5pm-6pm as part of the Front Stage Lounge.
RENEE LANDRY
Renee Landry will return to Ottawa Fashion Week’s stage this season! Her soulful and powerhouse voice set her apart from other jazz and blues singers. Diverse influences from Ella Fitzgerald to Jay Z make this Sault Ste. Marie native a wise composer and songwriter beyond her years. Check her out on the Front Stage tonight from 7pm-8pm!
ANASTASIA FILIPPOVA
Melting the acoustic vibe with infectious melodies pop and soul, Anastasia Filippova will make your heart sing. A Russian native, Filippova left her home at 12 years old and grew into a mature artist and songwriter while living her new life in Canada. She plays the piano and sings songs mostly about love and friendships. Expect jumpy piano tunes with a soulful edge. Anastasia will be performing a mix of original and cover songs tonight between 10pm-11pm.
There will be so much going on during Ottawa Fashion Week—which starts tomorrow, February 17and ends the evening of Sunday, February 19—that following all the action online may be more overwhelming than actually going in person. We want you to be able to keep on top of what matters, so we’ve prepared this mini-guide to help you keep track of the best of the week’s fashion and fun online and on your mobile device.
The OFW Blog
Let’s start with where you are right now. The OFW Blog will be your official source for designer previews, daily recaps of all the action, summaries of the best online content, video, reactions to all of the shows and other highlights.
Twitter
Follow the official Ottawa Fashion Week Twitter feed (@OFW_LIVE) for live-tweeting and instant updates of all the action. We will be tweeting photos from shows, designer details, alerts about any event changes, information about our partners and much more.
To follow and join the full conversation, use the hashtag #OFWLive.
To follow and join the conversation surrounding this year’s Charity Show, Runway for A Better Way, use #OFWUNICEF.
Instagram
You’re going to want us to follow us on Instagram (username: ofwlive) for a fun behind the scenes visual report of what’s happening all three days of the event. We’ve already shared some candid and entertaining moments from the media launch party with you. Starting tonight, expect to see pictures of the OFW planning team in action, shots of designers, photographs from front- and back-stage, model’s preparing and more.
Tumblr
Starting on Friday, February 17 at 5pm, our Tumblr will be reserved for snapshots of the best dressed members of the public in attendance. Want to get Tumbled by us? Get planning your wardrobe and dress to impress.
We know Ottawa has a reputation for being colder than the Arctic, but with cold winters comes great winter activities. Ottawa has some of the best winter fun available, so we’ve come up with our top five recommendations to keep you busy during the cold months.
Celebrate Winterlude at Confederation Park – Check out the world-class ice sculptures and live entertainment at Confederation Park until February 20th. While you’re there, try a fresh maple taffy for $3. There’s a full list of activities you could enjoy with your family and friends including; attending Ottawa Fashion Week’s Winterlude event today at Confederation Park (outside the Rogers Lounge) where DJ’s will be spinning great music. Models (girls AND boys) will be donning winter-themed make-up and threads from Paris Police Clothing, viens avec moi, American Apparel, Old Navy, and Schad.
Skate the Rideau Canal – Challenge yourself to skate the length of the Rideau Canal. Start at Hartwell Locks and skate all the way downtown – 7.8 kilometres total! Then reward yourself with a warm Beavertail and hot chocolate.
Go skating at City Hall – The City of Ottawa and the Sens Foundation recently opened a skating rink, called the Rink of Dreams, outside City Hall. If the canal ice is just not quite right for practising your spins and twirls, check out this refrigerated rink. The Rink of Dreams will be open until March so you can get maximum use out of your skates!
Try a new restaurant – Ottawa is a hub for great food, so why not try out that restaurant you’ve been eyeing? If you’re not sure where to go, check out Taste of Winterlude, an event that offers you multi-course meals at various Ottawa and Gatineau restaurants until February 18th. Most dinners cost $100-150 per person.
Go for a wagon ride – Gather up to 20 of your friends and take a relaxing wagon ride to escape the busy city. Rides are offered by Pinto Valley Ranch and cost $150 for an hour.
Here’s just a taste of what to expect during Ottawa Fashion Week, coming up February 17-19. Feel like a VIP at OFW’s Front Stage Lounge: all guests of OFW are welcomed into the fashion playpen filled with live entertainment, shopping, photo-op fun, and emergency beauty touch-ups.
Thirsty? Grab a cocktail or two.
Is there a hair out of place? Makeup smeared? The Rowenta hair care team will gladly make you feel like a model or movie star while working their magic to make you look perfect.
Shopaholics might have to attend Couture rehab after browsing the jewelry collections of Love Montreal, Sean Ward, and Nova Design. Do not forget to test some L’Oréal Professionnel, Pureology, and Kérastase products with The Loft and Le Spa.
After your Ottawa Fashion Week transformation, make Madonna proud and strike a pose in one of our photo booths.
All you beautiful people strut your stuff on down to the Front Stage Lounge during Ottawa Fashion Week. It is the place to be.
Be part of all the glamour. Purchase your tickets here.
Haitian native from Montréal, Ralph Leroy, opened his show with the musical styling’s of the band, Mackenzie First including Dave Black and Domenic Berardi. Shortly after the live performance, Sophie Latreill from Fire Weavers appeared on the stage with flaming metal frames, heating up the OFW stage. Keeping with the theme of fire, the runway room filled with smoke as the first model appeared. Fiery red and flashy gold tones keep with the theme as the models strut their stuff. Donning ‘bride of Frankenstein’ hair-do’s, the models wore flowy designs in warm tones, setting the scene for a killer trend of S/S 2012. Modeling for Ralph last night was one of our own, Erica Wark, who walked the runway in a metallic gold dress that lit up the stage. Finally, adding a sense of the wild to his collection, Ralph showcased a white feather dress with black polka dots and a long train. It seems that feathers will be a must-have item in our wardrobes for spring!
Photo credits: SK
To view the whole collection, visit our facebook page!
Making your way to the newly-built, architecturally amazing Ottawa Convention Centre for this season’s Ottawa Fashion Week September 29 to October 1? Visit http://ottawafashionweek.ca for runway show schedule and to purchase your tickets (it’s not too late!). Read on for a little taste of what to expect during those three exceptionally fabulous days known to the NCR, and the world, as Ottawa Fashion Week.
Upon entering the Ottawa Convention Centre, make your way to the escalators and ascend to the third floor…that’s where all the magic will be happening. Before the shows begin, peruse the Marketplace for stunning jewellery designs from local shops and other creative goodies to indulge in before, or after, the runway. Some Marketplace designers include; on-line jewellery boutique, Stella & Dot, who takes it off-line; local boy Sean Ward and his natural designs; MoxyMaus and their delicious socks; and many, many more!
In between the runway shows, the place to see and be seen is the the Ottawa Fashion Week Front Stage Lounge. Accessorize with a cocktail at one of the four (count ‘em, four!) bars inside the Front Stage Lounge and quench thirsty taste buds after the buzzing over “insert Ottawa Fashion Week designer here” break-the-bank-shopping-spree-worthy clothing. Who could possibly forget? Media and VIP Lounges, where the who’s who of our Nation’s Capital and beyond will be mixing and mingling in between shows.
Maybe hair and beauty is mostly your thing? Or you forgot your compact at home? Not to worry! Get prettied at our complimentary hair and makeup touch-up stations brought to you by our oh-so-generous sponsors; Le Spa and The Loft, L’Oréal Professionnel, Pureology, Rowenta, Kérastase and Shiseido. Not only are they touching up hair and makeup but offering eyelash extension product demos! Jeepers, creepers, where’d you get those peepers! On top of all that? The Exclusive Beauty Boutique will be offering earth shattering discounts on their products, free delivery on items purchased at Ottawa Fashion Week AND a chance to win a $500 gift-basket. Woot, woot!
With bevy in hand, hair and makeup all touched up, make your way to one of the many photo booths available to get some glam shots of your pretty little self. All booths provided by some more amazing sponsors; Otto’s BMW, Metro News, Corel Software and Book the Booth.
So that was only Day 1. Rinse, refill, and repeat for Day 2…and Day 3.
Can’t make it to the shows? No worries! Ottawa Fashion Week will be LIVE STREAMED from our Facebook page. See the designs of Simon Ekrelius, RUD styled by RUDSAK, Travis Taddeo, Alexis Reyna, David McCaffery, EDIT by Jeanne Beker and more!
