RUD by RUDSAK

Sep 30 11 under Designers, Interview, Ottawa Fashion Week | Leave a comment

After attending the private model casting for the newly-inspired line, RUD, by the already established RUDSAK, I had the opportunity to play fashion journalist and ask a few questions about the new line, how they feel about Ottawa’s fashion scene and OFW as an event. Read on to hear more about this amazing collection and why OFW is “fantastic”…

 

What makes you want to showcase this line at OFW/why did you choose OFW?

The organizers of OFW approached RUDSAK to act as a participating designer.  Impressed with the presentation and the designers to be joining the schedule, we decided to go forward with our recently launched line RUD styled by RUDSAK.

RUD is Montreal born and proud of its heritage.  Supporting locals- be it designers, events, organizations, etc. is crucial in maximizing Canada’s presence in the international market of fashion.  We see it as joining forces; everyone benefits.

What do you think of OFW and its impression on the fashion scene locally and elsewhere?

The dedication of the organizers for OFW and Blackbook Lifestyles has been fantastic.  Positive of a highly successful outcome- OFW maps itself terrifically as Ottawa is a city filled with university students.  Everyday youngins’ are reflecting the campaigns of top designers.

With the smooth pre-show delivery we’ve witnessed from OFW- Ottawa will certainly receive the proper recognition they deserve for hosting such an event and hopefully popularize its exposure among the Canadian fashion society.

What inspired this collection/what does it represent/what can the public expect to see?

Everyday people who just so happen to have great style have been reversing the trickledown theory.  RUD’s spring 2012 collection was inspired by hip tastemakers; nowadays street-style blogs overwhelm the web.

RUD affirms the confidence trendsetters have in wearing their clothes, unique to their own sense of style.

Spectators can expect to see beautifully eye-catching coats and jackets worn effortlessly- easy to recreate however desired. (It was amazing!)

I know I was beyond thrilled to see RUD’s Ottawa debut on Thursday night! Make sure to visit our website at www.ottawafashionweek.com for more information regarding this incredible designer, our OFW schedule, new venue, as well as when and where you can get your tickets! For photos of the show, go to our Facebook page! See you soon Ottawa!

^BB

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Simon Ekrelius

Sep 30 11 under Designers, Ottawa Fashion Week | Leave a comment

The crowd waited in stirred silence and anticipation for Simon Ekrelius’ runway show last night. The Swedish-born, London-based designer premiered his self-titled line here in Canada at Ottawa Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012. Everyone looked on in awe as the designer’s architecturally and geometrically inspired clothes flitted down the 100 feet runway. Loose cotton  fabrics in pale grey with yellow and red-orange colour blocks, red-orange fluid dresses (varying in length) with black arrow and rectangle motifs, and see-through-plastic blazers with pipe-legged, leather adorned pants. Pleated chiffon-like tops, resembling basket weave patterns, bedecked the necklines of the blouses. Each outfit was accessorized with bright red heels: the proverbial cherry on top.

See more about Simon here and here. Visit out Facebook Page for more photos of Simon’s collection.

photo credit: ^SK

^AM

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Anomal

Sep 30 11 under Designers, Ottawa Fashion Week | Leave a comment

Anomal’s newest collection was glamourous and modern. Patterned fabrics mixed with studs and leather details were what filled the runway last night. The model’s hair was styled in a larger-than-life bun and their make-up was a modern twist on the cat-eye look. Anomal brought the avant-garde look to the runway from Montreal, where the designer is based.

For more photos from the runway show, visit our Facebook page!

photo credits: SK

^LK

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Micalla

Sep 30 11 under Designers, Ottawa Fashion Week, Trends | Leave a comment

Micalla proved that all you need is one good accessory. Designer Camilla Jørgensen’s show was pure glamour with big statement pieces. The models were dressed in strapless purple cocktail dresses that really made the jewelry pop. The crowd stared in awe as they saw jewelry in a new light. Micalla’s newest collection was extravagant and could make anyone feel like a princess.

Ottawa-based supermodel Herieth Paul

For more photos visit our facebook page!

Photo credits: SK

^LK

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Valerie Dumaine

Sep 30 11 under Designers, Ottawa Fashion Week | Leave a comment

Montréal-based designer, Valerie Dumaine, put forth a strong collection and debuted with a bang at Ottawa Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012. The eponymous clothing line was  ripe with neutral tones, water colour-like graphic prints, fine vertical stripes, and structured, yet fluid, silhouette. The fabrics used were light, airy and a must for those hot and humid summer days. The dresses, either off the body in varying overlays or with A-line  and pencil skirts, were definite crowd-pleasers (at least to me). Valerie Dumaine’s designs easily go from day to night and have that modern and sophisticated urban warrior feel. Visit our Facebook Page for more images of Valerie Dumaine’s collection.

Also, for more on Valerie  follow this link here and here.

photo credit: ^SK

^AM

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Amber Watkins

Sep 30 11 under Designers, Ottawa Fashion Week | Leave a comment

Amber Watkins heated up the room with her hot swimwear collection that featured unique cuts in a variety of one and two piece styles. High-waisted swim shorts brought back a vintage feel, as did the cutout designs. A great addition was the use of feathered accessories and long chain jewelry. Notable colours were vibrant orange, green, and blue, which were reminiscent of a cheerful sunny day. Now this is how to stay classy and trendy by the pool or beach!

For more, check out our facebook albums!

^SK

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Birds of North America

Sep 30 11 under Designers, Ottawa Fashion Week | Leave a comment

Returning OFW designer Birds of North America had some handy patchwork this season. And I don’t just mean the fabulous clothing. Models came out wearing bandages on their legs, over their mouths, or as an eyepatch. As peculiar as this was, the real attention was on the styles that Birds gave us. Colours were modest and styles were feminine with a great refined touch. Dresses were great for a stroll in the park or a busy day at the office. Versatility and wearability were definitely part of this collection!

For more, check out our facebook albums!

^SK

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Media & VIP Champagne Social

Sep 29 11 under Around Town, Ottawa Fashion Week | Leave a comment

Behind the red velvet ropes at the Arc Hotel, you would find designers, sponsors, media, and friends of OFW in this exclusive party. Ottawa’s finest was out for our pre-event Media & VIP Champagne Social. The music was ambient and champagne and hors d’oeuvres circulated around the crowd. You could definitely feel the energy and excitement in the room with the buzz of the week’s runway shows. To add to the buzz were designers such as Simon Ekrelius who had models in his designs in attendance to give us a sneak peak of his creations. If you happened to walk by The Arc, you may have noticed two models in the display window modeling David McCaffrey’s gorgeous dresses. This successful night was just the precursor to what’s to come in the next few days- beauty, glamour, excitement, and of course, fashion.

For more photos, head over to our facebook page

^SK

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PLEASE READ: What to expect for Ottawa Fashion Week Sept 29 – Oct 1

Sep 29 11 under Event information, Ottawa Fashion Week | Leave a comment

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!

^AM

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Ottawa Fashion Week Survival Guide

Sep 29 11 under Event information, Ottawa Fashion Week | Leave a comment

As human beings, we need certain things to survive — food, water, air etc. As fabulous fashion people we too need certain things to survive…survive Ottawa Fashion Week. Read on for our lovely little survival guide to this season.

  • Visit our http://ottawafashionweek.ca to learn a whole lot’0′stuff about the event, its designers and other great things. While your there visit the links to our Facebook page and Flicker page, and follow us on Twitter.
  • Secondly, start your day with an hour (or two) session at Le Spa. Relax and get a mani/pedi; treating yourself to a little something nice before the three days of extravagance.
  • Study your closet (and the closets of others) and plan your outfits for all three days in advance. Not sure what to wear? Check out the e-stores of some Ottawa Fashion Week designers you plan to see and don one of their looks to show your support…and to look fabulous.
  • Get your hair did at The Loft with L’Oréal Paris and Kérastase styling products: the stuff the pros use.
  • Brush up on your tunage and listen to the bands (e.g. Orphan Pool, Samantha Chan, May-Jun, Sounds of Lion and more!) who will be playing at the Front Stage Lounge in between shows, so you can sign along.
  • Hydrate. This is imperative. No need for thirsty fashion goers, so plant yourself at one of the four watering holes found within the Front Stage Lounge.
  • Have any questions while at the event? Ask one of our lovely volunteers (there the ones dressed in black with the lanyard that says “Volunteer”), they’ll be happy to assist you.
  • After all the fashion fabulousness is all done, book yourself another day at Le Spa to rejuvenate your body…for a full-on shopping spree of pieces created by Ottawa Fashion Week designers the next week.

Once it’s all over, sit and wait to see what next season has to offer. Hope you can survive until then.

^AM

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