On with the show ; FASHION: North America’s second-biggest fashion week takes Toronto by storm
TOSKAN, HEATHER. Observer; Sarnia, Ont. [Sarnia, Ont]. 02 Apr 2011: C.8.
Toronto runways lit up this week as LG Fashion Week (LGFW)hit town.
The biannual fashion fest unites many of the country’s top designers
with the fashion industry, to strut the stuff that future trends are
made of.
This year’s theme, The Business of Fashion, places the emphasis
squarely on fashion as a working industry.
According to recent Statistics Canada findings, the fashion
industry makes up approximately 1.2% of Canada’s gross domestic
product, representing more than just the flashy trappings worn or by
stars and celebutantes.
“This year, our tagline ‘Work It’ clearly indicates that designers
must take the opportunities and exposure presented to them at
fashion week to the next level and make a success of selling their
designs in the marketplace,” says FDCC president and the executive
director of fashion week, Robin Kay.
Holt renfrew opened the week with a show called Can’t Live Without
Canadian Fashion Monday.
“Part of our mission is to support our own (Canadian)designers and
showcase them on the same stage with the best of international
design,” says Barbara Atkin, vice-president, Fashion Design, Holt
renfrew.
Although the shows take place in Toronto, the event is on a
national scale, as buyers and media from across the country and
beyond gather to gander at the collections.
In addition to the multiple events that comprise LGFW, numerous
other fashion shows took place around Toronto in the days leading up
to the “official” week.
Well-known designers such as Greta Constantine, Philip Sparks, Mark
Fast, Alexander Berardi and others showed collections at their own
venues.
The Heart Truth Show, a charity event for the Heart and Stroke
foundation, showcased the special designer fashions on celebrity
models.
The designers themselves seem clearly focused on the goals of
growing their business.
“It’s really important for me to increase my visibility in Canada
and internationally,” says Montreal-based design stalwart Denis
Gagnon.
Only about 5% of all seats are available for consumers to buy, but
everyone can watch the collections streamed live at
lgfashionweek.ca.
heather.toskan@sunmedia.ca
CREDIT: HEATHER TOSKAN
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc. Apr 2, 2011