Tag Archives: models

Event: The Two Fashion Weeks

Posted on November 11, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

So November looks like it’s going to be fashion madness in Ottawa because there’s not one, but two fashion weeks happening. Luckily they are on separate weeks, so every fashion week has a chance to be attended by the people of this town.

I no longer live in Ottawa, but if I did come down I would go check both of them out. So if anyone is taking pictures and blogging, send some stuff to ottawastreetstyle and I’ll post it under your name.

Now I CAN crack some jokes and post something like “OFW vs. CFW – cage match” because it seems like there is some sort of jeremiad against any form of fashion in Ottawa, but I WON’T.

With that being said, people of Ottawa, I post events so you can go check them out, so here are some upcoming events.

OTTAWA FASHION WEEK – Spring/Summer 2009 collections

Thursday, November 13 – Saturday, November 15

National Arts Centre – 53 Elgin St.
http://www.ottawafashionweek.ca
info@ottawafashionweek.ca

Showroom+Runway Schedule and Designers can be viewed at: www.ottawafashionweek.ca

Tickets can be purchased at:
www.ottawafashionweek.ca or by phone at: 613.262.5994

CAPITAL FASHION WEEK – Spring/Summer 2009 collections

Friday, November 21 – Saturday, November 22

Government Conference Center – 2 Rideau St. (Colonel By Entrance)
www.capitalfashionweek.ca
info@capitalfashionweek.ca

A portion of the proceeds of this showcase will be given to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

Tickets available online at:
http://www.ticketweb.ca/snl/EventListings.action?orgId=18200

Schedule and designers available at www.capitalfashionweek.ca

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Posted in Events, Fashion, Ottawa and tagged capital fashion week, designers, Events, Fashion, fashion designers, fashion show, models, Ottawa, ottawa events, ottawa fashion, ottawa fashion event, ottawa fashion week. Bookmark the permalink.

Capital Fashion Week?

Posted on October 19, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

As a supporter of fashion in the capital, I believe in building a solid foundation for a strong fashion scene. Not one that seeks to compete directly with large markets like Montreal and Toronto, but one that can still be considered a “market” and not merely a third tier fashion city. By supporting this, it also means I am not a supporter of unnecessary reproduction. Let me explain, less than a few months ago, Ottawa had it’s first fashion week, and all of a sudden, I get a press release about something called “Capital Fashion Week“.

I am completely confused because a) the site contains no information regarding the event (only the date) and b) the press release and sponsorship package is praising the two founders for their “unique” idea rather than providing information about the show. What’s the deal?

“With small fashion-infused events happening occasionally around the city, its time the nation’s capital come together and welcome fashion-aficionados from all over to experience something fresh, bold and exciting for everyone– everyday fashionistas and industry people alike.”

Why should I think this event is so avant garde when it’s not? It’s been done before (May remember?) and continues to be done (yep, there’s another season coming up) and it’s very very new so why is it being reproduced exactly?

Capital Fashion Week claims that they would like to encourage fashion in the city: “The premise for this showcase is to, with the support of the city and its governing bodies, gather the community under one roof to finally be able to appreciate design talent. What started out as hope for something “bigger and better” for the city will now come to fruition with your support!” How about instead of starting another fashion week, contacting the organizers of Ottawa Fashion Week and collaborating with them? I don’t understand why a city with a fashion scene that is still very small requires two fashion weeks. Market research. Will people know the difference between a fashion week and a fashion show? Not likely now.

From the information I received, I can say with all honesty that the location is cool and when I was working on Ottawa Fashion Week, I did pledge interest in renting out the old Train Station (Government Conference Centre) due to its history and prestige but the price was ludicrous and availability was scarce.

The other thing that’s pissing me off about both shows, is that they are taking place at the end of November. Buying season is basically over and buyers no longer have open to buy money to spend (it’s the feedback I received after the first fashion week in May). How is anyone going to take Ottawa seriously? Did I also mention that Ottawa Fashion Week is November 12-15 and Capital Fashion Week is November 21 to 22?

This is what I have been talking about in various articles regarding the Ottawa fashion scene, elementary.

Analyzing this as a marketing and PR rep, there’s a lot of work to be done. Research. Actually, a basic google search shows this: Capital Fashion Week in Brazil. Now I’m no expert, but this runs into a little confusion and trouble. Yes, sure, two different shows in two different countries, but it’s the same as me using the name Nike for the new shoe line I’m launching in Malaysia for example. Also, when I hear “CFW” my mind automatically thinks “Calgary Fashion Week.”

The logo: I don’t understand it at all. I’ve emailed the people at Capital Fashion Week for clarification and received no response. Here’s my interpretation: this logo doesn’t resonate fashion week, it just looks like a graphic design project. Actually, it looks very similar to the Project Runway logo. Simplicity is key – when I worked for Ottawa Fashion Week, I rejected various logo concepts before agreeing to the basic font and colours they have now. I also made sure to include it in French to promote bilingualism, we are after all, the capital, and French is my mother tongue.

Advertising and Sponsorship: How come I’ve only heard about this show last week? I have not seen any advertising for it at all. And taking a look at the sponsorship package, I understand some of the proceeds are going to the cancer society but $15,000 to be a premium sponsor? You haven’t even put together one show to be asking for that kind of money. I am also not fond of the package names…fierce? I’ve worked in agencies before, I know that’s what non-fashion people think we call fashion poses. It’s not. I also don’t use the word fabulous, glam, chic or luxe in sentences. Fashion stereotypes make me happy though (seriously people keep asking me eccentric questions about fashion, I love answering them).

Tagline: Cut, Sew, Stitch – Come see the Finished Product! Sounds like Project Runway as well. Is this a fashion week or a competition? And exclamation marks at the end of any tagline are a big faux pas, they are better left for Wal-Mart flyers and considered extremely tacky (this is directly from the mouths of various advertising copywriters).

Season: There is no mention of the season but it should be Spring/Summer 2009 Collections.

Experience: I guess from the press release and sponsorship package I know who the founders are, and they seem to be the only two on the committee so my question is regarding the experience they have in terms of judging which designers make it or not. What is the designer criteria? Who checks the sewing? The samples? Press kits? Analysis of how the designers can manage wholesale, etc etc. And who are the designers? This requires judgement from someone with experience in fashion design and fashion merchandising, it’s vital for Ottawa fashion to be taken seriously.

Models: Please tell me your are using professional models from legitimate agencies? Fashion shows in Ottawa need to learn from previous mistakes. I’ll admit to many, I don’t critique without admitting I’ve made mistakes too (many factors come into play as well). There are a lot of great models in the city and looking outside the city is also an option. My question is who are the casting directors? What are their credentials?

I have an idea how this is going to end up, but I don’t think I can judge just yet because I haven’t attended the shows. I am merely asking questions and giving an OPINION.

Now I know what a lot of readers are thinking and I assure you that the first Ottawa Fashion Week was by no means perfect, but it was just that: the first one, a trial, many future seasons will be (although I have not worked on the second season and no longer work for fashion week). But we (Ottawa fashion people) need to learn from our mistakes and learn how to work together, not see everything and everyone as an obstacle.

More info on Capital Fashion Week:

Download the Press Release

Download the Sponsorship Package

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Posted in Events, Fashion, Ottawa and tagged Advertising, capital fashion week, design, Events, Fashion, fashion marketing, fashion week, marketing, models, Ottawa, ottawa events, public relations, show. Bookmark the permalink.

The Dinner Jacket

Posted on October 16, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

I heard about this magazine last month but did not get the opportunity to post anything about it. I got another email telling me to check out their October issue and I did.

The two ladies who are behind this (Ashley and Justyna) are very nice and seem to be on the right track. They also answer emails, that’s a plus as many people don’t and this is not a good sign. They are on time with their material and are networking well. Ashley and Justyna also managed to come up with a great name for their magazine.

I scanned through the content and I am quite fond of it. The photo shoots get better every issue and I am sure this magazine will eventually be a really cool online concept. The magazine also has a lot of material and it’s stuff I actually want to read about because it is sticking to local and national coverage.

Usually, online magazines are difficult to navigate but this Z Mag is easy to go through, making the online browsing quite simple. Check out their latest issue at http://viewer.zmags.com/showmag.php?mid=wqhfdq&preview=1&_x=1#/page0/

Make sure to also take a look at their blog for more information about The Dinner Jacket.

My only advice is to make the text a little more legible when it’s on a darker background (page 14, 53, 60-61) and to use different models. I would also like to see more work with local talent in terms of stylists, fashion photographers and designers (feel free to contact me for some resources).

Good luck ladies!

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Posted in Art, Fashion, Ottawa, Pop Culture and tagged Art, Fashion, fashion magazine, magazine, models, online, online magazine, Ottawa, ottawa fashion, ottawa fashion scene, photography, Pop Culture, style, the dinner jacket. Bookmark the permalink.

This is why I love…

Posted on October 3, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

Showcards (a.k.a. showpackages).
Some agencies outdid themselves with some fantastic showcards (a.k.a. showpackages) this season and after searching through some of them, I stumbled on the very beautiful Mariya Markina from Nathalie Agency in Paris. The showcards resembled the new faces section of agency websites (I love that) because it captures models in their natural state (i.e. limited hair and make-up). The photographer brings out Mariya’s natural and feminine look. This beautiful Ukrainian is no stranger to looking very androgynous at times, which I adore.

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Posted in Fashion and tagged Fashion, female model, mariya markina, model, models, nathalie agency, photography, showcards. Bookmark the permalink.

Non, ce n’est pas magnifique.

Posted on September 19, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

As if American Vogue’s celebrity whoring isn’t enough (I thought In-Style was the celebrity style magazine?), Lancome has decided to use Anne Hathaway (of all people) in their new ad campaign. Out of all the celebrities out there, you couldn’t think of anyone else?

Okay, I know this was announced back in mid-June but I just saw the life sized poster of the Scam Artist Dating Princess Diaries star this afternoon. I just don’t like her. She pisses me off, a lot. She has a slight nerdy charm to her but I don’t find she exudes anything special. Plus, she’s one of those celebrities that gives her opinion on topics she clearly doesn’t understand (i.e. politics) and she dated an Italian scam artist but alledgedly “didn’t know” he was a scam artist. Right. How clueless can you be?

This brings me to my next comment: I just don’t understand fashion anymore. Models are working their butts off attending castings to grace the pages of fashion magazines for a reason. What do people who appreciate fashion (like me) get instead of models? Celebrities. Celebrities already get all the press and money, why take over a models job? First, celebrities cannot perfect posing like models can and they do not nearly look as good in the clothing. Second, it’s not like models are lining up to get cast as the female lead in the next Hollywood blockbuster – they know their place, so know yours, celebs. Ugh.

Let’s talk about one of the most notorious celebrity lovers – Anna Wintour. Ms. Wintour continously uses celebrities on the cover of Vogue to sell magazines – even if the cover is absolutely terrible (September issue with Keira anyone?). She is also notorious for recycling content issue after issue and bringing us dull editorials featuring none other than those celebrities she so loves (reference: October issue on newsstands now, Rachel Weisz cover girl and back to Sept issue with Keira). WHERE ARE ALL THE MODELS? Celebrities do not pose as well as models for these magazines, it’s not their job so stop it, please. Yes I enjoy repetition. Someone please remind Anna that she is the editor of a FASHION magazine and NOT a celebrity fashion and lifestyle magazine. If I wanted to read about Angelina’s latest outfit, I’d pick up an issue of People or US Weekly. Please, leave the celebrities where they belong and bring my models back.

Picture from: http://stylefrizz.com/200806/anne-hathaway-launches-lancome-magnifique/

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Posted in Advertising, Fashion, Pop Culture and tagged Anna Wintour, anne hathaway, Fashion, Fashion Advertising, fashion magazines, lancome, models, style, Vogue. Bookmark the permalink.

Runways fail to represent half the world’s population

Posted on August 24, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

Jezebel contributor Dodai writes many articles about the lack of black models on the runways of Milan, New York, Paris and London. After reading most of her posts on the topic, I completely agree with her arguments and admire the fact that she scans the archives of style.com and counts how many models are not Caucasian. But Dodai avoids the bigger picture: her posts continuously focus solely on black models when ALL ethnicities (except Caucasians) are underrepresented on runways across the globe. I have written about this before, specifically focusing on the lack of ethnicity in fashion advertising.

Any fashion enthusiast can recite the names of the known black models off the top of their heads: that’s how scarce they are. Other ethnicities, even more scarce. Vogue Italia’s July All-Black issue not only sold out and was reprinted, but it caused an “outcry” amongst members of the fashion community and fashion enthusiasts and sparked up the debate about the lack of black models in the industry. Franca Sozzani, Vogue Italia’s editor, did a fantastic job with this issue because it does not remind me of the sameness found in the pages of Wintour’s American Vogue.

But, if we continue to focus solely on black models, the industry will avoid representing other ethnicities like Indians, Middle-Eastern, Asians, etc and will start trying to include diversity by only including black models alongside the majority of Caucasians. “Yeah but we had seven black models on the runway this time.” That’s not enough diversity. Adding five more black models to your line-up does not equal diversity when you have a total of 49 models in a 20-minute show. Black models would represent 14% of the runway while the Caucasian models have the majority with 86%. Diversify – there are tons of different countries in the world where you can find beautiful, well-toned women that just so happen to be 5’8” and up. Read this article to see Iman’s summary of Black models portrayed as caricatures.

Although most models are shipped in from Brazil and Eastern European countries where being 6’0” tall and skinny seems to be the country’s mission statement, they are still Caucasian-esque (in the case of Brazilian models, most of the famous ones, i.e. Gisele and Alessandra are of European descent).

People are attracted to exotic things and people; it’s basically a fact – where do you take a lavish vacation? North America? Not likely. Exotic women are beautiful, see the issue of Vogue India for example. The dark skinned model that graces the cover and the editorial is stunning (picture below). Why oh why is Anna not embracing this? There are too many models that look like they came off the last ship from Mars and landed on the runways of major fashion weeks and invaded the covers of Vogue, Bazaar and various other magazines. I hate it. The alien look is cool but we need to start embracing what half the world is, not blue eyed and blond. It’s noticeable that when ethnic models strut their long legs on the runway or pose for the camera, they just so happen to be some of the most beautiful people (I am not hating on Caucasian models at all (Tasha Tilberg anyone?) – I just want to encourage diversity).

I worked at a modeling agency for two years where our goal was to increase the visibility of ethnic models. Our roster had girls from all over – India, Syria, Vietnam, Ghana, and so on. Even the Caucasian girls we recruited did not fit the conventional look; they all had something unique that made them breathtakingly beautiful. Sadly, we seemed to be the only agency fighting for diversity. This past May during Ottawa Fashion Week; models from all races graced the runway. The correspondent at Flare magazine took notice and was pleased and surprised at the multicultural runway. Canada is a highly diverse and multicultural community, especially in larger metropolitan areas like Ottawa and that’s where we should start.

The question is, this has been an on going issue, right up there with other issues the modeling industry has been dealing with like drugs, sexual abuse, age and anorexia. This issue, however, doesn’t “physically” hurt anyone but it is, to me, considered a form of racism. Take for example the skin lightening creams women in the Eastern world use in order to rid themselves of their dark skin so they can look like the conventional Western woman. The fact that we are taught that women with light skin and lighter features is beautiful has an affect on women worldwide don’t you think? Even in India, where many of the world’s most beautiful women reside, considers the lighter skinned Bollywood stars as the most beautiful. Why? Because that’s what we see everywhere. Dark women are beautiful, again, check out the Vogue India model below, she’s dark and stunning.

So why is this issue getting into mainstream media now? Is it because Naomi Campbell refuses to retire from the runway because she’s afraid no black models will be walking on them anymore if she does? Is it the release of Vogue Italia’s all-Black issue? Who knows, but know this, ethnic models have always been underrepresented on the runways of major fashion weeks and even at the smaller ones (Montreal, Toronto). As frustrating as Naomi’s antics are, you can’t help but appreciate the fact that she, along with Iman, is one of the only ethnic models to be considered a “supermodel.” That is an accomplishment. Although I will continue to work at changing the way the fashion industry looks at ethnic models, I know that it will not be an easy process and can only hope that one day; they will all be represented equally, whether Black, Indian, Middle-Eastern, or Latino.

P.S. Have you noticed that all the models that grace the cover of Vogue Italia are lighter skinned black women? Think about that.

From left: Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn, and Naomi Campbell

Iman, planet earth is blue and there’s nothing I can do

Posted on August 17, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

Project Runway Canada Season 2 is being shot in Ottawa yet has anyone been able to get a glimpse of Iman yet? Or Brian Bailey at least? I would assume she is staying at the Chateau Laurier or the Arc Hotel? Or maybe to ensure her protection, they moved her to Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata…

The July 24th edition of the Ottawa Citizen managed to basically reveal the shooting location so if anyone has some time to stalk or something, report back if there has been any Iman sightings. Please send pictures, camera phones are everywhere these days so you have no excuses!!

Picture from: http://beautyfashionlife.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/iman-cosmetics-400a121307.jpg

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Posted in Fashion, Ottawa, Pop Culture, Sightings and tagged david bowie, Fashion, iman, models, Ottawa, Project Runway, project runway 2, project runway canada, runway, style. Bookmark the permalink.

Worst Lovers

Posted on August 5, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

I’ve been to Armani Exchange once and that visit was enough for me to request to never ever be taken there EVER again! The advertisement campaign should have been a signal in itself. How could I have been so blind? I mean, can a woman really be attracted to these dudes? Which agency are they from “Gino Model Management?” The boys look like some 2005 resurrection of Latino boy band Menudo. I am surprised the hired wardrobe stylist didn’t incorporate white square toe shoes and white belts into the equation – they were, as we so fondly remember, synonymous with 2005. She or he did, however, remember to grab the dog tags and large belt buckles from her or his vault. At least, alongside the white stuff, she or he left out the faux hawks. I apologize for the she or he thing – I am unaware of the stylists’ sex.

Seriously, this ad is making me nostalgic. It feels like I went back in time, flew to Ibiza, opened my suitcase, popped in that Daddy Yankee CD and while I was jamming to this reggaeton beat, I realized I forgot my white shirt! Great, how am I supposed to show up at the Tiesto album launch beach party and pop some pills without it? Is there a Le Chateau around here?

Not only is the stylist stuck in time, the photographer seems to have the exact same problem. Did you see the poses? OMG (something I learned in ’05 for ya)!! Analyzing this ad, AX’s target market becomes apparent: AX is targeting North American Italians that resemble the Gotti brothers (see Staten Island Guido story for more details), whereas Giorgio Armani targets REAL Italians, not ones that are trying so hard to live up to the stereotypes. I am talking about the good looking ones you’ll see in ITALY (it’s true, a friend proved me wrong as she discovered a set of extremely good looking men on her trip to Italy). Living in Canada I always thought Italians looked like AX guys because of the stereotypes most Italian people (or of any culture for that matter) fulfill about themselves when they are living abroad. How is this line still in business? AX is mere proof that because the word Exchange has the name Armani in front of it, it is considered a decent brand. AX please, stop giving Giorgio a bad name.

picture from: www.armaniexchange.com

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Posted in Advertising, Fashion, Pop Culture and tagged 2005, armani, armani exchange, Fashion, Fashion Designer, gino, guido, italians, models, Pop Culture, stylist. Bookmark the permalink.

Life is just a [glossy] fantasy

Posted on July 12, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

Remember that Dolce & Gabbana ad that came out in March of last year? You know…the one that caused massive outrage and was banned from certain countries? Well, any way, I call the ad, for lack of a good name or maybe just to go along with the imagery, ‘Gang Rape is a Good Thing.’ (NOT THAT I THINK IT IS A GOOD THING OR ENDORSE GANG RAPE WHATSOEVER).

D&G, known for their provocative and edgy advertising campaigns, did not necessarily see the problem with 4 dudes watching another dude take down a beautiful woman by her wrists in a form of “I am so about to bang you right now!” type of pose. D&G claims, they were simply trying to capture a male fantasy. RIGHT. Because every man (at least the ones I know) wants 4 other of his friends, all equally as glossy, to watch him rape a girl in her D&G outfit, and then when he’s done with her, his buddies get their share.

In my opinion, this might as well be another AXE ad because it is (like I had mentioned before in Ohhh les hommes) representing women as sex objects and is very, very degrading. No matter how many times a company apologizes for putting it out, the fact of the matter is, they still did.

Picture from: http://www.cherryflava.com/photos/uncategorized/dolcegabbana03.jpg

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Posted in Advertising, Fashion, Pop Culture and tagged Advertising, controversial advertising, D&G, dolce & gabbana, Fashion, Fashion Advertising, models. Bookmark the permalink.

Inspiration – Tasha Tilberg

Posted on July 10, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

Tasha, baby, I’ve been meaning to tell you…you’re really hot! You’re one of those women that makes other women really envious because they wished they looked like you – sort of in the same league as Charlize Theron, you know what I am talking about?

How do you wake up in the morning? Do you stare at yourself in the mirror and talk to yourself, saying things like “God I’m good looking!” or “I can’t get over how good looking I am?” If I had your looks, those are things I would say to myself. I saw the Fashion Magazine spread back in March, it looks great. Congratulations on the Zink Canada cover and editorial spread. Well I am sure you’re busy and I seem to be getting more envious as I write this so I just thought I would let you know how most women feel about you.

Pictures from: Giovanni Models website

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Posted in Fashion, Inspiration, Pop Culture and tagged model, models, Tasha Tilberg, woman, women. Bookmark the permalink.

Bad to the bone

Posted on June 28, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

Photography: Alex Denomay
Styling: Rania Abdulla
Clothing: Milk Boutique
Models: Geoff & Riyad (CIMA)

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Posted in Fashion, Ottawa and tagged alex denomay, Fashion, fashion photography, milk shop, models, photography, style. Bookmark the permalink.

One Of Us Swimwear Launch Party

Posted on June 19, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

The Swimwear featured at Ottawa Fashion Week is having a launch party at Milk shop
One of Us was created by Roxanne Matte and Veronique Boileau in 2007. This team of moxie designers is best known for being confident, emulous and atypical. They design with passion and the urge to make their clients feel edgy and feminine. They live by the rule “regret nothing”.

On Friday, June 20th, Milk will play host to this summer’s hottest fashion party! And by hot we mean HAWT!

We’ll have models showing off the latest One Of Us styles throughout the night. Plus, the designers will display their recent photo shoot campaign.

Beats to be provided by Chris Rockwell (Fridays/Saturdays: Cornerstone).
Check his profile page or his blog for mixes and info.

WHAT: One Of Us Swimwear Launch at Milk Shop
WHEN: Friday, June 20 – 7:00pm – 10:00pm
WHERE: Milk Shop – 234 Dalhousie, Ottawa, ON
CONTACT: 613.789.6455/iheartmilkshop@gmail.com

Facebook event page

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Posted in Events, Fashion, Ottawa and tagged designers, event, Fashion, milk shop, models, one of us, Ottawa, ottawa event, swimwear. Bookmark the permalink.

Brian Lichtenberg

Posted on June 18, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

A cool and very “L.A.” photoshoot – someone called Brian Lichtenberg the “new” Vivienne Westwood. He’s a good designer but Westwood comparison? That’s pushing it.

This guy is the definition of androgyny

My favourite picture of the bunch

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Posted in Fashion and tagged Brian Lichtenberg, designer, models, photography. Bookmark the permalink.

Project Runway Season 2 shooting in Ottawa

Posted on June 12, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

Yeah that’s right you heard it, Project Runway Canada Season 2 will be shot in the nation’s capital…OTTAWA! We beat out Toronto. The city is moving up in the fashion ranks!

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Posted in Fashion, Ottawa and tagged canada fashion, designers, Fashion, modeling, models, Ottawa, Project Runway, project runway canada. Bookmark the permalink.

Ottawa Fashion Week Wrap-up

Posted on May 27, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

Posts have been delayed for the reason above = Ottawa Fashion Week!!! Again, a million apologies to readers. With that being said, here’s my review and pictures.
The media and buyers were in full force to see a) the success or b) the demise of Ottawa’s first fashion week. What they witnessed was the former. Ottawa Fashion Week was all over the place, and for a first time production, it went smoothly with sold out crowds of 300 people filling the theatre for 29 shows! Models were multicultural representing almost all visible minorities (ugh I hate that term) in Canada.
Alongside the variety of models, there were various styles displayed from business casual, street wear, lingerie, evening wear to fantasy. The media room was also in full effect, however, people didn’t really understand how it functioned too well. Regardless, the event was an overwhelming success and I want to personally thank everyone who attended. Feedback would be much appreciated in order for CIMA to better coordinate the next fashion week.
I also want to thank all media, buyers, participants and volunteers who made the 1st annual fashion week great!

P.S. The event was also at the same time as Race Weekend and still got great exposure, YAY! I can sleep now!

The Showroom

Louise Butland

Kania Couture

Dubuc & Leticq

Jana Hanzel

Ekqualyte Abstract Apparel

Dubuc & Leticq

One of Us Swimwear

Virago

Models await their cue

Backstage madness!

The media room – the line-ups

Zena Fares

Me et Moi

Me et Moi

Photos: Connie Porteous, Ryan Parent, Danah Abdulla, Sebastien Hebert

List of coverage for Ottawa Fashion Week:

http://www.ottawasun.com/PhotoGalleries/OttawaFashion/2008/05/23/5651461.html#top
http://finalfashion.ca/?p=767
http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/what-s-new/fashion-week.html
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2008/05/23/ot-fashion-week-080522.html
http://www.canada.com/cityguides/ottawa/story.html?id=07c8e9e4-6b9f-4e84-b195-a14f04c77aa5
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=46bb3e5e-63ce-455a-a661-70cbd833618f
http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/57651
http://www.flare.com/fashionbeauty/article.jsp?content=20071227_100330_4720&page=2
http://news.sympatico.msn.cbc.ca/Ottawa+designers+strut+their+stuff+at+inaugural+fashion+festival/Local/ON/ContentPosting.aspx?isfa=1&newsitemid=on-ot-fashion-week-080522&feedname=CBC_LOCALNEWS&show=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=True
http://www.achannel.ca/ottawa/news_57352.aspx
http://www.where.ca/ottawa/guide_listing~listing_id~2820.htm
http://www.fashionforwardcanada.com/news.php
http://www.fashionincubator.com/happenings/calendar/first-annual-ottawa-fashi.shtml
http://app01.ottawa.ca/ArtsCalendar/eventDetails.jsf;jsessionid=C77A0527DAA2756AB134A3AFE871BF19?lang=en&eventId=1493
assertivelyunhip.blogspot.com/2008/05/ottawa-fashion.html
http://www.miss-sly.com/
http://www.podfeed.net/podcast/Fear+and+Loathing+in+Ottawa/8536
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/galleries/index.html#
http://www.mediaincanada.com/articles/mic/20080328/myspacefashion.html
http://www.fashion-blog.us/2008/02/18/ottawa-fashion-week/
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/arts/story.html?id=1fae4bc0-1124-4e7c-90c8-0f17a8d05bc0
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/bustech/story.html?id=c546da62-ed25-400c-a2a5-5d1f22bfcbd0

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Posted in Events, Fashion, Ottawa and tagged designers, Fashion, fashion designers, fashion week, models, Ottawa, ottawa fashion week. Bookmark the permalink.

Bonafied Lovin’

Posted on May 21, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

Adria, 23

Adria is a bonafied model, look at her pose! She’s ready and set to go for fashion week. Don’t miss Adria on the runway this Thursday through Saturday at Ottawa Fashion Week!!

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Posted in Fashion, Street style Ottawa and tagged Fashion, model, models, plaid, scarf, style, tights. Bookmark the permalink.

You are so excellent

Posted on May 11, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

Last night at La Petite Mort Gallery on Cumberland Street had a Pre-Party for Ottawa Fashion Week. The models (who did a fab job) wore clothing from several designers including Meg Duffield, Ashley Zaba and Marie-Ange Collection, changing outfits every hour and a half or so. People of all sorts came out including those intrigued by the set-up from outside. The art was from a current exhibition running in the gallery

Stylish people came out to this as well, as you can see by Kelly below! The party was great and a lot of fun. I got to chat with some great people and meet some new ones too! Lots of models were there, so for those who missed it, make sure you catch the actual festivities!

Although I like galleries, I have something against galleries trying to be too provocative. Yes, everyone knows art is supposed to be an expression of freedom and what not, but some people try too hard to cross the line. My opinion any way…

Kelly

Her outfit is soooo excellent, sorry that Juan MacLean song is in my head…piano is so catchy

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Posted in Fashion, Ottawa, Street style Ottawa and tagged Art, fashion week, gallery, la petite mort gallery, models, Ottawa, ottawa fashion week. Bookmark the permalink.

Ottawa Fashion Week Pre-party + Passes on sale now

Posted on May 6, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

For those of you that are excited about Ottawa Fashion Week, here are two more reasons to do so:

Saturday, May 10th at 7pm, Ottawa Fashion Week is having a pre-party (including preview) at La Petite Mort Gallery on 306 Cumberland Street. Everyone is welcome to this free event.

Even better news! The show is coming up faster than you can feel Annie’s heartbeat and the passes will sell out even quicker. You can pick up either a Day Pass (with access to all shows and after parties on a specific day) for $20, or the bargain Festival Pass (with access to everything and all after parties for the entire 3 days) which will cost you $30. Passes are available online at www.ottawafashionweek.ca or by calling 613.262.5994 or emailing info [at] ottawafashionweek.ca

So far, 30 designers from across Canada and Internationally will be showing their stuff here, not only on the runway but in the showroom (open from 11am to 10pm). The venue will be open from 11am to 10pm and the shows start at 5pm…don’t miss this.

Oh and Hello Beautiful is going to perform at the After Party at nIXne on Friday, May 23 for Ottawa Fashion Week

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Posted in Events, Fashion, Music, Ottawa and tagged canada, designers, fashion week, models, Ottawa, ottawa fashion week. Bookmark the permalink.

Red Lipstick journey – Adorit/Aurajan Boutique Fashion Show

Posted on March 22, 2008 by ottawastreetstyle

The red lips are at it again! This time, Tracie, Helena (Youth League & the Spies bloggers) and I were at the Mercury Lounge for Adorit/Aurajan Boutique’s Spring-Summer ’08 fashion show. The show was a fundraiser for Tibetan Nomad to finish teacher’s college in Tibet.

I also believe I was overdressed for this evening. How do I know this? Well, as I was waiting for the youth leaguers, some girl starred at me and whispered to her friend, “I feel really under dressed for this!” Thanks lady, makes me feel better!

This was an excellent opportunity for me to recruit models and buyers while Helena and Tracie scouted potential designers for fashion week. Not much good shots in terms of unique individuals but I did my best to snap some shots of the clothing. The clothing, or most of it, is made out of 100% recycled materials. Meg Duffield, who has had her stuff showcased in Hot Flux Empire magazine, was one of the designers of the night. Her stuff is pretty nice but I won’t write a caption below her stuff because I don’t remember the other designers’ names! Meg is part of Ottawa Fashion Week and she’ll surely have some amazing stuff to showcase for that! We are having a shoot for her clothing at my place tomorrow so I might post some shots of that!

Results: Well the show was good, music was pumping, however, it was the same Ottawa stuff I’m tired of seeing and trying to change. 1) It was in a club, small, crammed, tiny runway 2) Backstage was extremely visible 3) Same modeling agency providing models mixed with friends and a friend of a friend who did some modeling 4) An MC who was saying the names of the models 5) Many designers packed into one. Although the British MC was letting the crowd know who the designer was, you forgot after the model left.

Bloggers to sisters – Tracizzle & crazyH from Youth League & the Spies

Oh the Spies!

The model with the crazy antics

She was a very nice model

I’m turning Japanese I think I’m turning Japanese I really think so!

I love this model, she was really pretty…totally recruited. HINT: this is one of Meg’s pieces!

He’s still turning Japanese.

Look of the night, hands down!

I really didn’t think the props were necessary. What was also unnecessary – excessive use of eyeliner on males during fashion shows! Some male models are “pretty” enough as it is, making them even more feminine is not cool!