September 27, 2013, 6 – 8 p.m.
VIP 8-1 Public
99 Sudbury Street 
I attended the VIP reception for the Art of Fashion’s Design Competition on Friday September 27th.
Art of Fashion is an award-winning not-for-profit organization that champions high-quality Canadian fashion. Art of Fashion is committed to fostering the careers of Canadian apparel and accessory designers by creating award winning platforms for exposure.
Model wearing Elena Sanjikhaeva’s designs from her collection: Irreplaceable Coco
Model wearing designs from Jung Min Oh’s collection: Barnburner
Designer Alysia Myette with model wearing designs from her collection: Asian Persuasion
I haven’t attended a fashion event for a little while. I used to organize Gallery 1313’s Fantasy Fashion Show, an annual mix of fashion and art, that went on for 12 years. I saw some familiar photographers and fashion reporters as well as guest MC Glen Baxter who also had covered the Fantasy Fashion Show for several years.
Models wearing designs from Diana Dan Li’s collection: Devote
The Design Competition consists of 10 design finalists showcasing 6 designs. This year’s theme for the competition is PAST BEHAVIOURS, that means taking inspiration from the past and applying to the contemporary fashion scene.
Model wearing designs from Katelyn Bowland’s collection
Models wearing designs from Rani Kim’s collection: MON-FRI
I checked out the designers’ works who had set up areas on the south side of the runway. I have always liked how art and fashion intersect and the Art of Fashion events, that now is going on for 17 years, bring that point across.
The event had a party atmosphere with lots of appetizers and cocktails.
Winners to be announced: October 8th @ Friday Night Live at the ROM
(Most Promising Designer, and Voted By The Public)
Text and photo: Phil Anderson