The Fashion Design Council of Canada kicks off the 10th anniversary of Fashion Week today with a "Show Love" theme, the addition of a buyer sales environment called the Market, and the introduction of a mezzanine level inside the tents at Nathan Phillips Square. "Structurally, it's very exciting," said council spokesperson Megan Loach, who reported that the addition of a second level will free up more floor space inside. The Studio, a smaller runway that debuted last season, won't be part of the setup for the fall/winter 2009 collections.
More than 30 runway shows will be presented in the tents—from Regal Tent Productions—during LG Fashion Week, which runs until Saturday. The week gets under way with a media reception at Holt Renfrew's flagship store on Bloor Street on tonight, followed by the presentation of David Dixon's signature collection in the tents. The designer will also present Barbie by David Dixon, a line inspired by the famous doll and created in collaboration with Mattel in honour of Barbie's 50th anniversary.
The Market, which is only accessible to accredited media and buyers, will open for the first time on Tuesday morning. Wholesale collections from the likes of Evan Biddell, Carlie Wong, Travis Taddeo, and Lara Presber will be available for order on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The F.D.C.C. is also hosting a film screening in the tents for the first time—Valentino: The Last Emperor, which screened during the Toronto International Film Festival last fall, will be shown Friday at 9 p.m.
Loach reported the organization is also planning a Show Love, Love Show celebration in the runway room with live music to mark fashion week's 10-year milestone. Title sponsor LG Electronics Canada will host a number of promotional events throughout the week, including the launch of the company's newest laundry appliances, the unveiling of the brand's latest offering in mobile computing, and a texting event to raise money for charity.
Rob Dittmer of Three Events and Nicholas Pinney of Nicholas Pinney Design are again coordinating the sponsor displays and decor inside the tents, and Mediaco is handling the technical production and staging for the third consecutive season. "The shows are being shot in HD for the first time and will be distributed through HD monitors in the tents," said Mediaco's James Brett. Designers will also be able to utilize a video backdrop again this season during their runway shows. "That has been a successful component," Brett said. "Some designers use pretty spectacular backdrops."
Brett also reported that fashion week won't be using diesel generators this year. Instead, the entire event is being powered by city hall. "We've had crews on the ground stringing cables from city hall to the tents. That's a significant upgrade on the environmental side," he said.
Although the majority of shows will take place at Nathan Phillips Square, venues throughout the city are getting in on the action. After-parties for Bustle and Evan Biddell are being held at Ultra. A photography exhibit called "Women X Women" is on view at the Fashion House, and an auction and fund-raiser by Fashion Takes Action are taking place at the Drake Hotel. A closing-night party is planned for Muzik on Saturday.
