LG Fashion Week opened Monday night in its brand-new location in David Pecaut Square. In a more intimate setup than last season’s runway at
Exhibition Place, three tents held the runway, the Fashion Environment, and the Studio. “It’s exciting that we are able to build our own Fashion ‘team house,’” said Robin Kay, president of the Fashion Design Council of Canada and executive director of LG Fashion Week. “We are not limited by walls or structures that already exist but rather we are free to design a spectacular space that suits our style and specifically addresses our needs.”
This year’s show is more industry-focused, targeting members of the business of fashion rather than consumers. CanadaCool, the theme of the show, focuses on the fashion product that the 40-plus Canadian designers and labels showing in LG Fashion Week produces. “We're talking about CanadaCool as a result of what this country has to offer. Every country has a unique stamp—Canada is no different and we are celebrating that," said Debra Goldblatt-Sadowski, president of Rock-It Promotions, which represents Fashion Week—or, as its fully sponsored name now reads, "LG Fashion Week Beauty by L’Oreal."
The main runway room this year is noticeably smaller and more intimate, seating 700 in comparison to last season's capacity of 1,000. Backed by a tall screen, the space is customizable to each of the 40 shows this week. The Studio, a second runway space, can accommodate 350 and is available to any designer looking for an untraditional presentation. The layout is flexible with optional bench seating and has a window where the outside public can peer in. The Fashion Environment features a small outdoor courtyard, an open space that can host pre- or postshow receptions, and sponsor activations. Sponsors were encouraged to use fashion as an inspiration.
Fitting with the CanadaCool theme, the five-day event kicked off with a show from Holt Renfrew called There’s No Place Like Holts: Celebrating Canadian Fashion. The show featured looks from Lida Baday, Denis Gagnon, Jeremy Laing, Dennis Merotto, Naked & Famous, Smythe, Twentycluny, and Wings + Horns. Montreal designer Gagnon will close the week with a show on Friday evening.
