#1 Fashion Industry Event
Toronto
Second in North America only to New York, the event occurs twice a year—March for fall and winter Âcollections, October for spring and summer—and brings together the biggest names in the business from Canada and from around the world. The four-day gathering, sponsored by MasterCard, includes several runway shows per day, as well as panels, networking events, and the exclusive Holt Renfrew opening-night party. Next: October 21-23, 2013
#2 Fashion Industry Event
Montreal
Leave it to a city known for its European style to host the largest outdoor fashion and design event in North America, Âattracting more than 500,000 visitors during the summer. The event takes place over four days and nights with runway shows, musical performances, and parties on McGill College Avenue. Next: Summer 2014
#3 Fashion Industry Event
Toronto
Hosted by the Toronto Fashion Incubator, the runway show is the culmination of a months-long competition. The atmosphere at the show is charged: A $25,000 award is up for grabs, as is a full-page editorial feature in Flare magazine and, this year, the chance to create a collection for Target stores across Canada. Next: Spring 2014
#5 Fashion Industry Event
Vancouver
Focusing on sustainability, the three-day event coincides with Earth Day and features 25 clothing, accessory, and swimwear designers. Spring 2013 included the 68-Pound Challenge, in which designers created a 30-piece Âcollection using men’s pants from Value Village. Next: October 6-10, 2013
