Ottawa Fashion Week S/S 2013: Designer submissions now being accepted

The next season of Ottawa Fashion Week is approaching and with that designer submissions to show case the S/S 2013 collections are underway...

"Ottawa Fashion Week has opened designer registration for its Spring/Summer 2013 collections and runway segments are filling up fast with top Canadian designers. The event takes place October 11^th - 14^th, 2012, with an exciting venue announcement to be made next week.

Ottawa Fashion Week strives to present a fashion extravaganza that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism, attracting Canadian and International designers. To further enhance the experience, OFW showcases local and national artists and musicians by way of performances between collections and incorporating art throughout the event.

Past designers have included well-known names such as Simon Ekrelius, David McCaffrey, Birds of North America, !NU.I by Vickie, Sukhoo Sukhoo, Amanda Emmanuel, Turbine Fashion, Rachel Sin, Andrew Nyguen and Edit by Jeanne Beker to name but a few."

So, if you're a designer, what are you waiting for?

Shawna Perry

..One of our contributing editors. Though not directly in the realm of fashion at first. Perry was jetting and backpacking through major international fashion markets such as Seoul, Beijing, London and Bangkok taking with her a steady knowledge of the international fashion scene. Perry is a certified Yoga instructor and gained her certification in India!






Favourite Designer?:
Pink Tartan. I love the clean, sophisticated, feminine look.

Favourite musician/band?:
I can't even think of another band that competes with Metric for that special place in my heart. Doesn't matter what I'm doing, Metric makes it better.

One thing you can't live without?:
My life is undoubtedly better with a good yoga mat.

Bree Powell

..Is the PRESS families beauty and contributing editor, for good reason. Bree has been working professionally in the realm of make-up and hair for over five years now. She has worked in many facets of the beauty industry including, television (Project Runway Canada Season 2, All For Nothing, Design U, amongst many others), print (numerous publications across North America), runway (both Toronto and Ottawa Fashion Week multiple seasons), film, salon, music video's, advertising and commercial. You name it, the girls client list reads like a novel. With all this experience and not to mention her amazing work ethic it's no wonder she was the top choice!








Favourite designer: 
Valentino. The attention to detail is always amazing and it's romantic but with a touch of boldness. Total dreamy perfection.

Favourite musician/band?: 
Saves the Day. They just rule and I'll never get tired of listening to them.

One thing you can't live without? 
Sunshine!

Amber Watkins

photo by Maciej Czop

 ..Watkins recently burst onto the Ottawa fashion scene as a rather impressive swimwear designer. Her debut collection at the S/S 2012 Ottawa Fashion Week last fall was extremely well received. Now Watkins is not only working on her next collection but an interest and passion behind the scenes of the editorial world has led her into our Assistant Editor position at PRESS The Fashion. As a fashion designer, Watkins offers a fresh perspective to the team.

Favourite designer?: 
Diane von Furstenberg.  She is just such an amazing role model for the kind of woman I want to be, not just as a designer.  She epitomizes class and femininity, and she has been able to successfully balance being a successful business owner with also being a great mother and friend. 

Favourite musician/band?: 
No Doubt, hands down.  I saw them live a few years ago and shocked the person with whom I had gone with my manic levels of excitement.  I know every single word of every one of their songs.

One thing you can't live without?: 
I don’t know if I can choose just one!  Sadly, I can’t make it through anything without coffee, so I guess that might have to be my default answer.  Nonfat lattes with cinnamon, preferably with a good conversation, make for a very simple happiness formula!

Christopher Massardo

photo by Lyndon Goveas

For editor's week we're starting off with our fearless leader Christopher Massardo!

Christopher Massardo...
..is PRESS The Fashion's editor and the creative director for PRESS The Beauty. Having only been in the business for a few years as a fashion stylist and writer, don't let that make you think he doesn't carry with him a wealth of experience. In that few years Massardo found himself styling and writing for local, national and international publications and advertising clients. Prior to PRESS The Fashion, Massardo's work could be seen in cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Boston and London amongst others. As a writer Massardo has been published in the genre's of fashion, travel, food, lifestyle and the arts.




Favourite designer?:
That's a tough one, it's a toss up right now between Alexander Wang and Ying Gao.

Favourite musician/band?:
Again tough one, but Metric and Portishead are rather brilliant!

One thing you can't live without?:
That's an easy one! My cell phone! (and my editorial team, I love them!!)