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?

Post-show catch up with Rachel Sin at Ottawa Fashion Week F/W 2012

Interview by: Amber Watkins

When did you start designing professionally?:
The brand was born in 2009.

You have been a regular designer to show at Ottawa Fashion Week, why do you pick Ottawa?:The brand was born in Ottawa.  I’m always excited to come back and reconnect with talented people in the industry.

Where did your inspiration come from with this collection?
Reminiscent of the fashions from a Pedro Almodovar film creation, Rachel Sin FW 2012 is darkly romantic defining today’s modern style – an appealing contradiction of strength and vulnerability.

The Almodovar protagonist, a.k.a Penelope Cruz, inspired a mood board with rich materials including textured lace, faux-fur and shimmering sequins. A feminine neutral toned colour palette consisting of camel, charcoal gray and peach nude elevate the contemporary expression of the collection.  True to Rachel Sin’s structured design talents, FW2012 is a stunning compilation of work to evening dresses, fall suiting separates, fitted skirts, sequined dinner pants, and a form-fitting blazer accented on the breast with faux-fur.   Cut-outs, sheer lace, and a falling back-line are distinctive of Rachel Sin’s sophisticate yet sexy design approach and are incorporated into many of the collections pieces.

What do you look for (aside from a good walk) when casting a model for your show?:
I typically look for a model that is a specific measurement, not too tall or too skinny.  A model must have some shape to make clothes look good.  I also look for confidence and a natural beauty.

Do you look back and see a difference in your collections?:
Fashion is wonderful, because every season you get to reinvent yourself and say something different.  It’s taken a couple seasons for any designer to develop their own style aesthetic.  Focusing on clothing that is wearable, I’ve learned the importance of choosing the right fabric and finding the right fit.  After 6 seasons, I definitely see a more coherent collection and a collection that has more selling power , because there is something for everyone.

Can you give us any hints as to what you might have in store for us next?:
I unfortunately can't! We just finished this collection, so we still need to start planning the next one

Check out more at www.rachelsin.com

photo: Elliot Mak

Models International Management's F/W 2012 Show Package

Ottawa Fashion Week F/W 2012 is fast approaching and with that said, the agencies are getting ready.
In bigger markets come show season you can expect to see the show packages from the modeling agencies touting whose in town and whom you should expect to see on the runways. Smaller markets tend to pass up on this even if there is a fashion week. This season however M.I.M shared a wonderful surprise, their F/W 2012 show package beaming with some amazing faces! (To top it off, the show package has a real slick appeal to it too).

Going through the list of faces, certain names grab your attention in anticipation of seeing them work the runways. So here are our picks of who we expect to be seeing a lot from this season. (Take a look at the full show package below!)

Victoria - If you've been to Toronto or Montreal Fashion Week, then M.I.M;s Victoria is no new face for you! The veteran of the runway will no doubt be a staple for this seasons shows.

Delaney - Delaney has that runway charm that we fully expect to win over many designers this season.

Tristan - This new face has the legs for the runway so we can't wait to see her use them. (p.s. we love her eyebrows).

Gabriel - His cool stare, accompanied by a smooth strut will no doubt assist him in securing a place in several shows.

Santana - Santana's demure and classic demeanor give her a fantastic chance of being booked by several designers.

Photos courtesy of Models International Management (Ottawa)

Ottawa Fashion S/S 2012

The Spring/Summer 2012 shows for Ottawa Fashion Week have concluded and featured some very note-worthy shows that were not to miss. Rud by Rudsak, Kania, Amber Watkins Swim, Illyria and Jana Hanzel & Emilia Torabi showcased not only some excellent collections but also some fantastic make-up, hair and model selections.

This season left our editors anticipating for the next show season here in Ottawa!

Here are a few tid bits from the shows.

Keep an eye out for a big Ottawa Fashion Week feature in our Spring 2012 Issue in February!

(all make-up close ups taken by Bree Powell)

backstage during a show

Helena-Alexis (make-up by Bree Powell)

Daria (make-up by Bree Powell)

Beauty Editor Bree Powell with model Ashley

Herieth (make-up by Bree Powell)

Beauty Editor Bree Powell with Issue 1 cover model Delaney!

Ottawa Fashion Week starts today! We're going! Are you?

Today is the first day of shows out of three for Ottawa Fashion Week S/S 2012 and we're very excited!

One of the many reasons we are very excited is because our Beauty Editor (Bree Powell) is one of the official make-up artists for the Ottawa Fashion Week team! It's no surprise, Bree's runway client list reads like a novel!

Good luck to all the models, designers and backstage creative teams!

OTTAWA FASHION WEEK

OFW S/S 2012 line-up

Have you checked out the line-up for Ottawa Fashion Weeks S/S 2012 shows? we have!!

With names like Rud by Rudsak, Travis Taddeo, Illyria and Amber Watkins Swim (plus many amazing others) the anticipation is building and we can't wait!

have a look at the schedule here to see the full list of designers showing.