The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI), in partnership with the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, the City of Toronto, the Canada-UK Foundation, the Trade Commissioner Service of Global Affairs Canada and other event supporters, presented “A Celebration of Canadian Design” on February 13th, the eve of London Fashion Week.
Held at the prestigious Canada House, Trafalgar Square, the highly-attended, invitation-only event draws a notable list of UK and international retailers, sales agents and media including Net-a-Porter, Matches, Harvey Nichols, Harrods, British Vogue, FabUK magazine, Drapers, Forbes, Barberini Agency, Indigofera Agency, Crescent Fashion, Rainbow Wave, Polly King Agency and more.
The objective of the showcase is to provide market-entry opportunities for Canadian fashion designers. Almost 50 export-ready apparel and accessory designers have participated in “A Celebration of Canadian Design” since its inception in 2018 and many have gained media recognition, secured orders with UK retailers and sealed deals with UK sales agents/distributors. The event includes a VIP retailer and agent Preview, a runway fashion show and a B2B networking reception where guests can enjoy some Canadian hospitality.
Meet designers
ALAN ANDERSON
ALAN ANDERSON is Canada’s definitive designer of couture costume jewellery and has been in business for over 20 years. His statement pieces have been worn by many A-list celebrities including Katy Perry (on the cover of Vogue Italia), Drew Barrymore, Viola Davis and the late, great actress Elizabeth Taylor. All of the jewellery is hand-crafted in Anderson’s atelier in the centre of downtown Toronto and SR prices range from £173 – 1,872 GBP.
ARNIERI
Established in 2015, ARNIERI is an aspirational women’s wear brand empowering women to exude confidence and celebrate individuality. Designed by Ryerson University graduate Adrian Arnieri, the company focuses on creating red-carpet and performance-wear garments ranging in price from £291 – 3,497 GBP. The ARNIERI Spice Girls collection, inspired by the designer’s love for the five female fashion icons who brought “Girl Power” to the world in the 90s, features fun, item-driven separates such as puffer jackets, corsets and jumpsuits in bold colours and sequins.
DAVID DIXON
For over 24 years, the DAVID DIXON collection of exquisite special occasion wear has been sold across Canada, the United States, Kuwait, The Middle East, Switzerland, Germany, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Designs are aspirational and approachable, modern and timeless. Dixon’s award-winning, made-in-Canada designs have won him a following among A-list celebrities including Jann Arden, Catherine O’Hara, Pamela Anderson, Meg Ryan, Wendy Crewson, Katie Holmes, Coco Rocha, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kari Matchett, Paul Gross and ‘man. SR prices range from £395 – 695 GBP.
HANIA KUZBARI
HANIA KUZBARI is an artisanal fine jewellery brand creating sustainable luxury pieces made from recycled silver and gold. The brand, established in Canada in 2018 by designer Hania Kuzbari, ethically handcrafts all items. Precious gemstones are a signature staple with tourmalines, sapphires and diamonds included on almost every piece. Hania Kuzbari Jewelry has been featured in Vogue and ranges from £174 – 1,452 GBP (SR). The brand is seeking select retail partners in the UK that are passionate about the details found in true fine jewellery.
MSICHANA INC
MSICHANA INC. is a woman-owned and woman-led social enterprise established in 2016 and based in Edmonton, Alberta. Founder Lorna Mutegyeki is a nominee in the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Award which recognizes outstanding women who are making an impact on the economy and their community. With sales already established in Canada, US, Mexico and the UK, the Accents by Msichana accessory collection is made from ethically and sustainably sourced artisan textiles, upcycled fabrics and recycled materials. Suggested retail prices are £35 – 140 GBP.
SHELLI OH
SHELLI OH is an Indonesian-Canadian fashion designer, creative director and owner of the Shelli Oh collections, infusing a refreshingly unique vitality and vision into luxury high-end pieces with a signature focus on distinctive detailing with a touch of whimsy. The fall 2020 womenswear collection imagines ‘tactile landscapes’ with hand sewn details, textures and jewelled trims that elevate the clothing into ethereal, wearable art. An explosion of feathers and diffused eroded textures create an enchanting reverie of romanticism that is truly an experience in eveningwear and special occasion pieces. Suggested retail prices in GBP range from £250 – 1,850.
STUDIO LOREM IPSUM
STUDIO LOREM IPSUM is a global brand established in 2018 in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in premium quality outerwear for women. Founded on four pillars, sophisticated design, craftsmanship, premium quality materials and elegance, the collection aims to deliver contemporary, functional and timeless pieces for professional women seeking chic, effortless designs. Crafted in small batches and using only natural fibres such as cashmere and wool, the company supports slow fashion, minimal waste and sustainability. Retail prices range from £405 – 938 GBP.
VANDAL
VANDAL illustrates a hybrid between neo-streetwear aesthetics and classic tailoring. Predominantly an outerwear specialist in the ready-to-wear segment, the label draws influence from multiple disciplines of fashion to drive its vision. With a mandate of crafting exquisite and statement apparel that is both exciting and fun to wear, each creation aims for maximum impact, yet always maintains an effortless sense of wearability and pragmatism. VANDAL takes immense pride in the craftsmanship and selections of textiles to deliver the highest possible level of quality.
