New TFI Resident Designers 2009 (part1)

The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) is a not-for-profit organization 'dedicated to supporting and nurturing small fashion business entrepreneurs'.
Along with providing educational workshops and seminars and a resource centre, TFI provides office and studio space through its Resident Program. With only 10 studios available, designers apply for residency and the chance to work alongside fellow designers.

New TFI Residents

A Ressurection of Romance
Jessica Rose Martin, graduate of the International Academy of Design in Toronto - previously worked as the assistant designer at Gwendolyne Hats in Toronto, designs feminine clothing inspired by historical costume and art.

bel ami
bel ami offers elegant handcrafted headbands and hair pins adorned with luxe feathers, bows, tulle and rosettes. Designer Erin Fitzpatrick, a biology grad, recently worked as an intern at FASHION Magazine.

BORA BIRS
Sylvia Bora, an IADT grad apprenticed with Joeffer Caoc before starting Bora Birs, a women's wear company offering unique, artistic designs with a European look.

Zayna Mosam Image Consulting
Founder Zayna Mosam consults on personal style, branding & image management, and communication optimization. Services include: style analysis, personal shopping, styling, communications coaching and public image development.


The Style Box
Created by industry insiders, Gail McInnes & Amanda Brugel, The Style Box is a unique promotional management organization for new and established Canadian designers who want to elevate their brand and achieve recognition.

Toronto Fashion Industry News (may2009)

Gail McInnes, Managing Editor of the Toronto Fashion Incubator's (free) monthly online newsletter, does an amazing job of collecting everything industry related in Toronto each month.

You can go to the TFI website and subscribe yourself >>

http://www.fashionincubator.com/happenings/newsletter/tfi-news-may-2009.shtml

TFI News May 2009

Highlights:
- Faren Announced Winner Of ELLE Canada New Labels® Fashion Design Competition (photos)
- TFI Executive Director Celebrates 15-Year Anniversary
- Upcoming Events
- Fashion Births & Deaths: A tally of good news and bad news on the fashion front
- Scene & Heard

Designs Deserving of the $25,000 Prize!

Faren Tami for FAREN won the coveted title of Canada's hottest upcoming label at the Toronto Fashion Incubator's (TFI) Elle Canada New Labels Competition, April 25, 2009 and a 'prize package' valued at $25,000.

The lengthy, intensive competition took place over many months where top industry judges rate not only the aesthetic of a designers' collection, but also its wearability and saleability; the professionalism and business ethics and the overall sustainability of a designers' business.

Faren beat out not only dozens of applicants and early contestants - but also the other three finalists who showed coherent collections at the Saturday night show (unfortunately I have very few photos) including an amazing presentation by Sonja den Elzen 'Thieves', Jody McMillan and GushueSwim.

Hopefully we'll be hearing more about Faren in the future (as part of the prize, she should be featured in an upcoming issue of Elle Canada) - perhaps she'll put some of the cash towards a website ;)


Judges from left: Nathalie Atkinson ( National Post), Peter Papapetrou (Renovate My Wardrobe), Rita Silvan (Editor-In-Chief, ELLE Canada), David Dixon (Designer) and
Teresa Isabella (Bluenotes).

FASHION this Saturday!

This Saturday, April 25, 2009 - we'll be at one of the city's best fashion events of the year!!

TFI New Labels Fashion Show & Gala

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Location: The Carlu, 444 Yonge St., Toronto

Enjoy the not-to-be-missed fashion show of the season, a silent auction featuring amazing prizes to be won, delicious cocktails & hors d'oeuvres, a VIP dinner, an ELLE Canada goody bag filled with beauty products from P&G Beauty and all of this while schmoozing with celebrities and shopping at fantastic vendor booths!

Help support the Toronto Fashion Incubator, committed to nurturing & supporting fashion entrepreneurs since 1987.

To purchase tickets please visit www.elleshow.ca or call Scott Newlands at 416-227-8315.

Who is Canada's TOP new Designer?

TFI New Labels® Runway Fashion Show & Gala
April 25, 2009

In an evening of fashion, shopping and innovation, the four TFI New Labels finalists will compete for an ELLE Canada prize package valued at over $25,000.

See Brazilian-inspired swimwear go up against avant-garde apparel in a ground-breaking event packed with fashion insiders. With MC Anne-Marie Mediwake (Co-Anchor, the News Hour at 6, Global News) and judges Nathalie Atkinson ( National Post), Kim D’Eon (ET Canada), David Dixon (Designer), Teresa Isabella (Bluenotes), Peter Papapetrou (Renovate My Wardrobe) and Rita Silvan (Editor-In-Chief, ELLE Canada) deliberate live at the gala to decide the winner.

Contenders:
GUSHUESWIM BY CHERYL GUSHUE: Brazilian-inspired swimwear for the sexy and confident woman

JODY LEIGH: Classic career wear takes a cue from the 1940s

THIEVES BY SONJA DEN ELZEN: Fine tailoring and easy draping in eco-friendly fabrics

FAREN BY FAREN TAMI: Architecture and art meet for edgy separates

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TFI New Labels Runway Fashion Show & Gala
The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, Toronto
Saturday, April 25, 2009 - 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. General Admission, VIP & Dinner, 9 p.m. Fashion show

TICKETS: General admission $55, VIP tickets $255, VIP Table for 10 $2000
All ticket levels available at www.elleshow.ca, or 416-218-3545

FIVE New Labels Semi-Finalists

Five Ontario-based fashion designers have been selected as semi-finalists in TFI’s 2009 New Labels Fashion Design Competition:

Jody McMillan for Jody Leigh
Jenn Sadzak for The JenSa Collection
Cheryl Gushue for GushueSwim
Sonja den Elzen for Thieves
Faren Tami for Faren

They now advance to stage two of the competition. In February 2009, the judges will decide which three or four finalists will participate in the runway show to be held on April 23, 2009, at the Metro Convention Centre.

The winner of the TFI New Labels competition will be announced at the conclusion of the runway presentation. The winner of the competition receives a prize package valued at over $25,000 from ELLE Canada, including a full-page editorial in the magazine, a cash prize and an exclusive interview on ELLE Online.

TFI New Labels® seminar for DESIGNERS

In addition to the 40+ runway shows at the upcoming L'Oreal Fashion Week, the Toronto Fashion Incubator will be presenting its annual TFI New Labels® seminar in the Fashion Environment tent at Nathan Phillips Square. Gain tips and advice on how to develop a winning TFI New Labels® collection from guest speakers David Dixon, National Post fashion writer Nathalie Atkinson and 2008 TFI New Labels® winner Eugenia Leavitt.

About the Competition
TFI's prestigious, national fashion design competition is an annual event giving new designers a chance to win a prize package valued at $25,000 from ELLE Canada!

Friday, October 24th 2008 @ 2 p.m. Tickets for the TFI New Labels® seminar are available for $25.00+GST and can be purchased online here >>>

New Labels 2008 Follow Up

We always look forward to words from Nathalie Atkinson:
“What many people don’t realize is that the designers go through several rigorous critique sessions with the judges that take months of preparation for the final show,” says judge Nathalie Atkinson, a fashion journalist with the National Post. “Eugenia won, not only for her collection’s newsworthiness or because she made organic materials looks fashionable and effortless, but because she was receptive to constructive criticism and came a long way in refining her style and fit to get there. The end result was a beautiful collection elevated by its runway styling and pure in its simplicity–and the fit was impeccable.”

Taken from TFI News April/May 2008

Also - go to Carolyn's Blog to read interviews with the judges...

Canada's Hottest New Label

The Toronto Fashion Incubator and Elle Canada hosted the annual New Labels Competition Thursday night, kicking off the Elle Show - a three day trade beauty and fashion trade show for consumers.

The evening began with the customary Vin De Pays D'oc wine reception which kept all non-VIP guests busy as the show started one hour late! Fortunately we kept busy chatting with Project Runway Canada winner Evan Biddell, who is unfortunately not adjusting well to life in T.O. (he may leave for London at any moment!) We watched as both fashionable ladies and men sauntered around in bright yellow and purple outfits and shoes. And noticed all the fabulous contemporary hair cuts on women in their 40s (everyone should follow suit!)

Over the past few months, judges Nathalie Atkinson, National Post; Kathy Cheng, marketing Wing Son Garments; David Dixon, fashion designer; Mary Jo Looby, retail consultant; and Rita Silvan, editor Elle Canada have been determining how innovative, well-made, marketable and appealing each of the four contenders clothing lines are.

After actually planning and making the clothes for the show, designers have been busy casting models, doing fittings and making adjustments and working with stylists who really help make the entire collection look fresh and coherent on the runway. As well, each designer filmed a brief video blog/documentary that were shown before each collection was presented which provided much insight into inspirations and processes.

The Finals



Architecture + Fashion
Lara Presber's architecturally pleasant skirts and dresses were favoured by many (even judge Nathalie Atkinson was seen nodding in approval during the show) but didn't take home the prize. Inspired by an art deco painting, Presber conjured up sharp pleats counter-balanced with gentle hues like flat gold and gunmetal grey. Styled by Costa Pavlu of Judy Inc.

The Winner
Cocktail wear viewed through the kaleidescope of the past or something or other...in her video, winner Eugenia Levitt describes her line as 'fun' (for playing bridge perhaps). 'Sweet' is more suitable a word for this collection of silky dresses and skirts in navy, ivory and purple dotted with hand-made rosettes. So many rosettes in fact that Rolyn Chambers dubbed the line as the 'Where's Waldo of Rosettes?' Next on shoulders, next on hems, on bums, in hair... Marketable, well-made... Styled by Juliana Schavianatto, Plutino Group.


Hipster High Five
Among competitors all showing elegant and feminine clothing, it seemed the talented Adrienne Butifoker barely stood a chance - even with silky skirts and an amazing horizontal layered LBD. That's not to say we didn't love the wearable paper bag waisted pants, sack skirts, 70s look blouses all in black, navy and burnt orange. Probably my fave - So very Queen Street. Or Nylon Magazine. Styled by Alissa Krost, the Artist Group.

miss black
All black - the entire collection (her debut spring collection was all white). Making Ashley Rowe to Izzy Camilleri what Mui Mui is to Prada. A gigantic loopy wooly coat, leather tunic, heart-shaped bustier dress - all paired with skinny leggings. A consistent collection seemingly based on geometric shapes we all know: rectangle, triangle, square silhouettes - so nothing particularly new. With enough business sense (or money) to acquire a PR firm, miss rowe wins most likely to succeed. Stylist George Antonopoulos, Artist Group.

All photos by Christinal Pal, TSF.com principal photographer

New Labels Designer Competition Top 4 - This Week!

TFI New Labels Competition @ the Elle Show - This Thursday, April 24, 2008 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto.

From the TFI News Jan/Feb News:
Tickets for the ELLE Canada gala benefit in support of the Toronto Fashion Incubator are ON SALE NOW at www.elleshow.ca!

One of the following four candidates will walk away with the top prize of valued at $25,000.


Adrienne Butikofer’s collection (above) is inspired by the emancipation of women in the workplace during WW1. Adrienne is a Winnipeg native who studied fashion design at London’s Fanshawe College. Her line features separates and streetwear retailing from $60 to $390, and can be found in Montreal at Le Marche; in Toronto at Magic Pony, Nathalie Roze & Co. and Propaganda.


Inspired by the traditions of the “handmade”, combined with a passionate belief that clothing should be treasured, Montrealer Eugenia Leavitt describes her clothing as, “romantic yet modern, combining artistic, feminine touches with clean, simple designs”. Pieces retail from $110 to $425 and can be found at Meli Melo in Montreal. Eugenia studied fashion design at the International Academy of Design in Montreal.


Calgary-based designer Lara Presber studied architecture in Milan at the Domus Academy campus of the University of Wales. For fall 2008, she is inspired by the exploration of the juxtaposition between the feminine and soft figures of Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempika’s subjects with their masculine and greyed-out architectural backgrounds (see above). Separates range from $125 to $700 retail and can be found at The Velvet Room Boutique in Vancouver.


Ashley Rowe’s miss rowe collection of fashion-forward coats and separates (above) was inspired by her mother’s vintage looped-wool coat, which has a rock&roll-meets-English-dandy appeal. Ashley is a George Brown College graduate and former intern at Flare and Fashion magazines.

TFI Local Designers

by Tiff IngShirts and Cufflinks by Green Shag

I love discovering new designers. I love buying local. And I love scoring a great deal on fabulous clothing and accessories. So what better way to spend my Saturday afternoon than at the Toronto Fashion Incubator's Guilty Pleasures Designer Sale?

For the last few years, TFI has sponsored a brunch and sale just after Christmas showcasing some of their most promising talent. I skipped out on the brunch, but made it to the public sale, located at the Drake Hotel. The room was packed full of shoppers looking for great deals on distinctive designs from fifteen of TFI's best.

Highlights of the sale included online Boutique Elan—Tim Wu and his crew had some of the most sophisticated looks at the sale. The site sponsors a variety of designers working for the line and encourage trying before you buy with free return shipping. Definitely one to keep in mind.

Leah Bazian had stunning feathered coats and a shawl for every occasion on sale. Particularly eye-catching were the felted yarn and Chinese silk brocade scarves. Deuxme designers Denise David and Evol Williams brought sexy back with corsets and short shorts that would make Paris Hilton blink twice.

For men, Green Shag offered unique ties and adorable, super stylish cufflinks with sports and travel themes in bold colours. (Funky linings on the inside of the collar and French cuffs enable the Green Shag Original to take a gentleman from day to evening by simply unbuttoning the collar (to show a hint of a brightly coloured lining) or by re-fastening the cufflinks to show the cuff colour. Each Shag shirt comes with cufflinks.

Be sure to check out the next TFI sale when it rolls around—it's worth it just to find out about new designers and what's going on in the city! Check out our events pages for more sales.

TFI’s New Labels Competition SEMI-FINALISTS Round 1

Six new designers from across Canada have been chosen to participate in the Toronto Fashion Incubator’s 2008 New Labels® Fashion Design Competition, held this April 24, 2008.

The semi-finalists include Adrienne Butikofer (Toronto), Eugenia Leavitt from Eugenia Designs (Montreal), Krista Ozolins from Plush (Toronto), Lara Presber (Calgary), Ashley Rowe of miss rowe (Toronto) and Oriol Swaan for Gino Gaudet (Saskatoon).

Stay tuned for updates about the annual competition - where one designer will win a prize package valued at $25,000 from ELLE Canada!

TFI New Address

The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) has found a new home in historic Exhibition Place in Toronto. The 100-year, domed, brick structure was constructed as the Railways Building in 1907, designed for the Grand Trunk, Cape Breton and Canadian Pacific Railways by Exhibition Place architect George W. Gouinlock.

“We are thrilled to be moving into a City of Toronto-owned, heritage building,” said Susan Langdon, TFI’s executive director. “The building is breathtaking, plus we won’t have to worry about a developer buying the building again.”

TFI is moving from its present location as a condo developer bought the building this year to make way for a new model suite and sales office.

TFIs New Address:
285 Manitoba Drive, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

Telephone and fax numbers will remain the same:
T: 416-971-7117
F: 416-971-6717

It's all about the Shoes

Leave the 'IT' bag at home when heading out to parties and social events - it just gets in the way! Fashion editors, designers, PR leading ladies and models proved it's all about the shoes at the biggest fashion party this month, TFIs 20th anniversary gala.

Sassy ladies teetered like geisha-in-training in the trendiest platform stilettos and chunky wood heels. Patent leather, metallics, velvet wedges, almond toes and even plastic camo reigned as the latest fashion statement maker!

Elle New Labels Award Goes to...

After months of preparation and mere minutes of deliberation, Sarah Nicol and Kelly Dowdall of quelques filles won the Elle Canada New Labels Award at lastnight's Toronto Fashion Incubator 20th Anniversary bash!

Entitled Mi Amor, A Victorian Love Tragedy, the collection scored the most points for its innovation, quality, fit and marketability and featured high-waisted pencil skirts, bubble skirts, bustiers and blouses. The girls teemed heavy velvet, brocade and leather with delicate silk and lace in a purple, olive and brown winning combination.

We overheard mixed emotions throughout the crowd after the ruling (some were less impressed with 'tacky' lace skirts and detailing), but with a few misses aside, the quelques filles collection was certainly the most eye-catching and entertaining of the foursome!

Read the whole article and see other photos here.

www.quelquesfilles.com

New Labels Competiton

The Elle Canada New Labels Award is an annual event and competition that catapults one winning label to local stardom. The winner claims the title of ELLE Canada New Labels Designer of the Year and wins a prize package valued at over $25,000, including a one-page editorial in ELLE Canada magazine.

WHO Will Win TFI New Labels 2007?

Carolyn Rohaly interviews by the four, Toronto-based designers here:

01.618 by Engelbert Gayagoy brings a Parisian background and a penchant for poetry into the mix. His use of high-tech sportswear fabrics, created for extreme weather conditions ties into his theme of "Protection".

Malak by Kalam Lee, a Ryerson fashion design graduate, introduces a rich, 'crafty' collection made up mostly of dresses, with details such as crocheting and smocking.

Ozen by Phoebe Gao and Enfys Zhuo, George Brown graduates, present their first collection of simple, harmonious clothes. Neutral colours black, grey and white dominate this timeless selection, and the silhouettes are kept streamline and natural.

quelques filles by Sarah Nicol and Kelly Dowdall, Seneca graduates, joined forces for ‘Mi Amore: A Victoriana Love Tragedy’ - high-end women's wear featuring opulent fabrics and theatrical detailing.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 @ 9 p.m.
The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, 7th Floor, Toronto

Get your tickets TODAY at TFI Shop

TFI Fashion Fundraiser

Don't miss the hottest fashion event of the season!

The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) invites you to ULTIMATE PLATINUM TFIXX07. This extraordinary fashion fundraiser will celebrate the 20th anniversary of TFI!

$50 for a Guest pass INCLUDES:

• TFI New Labels runway show presented by ELLE Canada
• A VIP dinner
• Hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting reception hosted by Vin de Pays d’Oc
• A silent auction of fantastic designer wares
• The ULTIMATE PLATINUM runway show featuring 20 one-of-a-kind red carpet gowns designed by TFI members and alumni including Joeffer Caoc, Farley Chatto, CinCyn, David Dixon, Mercy, Arthur Mendonca, and more
• An ELLE Canada gift bag featuring products from P&G Beauty which includes brands such as CoverGirl and Pantene

Purchase your tickets NOW at TFI SHOP or call 416-971-7117 x 21. Tickets will NOT be available at the door.

Desperately Different wins TFI New Labels Competition

On Wednesday, March 22 Sonja A. and I strolled through Yorkville to Hazelton Lanes for the anticipated Elle Canada/Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels Competition.

New Labels' winners usually experience a great deal of media attention and new found fame; never mind the great prizes that includes cash, an Elle magazine photo spread and a rack at the exclusive TNT Blu!

Katya Revenko of Desperately Different managed to take the cake; not an easy task I must add as the other three semi-finalists presented absolutely polished collections.

For photos and a complete write up about the event, click here.

Cincyn Fall 2005

Cincyn is Toronto's most talked about label lately - especially after coming in first place at the tfi/Elle Magazine New Labels 2005 design competition last Spring. The winning Fall 2005 collection was inspired by the victorian/edwardian silhouette of Sherlock Holmes and his would-be lovers.

Looking beyond the incredible over-excessive use of fur, the collection features knickers and high-waisted trousers, animal prints and tweeds, and lustrous gowns in chiffon and charmeuse.

At the show, super cool styling helped gain well-deserved attention, I'm sure, as window pane knickers were teemed with custom "CinCyn" brass belts, and all accessories from belts to shoes to walking sticks were perfectly in place.