In the spirit of celebrating our rich Canadian diversity, the Toronto Fashion Academy hosted the 3-day long event, “International Fashion Encounter”. In the Canadian edition of this event, designers from India, Mexico, and the Middle East were welcomed to the elegantly staged luxury runway at the Fairmont Royal York hotel. The opulent white lace and gilded candle motifs lining the runway proved a fitting backdrop to the colourful creations that each designer had to offer.

Noted Canadian Fashion and entertainment personalities and influencers were also in attendance, from PR Misters and Mavens to Fashion Bloggers and models and our very own Miss Universe Canada 2008, Samantha Tajik-Hadzic, who was seen not only interviewing and on the red carpet, but also closing each of the 9 runway shows!

Below are some of our favourite looks from each of the 9 designers.

Country of Origin: Mexico

Designers: A collection of student designers, showcasing together a wide range of looks.

Fashion Stamp: Fun and playful to evening luxe with lots of drapery and movement in between.

Website: www.uia.mx

Country of Origin: New Delhi, India

Designers: Mohite Sachdev

Fashion Stamp: Warm tropical fruit and floral tones, simple dramatic shapes with pops of detailed embellishments

Website: instagram.com/mohitee/

Country of Origin: Mumbai, India

Designers: Payal Singhal

Fashion Stamp: Modern approach to traditional Indian dress, “tulip” pant legs.

Website: www.payalsinghal.com

Country of Origin: New Delhi, India

Designers: Rajdeep Ranawat

Fashion Stamp: Art-deco meets oriental-inspired nature illustrations and framework implemented onto flowing fabric; marriage of tropical pastels and their darker, bolder hue counterparts; layers of opacity.

Website: www.ranawat.com

Country of Origin: Kolkata, India

Designers: Jaya Misra

Fashion Stamp: Modern royal fantasy evening wear inspired traditional Indian dress.

Website: www.jayamisra.com

Country of Origin: Maharashtra, India

Designers: Dinaaz Sarfaraz Gabrani

Fashion Stamp: Calm elements of white and its various tints giving way to playful prints, fun colours, and some luxurious detailing.

Website: www.whitebydinaaz.com

Country of Origin: India

Designers: Kshitij Choudhary

Fashion Stamp: Modern and traditional formal wear and resort wear inspired by Bollywood glamour.

Website: www.facebook.com/designerKshitijChoudhary

Country of Origin: Shillong, India

Designers: Daniel Syiem

Fashion Stamp: Hand-woven organic fabrics and traditional weaving and natural dying techniques for modern and abstract takes on tribal attire.

Website: www.dsethnicfashionhouse.com

Country of Origin: Nuevo León, Mexico

Designers: Abril Cervera

Fashion Stamp: Passion meets fashion – long fringe and lace in red, white and black.

Website: www.abrilcervera.com

Major Canadian Fashion influencers Marlene Shiff and Vicky Milner were honoured during an awards ceremony on the runway for their Contributions to Canadian Fashion. They were awarded with a custom trophy created by renowned porcelain and ceramic artist, Misbah Ahmed of Art by Misbah. Marlene Shiff herself donned a spectacular ceramic flower necklace for the occaision.

As the runway shows drew to a close, it becomes excitingly apparent that there is indeed some spectacular fashion happening overseas! With any luck, these talented hopefuls will weave their way into the Canadian markets; our cultural mosaic is just the place to do so.

We look forward to IFE’s next edition in Dubai!

Photography by: Mark Reyes