2016 TFI New Labels Fashion Design Competition and Show
Photos by Steve Blackburn | Words by Roxanne Rowe
TORONTO, ONT – There are many fashion competitions in Toronto such as the Mercedes-Benz Start Up and the new giant kid on the block CAFA (Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards) and then there is the original, TFI New Labels. On May 3rd the 24th Edition of the TFI (Toronto Fashion Incubator) New Labels® 2016 was held to a packed house of top retailers, fashion bloggers, influencers and fashionable consumers at the One King West Hotel in Toronto.
Fashion Designer Mikhael Kale & Sylvia Mantella
Since 1992, TFI’s New Labels Fashion Design Competition has featured the hottest emerging designers and design talent in Canada and has evolved into one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year. TFI New Labels 2016 featured four amazing and hottest up-coming design talents in Canada Karen Quirion (KQK), Peggy-Sue Deaven-Smiltnieks (Peggy Sue Collection), Defne Husrevoglu (Gun Control) & Angelene Fenuta (Angelene) vying for the chance to win the ‘Suzanne Rogers Award for Best New Label’ (a $25,000 award) and a feature in FLARE Magazine.
Hosted by TV fashion personality Glen Baxter and Gala Event Honorary Chair Suzanne Rogers, the tfi New Labels® is viewed as a boot camp for new designers where they can gain valuable knowledge on how to create a newsworthy yet marketable line while learning to plan a fashion show.
This year, the winner of the top prize went to Peggy-Sue Deaven-Smiltnieks (Peggy Sue Collection). Peggy-Sue works directly with farmers, start-up mills and artisans to design sustainable clothing that celebrates their skills, who has spoken at both New York University [NYU] and the Rhode Island School of Design [RISD] on sustainable sourcing. Peggy-Sue has worked with many luxury brands including SAKS Fifth Avenue 611 (New York City).
Special mention must be given to Susan Langdon who has been the executive director and mentor of the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) for once again putting together such a wonderful event that showcases and champions our incredible event showcasing Canadian fashion designers!
