Toronto Week of Style has once again proved itself to be one of the hottest fashion events of the year. Conceived by the Style Council of Canada, this event featured groundbreaking designers, sophisticated guests, and of course, amazing clothes. The Burroughs building on Queen St West provided an airy and classic setting for collections such as Sean Jean, House of Dereon Black Label and more

Photographers at The Burroughs Building getting ready for the show.

Fashion Nation

Featured Designers:

Mahima – by Tseshaht designer Joyce Little, WALK N BEAUTY Native American Designer Shoes, Koous Collection – by Ahousaht designer J’net Cavanagh, Micah Designs by Paul Naponse
HoC House of Charm by Urban Metis/Cree artist Charmaine, BRUNO HENRY by Seneca/ Cayuga designer Bruno Henry

Touch of Spice

Featured Designers:

Mehnaz, Instyle Fashion by Sobiyah Mannan, exclusive Canadian carrier of Maysoon Designs of Pakistan

Streetware Spectacular

Featured Designers:

Black Label, Artful Dodger, House of Dereon

Toronto Week of Style Guests

For the 4^th year in a row, HELM Productions successfully raised awareness and financial support for a health-related charitable organization. The fashion show and gala that took place on May 23^rd 2008, achieved a perfect balance of sophistication and consciousness. The goal for the evening was to raise $10,000.00 for WaterCan’s Clean Water for Schools (CWfS). Steam Whistle Brewery hosted the event, which included a silent auction, cocktail reception and one of the most amazing fashion shows of the year.

The fashion on the runway was matched by the many fashionistas who attended the event

Nana Aba Duncan (featured below in a fabulous dress) covered the event. Visit www.blogto.com/divercity_podcast to hear coverage of HELM and other cool events.

A lovely young lady wearing a Chinedesign dress

Items available for silent auction

I accidentally snapped a pic of this beauty while she was adjusting her blouse. It made for a very interesting shot.

Stacey McKenzie of Canada’s next top model was there to help HELM spread the word about the millions world wide who do not have clean drinking water.

The designs of Semai

The designs of Jakia Handy

The designs of Chinedesign

The designs of FRANKE by Kendra Francis

Next time you are in the Queen West village and you are in the mood for a great mix of designer styles, check out The Fashion District at 555 Queen West. The boutique houses the work of a group of talented designers who have created a veritable fashion collective. The most amazing thing about the store is the diverse mix of styles available. There is something for everyone at The Fashion District. From Vintagesque and Gothic to Afrocentric and romantic, the couture that is offered is all fantastic.

The grand opening of the store featured a fashion show and cocktail party

Featured clothing labels include Desperately Different, Karamea, Embody, S.I.N.S., Molina, Chinedesign and Devise. The Fashion District also carries an exclusive line of jewelry by Samantha Nemiroff and a unique collection of wall art and home décor by Serry Petrie and GH interiors.

Designer Chinedu (left) with Store co-owner Sheryl (right) and model