Beavers, parkas, totem poles and Mounties.
We saw the Vancouver Olympics closing ceremonies poke fun at our cultural stereotypes, but on another cultural platform over the border, that kind of tongue-in-cheek display was avoided.
During February’s 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City, fashion followers and critics from all corners of the world gathered in the Big Apple to see what fashion design veterans as well as rising stars had to bring to the catwalk.
The prestigious event showed fall/winter 2010 lines and hosted five Canadian designers who perfectly balanced the inclusion of typically Canadian touches and expert innovation – a concept that was widely received in the booming metropolis, putting the designers at the same level as their international fashion peers.
Rita Liefhebber, Tia Cibani, Jeremy Laing, Antonio Azzuolo and Kaelen Farncombe showcased their pieces from Feb. 10-18, each managing to incorporate some of those classic cultural necessities into their designs, while adding stylistic flare to show they were worthy of a New York runway.
Liefhebber, a Torontonian and former Flare magazine editor, included a mix of loose garments and funky fabrics in her sophomore collection that are perfect for a chilly night out in the city, but looked sleek nonetheless.
Liefhebber normally manages billowing tops and trendy, tight-fitting bottoms, but her primarily slack winter collection looked right at home on the runway.
Ports 1961, probably the most widespread and seasoned brand among the Canadian designers in New York, highlighted long hemlines, tight necks and wool in its stylish collection. Despite being included under the sportswear brand Ports International, the line included exoticism and glamour amongst neutral tones.
Vancouver-born designer Tia Cibani is now based out of New York, and it shows, as the strange shapes and mixed materials indicated modernity and international experience.
Jeremy Laing of Toronto also featured earth tones and prints that followed the warm and organic theme set by the Canadian designers. Layering a multitude of different materials, including knits and leather, Laing is expected to be a fall favourite judging by audience and bloggers’ reactions.
Based on Canada’s usual lack of international fashion publicity, it is refreshing to see three capable designers wade through the sea of renowned high couture names and be received with open arms.
Now, if only this sort of fashion design behaviour continued.
In the past, we have seen celebrated labels like Pink Tartan, Alfred Sung and Club Monaco take the majority of their business south of the border.
It would further the Canadian fashion reputation if such designers stayed in the country, but who can blame them for scouting out the consumer audience that is willing to buy.
When these successful Canadian-born designers move to larger markets, it seems our international counterparts forget that Canada’s designers exist – let alone appreciate more than parkas, Tilley hats and plaid.
We can only hope that budding Canadian designers continue to seek out opportunities at regional and national shows, and aspire to represent us on the international runways.
In particular, I look forward to the day that Ottawa’s fashion week grows into an affluent event, bringing designers and fashion critics alike into our surprisingly style-savvy national capital.
We may not be a booming metropolis compared with other Canadian fashion week holders, but style and innovation do stand out in this city and deserve to be embraced.
Maybe I am just hopeful after a month when Canadians showed our international neighbours that we can rise to the occasion.
Or perhaps, like most other Canadians, I just know that we’ve had success up our sleeves all along.
Ottawa Fashion Week begins on March 23 at the Arts Court.