Ottawa may not be acclaimed for its fashion industry, but as Fashion Week wrapped up in the Nation’s Capital Saturday March 27th, it was no longer on the sidelines of fashion to its popular neighbours: Montreal and Toronto. The question is then, why did hot designers like Micalla, Rachel Sin, Zena Fares and Randy Olsen, to name a few, decide to join in on Ottawa’s commonly known ‘meek’ fashion industry?

RACHEL SIN

Micalla wasn’t the only designer who has showcased collections on the runway, and one who really rocked it out this season was Ottawa-native Rachel Sin.
Sin is an architect-turned fashion designer, and through her stream line, classic with a twist
collection, Sin truly depicts a demand for quality that embodies her architectural background.
”I think as an artist what drives you each season is to create something more beautiful than the last,” Sin says. “My day job as an intern architect has taught me to open my eyes and pay attention to everything and every detail.”
Sin decided to start her own clothing line in Ottawa because she saw the need for growth and
development in the industry.
“The limited choice in clothing in Ottawa was what drove me to start my own line,” Sin says. “I think by providing women with an option (clothing that is beautiful and wearable) will inspire people to dress up and go out.”
Because this wasn’t Sin’s first time around a runway, it was more straightforward for her this season.
“The second time around it was easier, because I knew what to expect. Within a month you have to arrange for a casting call and several fittings with models,” Sin explains. “Then there’s shoes, hair style, make-up, most of which I choose from flipping through magazines. We collaborated with Montreal hair accessory designer Shoshanna Finn for Halo, which really completed the look and created something totally unique for the runway. After you’ve done all the prep work, you’re running around making sure that everything runs smoothly and as planned.”
Sin agrees that although it’s a lot of prep work, it’s well worth it. “It is definitely a high being back stage with the models and get ready for the show,” she says. “It’s always a crazy month before the show and you are also trying to promote the event at the same time but I would definitely do it again.”

MICALLA

“We have a wonderful group of clients in Ottawa that really appreciate our designs and for the first time we were given the opportunity to showcase our pieces to a larger group of discerned consumers and industry,” says Camilla Jørgensen, designer behind the stunning jewelry line known as Micalla, based out of Montreal. “We were very excited.” Micalla is no spring chick to fashion week, which is why it was so special to have their designs showcased in Ottawa this year.
MICALLA has been in the designers’ showcase at Semaine de la Mode in Montreal and at LG Fashion Week in Toronto since 2008.
According to Jørgensen, It takes about six to eight months from inspiration to execution. “The details vary from actually making and designing the pieces, to finalizing the concept,” she says. “Once done, the detail that lies in finding models, music, lighting, make-up, etcetera, takes approximately six to eight weeks.”
For Micalla’s fall/winter 2010 collection titled ‘Sunset’, Jørgensen brought 1950’s Hollywood glamour into the 21st century. With crystals and rare gemstones, her pieces exuded elegance and femininity; perfect for the modern day movie star.

ZENA FARES
For others, this was an entirely new way to showcase their collections.
Zena Fares, also an Ottawa-native, get her start at the renowned Richard Robinson School of Design right in the downtown capital.
Fares decided to partake in OFW this year in hopes to promote her designs, “I thought it would be good exposure for me,” she says. “And hopefully get my designs in Ottawa Boutiques.”
Her collection this year radiated sex appeal and feminine strength. From leather, to silk to wild prints, Fares was fearless for Fall/Winter 2010.
“Before showcasing a garment I always ask myself if I would wear it,” she explains. “My inspiration is trying to get a touch of glamour into every piece of clothing. I want ladies to dress up even if it just to go to the office.”

RANDY OLSEN

Another rookie onto the Ottawa scene this year was Randy Olsen. New to the design world, Olsen soaked up every minute of OFW.
“This was an amazing experience for me as it was my first fashion week,” he says. “I loved working with the models I chose and the people who
organized the event. I am so happy that I finally participated.”
Olsen’s Fall/Winter collection included a wide variety of colour, textures and shapes. From a black jumpsuit to a plunging red dress, Olsen showcased his talent in differing facets.
“My inspirations came from everything,” says Olsen. “Whatever I liked, I just did, much like Franco Moschino. Even if something like certain colours or fabrics were not on trend that year, he would just go with it. That’s what I did. If I liked something and it looked good, I went for it.”

OFW was a huge success in our Nation’s
Capital. I think we all can agree on the fact that Ottawa’s fashionistas will look forward to next season and what it and the city have to offer.