One of a Kind
For Many Toronto stylistas the One of a Kind spring show is what heralds the shift into a fresh new season of retail therapy. Fittingly, the show kicks off on the official first day of spring (on now through Easter Monday).
As always, fashion-hounds will first hit the Rising Stars section (where newbie designers and crafters debut) as well as the Fashion District where local indie designers and talent from across the country showcase their latest for the gentler climes of spring. This is also where mini runway shows are presented twice daily. Oooh — and don’t miss the gourmet food area!
With 450 vendors, including more than 200 focused on fashion and accessories, style-hungry gals are spoiled for choice. And this year, there are even more green designers in the mix. Here’s a shortlist of a few noteworthy vendors to check out:
Quirky-Cool Clothing: Lilikoi (eco-chic silks-creened tops and dresses in bamboo, soy and organic cotton), Momo (futuristic Victorian), Cindy Seto (urban-girly dresses for everyday or swish evenings), Annie 50 (hip tops and skirts with quirky-cool prints from Montreal), Emilie Desmeules (artistic textile collages on vampy wearables).
Fab Accessories: Jack & Marjorie (army uniforms and tents accented with vintage charms and buttons become sophisticated handbags), Read My Hips (candy wrappers and hockey cards morphed into cool belts), Baggage (retro leather jackets reborn as swoon-worthy purses and bags, Smitten Kitten (vintage silk scarves handsewn into stunning clutches and brooches too), Natalie Gerber (recycled men’s ties and garments repurposed into stunning brooches, blazers and bags).
Unique Jewellery: Fine & Good/Aimee Kennedy (swish minimalist glass and silver adornments), Victor Lee (sweet copper enamel cat portraits and landscapes on coins), Marmalade (fabric and sterling pieces).
Tickets are $12 adults, $6.50 for students and seniors, kids 12 and under are free. Save $2 on adult admission online. Preview vendors at: www.oneofakindshow.com.
Nathalie-Roze Fischer is a designer, writer, bargain-hound and DIY enthusiast. Visit her online at
www.nathalie-roze.com
or at her indie shop/studio in Leslieville (1015 Queen St. East).
