OFW Designers: The Escape Movement

The Canadian brand, The Escape Movement, is fairly new on the fashion scene. The designer, Andy Morrison, priemiered the first collection in early Fall 2010. Yet the response has been alarmingly positive and it seems as if this street wear line is a serious contender in the Canadian fashion scene. But the label goes beyond showcasing their newly designed fashion, Escape also hopes to empower youth by setting up a grassroots network that helps individuals in the arts (artists, musicians and athletes) develop their ability.

Andy was born and raised in North Bay, Ontario (small town!) When he graduated he did not have enough money to go to university or college so he started to use his artistic talents by selling belts. Working 9-5 at a local board shop, Andy realized he wasn't pursuing his dreams. So he quit his job and moved to Whistler. Bad luck struck again and he found no jobs. So he put everything aside and started to experiment - he started to dabble in yoga, photography and snowboarding. Then he had a lightbulb moment. He was living his life to the fullest; he learned that life is about loving what you do. 

VOILA! He started to develop his line Llama which turned into The Escape Movement (which has clothes AND jewellery!). Andy is also researching more ways to make the brand more eco-friendly!

All photos are taken from Ottawa Fashion Week Facebook page

OFW Designers: Adib Simon

My first Ottawa Fashion Week as a blogger! I was blown away, just a couple of months ago I did not even know Ottawa had a fashion scene and now I was sitting at a major event within the city (as media!). Unfortunately, my photography skills were limited as I did not sit front row for any of the shows. I tried to snap a couple of pictures from the back but kept on getting different dark heads in the snapshots. I felt bad standing up so I just strained to each side to catch a glimpse of the whole outfit! OFW has put up a huge amount of pictures on their website and I couldn't help borrow a couple. I will be doing separate posts for my favorite designers from the show. First up:

Adib Simon comes all the way from Argentina (caliente!) He was born in the province of Cordoba. What is extremely interesting is that the designer used sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics. Beauty and Brains all in one. Enjoy the collection! 

You Are Invited: Rachel Sin Fashion Show

Simplified Elegance 

You are cordially invited to discover Rachel Sin's Fall/Winter 2011 Collection at Ottawa Fashion Week. I recently blogged about Rachel Sin after I was introduced to one of her fabulous dresses at HUSH and then got the pleasure to see her collection walk down the runway during Fashion for Funds. Although her dresses are gorgeous, I was especially drawn to the separate pieces that headlined her show. Leggings with leather cuts, faux fur coats, gold dinner jackets and edgy blazers = I fell in love. I love rocker/glam inspired pieces and these clothes had Yvonne written all over them. After the show I was overjoyed to hear that these pieces will be featured in Sin's new MODEL OFF DUTY Collection of separates.

What should we expect from Rachel Sin this Fall/Winter Collection? Pieces that are a little more subdued, with the feminine silhouette as the main feature, accented by sensual details. The MODEL OFF DUTY is so downtown cool, so rocker glam and so effortlessly stylish. Put me down for each piece (including those fabulous leggings!). Each item can transition from day to night, downtown to red carpet and right into the after party. It is the perfect melange of sophistication, fun and function. Double score: it is sublime for those of us that are trying to find a fashion niche and are transitioning from University students to hip and trendy professionals. 

The runway Show will take place THIS Saturday March 19th at 7PM at the National Gallery of Canada: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa. Tickets can be purchased online on the Ottawa Fashion Week website. If you feel like rocking a Rachel Sin dress for the event, all dresses are 50% off for a limited time at HUSH Clothes.