Skip to main content

Oscar De La Renta in TorontoTim Fraser

On Tuesday, designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa will be staging their fall 2011 runway collection in Toronto as part of a splashy fundraiser hosted by philanthropist and fashion devotee Suzanne Rogers. The event marks the fourth time in less than three years that a major international fashion label has shown its full collection in Canada thanks to well-connected locals. How do they stack up against each other?

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

When and where: November 13, 2008 at the Royal Ontario Museum

Brought in by: The Material Ball, a fundraising gala in aid of the ROM's textile and costume programs

Highlight: The stunning progression of Valli looks, starting with a minimalist black tunic and capping off with a series of fairy-tale gowns in tufted tulle

Buzz factor: 8 out of 10: This Valli collection was haute, haute, haute; co-chairs Kimberly Newport-Mimran and Simona Schnaider lent extra socialite sizzle

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Date: April 13, 2010 at the Carlu, Toronto's art deco showpiece

Brought in by: Suzanne Rogers

Highlight: The sheer number of attendees in their finest Oscar fashions

Buzz Factor: 10 out of 10: Women of all stripes bow down to de la Renta, the godfather of ultra feminine fashion; the event also managed to raise $750,000 for children's charities

HAIDER ACKERMANN

Date: July 6, 2010 at the ROM

Brought in by: Linda Perisa, owner of 119 Corbo in Toronto

Highlight: Models layered in laser-cut leather slinking down the runway like otherworldly sleepwalkers

Buzz factor: 7 out of 10: The shindig had more edge than the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal

MARCHESA

Date: April 5, 2011 at the Carlu

Brought in by: Suzanne Rogers

Anticipated highlight: It'll likely be the red carpet arrivals - a veritable procession of Hollywood North glam

Pre-show buzz factor: An anticipated 9 out of 10: Two words: Harvey Weinstein

Your Globe

Build your personal news feed

Follow the author of this article:

Check Following for new articles