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