OTTAWA FASHION WEEK CLOSES ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEASON

OTTAWA, ON – Three days of stunning fashion, great local music and general fabulousness wrapped up on Sunday, February 10, 2013, as the ninth edition of Ottawa Fashion Week (OFW) came to a close. Helmer Joseph of Montreal held the audience rapt with a lovely collection that included stunning glass adorned mask-style headpieces designed by Jean-Marie Giguère, also of Montreal. What has become a perennial favourite of OFW guests, the UNICEF Benefit runway show saw many local media personalities walk the OFW runway, with $10 from each ticket going to the charity. Guy Laflamme, Senior Vice-President Capital Experience and Official Residences with the National Capital Commission warmly welcomed guests with high praise for Ottawa Fashion Week and its partnership with the NCC and Winterlude. He introduced Solange Tuyishime, a UNICEF Canada Ambassador who spoke while showcasing a gown by designers Jana & Emilia. The audience was delighted to watch Canadian mezzo-soprano and CBC Radio host Julie Nesrallah performing “Carmen” live whilst sashaying down the runway wearing a piece by Jana & Emilia. Also making a special appearance were Mama & Papa Ice Hog; despite their extremely busy Winterlude schedule, the lure of the catwalk proved too much for them to resist. A full list of those who walked and who they wore is on the following page. Other notables in attendance included Jean-Daniel Lafond, film maker and husband of former Governor General Michaëlle Jean with their daughter Marie-Éden; internationally acclaimed soprano Measha Brueggergosman; Senators players Erik Karlsson, Jakob Silfverberg and Kyle Turris; and Max Keeping, Community Activist, stepped out in style after his recent recovery. The Ottawa Fashion Week Board of Directors would very much like to thank the dedication of all designers, volunteers, sponsors and partners whose brilliant work and tireless effort made the three day fashion extravaganza an unqualified success. Right on the heels of this season’s close begins planning for the tenth edition, which is set to take place again at the Ottawa Convention Centre. Volunteer applications for the Spring|Summer 2014 Collections of Ottawa Fashion Week will be made available in the coming months. Hi-resolution images of this season's event will soon be available for the press, please contact media@ottawafashionweek.ca. General Inquiries: info@ottawafashionweek.ca; Sponsorship Opportunities: sponsorship@ottawafashionweek.ca; Volunteer Opportunities: volunteer@ottawafashionweek.ca; Designer Interest: designers@ottawafashionweek.ca. DIRECT MEDIA INQUIRIES TO: Kimberly McCarthy-Kearney Public Relations Lead