The Grandest Night of Fashion returned to the Fairmont Royal York for its second fashion show on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 and I was excited to be invited to attend! The fashion show is a collaboration between the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFATM) and is a tribute to established and emerging Canadian fashion designers. Hosted by Suits actress Sarah Rafferty, the show took place in the lobby of Toronto’s majestic hotel and was open to the public. The show’s theme was fashion in film, which dovetailed perfectly with the opening of the Toronto International Film Festival 2023.
Many of Toronto’s most notable mingled in the lobby before the show and then guests were advised to take their seats.
Rafferty, who was wearing looks by Canadian designers Greta Constantine and Beaufille, then welcomed the crowd and spoke fondly about living in Toronto and how it became her second home during the filming of the nine-year-running Suits. She reminisced about taking her kids to popular Toronto destinations, the Leslie Street Spit and the Evergreen Brick Works. She noted that the Fairmont Royal York has been the backdrop of many iconic fashion scenes in films.
The fashion show began at 6:45 p.m. and featured both professional models and Toronto personalities strutting the catwalk including:
Lauren Chan (wearing Milli),
Myles Sexton (wearing NARCES),
Sangita Patel (wearing Lotus Bloom),
Lauren Chan (wearing Milli),
Justice and Nia Faith (wearing TNT), and
Jeanne Beker (wearing Freda’s) Beker was last year’s host.
Guests were treated to more than 70 looks from both established and new designers, including Lotus Bloom, Frascara, TNT, Harry Rosen, Golshaah, Freda’s, Steven Lejambe, Milli, House of Gallagher, MANCE, Audrey + Brooks, and Lilliput Hats; as well as returning designers King and Bay, Alan Anderson, NARCES, and Rita Tesolin. The evening was divided into several cinematic segments to highlight the enduring link between fashion and film, including:
- Les Années Folles
- Black Tie Thriller
- Eclectic Avant-Garde
- East Meets West
- Bright Lights, Big City
Makeup was provided by NARS Cosmetics and hair by FlowTM Hair Care.
See my Instagram reel here:
View this post on Instagram
After the fashion show, guests were invited to a VIP cocktail reception in the hotel’s gorgeous Library Bar. Canapés such as goat cheese bites, beet hummus and oysters were served.
What a wonderful evening showcasing the imaginative and sophisticated talent of Canadian fashion designers!
You may be interested in reading “Bask-It-Style 2023 TIFF Gifting Lounge at Fairmont Royal York“.
Omg! That is an amazing event. By the way love your red 👗. That dress with the green beading is beautiful.
Lovely! Looks like quite the festive evening. Love that Blue Lotus Bloom dress!
This looks like an amazing fashion show. I love all the different looks!
This would be a fun event to attend. I would love to see the different outfits.
Hi Tara, It was a super fun event to attend! Cheers, Lori
Wow, that must have been amazing. I would love to attend a fashion event. All these outfits are amazing.
Hi Kathy, Yes, it was amazing and I agree…the outfits were so gorgeous! Cheers, Lori
Wow! It would be an amazing experience to be on that prestigious event!
Hi Richelle, It was quite an amazing evening! Cheers, Lori
Your detailed account of the event and the exquisite fashion on display transported me to the scene, and I felt like I was part of the glamour and excitement.
Hi Lavanda, Thank you! I was exhilarated to attend this fashion show! Cheers, Lori
You look divine! And this was an interesting event, especially for women!
Hi Catalina, Thank you! Yes, it was a fun, intriguing evening! Cheers, Lori
An evening of unparalleled glamour awaits at Fairmont Royal York in 2023! Get ready to dazzle in style at the grandest night of fashion.
Hi Savita, Yes, it was indeed an evening of glamour! Cheers, Lori
Having the opportunity to attend a fashion event would be very exciting for me. This is a great experience for sure
Hi Zab, It was a lovely experience! I love attending fashion shows! Cheers, Lori
Wow! Those garments looked so glamorous and dazzling, that must have been something else to watch the show in person!
Hi, Yes, it was great to see those gorgeous dresses up close! Cheers, Lori
This sounds like a neat event. It is fun to check out the latest fashions. I’ve never been to a fashion show – so cool!
Hi Marysa, I love seeing the latest fashions too! Cheers, Lori
You look so lovely in red. And the even looks so good, so lovely. I have never been to a fashion show but this one, I just loved reading it!
Hi Monidipa, Thank you! It was definitely a fun evening! Cheers, Lori