We're less than two days away from the S/S 2012 edition of Ottawa Fashion Week. In this special Tuesday edition of the Style Profile, we learn all about this premiere fashion event from the Public Relations Director, Christine Achampong.
Who: Christine Achampong
I've worked within the OFW organization since 2008 : first as a production intern then as the assistant to the Executive Director then as the Creative Director and now as of January 2011, PR Director.
I've worked within the OFW organization since 2008 : first as a production intern then as the assistant to the Executive Director then as the Creative Director and now as of January 2011, PR Director.
What: Public Relations Director
Where: Ottawa Fashion Week
When: September 28-October 2, 2011
When did OFW get it's start?
The first season of Ottawa Fashion Week was in May of 2008
What was the inspiration to start OFW?
OFW started as an off shot of the now defunct Canadian International Modelling Agency (CIMA) and an on-line magazine called "Substance Magazine". We had these amazing resources (models, make-up artists, hairstylists etc...) through our work with CIMA and Substance and we decided stage our first runway show called "Mantra" at Canadian War Museum. The success of that event and the feeling of being part of something so unique in Ottawa propelled us to start planning regular runway shows in Ottawa.
Who can we expect to see in the upcoming OFW?
The overall goal each season is to get bigger and better - this season's move to the newly built Ottawa Convention Centre and our amazing designer roster is a huge step forward. Some of the headliners showing this season at OFW are Simon Ekrelius from the UK, Alexis Reyna from Spain and Montreal style veteran Samuel Dong - and that's just the beginning of our amazing roster.
What can we expect from this seasons shows?
The production plans, clothes, hair and makeup are being kept top secret but this season is definitely going to be a milestone for us in terms of the caliber of designers showcasing on our runway as well as the types of shows that are going to be seen on the runway.
Favourite OFW moments?
The end of our first season at the National Gallery of Canada in October 2010, Hussein Rashid (the Executive Producer of OFW) and I were sitting in the runway room just before the runway/staging was taken down and he looked up at me and said "We actually did this...?". The next day we had a huge article in the citizen with the headline "Congratulations Ottawa, you did it!"....I remember tears streaming down my face while I read it at my breakfast table the next day. Every season I have the same big sigh of relief at the end followed by an immediate panic attack that I need to start planning the next one five days later.
Favourite places to shop in Ottawa?
My mother's closet! It's convenient because it's always open and everything is free!
Favourite Ottawa designers?
I've been a fan of McCaffery Haute Couture forever, I always make it point to walk by and window shop when I'm on Sussex. David really knows his stuff. These days its more common for great designers to uproot themselves and move to Toronto or the US, I'm proud that we've managed to keep a great talent like his in Ottawa.
What can a first timer expect at this seasons OFW?
Lots of fun and free activites!
We have some amazing sponsors on board this season:
The Loft/Le Spa, Rowenta and L'Oreal Professionnel will have touchup stations available in the lounge area for all of the ladies to get last minute touchups before and in between shows
We'll also have a photobooth where attendees can have their pictures taken, the photos will be uploaded on our facebook page after the event and can uploaded.
Live entertainment by some amazingly talented individuals like Lidija Marie, Samantha Chan, May-Jun and Rnee Landry + Sound of Lions Band
There's definitely enough activities to keep everyone busy for all five days of the event!
For more information about Ottawa Fashion Week, including the schedule of fantastic designers, or to buy tickets, visit : www.ottawafashionweek.ca.
Can't make it to all the shows? Don't worry, follow the conversations on Twitter and you'll feel as though you were right there in the front row: @OFW_LIVE.
Also be sure to check out : @amoimurphy, @sincerelysab and @coolgirlchris for behind the scenes commentary during OFW.
Also be sure to check out : @amoimurphy, @sincerelysab and @coolgirlchris for behind the scenes commentary during OFW.
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