The
Toronto Fashion
Community Come Together
to
Support Ukraine

Awash in vibrant shades of yellow and blue, the Toronto Fashion community came together to support Ukraine to stand together against the ongoing crisis.
In April, a Fashion Fundraiser Event hosted by Fashion Group International, Toronto, saw over 200 guests at the Liberty Grand, Toronto. Clad in Ukrainian inspired national colours (yellow and blue), guests were immersed in the themed experience– from cocktails, beauty touch-ups, and fashion portrait opportunities wearing Ukrainian vinok crows.
A Toronto-based Fashion Illustrator, Beckie Dileo, painted the photography backdrop featuring large sunflowers and an army tank inspired by the women who handed sunflower seeds to a Russian soldier “so that flowers would grow if he died there on Ukraine’s soil”.

Photography Nancy KIm, NSBKIM PHOTOS

Meanwhile, the attendees revelled in the custom-made designs by some of Canada’s leading designers and brands. Featured fashion designers included Stephane Caras, Lucian Matis, Steven Lejambe, Christopher Bates, Rock & Karma, Bone & Busk, Shelli OH x Dee Silkie. Inspired by Ukrainian designs and their national colours, the fashion pieces exuded life, hope, and love, and they were available for a silent auction.

One of the participating designers, Shelli OH, shared her design concept of the dress she created for the event.

“Ukrainian dolls inspired the design concept for the piece (I used to have many as a kid, thanks to a Ukrainian neighbour). I felt it would complement both Dee Silkie Outerwear and my brand to combine the idea of an outerwear coat with a dress concept (combining what we are both known for). The voluminous built-up collar panel, exaggerated puffy sleeves, and full-shaped skirt panels are all details inspired by my old Ukrainian dolls, with a sculptural feel and rounded silhouette. Made in beautiful fabric designed by Dee in Ukrainian colours with the sunflower motif and a folkloric feel, we are very excited to share our piece!”

Photography Nancy KIm, NSBKIM PHOTOS

“We wanted to create an experiential platform for our fashion community to play an interactive role in helping raise funds for the crisis in Ukraine. This fashion fundraiser highlights elements of the rich Ukrainian culture and provides a unique platform to spotlight Canadian designers while supporting such an important and timely cause.”

Tania Semper, the Regional Director of Fashion Group International, Toronto.

The event raised more than $15K in funds for Ukraine to be donated to the BCU Foundation, a registered charity in Canada that provides humanitarian aid to vulnerable people in Ukraine.

Photography Nancy KIm, NSBKIM PHOTOS

Photography Nancy KIm, NSBKIM PHOTOS

Photography Nancy KIm, NSBKIM PHOTOS

Photography Nancy KIm, NSBKIM PHOTOS

Photography Nancy KIm, NSBKIM PHOTOS

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