Startup Fashion Week finally made its post-pandemic return with sold-out events with entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts all in attendance. It’s SFW’s ninth year with participants from all over Canada, including Niagara, London, Sarnia, Orangeville, Thunder Bay, and more. The purpose of SFW is to provide a platform for up-and-coming designer to showcase their work at various events and of course a runway show. The runway show was hosted by Dr. Ann Kaplan, a former star of Real Housewives of Toronto and was held at Daniels Spectrum, where Canadian designers like The Ambrose Collective, ooobaby, This is Willow, Atelier SARE, Samantha Authentic, LYMOON, Charming Parrot and XANA Couture all had the chance to show off their designs. The show consisted of ready-to-wear, luxury ski/snowboarding

Dr.Ann Kaplan wearing QuAnn during her runway show presentation. Photo courtesy of @jimorgill

The show consisted of a range of ready-to-wear, bridal gowns, and luxury ski/snowboarding apparel. Kaplan showcased her own fashion line, QuAnn with a flash mob of dancers and models wearing her designs while she performed to a song she pre-recorded called ‘Life is Your Catwalk.’ An unexpected vow renewal ceremony also took place during XANA Couture‘s presentation. Kaplan was the certified licensed wedding officiant of the ceremony for the happy couple.

The happy couple renewed their vows during the XANA Couture presentation. Photo courtesy of @asianwithcamera.

“I’m amazed, year after year, how much our community grows and based on the feedback we get I am also proud of how influential this platform is for fashion entrepreneurs,” said Jodi Goodfellow, Executive Producer of SFW. “I wasn’t sure what to expect this year after not having executive events accessible to the public for the past 3 years but it has been incredible. People shouldn’t underestimate the talent or potential of Canadian fashion startups because we have proven they are able to succeed and the pandemic really proved how essential the fashion / textile industry is to our society and economy. With the same growing support from media partners, SFW will be able to draw more awareness for our participants and continue to put Canadian fashion on a wider landscape. I look forward to our tenth anniversary in Toronto next year.”

Here are the best looks from the shows.

startup fashion week — Founder of Atelier SARE Sarah Ghomi makes one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry using Iranian handicraft techniques. Photo courtesy of @asianwithcamera

You can never go wrong with a romper, especially on those days when you’re running late. This one from Charming Parrot is a great choice. Photo courtesy of @jimorgill

Stay stylish while skiing with this LyMoon jumpsuit. Photo courtesy of@jimorgill

This stunning off-the-shoulder lace wedding dress from XANA Couture reminds us of Hailey Biber’s wedding dress. Photo courtesy of @asianwithcamera

Mursal Rahman

Mursal Rahman, social media producer and contributor. When she's not writing about all things fashion and beauty, she's busy trying new fashion trends and beauty products. In her spare time she binge-watches TV shows, likes to spend money on things she doesn't need, and is always contemplating whether or not to UberEats Mcdonalds.