Capital Catwalk Showcases Best of Local Fashion Designers

All photos by Mireille Sylvester,  

Ottawa’s fashion community dressed to the nines to raise money for cancer on January 30. The University of Ottawa branch of HerCampus, an online magazine for university students, hosted its 4th annual Capital Catwalk in support of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. The glitzy night included a fashion show featuring eight local designers, and during intermissions guests also had the opportunity to browse local businesses, visit a palm reader and participate in a silent auction.

Held at the E & Y Centre in Ottawa’s South End, Capital Catwalk attracted hundreds of guests of all ages, who dressed up in their Saturday best to get a glimpse of what Ottawa’s fashion designers have been working on. The designs didn’t disappoint. From casual wear to evening gowns, designs by local talents Zarucci, ZARGARA, Julien George, Rebecca Rowe, Kristie Lance Designs, Julianne Buchholz and Avenir Design Studios lit up the runway. The models’ confident struts brought the clothes to life, and audience members were active participants, taking photos and sharing their observations on social media.

The catwalk wasn’t just for fashion – local artists such as Ottawa Redblacks dancers, singer Kelsey Rourke and acrobats Acro Yoga took the stage to entertain guests while the designers prepped their collections backstage. Local businesses also shone during the event, with a slew of booths selling clothes, jewellery and home products in the marketplace area.

HerCampus’ University of Ottawa branch launched Capital Catwalk in 2012, and the event has grown consistently since, with the organizing team acquiring more sponsors and more interest from local businesses each year. This year’s proceeds went to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, which supports cancer care and research.