Rating: NNNNN
Harvesting talent
I know I said I’d be less judgmental in 2005, but last week I ignored my New Year’s resolution and had the excellent experience of sitting on the panel at the Willow Grant and Toronto Fashion Incubator spring 2005 rack competition.
Up-and-coming designers from the Incubator showed us their lines, hoping to land one of the two winning spots and booty including free rack space at Willow Grant (960 Queen West, 416-533-7553) from March 1 to June 14, not to mention the exposure and invaluable merchandising advice that go with.
Isolating the winners was no easy task – the clothes were all amazing – but we managed. They are Nada (www.nadaelkhazen.com) and Revolve Clothing (www.revolveclothingco. com), with honourable mention going to Yaadi menswear (www.yaadi. com).
Hit the shop come March and support tomorrow’s fashion superstars. www.willowgrant.com.
Steppin’ up
Remember how you resolved to dedicate more time to charity work in 2005? Consider Saturday night’s (January 22) Charity Step 3 (Next Level at the Docks Entertainment Complex, 11 Polson), benefiting Habitat for Humanity Toronto, a, um, baby step in the right direction. All you have to do is buy your $40 ticket online at www. miraclewarriors.com or cough up $50 at the door, show up (wearing something good, of course) and get down. Easy. The event features runway shows by local designers Sister Underwear , Bustle Clothing , Peros and 69Vintage , plus a wicked lineup of DJs. 416-841-6955, www.charitystep. com, www. torontohabitat.on.ca.
Rock the vote
Is there an angel in your midst? You’ve got until 5 pm next Friday, February 4, to help your favourite do-gooder get the recognition she deserves by nominating her in the ninth annual Flare Volunteer Awards . Sponsored by Flare Magazine and CIBC, the contest is open to women across Canada, 18 years and older, who have made a significant contribution to helping people in their communities. The six winners will be announced this spring. For more info, check out www.flare. com/volunteer, or call 1-877-2-AWARDS.
