By Katherine Ellis

Photography by Dmitri Moisseev

The best and brightest from Ottawa’s fashion scene gathered at the Canadian War Museum on May 26 for the annual Angie’s Models & Talent International (AMTI) Gala Showcase. Shining at one of North America’s largest fashion events, talents of all ages strutted down the runway in front of over 1,000 agents, designers, business owners from London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo and New York City.

A red carpet and cheering crowds greeted invited guests, including media, international model representatives, models and their family members, as they entered the museum and headed to the fabulous cocktail reception and dinner that preceded the runway show. Instead of numbering all tables at the dinner, they were cleverly “named” after renowned fashion designers and fashion labels, ranging from Oscar de la Renta and Christian Dior to Pink Tartan and David Dixon.

Angie Sakla-Seymour. Photo: FAJO Magazine.

Angie Sakla-Seymour, owner and founder of Angie’s Models & Talent International (AMTI), hosted the evening, donning a black David McCaffrey dress. A breast cancer survivor and entrepreneur, she offered words of wisdom to those present, advising them to never give up on their dreams and to support each other.

Both Helena-Alexis Seymour (forefront) and Angie Sakla-Seymour were wearing dresses by David McCaffrey.

Partnering with local malls – Bayshore Shopping Mall and Place d’Orléans – models, from small toddlers to late teens, walked the runway for the modeling agency representatives from Toronto, Hollywood, Paris, Montréal and Tokyo.

The show began with the youngest children in a variety of looks from Growing Kids and Aéropostale, among others.

The next age group on the runway wore clothes from stores including Toxic, Boathouse and Sirens, and they walked the runway in trendy season favourites, including neon leggings and patterned spring/summer dresses.

The final group of more experienced and recognizable models was clad in designer looks, from dresses to bathing suits. DeMoyo’s crochet dresses, graphic t-shirts from E.B.A. (Electric Bitch Apparel), handbags by Demü Label and a never-before-seen David McCaffrey bridal and evening wear collection were presented on the runway.

Ottawa’s own supermodel Herieth Paul, and Angie’s latest success story, donned the opening and closing McCaffrey Haute Couture looks, including a gold bodice and white tulle skirt as the last look of the evening. Paul opened for Burberry at London Fashion Week and was heading to New York after the Showcase.

Herieth Paul, one of the supermodels discovered by Angie Sakla-Seymour.

All make-up was donated by Syn Sue Salon & Boutique owner Suzette Collins and applied by well-known Ottawa make-up artist Ariana Assadi and her team. Hair was expertly coiffed by Bruno Racine’s staff at Le Spa & The Loft.

This was an exciting show, and definitely one of the best Ottawa has seen to date!

Photo gallery