By Justine Woolcott

Photography by Omer K

Our third installment from the Ottawa Fashion Week follows.

This is a continuation from the coverage of day 1 and day 2.

DeMoyo

International designer Paidemoyo Chideya’s main focus was on details. Pleated draping, asymmetrical dresses and cobalt blue lined garments screamed sophistication and simplicity in the DeMoyo collection. Although the designer used mostly white, cream and grey, a cobalt blue maxi-dress and kelly green structured blazer reminded the audience that this was a spring/summer 2012 line.

Rachel Sin

A highly respected designer in the fashion industry, Rachel Sin returned this season to OFW. The audience eagerly awaited for the architect-turned-fashion-designer’s show, especially because she played a role in designing the new Ottawa Convention Centre, while working as an architect in Ottawa.Her ready-to-wear line featured  strong lines and, staying true to her signature style, exposed zippers ran rampant, while one dress in white featured the daring cage back.

Sin’s use of white lace overlay, small cheetah print and dramatic back cutouts in pantsuits and cocktail dresses, resulted in a classy, yet edgy, collection.

Symbiose by Hinda A

Hinda reflected the theme of her Summer in Paris collection in solid structure and bold prints. Metallic blazers and silver sequined designs on white dresses added an element of glamour.

Soft, but exaggerated, ruffles adorning tank tops had a sophisticated touch, especially when paired with metallic silver wide-legged trousers or a pencil skirt.

Samuel Dong

Inspired by gentle romance, Dong’s collection was founded in exclusive European fabrics and high-quality couture details.

Loud, colourful prints were juxtaposed on simple designs, including blouses and pencil skirts. Dong made ruffled bright red and pink tent dresses appear as if they were made of feathers.

Exaggerated, saucer-like collars, and pleated lapels on dresses and trenches, brought the crowd to its feet, giving Dong a standing ovation for his extraordinary handiwork.

Edit by Jeanne Beker

Canadian fashion icon and journalist Jeanne Beker launched her debut collection Edit in Bay stores nationwide in August 2010. Her collection was shown at the Ottawa Fashion Week with the specific purpose of auctioning off four outfits, styled by Beker, to raise money for Dress for Success, a charity that helps economically disadvantaged women have access to career development tools.The show opened with a showcase of the collection that featured neutral tones, punctuated by fuchsia highlights. Some of the popular numbers were skinny jeans, and print-rich silk dresses.

Four Canadian celebrities, including MTV’s Nicole Holness and CTV’s Carolyn Waldo, modeled the auction outfits. They danced around the stage to the music being performed live by local singer Samantha Chang.

The crowd loved Holness’ outfit: a fitted purple cocktail dress with long sleeves – an opposite to the professional look worn by the other models.

The second look worn by Jessica Bowden featured black dress pants and a sparkly black blazer, layered over a matching black tank.

Waldo walked down the runway in a fitted black shift dress and faux fur jacket.

The final look, donned by Lianne Liang, was a slate-coloured loose-fitting blouse, paired with tights and black patent boots.

Guests at OFW