The latest One of a Kind Show is in full swing in Toronto and runs until Sunday, Mar.29. The event is celebrating two anniversaries this year – the 41st for the holiday/winter show and 31st for its current spring installment.

Organizers estimate that approximately 25 per cent of participating vendors are from the fashion sector. One of the highlights is the Etsy section, which features 49 exhibitors. It includes both new and past exhibitors, with the latter serving as mentors to new participants.

Another highlight, according to Valerie Roy, senior sales manager – bilingual exhibitor relations and recruitment, is the fashion district. According to Roy, many designers use the event as a platform to launch new collections. Some of the participating brands this season include Dinh bá, MICALLA, OPELLE by Amy Malcolm, Bo by Mansouri, Melissa Nepton and Kania. The two latter brands were also seen on the runways at the World MasterCard Fashion Week a few days ago.

OOAK hosts its own daily runway presentations that range from clothing and accessories to children’s wear. “I love the kids’ show the most,” says Roy. “I always have tears in my eyes when I see it, because it’s just so cute!”

Roy adds that all vendors either apply to participate or are recruited by show organizers, including herself, as she travels across Canada throughout the year to do so. A careful judging process that follows allows for a careful vendor selection.