Fall/Winter 2008

Day THREE

Tamara McDonald (Elmer Olsen) for Carlie Wong
photo: Maja Hajduk

I mentioned Wednesday you wouldn't want to miss Tamara McDonald in the closing gown for Carlie Wong.

This is why.

The Elmer Olsen model was simply captivating as she glided down the hardwood catwalk, setting flashes off at a furious rate.

McDonald, as I mentioned previously, has been one very busy model this week; Wednesday saw her doing Wong's show to start the programme, then escorting the designer through seemingly unending press and photo ops, before I personally rushed her back to the L'Oréal hair and makeup area for shows at 5:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00.

She still looked stunning at the end of the night - expect to see much more of the Whitby model Thursday.


Tamara McDonald closing Carlie Wong
photo: Maja Hajduk

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The lowlight of the day, Wednesday, came in the form of an email blast from the Fashion Design Council of Canada, deriding the contribution of the models thusfar.

Unless I'm interpretting this badly, it seems like the FDCC wants to turn L'Oréal Fashion Week into a series of mall shows. But you be the judge:

"It probably isn't easy being a model - all those long hours waiting, sitting, preening. Unfortunately with shows like Top Model everyone's an expert in the business of walking a runway (including us!). When Coco Rocha shows up you better bring it, and so far - for the most part - the models ain't. With two days left there's still time for us to be impressed, so girls...you better WORK!"

For the record, I am solidly of the belief that this has been the best season in nearly every aspect. The organization has been outstanding, the calibre of designers is so strong, and the models are the best this city has seen in the eleven seasons I've been attending.

Please, models, continue to do what your designers and show producers have asked you to do, and disregard the FDCC's bizarre missive.

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Two of things I most look forward to each season came together Wednesday night, when angelic Tegan Dearing walked in David Dixon's breathtaking show.


Tegan Dearing for David Dixon
photo: Maja Hajduk


Another event I eagerly anticipated was the return of Jessica Bakota.

The Giovanni model is in Toronto following an extremely busy show week in London (where she is placed with Storm).

Wednesday had the 5'11" brunette in the second outfit for David Dixon, before rushing straight to Circa to open Greta Constantine's gorgeous collection.

She and fellow Giovanni model Stefanie Nazoyan - each in from Québec - are part of Pink Tartan's stunning lineup (which, incidentally, features two Jessica's, two Stefanie's and two Stephanie's... that will be fun call) to close out the week's schedule, before returning to La Belle Province for Montréal Fashion Week.


Jessica Bakota for Greta Constantine and David Dixon
photos: Jeremy Vail (left) and Maja Hajduk



More images from the Carlie Wong show:


Ashley Hart (Giovanni)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Stefanie Hill (Elite)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Emily Fox (NAM)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Gillian Pryor (Elmer Olsen)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Jessica Lewis (Elmer Olsen)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Stephanie Shiu (Next)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Caitlyn Marks (Ford)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Tamara McDonald (Elmer Olsen)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Kelsey Van Mook (Next)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Jess McEown (Ford)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Courtney French (Ford)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Téa (Giovanni)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Victoria Troke (Elmer Olsen)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Tori Leach (Giovanni)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Lee Dares (Giovanni)
photo: Maja Hajduk

Robyn Urlacher (Elite)
photo: Maja Hajduk