Fashionistas headed to the Capital Clothing Show in Carleton’s Fieldhouse (Photo: Lasia Kretzel)

While Toronto and Montreal are reputed as two of Canada’s most fashionable cities, Canada’s capital is breaking the style 
horizon. The notion that Ottawa might be gaining ground as one of Canada’s fashionable cities was clear at the

Capital Clothing Show, held Sept. 18-20 in Carleton’s Fieldhouse.

The show included a large collection of vintage clothing, a style made even more popular with the surge in environmental consciousness.

INDIVIDUAL STYLE

According to Barbara Mullally, the silversmith and jeweler behind Moondance Gallery, Ottawa is not always known as the most dapper city, partly because its fashion scene is consumed by people in “bad black suits.”

“People don’t dress up as much as they do in other cities,” she said. However, the capital’s reputation is changing.
Mullally said there seems to be “a resurgence of interest in design and craft among young people, and that’s bringing a really good edge to things.”

“I grew up in Quebec. My mother would never consider leaving the house in what she called ‘work clothes,’” she said.

The eclectic mindset of some of the clothing vendors showcased what Ottawa has to offer the creative fashionista.
Morganna LeBlanc and Michelle Potter, two of the bubbly personalities behind Postart Blooming Collective, said they believe individual style is important.

LeBlanc and Potter recycle textiles and vintage pieces to create wearable art. When asked how people should incorporate vintage into their wardrobe, both said that people should just “dare to wear it.”

“There is all this beauty that’s being thrust into cupboards and old trunks and basements that just needs to be expressed. . . . And that’s what we are all about, finding little treasures and making people see the beauty in them.”
According to MaryAnn Harris, owner of MaryAnn Harris Vintage, vintage clothing has become even more relevant with the shift toward eco-fashion.

“People really like the idea of recycling and reusing,” she said. “I don’t think that retailers in the mall are losing their business to us vintage people. It’s the artsy soul who shops vintage, and it’s always going to be that way. They’re always going to want something different. They get totally bored with mall shopping.”

“It’s great if we can keep these things going — out of a landfill, and loved and appreciated,” Harris said.

RECESSIONISTAS

Most of the clothing vendors said the current state of the economy has had little effect on their businesses. Instead, they are taking the time to focus on customer service.

“Recession is actually a nice time to test out new products, new designs. . . . You get to talk with clients, see what they like, what they don’t,” said Carolyne Huber, owner of CforU fashion jewelry. “If you can do well in a recession, it’s a good indication that you will do well once you come out of the recession.”

WORTH THE PRETTY PENNY

While fashion might be an unnecessary luxury during the recession, Huber said the beauty of fashion is what makes a person feel good. Huber said the pieces in her collection are designed to enhance the self-confidence of her customers.

“I create pieces that will make [women] feel good, that will make them shine and make them feel happy when they put it on. That’s where I get most of my pleasure — out of making pieces that I know will add colour, add life to the individual.”

The same was said by Stacey Bafi-Yeboa, the designer behind Kania — a West African word meaning light, which she said expresses her company outlook.

“My idea is for women to be comfortable in everything that they’re wearing,” she said.

“Whether they’re going out, walking the dog or just living their lives, they can still be looking good and be comfortable. I feel that when you feel good, you exude radiance.”