The First Fashion Week Windsor
by Tracey Harding and Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh
Is Windsor Ontario all set to become the Fashion Capital of Canada? Stephen Drouin’s, Creative Director Fashion Week Windsor, answers with a resounding, Yes! Drouin has a real vision to support and grow this community, starting with the first Fashion Week Windsor.
The events run from March 25- 27, 2025. Windsor is teaming with talent from graduates of the Fashion Design program at St Clair College, self taught designers and industry professionals. Windsor will be the only Fashion Week in Canada that does not require entrants to pay a fee to apply.
Operating on a tight budget, currently no grants have been used. The committee has managed to operate the event making a small profit which will be re- invested into next year’s event. Two sponsorships have been secured from Stitch Happens,1969 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor and 167 King Street West, Chatham.
Over 40 designers applied to Fashion Week Windsor from Canada and the United States. The committee chose the top 7 designers to compete in the show. Each designer was given $100 honourarium and a fabric stipend. The Grand prize is $500.
The idea is to create awareness and help young entrepreneurs grow their local and on-line business. For slightly more than the cost of a skirt made in China, you can have a custom tailored skirt made by a local designer.
90% of the contributors, from designers and models makeup artist, hairstylists and entertainers hail from Windsor-Essex. Drouin’s vision is to eventually be able to have a Fashion Incubator space with professional equipment for inspiring designers to access to.
The Competition is March 27, 2025 at the Capitol Theatre – Kelly Theatre, 121 University Avenue West.
Tickets are available online at “THE EXHIBIT” FASHION WEEK WINDSOR Tickets, Tue, 25 Mar 2025 at 6:00 PM.