TORONTO &mdash Judges set to crown winner of Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels competition Four emerging Canadian designers are nearing the finish line following
a six-month contest that will see one of them take home top honours in the Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels Fashion Design Competition. A runway show will take place as part of the gala event Saturday at the Carlu in Toronto with finalists competing for the Elle Canada prize package valued at more than $25,000. The designers include Cheryl Gushue, who will showcase her Brazilian-inspired swimwear line GushueSwim Jody McMillan’s Jody Leigh collection of career wear pieces Thieves designer Sonja den Elzen presenting her line comprised of eco-friendly fabrics and Faren Tami’s collection of edgy separates for the label Faren. Designer David Dixon and Elle Canada editor-in-chief Rita Silvan are among the judges. Silvan is no stranger to critiquing up-and-coming fashion talents, most recently reprising her role on the judging panel for Season 2 of the designer competition series “Project Runway Canada.” The Toronto Fashion Incubator is a non-profit small business centre that nurtures, supports and promotes new fashion entrepreneurs.
Since it was established in 1987, TFI has helped foster notable Canadian talents, including Dixon and womenswear designer Joeffer Caoc.