FASHION Magazine

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See the TFI New Labels party photos »

Toronto Fashion Incubator crowned its annual New Labels prizewinner on Tuesday night at a glittering gala stacked with the city’s society and fashion hall of famers. For the second year in a row, Target added a red sheen to the event, promising an exclusive capsule collection to be sold nationwide next year in addition to the existing prize of $25,000 from high society’s grand dame philanthropist Suzanne Rogers.

As notables including Stacey Mackenzie, Arthur Mendonca, Nicholas Mellamphy and David Dixon (he currently moonlights as TFI president) indulged in post-dinner chocolate cake, the tables were transformed into a runway, on which the competition began. With a mix of aesthetics ranging from Secret Garden-esque to hard edged to femme to frankly, sloppy, four designers—Sarah Stevenson, Paria Shirvani, Christopher Paunil and 7/31—paraded their wears. In a decision that surprised no one, Stevenson’s pretty floral capsule was crowned the winner. With an existing reputation as Toronto’s resident floral print mistress, we look forward to seeing Stevenson’s career blossom (pun intended) following this major boost.

American retailer Target has made its aim clear; it’s poised for a Canadian fashion industry takeover.

The bullseye brand announced today that it is partnering with the Toronto Fashion Incubator for the annual TFI New Labels Fashion Design competition next year. For the first time ever, the winning designer will have the chance to create an exclusive collection to be sold in Canadian Target stores, in addition to the cash prize given yearly by Suzanne Rogers.