Fashion Cares 2012 in September

#Toronto will bask in the glow of Glitter and Light featuring Elton John during the @ACToronto MAC Viva 25 Year Silver Anniversary Fashion Cares which takes place September 9 at the Sony Centre for Performing Arts. After a couple of years between the Fashion Cares events it's good to see the celebration and the money raised goes to Canadian HIV/AIDs foundations nationwide distributed through the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) and the Elton John AIDS Foundaton (EJAF).

The previous show was the 2008 Fashion sCares event with headliners Dame Shirley Bassey and Katy Perry! "Opening comments from Honorary Chair Jeanne Beker and Chair Michael King (above with Katy) were followed by the celebrity hosts - Canada's own David Furnish (below, with Dame Shirley) and International Supermodel Yasmin Warsame. David Furnish being an honoured film director and producer, a champion of HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness and the partner of Iconic pop culture artist Elton John." Read more: http://torontogp.blogspot.com/2008/11/2008-toronto-fashion-scares-see-and-be.html#ixzz24Kdj5LF1

The night will start with a red carpet arrival, complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. After getting a little refreshment you can take in the evening of entertainment, fashion and philanthropy. A live fashion show will include original pieces which were inspired by past Fashion Cares while Elton John and many other stars such as Carole Pope, Jully Black, Keshia Chante will perform while the event hosts will be Supermodel Linda Evangelista and DSQUARED2's Dean & Dan Caten. Tickets run from $500 to $1,500 and come with a tax receipt for a portion of the price.

"M∙A∙C Viva Glam Fashion Cares Chairs Michael King and David Furnish are delighted to announce that Scissor Sisters, Janelle Monáe and Sky Ferreira will join Elton John to perform at Fashion Cares 25. Taking place in Toronto at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on Sunday, September 9, 2012, the evening will be hosted by fashion icon Linda Evangelista and celebrated designers Dean & Dan Caten of DSQUARED2. The list of renowned Canadian talent who will take part in the event’s dazzling grand finale has been confirmed as Molly Johnson, Billy Newton Davis, Carole Pope, Jarvis Church, Jully Black, Kreesha Turner, Keshia Chanté, Elise Legrow, RyanDan, Anjulie, and Shawn Desman.

Elton John during a previous Toronto concert

This spectacular evening of music and entertainment will also feature a number of extravagant runway presentations. Vivienne Westwood, Greta Constantine, Pink Tartan, Gareth Pugh, Manish Aurora and DSQUARED2 are among the glittering roster of twenty-five local and international designers showcasing their work. Guests will also be treated to a quarter century retrospective that highlights the glamorous event’s most show-stopping looks. As well, a striking selection from the costume archives of Elton John will be on display."

Also appearing at the show will be: Aleesia, Diamond Rings, Divine Brown, Sky Ferreira, Midway State, Mia Martina, Stephan Moccio, Janelle Monáe, Serena Ryder and Scissors Sisters. Top fashion designers will also take part in the show: Comrags, David Dixon, DSquared2, Elie Saab, Farley Chatto, Gareth Pugh, Greta Constantine, Hoax Couture, Izzy Camilleri, Joeffer Caoc, Manish Aurora, Marty Rotman, Mercy, Pat McDonagh, Pink Tartan, Sandra Rabasca, Stephane Rollande, Susan Dicks, The Blondes, Valencienne, Welly.

Fashion Cares back for 2012 with Elton John

#Toronto Fashion Cares returns with a bang as Elton John will headline the Sunday, September 9, 2012 show at the Sony Centre. Missing since the 2008 extravaganza edition titled Fashion sCares the gala will raise funds in support of the fight against HIV/AIDS. David Furnish joins Dame Shirley Bassey in the photo at top.

Michael King with superstar singer Katy Perry

"The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) and the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) will serve as beneficiaries of the spectacular silver anniversary fund-raising gala, Fashion Cares, to be held onSeptember 9, 2012. Chaired by Michael King and David Furnish, with cosmetics powerhouse M·A·C Viva Glam returning as title sponsor, the event will feature an intimate dinner, a retrospective of the past 25 years of Fashion Cares, and a spectacular live show with performances by Sir Elton John and other high profile, international musicians. Held at Toronto’s Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, with creative direction by Fashion Cares pioneer Phillip Ing, the September event will present a dazzlingly theatrical evening of entertainment, fashion and philanthropy."

Fashion Cares Remains on Hold in 2010

I was sad to see that Fashion Cares continues to be put on hold and may not happen in 2010. We will have to wait until this fall to hear more about their plans and continue to support their other fundraising activities. Until then Fashion Cares/ACT has sent me the following information.

"Fashion Cares, last held November 1, 2008, was a resounding success - both critically and in its goal of raising much-needed funds for the programs and services of the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT). After the last Fashion Cares, ACT decided to place the event on hold and undertake a longer planning period, given the economic downturn. Early in 2010, ACT began its strategic planning process in order to identify agency-wide directions for the upcoming five years. The new strategic plan will be launched in fall 2010.

"Strategic planning is an opportunity for ACT to engage with its stakeholders and examine all of the work that we do - including our fundraising" says Hazelle Palmer, Executive Director of ACT. "The new Strategic Plan will have implications for the ways in which we deliver programs and services for those living with and at risk of HIV infection, and will also include new ideas and directions for fundraising."

With strategic planning underway, it makes sense to continue to hold off on decisions regarding the next Fashion Cares until the new Strategic Plan is unveiled. Meanwhile, ACT will be continuing to hold its other major fundraising events - the annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life Toronto to be held Sunday September 19 2010, and SNAP!, a photographic art auction to held early spring 2011.

More information about the future of Fashion Cares will become available later in the year."

Photo Vault - Fashion Cares

It's time to start bringing out some of the photos or events that I have not yet posted on this blog.



ACT's Fashion Cares event is spectacular fun and in 2007 besides meeting George Stroumboulopoulos, host of CBC's The Hour, I also had a chance to catch a bit of Dita Von Teese as she did a warm up before her headline performance. Dita is a famous International Burlesque Star and was formerly married to shock rocker Marilyn Manson. The picture above is a frame grab from a video I shot at the event - just before she ripped off her clothes.

The 2007 venue at the historic Distillery District was chaotic due to the various tents and buildings used for the event and the cobblestone walkways played havoc with high heeled shoes. In 2008 the show moved to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre where the crowds could easily mix and mingle in the large halls.

We eagerly await the announcement for the 2010 Fashion Cares event.

2010 Wish List - Toronto Events

2009 has been a very good year for the Toronto Grand Prix Tourist Blog and I am looking forward to some returning and some new events for 2010. High on my list is to see the return of the Aids Committee of Toronto's (ACT) annual Fashion Cares event - which was sadly postponed in 2009. The fashion and glamour fundraiser is always spectactular (click on my photos on the right for coverage of the event. My videos on YouTube for Fashion Cares and the 2008 spooktacular have been viewed over 25,000 times - and includes this popular summary of the night while a Google search has my blog just below the official website) and I encourage people to support ACT and this event.



For more heavy hitters I hope to see the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto which plans a number of improvements over last year - including the addition of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and tons more entertainment and hopefully more girls, girls, girls. As well the Luminato and Nuit Blanche Festivals will soon take over all of Toronto as they become more and more popular. And who could forget the Buskerfest as it fills the St. Lawrence Market area. I can also never get enough of the blood soaked, brain eating Zombies as their number continues to grow. I hope to cover more of the Toronto International Film Festival events and look forward to their continued success. Toronto has taken these amazing visual performances to heart and their success has made it difficult to see many of the events due to the size of the crowds, so look for my photographic coverage when you can't make it, or just want to remember the fun - just click my photo links to the right for pictures of previous celebrations.

Some of the smaller promotional activities also provide great opportunities for images - such as the mob of Blu-Ray Santas in Yonge-Dundas Square, so hopefully companies will step up their creative efforts this year.

It is always nice to be invited to unique and once in a lifetime events, such as my recent tour in the Olympic Flame Relay convoy and I am glad I was asked to find out about the movie Fandom which will use an exciting method of interactive filmaking right here in Toronto. So please keep thinking of me if you have something that you may want additional coverage on, just email me at jmhcet@gmail.com.

I will start a list of the events (not in any order) that I want to photograph and write about and will add to it when I find more. Let me know if you can suggest any additional ones that I have left out.

1. Fashion Cares.
2. Honda Indy Toronto. July 16 to 18, 2010.
3. Luminato. June 11 to 20, 2010.
4. Nuit Blanche. Saturday October 2, 2010.
5. Buskerfest. Sometime in August 2010?
6. Zombie Walk. Sometime in October 2010?
7. Toronto International Film Festival. Sometime in September 2010?
8. The Pride Week and parades. June 25 to July 4, 2010.
9. The movie: Fandom. 2010.
10. Joe Fresh has also identified the Toronto Roller Derby League as something that would be good to see.
11. Cirque Du Soleil: Alegria. June 30 to July 4, 2010.
12. Seeing Larysa Harapyn on television again and taking more pictures of the media host - a website with her name is currently under construction.
13. Caribana (a new one for me, thanks Not a Shopaholic). Monday July 14th to Sunday August 2nd, 2010. I heard the King and Queen show is a must see.

Join me in supporting local events and activities that make it such a positive experience to visit and live in the City of Toronto.

A red ribbon for World AIDS Day

I received a red ribbon on December 1, 2009 from volunteers in the TTC's Union Station during World AIDS Day. The small red fabric is a symbol for HIV/AIDS awareness.

Bitch Salad

Since its inception in the summer of 2007, Bitch Salad has quickly become the hottest live comedy show in Toronto's queer community and beyond.

This year, Bitch Salad will mount its first ever charity gala! "Bitch Salad Gives Back" on Friday, June 19, 2009 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, with proceeds going to the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) and Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

Tickets are $15 and available at the Buddies in Bad Times Box Office at 416-975-8555 or online at http://artsexy.ca/box_office.cfm.

SOL[e]D! A Third Party Fundraiser to benefit Fashion Cares/ACT

To celebrate the launch of Issue 8: THE SHOE ISSUE
WORN Fashion Journal proudly presents

SOL[e]D!
A Gala Evening and Live Auction at the BATA SHOE MUSEUM

WORN sent 23 pairs of plain white Keds to diverse Canadian artists and designers
and asked them to alter embellish and redesign...

SOL[e]D! offers these up for auction to the highest bidder. In addition, the evening will include cocktails, free food, and dancing with Toronto's own SHAKE A TAIL djs

Advance tickets are $28 with a portion of all proceeds going to FASHION CARES and include a two year subscription to WORN Fashion Journal and access to ALL museum exhibits for the evening.

CLICK HERE to order your advance tickets

SOL[e]D!
June 6, 2009
Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St W, Toronto
Doors at 7 PM, Auction at 9 PM and dancing 10 PM - 1 AM

To preview the shoes up for auction, visit the WORN Fashion Journal ART and SOLE
exhibit at the Bata Shoe Museum open to the public from May 21 to June 6

For more information on museum hours and admission fees CLICK HERE

If you cannot attend but would like to donate to WORN and help us keep generating our thoughtful, diverse and independent content CLICK HERE.

For more information on this or any other WORN Fashion Journal event contact events@wornjournal.com or contact our editor directly at serahmarie@wornjournal.com

SOL[e]D!

A live auction fundraiser and night of dancing brought to you by Worn Fashion Journal and The Bata Shoe Museum.

On June 6, 2009 celebrate the launch of WORN Fashion Journal's footwear issue by bidding on one of 24 classic Keds sneakers re-envisioned by Canadian artists. Preview these innovative designs at the Art and Sole exhibit from May 21 to June 6, then dress-up to compete for the chance to take home your favourites, and stay to dance your shoes off - all to support WORN's vision of independent fashion publishing. In addition, the entire museum will be open for viewing. A percentage of the proceeds will go to Fashion Cares, in support of ACT - www.actoronto.org

www.wornjournal.com
For More Info Meagan Allison-Hancock, Event Coordinator (647) 269-0119
thehouseofworn.etsy.com

Fashion Cares - 2010

I was sad to hear that the next major Fashion Cares event will be held in 2010. They hope that sponsors and volunteers jump on board for next year's bigger and better event - here is what they have to say.

Fashion Cares, held this past November 1, was a resounding success – both critically and in its goal of raising much-needed funds for the programs and services of the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT). Unlike previous years when the event was held in the spring, ‘Fashion sCares' was shifted to the fall to allow more time to plan and execute a truly spectacular event that has been hailed as one of the premier events in Toronto.

In order to continue to build on this success, organizers have decided to take a longer planning horizon. “It takes a tremendous amount of time to pull together this event,” says Meredith Marr, ACT Director of Development. “In addition to staff time, there are also the countless hours contributed by volunteers. To be a success and to raise money for ACT, time is needed to secure corporate sponsors, book talent, stage the fashion show, mobilize volunteers, arrange for supplies and market the event”.

Organizers also believe that a longer planning timeline is needed due to the current economic environment. ”We have decided that using 2009 as a bridge year for sponsors and patrons will ensure we are well positioned to make Fashion Cares 2010 spectacular and the most memorable yet,” says Michael King, the Volunteer Chair of Fashion Cares. “We're encouraging key volunteers, sponsors and others to start the wheels in motion now for Fashion Cares 2010.”

“Because ACT's programs and services are so critical to people who are living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto, we are encouraging those who have attended the event to make a donation to ACT in 2009,” adds King. “With sustaining support we can continue to provide much-needed practical, emotional, vocational and other support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in our city.”

Meanwhile, ACT will be focusing on a number of Fashion Cares satellite events in 2009 and will announce further details on those events in the coming months. ACT will also continue to develop its other major fundraising events – the annual AIDS Walk for Life Toronto held in September, and SNAP!, a photographic art auction held in the early spring. In addition, ACT will be expanding its efforts to engage individual and corporate donors to help meet its mission.

For more information, contact:

Andrew Brett, ACT Communications Coordinator, 416.340.8484 x 225 or abrett@actoronto.org

World Aids Day 1/12/08

A lovely volunteer was out on Yonge Street just beside the Eaton Centre giving out red ribbons, raising awareness on World Aids Day. It's not only Santa who is trying to bring joy and it is not only Coke who is trying to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony.

Fashion Cares Garage Sale

A garage sale to benefit the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) is being held Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7, 2008 at 399 Church St in Toronto. Help support this great cause and enjoy the shopping extravaganza. Click on the following poster for more information.

2008 Toronto Fashion sCares - See and Be Seen

On Saturday November 1, 2008 the Metro Toronto Convention Centre was filled with fashionistas, television news crews, colourful characters and high powered entertainment stars, including Actress Lauren Holly, celebrating the event that is the 22nd Annual Fashion Cares. We joined the night as guests of the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT www.actoronto.org)and Fashion Cares to take in the red carpet arrivals, the cocktail party and silent auction and finally to watch the runway spectacle based on select Alfred Hitchcock movies and we loved it all.

Opening comments from Honorary Chair Jeanne Beker and Chair Michael King were followed by the celebrity hosts - Canada's own David Furnish and International Supermodel Yasmin Warsame. David Furnish being an honoured film director and producer, a champion of HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness and the partner of Iconic pop culture artist Elton John.

David Furnish

Fritz Helder and the Phantoms, faces bejewelled into apparitions of skulls opened the show and hosted the costume competition. Ten individual or couples wearing fantastic outfits picked out from the crowd and were brought on stage to walk the runway in a fight for best costume - my choice was Mr Peanut.

The two hour show passed in a flash and we wanted more! The exotic haute couture fashions were great but came in only three flavours; white, black and red, and were difficult to see from distant vantage points while the National Ballet of Canada was a fantastic additon to the show. It would have been nice to have a brochure showing the over 40 designers involved in the show with photos of their beautiful creations, instead the designers were invisible to the audience. The entertaining mini-dramas based on the Hitchcock movies helped to support the night's theme in the clothes and the set design.


See tons more photos and celebs, including Katy Perry, after the jump.

Fashion sCares tomorrow!

The room is being set up. The runway is built. Tables are being decorated. Performers are rehearsing. Gift bags are being stuffed. And it all looks incredible.

Fashion Cares 2008: Fashion sCares is tomorrow and THE FINAL BLOCK OF TICKETS HAVE JUST BEEN RELEASED! The whole city is buzzing about it: from the cover of Fab this month to stories in Xtra!, the National Post; CTV, City TV and Fashion Television; and everywhere on the web.

Our final line-up includes an amazing silent auction; a live auction hosted by some very cool Torontonians; a spectacular runway show showcasing the very best that the fashion world has to offer; host David Furnish; Fritz Helder and the Phantoms; Kreesha Turner; Katy Perry; and a showstopping, headline performance from Dame Shirley Bassey with a 20-piece orchestra and members of the National Ballet of Canada. More dancing to follow with a great line up of DJs.

So grab your costume or fancy dress and grab a ticket. The party of Halloween also happens to be the party of the year. Gala tables are selling fast: call 416-340-8484 x263 for bookings. General Admission tickets are $125 and can be booked online at ticketmaster.ca or fashioncares.com

Fashion Cares presents Fashion sCares:
where Halloween meets Haute Couture with The Master of Suspense!
A Gala benefit for the AIDS Committee of Toronto.
This Saturday, November 1st, 2008, at the MTCC.

Fashion Cares 2008 - Media Launch

For pictures, videos and a review of the 2008 Toronto Fashion Cares presents: Fashion sCares event held November 1, 2008 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre please go to my blog post here.



______________________________________________________

Models greet the media at Brant House.

Toronto, get ready for Fashion Cares 2008: Fashion sCares! The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) brought out some beautiful models with Fashion Cares' Chair Michael King and genius Creative Director Phillip Ing for the media launch of Canada's largest AIDS fundraiser to be held November 1st, 2008 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The warm up event was held at Brant House within the Fashion District of downtown Toronto, Ontario and as an invited blogger I joined mainstream media for an up close look at the spectacular event that will be Fashion Cares.

The roster of musical acts and celebrity hosts was presented which included director David Furnish as host (with many celebrity co-hosts) and recording artists Katy Perry (I kissed a girl) and Kreesha Turner (Don't call me baby). I just want to say MAC Viva Glam!

Phillip Ing (centre) joins models and friends during the media launch.


Some of the many camera crews on hand for the evening.

The City's biggest costume party of the year will move away from their recent detour at the historic distillery district back to the Convention Centre and from a spring show to the 22nd installment just after Halloween. The timing of the show has certainly influenced this year's theme - Fashion Cares Presents Fashion sCares. Fantastic clashes of haute couture and halloween craziness will make it harder to keep your eyes off the models as they compete with the hip see and be seen crowd attending the party. I found the models and their outfits were fascinating.

Here is a Youtube video I made featuring bonus pictures, video clips of the models and music by the group No, Really.









While models worked hard, so did the bartenders and the DJ.





And there was a great crowd of media, sponsors and supporters attending the function and the after party.






















Enza Supermodel (right).




Honorary Chair, Jeanne Beker - host of the very famous Fashion Television.

We say hi to Fashion Designer Andre Gorokov who will be participating in Fashion sCares.

And we say goodnight to the media launch of Fashion sCares and look forward to the upcoming Fashion Event of the Year - get your tickets and see and be seen.