Originally published in TFI News: Oct/Nov 2010
Event Photos by Biserka Livaja
Courtesy of Schwarzkopf Professional
The house that Canadian Architect magazine called “a captivating architectural experiment of movement and beauty” became the setting for Toronto Fashion Incubator’s (TFI) first annual fundraiser, Behind the Scenes with Canada’s Top Designers, on Tuesday, November 9th. Integral House, an award-winning 5-storey, 18,000 square foot prestigious Rosedale home featuring staggering panoramic views, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a concert hall, opened its doors to philanthropic hearts, the fashionable elite, and the architecturally-curious. Guests from Vancouver and New York City networked with designers, architects, editors and socialites including Suzanne Rogers and Ainsley Kerr.
Three top Canadian designers, David Dixon, Joeffer Caoc and Lucian Matis, all Ryerson University graduates and all members and alumni of TFI, showcased their spring 2011 collections in an intimate presentation where guests discovered the untold stories of behind-the-scenes inspiration, drama and challenges through the inquisitive questions of host Glenn Dixon, one of the interior design stars on W Network’s Take This House and Sell It!.
Integral House owner, Dr. James Stewart, a mathematician, musician and author, shared his own stories on the house stating that when he first met with architects Shim and Sutcliffe he had asked for only three requirements: curves, glass and a performance space. The house took six years to plan and another six years to build.
While sipping on wine from the Portuguese Trade & Tourism Commission and enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres, guests were invited to the Schwarzkopf Professional gift lounge to select personalized items with help from hair care experts. Guests also enjoyed M.A.C Cosmetics gift bags and a raffle draw sponsored by Acura Canada.
The event raised almost $30,000 for the non-profit TFI. Net event proceeds will fund TFI’s annual New Labels® Fashion Design Competition and runway finale which is set to take place on April 14, 2011.
