Montreal Fashion Week to showcase 21 fashion films

"From edition to edition, interest in MFW is undeniable," said Jean-François Daviau, co-founder and co-president of Groupe Sensation Mode. "The number of people that have registered to date is very good and we are expecting more than 20,000 visitors, including fashion professionals, designers, artists and media representatives."

In addition to being a platform for Canadian designers to introduce their new collections, MFW provides a varied fashion experience and offers numerous activities, such as conferences, exhibits, artistic performances, and a new concept that marries fashion with cinema: the Fashion Premiere.

This series of 21 fashion films, selected by MFW in collaboration with FAT Arts & Fashion Week Toronto and TRIPTYQUE, will be presented throughout the event and will include a tribute to RAD HOURANI directed by Parisian Jean Du Sartel. The McCord Museum will also offer two free activities dedicated to the history of fashion on February 2 and 6.

Among other firsts: MFW F/W 13 will feature a new space at the Arsenal called the Designer Studio by Target, allowing greater flexibility to designers that want to have more creative freedom and stage a non-traditional fashion show or installation with maximum impact.

For the first time, designers participating in MFW will be able to benefit from an international partnership with Russia Fashion Week, which will provide visibility in a growing market with MFW content being broadcast to influencers from the Russian fashion industry.

A large variety of designers, both established and emerging, will show their Fall/Winter 2013 collections at MFW, each representing the different facets that Canadian fashion has to offer.

Two fashion shows/special events aiming to promote Canadian talent are also planned. On February 7, Target will feature the collections of five finalists from its Emerging Designer Award. The name of the winner will be announced at the end of the fashion show.

TÉLIO will also present the creations of 25 finalists for "Canada's Breakthrough Designers 2013" contest, which collects entries from 22 fashion design schools across Canada.