Cynthia Cheng

Frugal Fashion Week, which opened on Thursday, July 23 with an event for media, was the work of Gillian Downes, a Toronto-based publicist.  The purpose of the four day event was to stimulate the retail economy West Queen West, a part of the city with many small boutiques, selling both big name brands and independent or custom-design pieces.  In addition, some proceeds from Frugal Fashion Week went to Windfall, a clothing bank which features all-new items.

The very first event was held for media at Chasse Gardee, a shoe and bag shop. The official public launch was the following evening, held at The Social and 69 Vintage, which included a fashion show and “midnight madness” shopping.  Another shopping event was held on Saturday at the Drake Hotel.  The event featured up-and-coming designers from the area as well as a brunch with three sittings.  Each one was absolutely packed.  More shopping in the area followed.  The last day of the event was called “Lazy Sunday,” a day for people to explore the area.

Despite the rainy weather that weekend, the event was such a huge success that future Frugal Fashion Weeks will be expanded to other locations in the city. It looks like the event will also be on the Danforth, Yonge-Eglinton and even Yorkville in the future!