Eight new designers vied for this coveted award which would give them not only an editorial in FASHION magazine, but also to show their Fall/Winter 2013-2014 collections at World MasterCard Fashion Week in March.  This year, the eight finalists, who come from across Canada, including Calgary, Prince Edward Island, Montreal and Toronto.  Toronto favourite, Caitlin Power, was among the eight chosen.  Collections were presented at various Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the country where these eight were ultimately picked to show at World MasterCard Fashion Week.

Looks from the finalists definitely ranged.   There was both menswear and womenswear, formal – including bridal – and casual.  Inspirations also ran from edgy to ultra-feminine and sophisticated. DelectablyChic!’s favourite was the Edmonton-based namesake line of Malorie Urbanovitch, whose classic and sophisticated line of soft, feminine neutrals filled with lightweight knits and sleek skirts and tops, many of which would be perfect for afternoon tea at the Windsor Arms.  Ultimately, the winner was Montreal’s Duy Nguyen, designer of DUY.  His collection, inspired by 1980s jet setters, has the broad shoulders from the era as well as some bold colours.  There were also loose-fitting, flowy pieces that would have fit right in on nighttime soaps of the era like Dallas or Dynasty.

Images by Deborah Lawrence Photography