Phillip Sparks' play on the June Cleaver shirtdress, made entirely of...wait for it...Cashmere Bathroom Tissue
Models in their BT Couture creations at Cashmere's Fashion with Compassion 2011, by RLR
You've probably seen the commercial - you know the one of the model who can't help but have a PDA with her bathroom tissue dress at the end of the catwalk? Hilarious. But did you know it was an actual event? I was lucky to be invited to attend the Fashion with Compassion™ show on Wednesday at Toronto's AGO to see the amazing designs for myself.
The show, now in its eighth year, supports the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and celebrates the return of the limited-edition Pink Cashmere Bathroom Tissue with twenty-five cents from the sale of every package going directly to the cause, throughout October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, 15 Canadian designers showcased garments and accessories crafted in 100% pure, luxurious Cashmere Bathroom Tissue.
The show was hosted by Canada AM host and breast cancer survivor, Bev Thomson, and was curated by design superstar Farley Chatto. The dresses themselves were created by a cast of fashion luminaries including Philip Sparks, Marika Brose, José-Manuel St-Jacques, Christopher Paunil, LIZARES by Brian Maristela, L’autre Couture by Luko Marion, Carrie Hayes, Jason Matlo, Richard Robinson, LOVAS by Wesley Badanjak, Simon Bélanger, Hoax Couture by Chris Tyrell and Jim Searle, Franco Mirabelli, Ever Thine hats by Mikki Rizvi and accessories by Rita Tesolin.
Turns out that everything - even toilet paper- can be art. I was blown away by the intricacy, the creativity and the beauty of the designs. I'm thinking that when my daughter gets married, we should save money by wrapping her in bathroom tissue, hopefully with the help of Farley Chatto. Except if it rains, of course. In that case, maybe we'll do tinfoil?
Click through the slideshow below to see 2011's entire incredible collection. Want to see the dresses up close? The couture creations will be on display all month in The Bay’s flagship store windows at Yonge and Queen Streets in Toronto and on Rue Sainte-Catherine in Montreal.
Oh, and don't forget to Vote Couture for the Cure - vote for your favourite design on the Cashmere website and the company will donate $1.00 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation on your behalf!
