TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2015 /CNW/ - Toronto Men's Fashion Week (TOM*) today announced its partnership with Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area (DYBIA) and its move into Downtown Yonge for its Fall/Winter 2015 season. TOM* has chosen the historic landmark, College Park on 444 Yonge Street, as its official event venue to showcase the best in menswear design from established and emerging designers.
"We are thrilled with our partnership with Toronto Men's Fashion Week," says Mark Garner, Executive Director for DYBIA. "With Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom coming into the neighbourhood, this could have not come at a better time. Furthermore, it will complement our Fashion On Yonge event in September featuring the other business members in the community. TOM*s presence showcases the evolution of fashion on Yonge Street."
Downtown Yonge, known as one of Toronto's premier shopping districts, has been a hub for the fashion enthusiasts for over 100 years. Opened on October 30, 1930, College Park on 444 Yonge Street is a reflection of this long history – an Art Deco style construction reminiscent of The Great Gatsby. The magnificent venue, boasting 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, was the second home of the Eaton's department store in Toronto and features a 1940's-era wooden elevator – one of only two in the city of Toronto – which was declared a historic landmark.
"The millennial man is attracted to something that tells a good tale like the wingtip shoe or a tweed jacket. Men love heritage, in that something has a history," says Jeff Rustia, Executive Director of TOM*. "The event venue itself will appeal to the new male consumer's focus and attraction to authenticity. No doubt, College Park on 444 Yonge Street, built in the 30's, will appeal to men's need for history and heritage, while at the same time provide a space for them to experience the hunt and excitement of exploring new menswear and men's products."
"I am excited to have TOM* move into one of Canada's most important streets, Yonge Street, and more importantly, into a beautiful venue that proudly wears history on its sleeve. Plus of course the added value of having massive storefront windows to reach and promote to the public directly."
In addition to the runway presentations, the College Park entrance adjacent to the venue will be the scene of a Winter Fashion Festival. The square will play host to a series of captivating attractions from men's pop up shops to gourmet food trucks. The festival will attract the general public as well as local and non-local visitors to take in the world of men's fashion while providing a fashionable social space for TOM* attendees.
TOM* will showcase the best in menswear design from established to emerging Canadian and international designers. TOM* will run from Monday, February 23 to Tuesday, March 3, 2015.
About TOM*:
Toronto Men's Fashion Week (TOM*) is the eighth Men's Fashion Week in the world along with fashion capitals such as London, Paris, Milan and Florence. By spotlighting the most innovative, creative and talented of menswear designers in Canada, TOM* promotes awareness of Canadian menswear on the world stage. With cutting-edge runway shows and presentations, TOM* draws tourism to Toronto and Ontario providing a boost to the industry and economy. There has been a global cultural shift among men, TOM* represents the new millennial man who is unashamed about loving fashion and dressing for success.
About DYBIA:
The Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area (DYBIA) is a non-profit organization that works on behalf of over 2,000 local businesses and property owners to create a more vibrant and safe downtown. The heart of the city, this neighbourhood offers spectacular shopping and dining experiences on Yonge Street, in the world-famous Toronto Eaton Centre and throughout a diverse array of stores and restaurants in the area. Outdoor concerts, live theatre, community festivals call this home. DYBIA is accessible from Queen, Dundas and College subway stations.
SOURCE Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area
Image with caption: "Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area welcomes TOM* in the neighbourhood. #TOMexploresYonge (CNW Group/Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150129_C5395_PHOTO_EN_11630.jpg
For media inquiries, please contact: Rhys Dowbiggin, Public Relations - General Inquiries, [email protected], +15878891613; Jessica Domingo, Public Relations - Sponsors, [email protected], +14168940509; Nicole Seymour, Public Relations - Designers, [email protected], +16474041067; Mark Garner, Executive Director Downtown Yonge BIA - Downtown Yonge Retail Evolution, [email protected], +14165970255 Ext 225
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