There are three things every year that remind me that spring is upon us in this deep freeze of a city we live in; the chore of filing my taxes, partaking in roll up the rim to win and spring fashion shows. And this March, I will be taking part in all three.

Edmonton’s first ever Spring Classic will be taking place this coming March 4th at the Treasury Vodka Bar downtown, featuring Edmonton’s most talented local designers. But this will be no ordinary fashion show. Eight local designers will be competing head to head in an intense design competition, and you will vote cast your vote for the winner. What’s interesting about this fashion show is that there will be no runway; models and designers will be mingling in the crowds, making this event interactive and unique. In addition, the event will be showcasing the tempting creations of Sweet Soul Desserts.

Expect to see creations from the likes of Alisha Schick of Suka Designs, Kelly Madden, Gabriella Cruz of Cruz, Nomin Gantumur of Ha

There are three things every year that remind me that spring is upon us in this deep freeze of a city we live in; the chore of filing my taxes, partaking in roll up the rim to win and spring fashion shows. And this March, I will be taking part in all three.

Edmonton’s first ever Spring Classic will be taking place this coming March 4th at the Treasury Vodka Bar downtown, featuring Edmonton’s most talented local designers. But this will be no ordinary fashion show. Eight local designers will be competing head to head in an intense design competition, and you will vote cast your vote for the winner. What’s interesting about this fashion show is that there will be no runway; models and designers will be mingling in the crowds, making this event interactive and unique. In addition, the event will be showcasing the tempting creations of Sweet Soul Desserts.

Expect to see creations from the likes of Alisha Schick of Suka Design, Kelly Madden, Gabriella Cruz of Cruz, Nomin Gantumur of Handcuffs Required, Jessilyn Steinwand of Eve and Enoch, Corinna Chow of Parasol, Heather Emily Murray and Cherie Howard.

The Edmonton Spring Classic will certainly showcase styles as diverse as our city, so voting for a favorite will definitely be a feat in itself. From Parasol’s cute and girly pieces to Hancuffs Required’s edgy “bad girl aesthetic”, to Kelly Madden’s structured elegance, the show will have a little of everything. So where did these local designers get their inspiration? “I always go dark and elegant, and I always do the opposite of what everyone else is doing,” says Cherie Howard. “I get inspired by the fabrics I choose.”

“Same goes for me,” says Heather Emily Murray. “I was inspired by some of the fabrics I chose. For example, for fall I’ve been using lots of darks, like ink [colours] and textures.”

“I [designed] a dress that was very structured and very architectural and I think that’s how I like to designs [clothes],” adds Alisha. “I like to take a simple fabric and work with the simplicity of that fabric. So I’m feeling a lot of geometric stuff, a heavy mod influence. But I’m going to be working with colour for this event, to reflect spring.”

So with a total of $1000 in prize money, you would think there would be some competitive cattiness between these talented designers, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“I think there’s a strong sense of community between local designers here,” says Alisha. “I completely agree,” adds Gabriella. “No matter what it’s hard being a designer in this city, so events like [the Edmonton Spring Classic] is a great way to really get your name out there, because that’s what it’s really about.”

“Although I wouldn’t mind winning some money,” laughs Nomin.

The event will not only be a fun way to start off the month of March, it’s also an opportunity to recognize Edmonton’s local talent and, more importantly, keep them working in our city.

“It’s hard to be a designer, no matter what city you’re in,” says Corinna. “But what’s different about Vancouver or Toronto to Edmonton is that there are more resources. But I think the most important thing is to get your name out there, no matter what city you’re in.”

The Edmonton Spring Classic will be an interactive fashion show giving anyone the opportunity to see what the Edmonton fashion scene truly has to offer. For more information on the event, go to EDM Spring Classic’s facebook page.