On Nov. 20, the Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week brought glamour, couture, and fundraising for both the Calgary Food Bank and Grain of Hope (Butil ng Pag-asa) outreach program.
Organized by Spotlight Couronne International Inc. at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Calgary, the event featured a red carpet, dinner gala and fashion show.
The event’s theme, “Behind the Colours,” was a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, heritage, and passion. SCI advocates for social awareness, creating events that showcase art and artists of various backgrounds and diverse perspectives, and this year kept that focus.
Organizers Limuel Vilela and Alvin Francia opened the show with Virgin Radio host Danaye Maier.
Homomilk Estudyo Streetwear. PHOTO: AMIE OSNESS Credit: PHOTO: Amie Osness 
Homomilk Estudyo Streetwear Finale. PHOTO: AMIE OSNESS Credit: PHOTO: Amie Osness 
Elena Golovi Couture Felting. PHOTO: AMIE OSNESS Credit: PHOTO: Amie Osness 
Elena Golovi Couture Felting Finale. PHOTO: AMIE OSNESS Credit: PHOTO: Amie Osness 
Elena Golovi Couture Felting Finale. PHOTO: AMIE OSNESS Credit: PHOTO: Amis Osness 
Fashion by Olga Sem. PHOTO: AMIE OSNESS Credit: PHOTO: Amie Osness
The food bank’s community engagement coordinator, Caitlin Reid said demand is even greater this year. Normally, they expect a 50 per cent increase in the need for food during December, but this year the increase began in September.
Reid says the food bank is looking for volunteers to help with sorting, organizing, and distributing food for the holiday season.
Three local designers put on a stunning runway show: Homomilk Estudyo run by Maliyah Abenir and Zxyro Jdrk, Olga Sem, and Elena Golovi. Homomilk struts a street wear collection, Olga Sem showcases intricately designed costumes, and Elena Golovi purveys silk and felt couture.
Vilela said the event was a showcase for diversity.
“We are stronger together as a community. Behind the Colours represents us, no matter what skin colour you have or which background you came from,” Vilela said. We represent every colour, represented by me and you.”