In The News

It has been extremely exciting to be featured in a series of media pieces covering the final fashion show (Mass Exodus 2015) and my collection specifically. Check out these wonderful pieces!

• The Eye Opener's piece on Ryerson School of Fashion: Mass Exodus 2015
• The In Their Shoes Project's feature on me!

“Paying Homage has never been so fashionable.Congrats Annabel and Ryerson’s @MassExodus #MXFave http://jmp.sh/MrOz0g6 ! #clotheshorse”

— Lisa LaFlamme, CTV News

“Wow! Diversity of talent @MassExodus @RyersonU dazzles! Kudos to the brilliant students+team who staged the show! #futureoffashion #MXfave”

— Jeanne Beker, Fashion Television

Mass Exodus 2015: One of the Top 17 Collections!

With the news that I had advanced into the final evening fashion show, the afternoon of April 1st quickly got hectic. While communication organizers worked on line up and music, I realized one of my models couldn't carry on to the evening show. I dashed around until 4pm looking for someone who could fit the final look and who also carried the spirit of Jane. I was relieved to find an incredible model from another collection who my team quickly transformed out of her edgy look and into something whimsical.

We had to make a few other last minute changes after deciding to shuffle the order of the models. Jillian, who we moved from the final look to the grass skirt look, expertly and quickly learned how to take off her coat gracefully on stage. My sister Lindsay continued to be a tremendous help in getting the looks ready for our 5pm deadline. Things got a little complicated when a fuse blew just as we were all frantically steaming our garments, but it all came together just in time.

At 6pm, the President of Ryerson - Sheldon Levy - and his wife were joined on stage by Robert Ott and Jeanne Beker to kick off the show. Then, it was time for the girls who of course, were perfect. We ended the night with all the design students walking the runway beside one of our looks which was a definite highlight.

After the show, there was a President's Reception with the graduating class, industry representatives, fashion communication students and our faculty. Over cocktails and appetizers, we got to celebrate, network and share. I was particularly excited to hear that the President's wife was interested in buying my whole collection!

And with that, a crazy and unreal year drew to a close. I am eternally grateful to my team of stylists, models and supporters who helped bring this whole collection to fruition. I cannot believe its over!

With Wayne Clark & Robert Ott

Mass Exodus 2015

With Tracy Vogrin

Prep Work & The Graduating Class Show

After months of late nights, hard work and endless excitement, my final year at Ryerson culminated with a sensational fashion show displaying all of our unbelievable collections. It was a wild day and night filled with celebration, praise and even a few celebrity appearances!

But, before I get too swept up gushing about it, here is a glimpse into the work behind the scenes.

Preparations got going the day before the show, with Stacey McKenzie coaching the models as I packed up the outfits. I matched accessories with garments, putting them all together in bags with a picture of the model on the front. I then brought everything to Mattamy Athletic Centre where I found the rack I would share with another designer. Things were really starting to feel real!

April 1st was the actual show day. At 6am, my beyond-fantastic team showed up at my Toronto apartment to begin with hair. By 7:45am, we were onto makeup and totally on schedule to arrive at Mattamy Athletic Centre for 10am. Here, my sister Lindsay was backstage helping me steam the garments and dress the models. By 10:45, we were ready for the noon show! There were over 600 people backstage and the energy was wild!

However - before I go on, I need to thank my incredible team who once again, brought Jane and my collection to life.

• Hair: The Wire Princess
• Makeup: Cassia Todan
• Models (in order of runway appearance): Rebecca Krulick, Lacey Robertson, Jackie Maclean, Shayla Bond and Jillian Bennett.

The noon show contained all 61 of the graduating collections. As a Take Me to Church remix began to play, my first model Rebecca brought Jane onto the runway. Each of the five models brought confidence, sass and spunk - everything and more that I had hoped for!

Jeanne Beker, curator for the Industry evening show, watched this midday performance as the final piece to her judging process. In January, we had submitted sketches, our inspiration and forms that detailed how our collections embodied the guiding principles of Mass Exodus: heritage, diversity and innovation. During the show, she worked with Robert Ott and Wayne Clark - Chair of Ryerson's School of Fashion and the In-House Fashion Design Mentor - to select the Top 17 collections that would walk again at tonight's industry  show.

After the show, we all anxiously waited for the results. Jeanne gave a thoughtful speech that spoke to how she narrowed her choices based on those that told a unique story. I was SHOCKED when she announced my collection as a finalist! I had to quickly re-jig a lunch with all the people who supported me so that I could prepare for the evening ahead.

All in all, this afternoon was more than incredible. Seeing all the collections pulled together and styled was an honour and delight after this year of hard work. I loved seeing all the directions my peers took, and was grateful for the chance to recognize our collective successes!