Swarms of fashion designers, musicians, bloggers, models, gawkers and hangers-on will descend on McGill College this week for Montreal’s Festival Mode & Design 2010, running August 4th to 7th. Sneak a peek at fall/winter (say it ain’t so!) collections, snag free stuff, dance the day away and soak up the fun while you can as Montreal’s summer festivals start to wind down. Here’s a run-down of opening night (August 4th) highlights:

6pm: The unwashed masses (the general public, that is) are invited view the 2010 fall/winter collections of 20-odd local designers ( Melissa Nepton, Helmer, and Denis Gagnon, amongst others) for a show benefiting Fondation de la mode de Montréal. A $75 donation nets you VIP access and a Fruits & Passion gift bag.

8pm: Gainfully employed? Check out the career gear from Canadian stalwart brand Jacob’s fall collection. Happily jobless? Prettify your lounging with new skivvies from Jacob Lingerie.

9pm: QC fashion mag Clin d’Oeil celebrates 30 years of style with a runway show featuring well-known models from the magazine’s history. The winner of Clin d’Oeil’s Become a Professional Model contest will also be revealed. Music care of Misstress Barbara.

10pm: The night’s main event teams visionary stylist YSO with electro-dance rockers the Tanuki Project for an evening of visual art, music, and of course, fashion. Over 60 local designers will be unveiling their creations, including collections from Andy Thê-Anh, Coccolily, Dimitri Chris, Envers, Harricana by Mariouche, Mackage, Morales, Philippe Dubuc, Rudsak, and Travis Taddeo. Models will sashay down the catwalk to the selections from the Tanuki Projects’ new album, Playground For Everyone. The event doubles as the album’s official launch party.

All events take place the Scene Principale, corner McGill College & Ste Catherine. Stay tuned for more Festival Mode & Design coverage, and check out http://www.festivalmodedesign.com for full listings.