In some she ignites anger, others admiration. While she may be an easy target to make fun of, there’s no denying that Robin Kay is the powerhouse that has spearheaded the growth of Toronto fashion week and provided a platform for Canadian designers to get noticed. There have been controversial incidents along the way, a lot of dramarama but like her or not, Kay is responsible for the bi-annual hoopla that gets bigger every year….so we decided to ask Ms. Kay some questions:

What are some of the changes in this year’s program?

As with every changing of the seasons come new ideas and opportunities. This season, we welcome fresh talent to our runway and a three dimensional approach to the way presentation of fashion. Technology will play a major role in keeping the fashion community involved in the happenings of the week. All shows will be streamed live online for the public around the world and our new mobile version of lgfashionweek.ca will keep fashion lovers on-the-go up to date with the click of a button.

What are you most excited about for this year’s fashion week?

When everything comes together the Style of Power comes to life. The talent and energy LG Fashion Week Beauty by L’Oréal Paris has unifies the community and ignites the city. I love seeing the runway be the connector between the worlds of art and retail, people and places, and fashion and business.

Tell us a little about how far Toronto Fashion Week has come in the past years?

Over the past 10 years LG Fashion Week has grown exponentially in size, attendees and talent. The 120 ft runway sets the stage and over 30,000 guests will pass through the doors of our fashion house, Heritage Court. Of course, the biggest and most satisfying growth is in the designers as their careers blossom with each passing season.

Why does Toronto need a Fashion Week?

As one of the most multicultural cities and the fashion capital capitol of Canada, Toronto is home to a fashion week because there is the need, want, and burning desire for one. Toronto is the home base and offers designers across the country the opportunity to show and more importantly, be seen, by fashion players from around the globe

Why does it need a strong personality behind it?

The entire fashion industry is built upon powerful beliefs and strong conviction. When you believe in something, whether it is a design, fabric or an idea, you need to be able to stand up behind and speak for it.

Favourite Fashion Week? (other than Toronto, of course)

Colombia, Mexico. When I went, the (new) president’s wife instituted a program with the people working with designers to bring their craft onto the runway. It is absolutely what I would love to have happen in Canada.

What, to you, is a vacation?

Thatch hut. Sand floor. Ocean. The flight alone is a vacation. 

Fall fashion or spring fashion?

In this business, spring collections are shown in the fall and fall shown in the spring, allowing us to experience the best of both worlds at the same time. I am from Winnipeg though, and so my favorite season (in nature) is fall.

Why is Toronto a great city for fashion?

Toronto is a fabulous city for fashion because there is so much diversity. We have such a rich, eclectic mix of people, ideas and cultures and fashion is a way to express that. Toronto is a great city for not just fashion, but for individual style and personal power.

And to finish off: what would Toronto fashion be without you?

Starting as a designer myself and now running a not-for-profit organization; the ultimate goal is to highlight designers in their own country. I would hope the results speak for themselves.

~ Elli Stuhler