Fashion people work long and hard for less money than they want you to think, so every once in a while it feels good to dress up for a party to celebrate our most talented individuals.

The four finalists for the Toronto Fashion Incubator's 2008 New Labels Competition were selected today! My illustration dances across the promotional poster for the event, but my job was easy compared to what the New Labels competitors accomplished over four short months.

New Labels this year is showcasing Toronto talent Adrienne Butikofer and Ashley Rowe, Montrealer Eugenia Leavitt, and Calgarian Lara Presber.

All four designers have spent a gruelling four months under the guidance of the Toronto Fashion Incubator's judges. Imagine having your collection torn apart by the best in the business every few weeks, working under constant threat of elimination while you invest more and more money and time into your line.

It is a lot of tough love but the process is a reward unto itself, drawing out the best from each contestant and preparing them for next season when they will make all those hard decisions without the expert panel.

The New Labels event this year is just one element of the inaugural Elle Show, a gala event geared towards consumers showcasing runway shows and shopping in a few fashion-packed days (April 24-27). I am loving all of the fresh fashion events that are happening in Toronto this year, it makes the scene feel much more vibrant and introduces local fashion to new audiences.