Art of Fashion is a non-profit organization that supports and raises funds for emerging Canadian apparel and accessory designers by creating a platform for exposure. Every year, they hold a design and exhibit competition to further their cause.

The theme of this year's competition is Between the Lines, and is described as: "the divide between good and evil, black and white, heaven and hell, dusk and dawn, or even an everyday juxtaposition. It is an exploration that unites cultural, historical, and community boundaries. It is the elements that have helped shape one's own life and the way it ties lives together, bringing life from the past, to the present and into the future. Combining fashion with art gives you, the designer, the chance to create a personal realm that tells your tale and communicates it back to the public. You will be required to explore what lies between your own lines, and bring your personal expression to life through your themed collection and presentation."

Ten designers will be selected by the panel of judges, which includes Evan Biddell (Project Runway Canada) and Michelle Germain (ShopGirls Boutique). Each designer will be responsible for creating a six-piece collection based on the theme. Five pieces will be creatively presented at Wrong Bar, while the final piece (to be worn by a dancer) will be featured in the "Fashion Show in the Milky Way". The runway will travel to the "Historical TTC Streetcar" where actors/models wearing the selected designer's clothing will perform monologues about the designer's piece.

They will also be required to take part in the "AOF Documentary" which will elaborate on their process during the early stages of the competition and be screened at Wrong Bar during the event.

There will be two titles to compete over: Most Promising Designer (voted by the panel of judges) and Best Exhibit (a public vote conducted via electronic voting stations). Winners will be announced at Art of Fashion Trunk Show, on October 16, 2008 at the Drake Hotel. The deadline for applying to the trunk show is September 20, 2008 at 5pm.

The exposure potential is huge; Scotiabank Nuit Blanche Fact Sheet - 800,000 people attended the 2007 incarnation of Nuit Blanche. Participants receive tickets to the Trunk show, a discount on a table at said show, and heaps of recognition. Winners receive money, a presentation at the Trunk Show, window display at Shopgirls Boutique, FGI forum tickets, and a photo shoot including the photographer, model, make up and hair.

Be sure to read the over the application carefully as I've glossed over a lot of the details here for brevity. There are some conditions of course: you must be a Canadian citizen, have a minimum of 3 years professional fashion design experience, you must participate in the documentary, you need to bring your own equipment to display your work, and you must be present during Nuit Blanche and at the Art of Fashion Trunk Show.

The 10th annual Nuit Blanche festival on October 4th (7pm to 7am, at Wrong Bar). They are now calling out to designers to apply. You have until August 18, 2008 at 5pm to get your application in.

Photo: "Art of Fashion in Bloor Street United Church, as a part of Nuit Blanche 2007, Toronto." courtesy of Reza Vaziri.