Parujee Akarasewi • Oct 23, 2023

Setting up for the Runway for Hope, Oct. 22, 2023 (Parujee Akarasewi/CHUO).
The Runway for Hope promotes local fashion and provides a forum for Ottawa designers and artists. The event took place yesterday in the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023.
The non-profit fashion show aims to promote the local talent and beauty in Ottawa’s fashion industry while raising money for local charities. This year, the goal was to raise $10,000 for the doctors, nurses and staff at CHEO.
CHEO is well known for being a global leader in paediatric health care and research. They handle over half a million patient and family visits a year. They have 3,200 doctors, nurses, other specialised health professionals and staff. They also have 250 researchers, 700 volunteers and 2,300 trainees in medicine, nursing and other health professions. CHEO is in need of funding for their ongoing research, operations, and new initiatives.
This year’s Runway for Hope saw a range of community support. Sponsors of the event include: CTV News, the Ottawa Sun, OMNI Television, the Richard Robinson Academy, Hudson’s Bay Company, Joseph’s Hair Salon, the Rideau Centre, Fairweather, Sirens, Urban Behaviour, Tip Top Tailors, Be Unique, Forum, and Eclipse.
The fashion show was attended by several prominent Ottawa figures including local influencer 20 York Street (@20yrs), and Angie’s Model talent.
Doors opened at 4:30PM with guests experiencing local Ottawa shops and products. Among these, Janet’s Artisan Coats, sustainability in every stitch from the Custom Studio, Ottawa-based Handmade Natural. There were also upcycled hand-drawn designs, glass mugs, tumblers, picture frames, coasters, scrunchies and stickers from local vendors like @yours.tolove.
This spectacular event kick started with local talented singer Victoria Rose. It was then followed by a speech from CHEO’s Emily Jamieson alongside the fashion show from local Ottawa Fashion designers.
The show began with Classic Kids wear. African inspired collections from Nam’s Costume Designs, a fantasy walk from House of Tartan, the early 90’s and contemporary youth inspired from Vibe the People, award-winning designer Moda Kajol, Queen Be Millinery by award-winning designer Ranelle Larocque with her hats and headpieces, and also some fashion showcase with stylish suits, blazers, tuxedos, shoes, accessories from Vivati Clothing brand and Asian inspired fashion from Ngu clothing.

Naomi (left) from Angie’s Models in a white robe designed by Hana Designs.

Hana Designs (left) and Nam’s Costume Design on kids models (right).
The intermission heard music and saw performances from Ottawa artist Jacob Parker and rising star Joryn Sugar. A highlight for each moment in the event is in the 50/50 draws for all audiences to get a chance to win half of the money raised, with the other half from this draw supporting CHEO.
Our experience with this annual fashion show event was fun and exciting. We’ve discovered lots of Ottawa new talent and rising stars in the music and fashion industry from the Runway for Hope. We’re looking forward to the next year to come. Thank you for having us!