Inside the Other Paris Fashion Week: Celebrating Local Talent in Brant County

While Paris, France is renowned for its prestigious biannual fashion weeks, a lesser-known but equally exciting event is taking place in Paris, Ontario. The Other Paris Fashion Week: The Debut is a pop-up fashion show that showcases the vibrant fashion scene of Brant County and the surrounding area. This event, organized by local small business owners Kara Kalvapalle of KLK Paris and Prinx Lydia of Rebel & Royal, aims to bring together the community and celebrate the incredible talent found in this small Canadian town.The inaugural edition of The Other Paris Fashion Week will take place on September 14, 2024, during the monthly Wincey Mills Outdoor market. The event will feature a designated runway in the parking lot of the Paris Wincey Mills Co., allowing local designers and fashion businesses to showcase their creations to the public. From handmade one-of-a-kind pieces to carefully curated vintage finds, upcycled wonders, and even bridal wear, the show will highlight the diverse range of fashion available in the area.”Fashion is such a huge part of culture, and we have such a beautifully diverse fashion scene!” exclaims Kara Kalvapalle. “This event is completely free to attend and will pop up during the monthly Wincey Mills Outdoor market. We really hope that everyone will be inspired to be more expressive with their own fashion choices and perhaps discover something new and exciting!”The organizers, Kara and Prinx Lydia, are passionate about bringing the local fashion community together and celebrating the incredible small businesses in downtown Paris. As more and more tourists from the Greater Toronto Area and beyond discover the charm of this small town, The Other Paris Fashion Week aims to showcase the potential for a big-city inspired fashion scene.”Paris may still feel like a ‘small town,’ but we really think it has the potential to have a Big City inspired fashion scene,” says Prinx Lydia. “The Other Paris Fashion Week is debuting this fall, and we think it could have the potential to be an annual event!”The event will feature a mix of runway shows and opportunities for attendees to interact with the designers and shop their products. With free admission and a wheelchair-accessible venue with gender-neutral washrooms, The Other Paris Fashion Week is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all.As part of the County of Brant’s 2024 Culture Days, The Other Paris Fashion Week is a hub event that will showcase the diverse talent and creativity found in this small community. By celebrating fashion as a form of wearable art and cultural expression, the organizers hope to inspire others to embrace their unique style and support local businesses.In a world often dominated by global fashion giants, The Other Paris Fashion Week stands as a testament to the power of community and the importance of showcasing local talent. As the event takes its first steps, it promises to be a vibrant celebration of fashion, culture, and the spirit of Paris, Ontario.