Glamorous models, tall hair and even higher heels–day one of Ottawa Fashion Week F/W 2013 kicked off in style. Attendees packed into the Ottawa Convention Centre to check out designs by some of the industry's most creative players.

Starting off the show was a quartet of young designers from the University of Trinidad and Tobago; Angel Cooper, Charmaine Charles, Curlene Charles Robinson, and Delia Alleyne. Angel Cooper's designs featured electric blues and zebra print. The collection, corporate casual with a unique twist, included double-layer peplum and leather detailing. The second designer, Charmaine Charles, transported the audience to the tropics with her fire-coloured prints and unique use of fabric barely sewn together to make skirts, blouses and dresses. No doubt this funky and vibrant collection had everyone wishing they could escape to somewhere much warmer.  Next, Curlene Charles Robinson delivered punk in pink. Models donned hot combinations of glittery black bowties, incredibly wearable pink pants and coat-tailed vests. Finally, designer Delia Alleyne used cool grey and light gold fabrics in her eclectic collection of dresses, pants, skirt suits and Ball Gowns. The fabric created the illusion of floating garments, under which was vibrant jewel-tones and detailed blue lace. The direction of these pieces was clearly explained when Alleyne herself stepped onto the runway, showing off her shocking pink Mohawk.

After a short break, during which guests were treated to the musical melodies of the two-man band, Still Native, Montreal designer Stéphanie Gagnon presented
"Sefani". The collection included sweaters and jackets designed for comfort, adding stylish yet flexible pieces to any woman's wardrobe. Her collection combined both light and dark grey, navy, black, beige and pops of red to create simple, elegant, colour-blocking pieces. Not solely about comfort but the details also, Gagnon's designed featured chrome buttons, belts tied in bows, ribbing and double-layered lapels.

Next to rock the runway was "Bernice & Barclay" by Ottawans Lorianne Hawdur and James Nesbitt. Models blew kisses and winked while they showed off this collection of winter fun; charcoal grey knit dresses were complimented with cherry red nylons. Maroon, grey and teal chevron pattern (reminiscent of Missoni) was peppered throughout the collection in the form of sweater vests, skirts, and fitted yet casual long-sleeved dresses.

Closing out this block of shows was "Copious" by Carissa McCaig. Her collection was characterised by mixing patterns in unusual ways, pairing together tropical prints, delicate blouses with cascading ruffles, and navy-black-forest-green plaid tulip skirts. Black high-low skirts were married with a gold sequin tee or a gold blouse with black lace overlay.

Guests were entertained during the break by David Little G and The Gallop, a local Ottawa troupe. Following their performance was devilishly daring designer duo, Inna and Krill, who braved the blizzard and were fashionably late driving in from Montreal. Their Toronto-based label, "Inna", treated guests to an all-black-everything collection with no shortage of goods on which to feast their eyes. Detailed sheath dresses accented with leather, sheer panels and lace kept the front row on their toes. A magnificent black Ball Gown with a sheer lace, long-sleeved bodice closed the show, leaving the audience in awe.

Next came "White Label", by Montreal designer Evelyne Fay. Though the show started out with camel colours, elegant, feminine fitted dresses and cigarette pants, it quickly changed its tune. Viewers were once again brought to the dark side, where bold, black pieces stormed the runway. Velvety lingerie with sheer cut-outs and sexy strapless sheath dresses dominated the end of Fay's collection.

The show to close the night was brought to us by returning OFW designer Elise Bourque with her distinct collection of fur, frills, and fun. Peplum jackets, oversized hoods, rosette appliqué skirts, and sheer details were aplenty in this flirty, yet edgy collection. Whereas black seemed to be Bourque's colour of choice, white, electric blue and tan also made an appearance. Accessories like foxtails, toques and utility belts kicked it up a notch. Overall, the collection was defined by easy-to-wear tees and sexy cocktail dresses with basket weave leather detailing reminiscent of Bottega Veneta.