Best luck to the designers during fashion week !

In defense of respected designer Kendra Francis who has signed the petition for the reform of the FDCC.

Kendra Francis “This is the best move yet. I have been affected negatively by Ms Robin Kay numerous times for being a designer that shows off-site. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Within days of signing the petition Kendra was already been targeted by Bernadette Mora in the Toronto Star.

Why has Kendra Francis, the Project Runway contestant and much-lauded local designer, scheduled her presentation at The Spoke Club at exactly the same hour as the Tilley Endurables show in the tent?

And why did such a respected designer, along with Greta Constantine's Stephen Wong, risk public humiliation by participating on Slice network's Project Runway, anyway? Bernadette Mora

A note to the Toronto Star – it would be helpful if you could assign an unbiased journalist who can do the investigative reporting that is sorely needed in this matter .

As we have indicated on many occasions, it seems anyone who speaks up against Robin Kay and the FDCC are targeted by the fashion media and by Robin’s inner circle.

Robins inner circle

Robin’s inner circle is not interested in reforming the FDCC, they are only interested in keeping a tight grip on the fashion industry in Toronto and continue to benefit from the FDCC’s influence and contracts.

A lot is at stake here, there are millions of dollars that are invested into the FDCC, our “guesstimates” include the approx $500,000 for registration for admission to fashion week, over $200,000 for designer registration fees, add sponsorship and the FDCC is getting well over 3 million dollars for each fashion week. Perhaps the FDCC would like to verify those amounts.

In a reformed FDCC contracts would have to be awarded through an open and transparent process ensuring that all vendors have equal opportunity.

Many are applauding our position and many are condemning us for keeping our anonymity.

We hope you understand our reasons for remaining anonymous for the time being. We ask that only that you research the facts and make your own opinion. Our goal is not too offend anyone but to bring to light the facts of the current situation and to fuel a much needed debate about the Fashion Industry in Canada

Most importantly we ask if you are a member of the fashion industry you sign up for membership to the FDCC and exercise your rights within the context of a Canadian not for profit.

Request the financials, annual report and the strategic plan for 2008 and demand your right to vote for the president of FDCC and the board of directors.

Best luck to the designers during fashion week - ultimately that is what the show is all about !

“Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Latest petition comments:

As the former Executive Director of Designers Ontario, which changed its name to Fashion Design Council of Canada or now one of its many derivatives, I have long believed that the accountability of both organizations was questionable. Neither organizations had memberships, although it was one on the top of my personal agenda when hired as ED, and as such had no AGM for the election of Board members.

The appointment to the Board was rather, whom do you think should be on the Board, and then let's ask them. At least DO was accountable to a Board of Directors who were instrumental in policy making. I am not privy to the operations of FDCC, but would gather it is the fiefdom of Ms. Kay. Having said this, with the loss of Matinee as the major sponsor for Fashion Week, Ms. Kay has been instrumental in keeping the runway alive during Fashion Week ( but we don't know at what cost, perhaps the departure of Jeanne Beker and Barbara Atkins from the board may shed some light on that subject) , mainly I believe as she is a former designer herself and thus engendering credibility within the design community , and the industry was ready for change away from Matinee and its dominating tactics.

I also believe that the fault within the industry can be the industry itself. Does government support the industry, and does the industry support itself.? In dealings with the TFI the common phrase by Susan Langdon, when asked for assistance from TFI in any cause, is .... "our designers are so poor they can hardly make the rent" (let alone donate a garment for charity, or help raise their presence within the community at large!) A more positive and inter-active community approach should be in order. An approach and tactic which would increase consumer awareness of these "struggling designers"..

The "fashion press????" is totally absent from many fashion shows within the city. I would think it is their job to be present, or at least have representation, at each and every fashion show help in the city. How else will they discover the next new design star! But, do they know the working of fashion, how a garment is made, what constitutes great design, etc.? How many seats in the front row of Fashion Week are empty having been allotted to the press who have asked for them? And where is the daily feature in Toronto's press of the shows. Better daily coverage has occurred in the Hamilton Spectator than the Toronto Star.

If the design/fashion industry does not come together and want to be a part of a national organization (other than Apparel Canada) there is no hope for any organization let alone the FDCC. One thing must be said for the former Designers Ontario and for the FDCC, is that they have produced shows to showcase Canadian, not just Toronto, designers and models. They have tried to increase press awareness at its shows, but have yet to go the next step... taking the a showcase of Canadian Designers to the runways of Europe or New York. This can be and should be done!

First though, there needs be a cleansing of the present situation, reformatting of the FDCC with a broad and committed membership who will elect a governing body to oversee their goals and mandates, and fulfill whatever constitution they approve, and keep the sponsorship and faith that organizations such as L'Oreal have in this industry

Sticks and stones and models' bones -- Questions, rumours loom as L'Oréal Fashion Week catwalks into Toronto

Well the much anticipated spin has started.

Bernadette Morra has written about our group and letter we have sent to the Mayor, media and fashion industry

you can view the entire article at http://www.thestar.com/living/article/268307

Sticks and stones and models' bones

Questions, rumours loom as L'Oréal Fashion Week catwalks into Toronto

A smear campaign of Fashion Design Council of Canada president Robin Kay was launched by an anonymous source.

An email, which includes past Fashion Week gripes and smacks of a personal vendetta, was sent to the media, industry insiders and Toronto Mayor David Miller by a group that takes great license in identifying itself as the Toronto Fashion Community.

Who is behind the campaign? There are clues in the letter. The bottom line here is that the whole matter is brutally ugly.

TFC's response

Dear Bernadette

Thank you for including our group and article in your column in the Toronto Star.

In the emails that blog that we have published our primary goal has been the much needed reform of the Fashion design council of Canada.

We have provided in depth research of the issues concerning the fashion community and the Fashion Design Council of Canada. We have referenced many in the community who believe that the FDCC is not accountable to anyone except for themselves. We have also informed members of the fashion industry of their rights within the FDCC as a not for profit organization. We have advocated individuals to voice their opinions and to exercise their rights.

Our petition continues to generate signatures and comments supporting our stance.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/FDCC/signatures.html

As per your opinion that the basis of our letter is a personal vendetta. Its unfortunate that you have chosen to completely ignore the facts that we have presented and the key issues that are affecting the industry and the FDCC.

You have described our campaign as a smear campaign based on past fashion week gripes.

Our group is fighting for the democratic reform of the FDCC – we are advocating that membership be open to everyone in the industry and that each member have the right to vote on the leadership of the FDCC.

In regards to Robin Kay – many in the community including members of our team have been professionally and personally humiliated by Ms. Kay, our reputations and business have been damaged. That is not leadership ! Miss Kay needs to be held accountable for her actions. To that we have asked for the appointment of an ombudsperson to investigate and deal with any complaints in regards to Robin Kay and the FDCC.

To address our reasons for anonymity we provide you our response to Barbara Atkin of Holt Renfrew and member of the board of advisors of the FDCC who has requested on two occasions we identify ourselves.

Dear Barbara,

We appreciate your comments. To date individuals who have spoken up against Robin Kay and the FDCC have faced incrimination against their business and reputation.

Why would anyone subject themselves to that ?

Unfortunately the leaders in the fashion community have not shown leadership and is now up to our group to shed light on what has been an unbearable situation for many and to fight for democracy in our community.

The fundamental request that is being made is the democratic reform of the FDCC -- You are a leader within the fashion community, why not demonstrate real leadership with this cause and initiate the reform of the FDCC ?

We have started the ball rolling - we are hoping that will incite the real leaders of the fashion community to take productive action for reform.

Look at the comments in the petition - are you not convinced that there is a serious problem with the FDCC ? What is your solution to the problem ?

If you would like to speak authentically then please set up a meeting for the fashion industry during fashion week where everyone can voice their opinions in an open manner - san masks.

Regards

TFC

We like everyone would like to see a successful fashion week but we are also willing to fight for the much needed reform of the FDCC.

You can join the fight for reform by signing up for membership to the FDCC and exercise your right to vote.

If you wish to comment on this blog – simply click COMMENTS to voice your opinion.

Or sign the petition and provide your comments at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/FDCC/index.html

Bernadette, it seems you would rather the fashion industry focus on the numerous questions you pose in todays column,including how Robin Kay decides which portable toilets were up to snuff, than the key issues facing the fashion industry and the FDCC.

We know that the members of the community are smart enough to look through your smokescreen and investigate the issues and make up their own opinion.

ONE MEMBER -- ONE VOTE ! Exercise your right today !

TFC

Democratization of the FDCC.

Thank you all for your support in regards to our letter “Reform of the Fashion Design Council of Canada”

For those who have asked about the names of the individuals responsible for the letter and petition at this point we will let the facts speak for themselves.

The TFC (Toronto Fashion Community) has set up the TFC blog where anyone can make comments. We ask that you keep the comments constructive and on the issues at hand. (click comments at the bottom of this post)

You can also sign and provide your comments on the online petition http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/FDCC/index.html

If you are uncomfortable singing the petition online – then please print off the petition and send directly to the mayors office. Mayor, David Miller - Toronto City Hall, 2nd Floor, 100 Queen St. West, Toronto ON M5H 2N2

Or email the petition to mayor_miller@toronto.ca

Democratization of the FDCC.

We are advocating that fashion industry representatives sign up for membership with the FDCC.

By signing up for membership – everyone can exercise their rights as members and be protected by laws governing not for profits in Canada.

Attached is an FDCC membership form please sign and fax to the FDCC or simply provide at L”Oreal Fashion Week. If for any reason you are refused membership please drop it off at the Mayor’s office 2nd Floor at city Hall.

Office of the Mayor of Toronto - Toronto City Hall, 2nd Floor, 100 Queen St. West, Toronto ON M5H 2N2

The rights for membership include one member one vote ! This levels the playing field for everyone.

We are recommending a special meeting of the members of the FDCC in November 2007, where all issues can be dealt with in an open and public manner and not by anonymous emails or behind closed doors.

Clause 167 of BILL C-21: CANADA NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS ACT

http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/bills_ls.asp?lang=E&ls=c21&source=library_prb&Parl=38&Ses=1

Members representing not less than the prescribed amount (5% of voting members)(36) would be allowed to requisition the directors to call a meeting of members for the purposes stated in the requisition. The requisition must state the business to be transacted at the meeting, and must be sent to each director and to the registered office of the corporation. The corporation must send notice of the meeting to all members entitled to attend the meeting.

A request will also be made for full disclosure of audited financial statements, annual reports and approval of the 2008 strategic plan to members.

Access to Corporate Records (Clauses 21-25)
Clause 22 of the bill states that the records maintained by not for profit corporations must be accessible to members (most importantly, the financial statements)

A motion will be tabled for the termination of the president of the FDCC and that an election be established for directors of the FDCC for the 2008 year.

Clause 130 states Members of an Not for profit corporation have a right to remove a director from office before the end of his or her term through an ordinary resolution voted at a special meeting.

http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/bills_ls.asp?lang=E&ls=c21&source=library_prb&Parl=38&Ses=1#I3Resignation

We have requested all levels of government including David Miller, Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, Member of Parliament Trinity Spadina and Rosario Marchese MPP
Trinity-Spadina, Adam Vaughn, City Councilor Trinity Spadina to assist in the democratization of the FDCC.

An open request has also been made to Joe Minram – Chair of the FDCC to ensure that membership is available during fashion week to all industry representatives.

Comments from the petition – Reform of the Fashion Design Council of Canada.

• Regardless of who the ideal candidate for leadership is. One thing that is certain is reform to the operating methods of the FDCC are long overdue. Since moving to Toronto and entering the industry as a media outlet for Canadian Designers I have never once felt any need to get involved with the FDCC as it just seemed like money wasted. The organization is completely backwards on its motives and continually fail Canadian Designers and the industry. I truly believe that a huge step forward for the FDCC would be to actually focus on the industry instead of a week long party twice a year. Although shows can play a big role in establishing a designer and even move product, neither of these are being accomplished under the current structure. Without the people there is no industry, the FDCC needs to start focusing on the people instead of themselves.

• I have seen Robin Kay act in the most unprofessional mannor possible to individuals donating their time and efforts. I have also seen her drunk making nonsense at too many events to count.

• Regardless of the allegations specific to the character of the present president of the FDCC, I think it is important that membership of a non profit organization is open to all members of the industry, and the selection of the board of directors and president is democratic. For this reason I choose to place my name on this petition, with the sincere hope that one day I will participate as a member in a reformed organization that serves the needs of Toronto's fashion industry. This is our fashion week, our reputation, and our responsibility. It is reasonable to expect accountability from those who represent us.

• As someone who has had a significant input of the planning and implementation of Toronto Fashion Week (currently LFW), I can concur that the termination of Robin Kay is the KEY TO BUILDING THE TORONTO AND CANADIAN FASHION INDUSTRY TO WHERE IT BELONGS! After running 4 consecutive seasons with my team (half of which quit in the midst of the season due to Robin; the other half at the end of the shows once the week was finished), I have enough knowledge to back the statement up CONCRETELY. Finally, the time has come for Designers to take back the Runways and the FDCC!

• Thank you -- For writing a well-researched email. I hope your campaign goes well and support comes your way. We all need to work together – certainly not against - to build an industry where we can all see the benefits.
  
  Thank you,

Sign the Petition for the reform of the Fashion Design Council of Canada

The petition

We the undersigned call for a reform of the Fashion Design Council of Canada.

For the FDCC to meet the needs of Canadian Designers it requires new leadership, the fashion industry desperately needs a leader that will genuinely earn the respect of the community, one who has ability to bring together members of the fashion community instead of alienating many who have contributed to the industry.

1.The termination of Ms. Robin Kay as president of the FDCC
2.Membership be open to all members of the fashion industry
3.All fashion designers have a vote in the workings of the FDCC.
4.Notices for meetings and AGM be communicated publically on the FDCC website.
5.An Ombudsperson be set up to investigate any complaints against Robin Kay and the FDCC.


Fashion designers need to take back control of L”Oreal Fashion Week and the Fashion Design Council of Canada.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/FDCC/

Reform of the Fashion Design Council of Canada

We would like to bring to your attention an issue which is of importance to the city of Toronto and to the fashion industry.

We believe the current leadership at the FDCC is inconsistent with the values and goals which make Toronto and Canada the best place to operate a fashion related business.

Many in the community have faced inappropriate conduct from Robin Kay – President of the Fashion Design Council of Canada.

In this letter we will provide details of our concerns and actions we feel are most appropriate to provide the needed reform.

Our intention is not to disrupt the upcoming L'Oreal Fashion Week but ensure that there is constructive debate about the keys issues concerning the fashion industry and much needed reform of the FDCC.

What are the real benefits to designers ?

Every year the fashion community is dazzled by fashion and models on the runway at the semi annual L'Oreal Fashion Week.; but there is a need to look past all the glitz and glam and examine at a deeper level the activities and value that L'Oreal Fashion Week and the FDCC provide to the fashion industry.

Is anyone buying ?

The buying season is over when fashion week starts. Budgets are already allocated for the season. The publicity does create brand awareness for consumers but the effectiveness is lost as consumers will not be able to purchase the outfits in stores for another 6 months. Designers have long complained that without sales designers simply do not achieve a financial ROI from fashion week in Toronto.

Designers invest anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for FDCC registration fees, models, PR, stylists, etc. to participate in L'Oreal Fashion week.

The sizeable investment needs to drive sales for their collections.

*** The individuals quoted in this letter are quoted as part of the research conducted in providing an assessment of the FDCC. The quotations are all published on the web with links to the complete articles. The quotations in no way signifies the quoted individual's support of this letter.

A quotation from the Toronto Fashion Incubator Blog – November 2006

BUYER BE AWARE: FDCC president Robin Kay avows fashion week is not a buyers' show but bang-for-buck, wouldn't it be more beneficial if buyers were around to gain awareness of new labels they might want to sign on in future? The total number of registered buyers was 33 and the total number of registered retailers was 14. (Although designers also sent out invitations, raising the total.)

http://www.fashionincubator.com/happenings/newsletter/tfi-news-november-2006.shtml

(according to the city of Toronto Website there are more than 4,600 Toronto fashion retail stores )

Stylist Derick Chetty October 19, 2006

While I'm all for international press covering L'Oreal Fashion Week, I have to wonder if it is of any value to anyone, especially the designers. Yes, you can argue it's great exposure, building brand awareness etc., but does it translate into dollars and cents? Most of the designers are small operations with no international sales offices. And there's just a handful of buyers from local retailers that attend the shows. So how is coverage in a European magazine/website/newspaper helping their bottom line when they can barely get their lines sold here in Canada? Derick Chetty

http://thestar.blogs.com/nakedlunch/2006/10/loreal_fashion_.html

Membership

The FDCC operating procedures are not consistent with FDCC bylaws and the legal requirements of operating a not for profit corporation in Canada.

As stated on the FDCC website

www.lorealfashionweek.ca/fdcc/fdcc.html

The FDCC is a national Canadian organization dedicated to branding fashion in Canada. Through realizing that mission, the FDCC

Promotes the diverse fabric of Canadian fashion design talent.

• Links buyers with designers, media with buzz, and business executives with product.
• And produces an event in the elite category of Fashion Week that includes fashion aficionados from around the world.
  
  Since 1999, this non-profit organization has focused its energy on high-quality events, publicity and membership. Outside of L'Oréal Fashion Week, it takes part in global events to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the Canadian fashion design industry. The FDCC contains a Board of Directors which seats successful and nationally recognized Canadian fashion and business executives.

The membership form and all information pertaining to membership has disappeared from the FDCC website. As a not for profit association for the fashion industry it has a mandate to consistently recruit and serve new members in industry. Why has the membership form been removed from the FDCC website ?

We have included the membership form as an attachment to this email.

Membership for designers:

Stated in the FDCC Designer Information Package for L'Oreal Fashion Week - designers must be a member of the FDCC to showcase at L'oreal Fashion week.

Designers we interviewed and who have showcased at L'Oreal Fashion Week in previous years have yet to receive any official acknowledgement of membership, invitation to member meetings or audited financial statements.

The FDCC has not given proper notice, as governed by law, to participating designers of an annual general meeting where members traditionally review the audited financial statements and annual report for the past year and vote on key issues impacting the organization for the ensuing year.

Corporations Canada the definition of a not for profit.

Not-for-profit organizations are created to benefit the community. Activities of a not-for-profit organization may be of a trade, patriotic, national, charitable, philanthropic, religious, professional, or athletic nature without monetary gain. Directors, officers and/or members of a not-for-profit corporation do not own the corporation or its assets. The organization may not be operated for financial gain for its members, officers or directors. In certain circumstances a not-for-profit organization may engage in revenue producing activities and earn a profit, however these activities are to be conducted solely to further the principal objectives of the organization.

Members must approve changes made to the by-laws by the corporation's directors before they have effect

• Members must have notice of meetings.
• Each member is entitled to one vote at a meeting of members.
• Board of directors shall be elected at each annual meeting
• A director of a not for profit organization can be removed office by a special vote of the members

Accountability

Board members of a not for profit corporation are accountable to its members, a number of industry professionals believe Robin Kay is not accountable to anyone.

Tim Blanks – fashion file

Toronto Highlights - Spring/Summer 2007

"It may have a ways to go in comparison to its older, more fashionable cousins, but like an awkward defiant teen trying to find its identity amongst Paris, Milan and New York, Toronto Fashion Week thumbs its nose at the naysayers, without feeling the need to answer to anyone."

http://www.fashionfile.com/designers/Highlights.html

All not-for profit directors are potentially accountable to someone or some entity, often to multiple parties. This accountability can take many forms: annual general meetings where members can vote to replace directors they have lost confidence in or make changes to governance documents that affect the board; administrative or judicial penalties imposed owing to regulatory non-compliance; reporting requirements to funders; and court actions mounted by dissatisfied stakeholders.

New legislation by the Government which Enhances and Protects Members' Rights: The new Act will also enhance and protect member rights. By doing so, it will promote active membership and encourage members to monitor the directors' activities. Members will have the power to enforce their rights and oversee the activities of their organizations. They will have the power to access corporate records (most importantly, the financial statements); access membership lists (subject to certain restrictions); request a meeting and to make proposals; use the oppression remedy and the compliance order to protect their rights; and use the derivative action remedy to enforce the rights of the corporation. The oppression remedy allows members to seek relief from a court if they believe their rights have been "oppressed". A derivative action allows members to launch a suit, in the name of the corporation itself, if they believe that directors or officers of the corporation have acted improperly.

http://strategis.gc.ca/epic/site/cilp-pdci.nsf/en/cl00754e.html

Structure of the FDCC

Robin Kay does not own the Fashion Design Council of Canada (the FDCC evolved from Association of Ontario Fashion Designers) nor do the board of directors own the FDCC. A not for profit is a corporation without share capital (shares cannot be issued) -- the real owners of the FDCC are its members – the fashion industry of Canada, including designers, photographers, models, media, retailers, anyone who one way or another supports Canadian fashion has a stake in the FDCC.

Membership must be open to all fashion industry professionals

Where does all of the money go ?

We have heard figures of anywhere form $400,000 to 2 million sponsorship from L'Oreal.

How much does Ford Canada and the other sponsors contribute ?

Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC) received Government funding of $145,000 for projects from 2003 to 2007

Members, the fashion community and taxpayers have a right to know the funds raised and where it is spent. How much of the funds actually go towards Robin Kay's salary and the hiring for her publicists ? How are the contracts allocated for the FDCC ?

False and fraudulent statement

Robin Kay is discouraging companies to sponsor designers to produce their shows during fashion week and instead sponsor the FDCC directly. Producing shows for fashion week are quite costly and includes expenses for models, mandatory publicists, press kits, props and additional incidental expenses.

Her statement that the FDCC does not charge designers is completely false. A simple survey of designers who have participated will reveal that the FDCC charges designers to participate in L'Oreal Fashion Week.

Interview with Robin Kay and Bizbash magazine

Unfortunately, we're facing the issue of sponsors bypassing the FDCC and connecting to individual designers. It's guerrilla or piggyback marketing, and it's costing us money. We raise funds to put on the shows, and we don't charge the designers, so we need all the sponsor income we can get. The companies that are supporting individual designers could just as easily support us. We have a sponsorship package that offers no end of opportunities for them to gain exposure on-site at the shows. More important, the public relations machine we've created at FDCC would generate media exposure for them that they wouldn't otherwise get.

http://www.bizbash.com/toronto/content/editorial/e5444.php

According to the Designer Information Package -- L'Oreal Fashion Week Spring 2007

http://www.dexigner.com/design_news/6187.html

Fee: TBD

Designer fees are dependent on desired timeslots. Designers must select timeslot appropriately and within prospected budgets. All fees are non-negotiable.

Designers are charged anywhere from $2500 to $5000 by the FDCC to participate during L'Oreal Fashion week.

Conduct and Behavior

Over the years Robin Kay has openly maligned the reputations of those who do not agree with her. Many individuals and companies who have shown promise for innovation and leadership have been shut out as potential competitors and a threat to her position as "the Queen of fashion in Canada". Companies and individuals have been blacklisted by Miss Kay and her associates and their reputations subsequently smeared. Miss Kay continues to treat people who do not serve her purpose with disrespect and contempt.

Fashion and Design Festival

The recent fashion and design festival was an example innovative approach to marketing Canadian Fashion. An event which showcased 16 local designers.

Her statements to the Toronto Star were generally deemed as being unsupportive. Any group that tries to steal the FDCC's thunder is usually admonished by Robin Kay.

"It's inappropriate that people from Quebec would use an acronym similar to the FDCC," says Robin Kay, president of the Fashion Design Council of Canada.

She'd also like to see more people from Ontario hired by festival organizers, considering it's the Toronto version of the Montreal festival. "The people who are managing it and producing it are all from Montreal. Their working people, their technicians, show producers" are mainly from Montreal, she says.

But Kay hopes the event is a success and thinks the strategy to use retailers in the fashion shows is a good move for the city.

"We can't disparage that, because the mall has to make their rent," Kay says of the retail element of the shows, but adds, "maybe it's best left in the mall, because it looks pretty rainy these days."

http://www.thestar.com/living/Fashion/article/248839

It should be noted that Robin Kay brought in a group from Montreal to produce the opening night party at fashion week in spring 2007 which mainly utilized a team from Montreal to produce the show.

Get on Robin Kay's bad side and be prepared for an onslaught by Robins Kay's clique, who are instructed by Ms. Kay to, damage your reputation at every opportunity and make things as difficult as possible for you to do business in Toronto.

Designers, public relation consultants, media, retailers and other industry representatives have received calls from FDCC staff members with suggestions not to work with certain parties and with the clear inference that doing so may result in their not being invited back for fashion week.

Modelresource's preview to L'Oréal Fashion Week stated "if there isn't a marked improvement in the organization of this year's event things could get ugly quickly."

For my part, I was flooded with feedback following my opening day review. The messages came from people formerly connected with the Fashion Design Council of Canada, from agency staff, from models and from parents of models. Each and every message supported my stance that the FDCC's judgement was often flawed, or its intentions poorly communicated. Dan Grant - Modelresource

http://www.modelresource.ca/Shows/FashionWeek_FW06/recap.shtml

Arrogance that's knows no bounds

"I don't think there would be a Canadian fashion industry without L'Oreal Fashion Week," the Fashion Design Council of Canada's Robin Kay told Canada AM last Monday.

It's no wonder that the FDCC employs three PR consultants – it seems every time she opens her mouth she sticks both feet in it

New York has its Anna Wintour – Toronto has Robin Kay.

Robin Kay – conviction for trafficking cocaine ?

In conducting the research on the FDCC and Robin Kay our team unearthed an article by Leanne Delap (current fashion editor Globe and Mail) and Ceri Marsh (current Editor-in-Chief of FASHION Magazine )written in 2001 as quoted from the Ryerson Review of Journalism

Another notable piece was "She Used to Be Robin Kay," which ran in the Summer 2000 issue. "Robin was a big Canadian brand at one time, and when we started to do the research and interviews, things just started coming out of the woodwork," says Fashion news director Ceri Marsh. The article chronicled the tale of Robin Kay, a sweater designer and environmental entrepreneur, and her conviction for trafficking cocaine. "We were so excited that we got to send a story to the lawyer," says Delap. "We thought, We are doing something right."

http://www.rrj.ca/issue/2001/summer/344/

We are not confirming that Miss Kay has been convicted but simply referencing an article - this needs to be verified by the police to determine if Miss Kay has actually been convicted of cocaine trafficking.

Conclusion

The fashion industry in Canada is simply not willing to tolerate Ms. Robin Kay's behavior any more. Robin Kay is a tyrant and their simply is no place for tyrant as President of the Fashion Design Council of Canada.

It is now time for a much needed change in leadership, the community desperately needs a leader that will genuinely earn the respect of the community, one who has ability to bring together members of the fashion community instead of alienating many who have contributed to the industry.

Ask many in the industry and they simply say "Robin Kay and the FDCC are very difficult to work with".

Many designers and industry professionals are afraid to speak up against Robin Kay in fear of being expelled from L'Oreal Fashion Week.

Her arrogant behavior has caused discontent and divided many in the fashion community over the years. Many designers, industry representatives and buyers have silently boycotted L'Oreal Fashion week due to the politics and reputation of the FDCC.

Fashion designers need to take back control of L"Oreal fashion week and the Fashion Design Council of Canada.

Recommendations:

Investigation into the workings of the Fashion Design Council of Canada to ensure that it is compliant with the polices for operating a not for profit in Canada.

1. Membership be open to all members of the fashion industry.
2. All fashion designers have a vote in the workings of the FDCC.
3. Notices for meetings and AGM be communicated publically on the FDCC website.
4. An Ombudsperson be set up to investigate any complaints against Robin Kay and the FDCC.
5. A study be conducted to determine the most effective strategy for Canadian designers to gain greater market share in Canadian retail stores.
6. All levels of Government take a greater role in the workings of the FDCC and include fashion weeks across the country.
7. Industry representatives sign up for membership and vote Robin Kay off the board of directors and President of the FDCC.

Finally for the FDCC to remain a credible organization and meet the needs of Canadian designer, requires new leadership – someone who can reach out to the community at all levels. Someone who has leadership to make everyone feel welcome regardless of their position, ethnic background, socio economic status and interest in supporting Canadian fashion.

A petition board has been set up for fashion industry professionals to voice their opinions and to vote for a reform of the fdcc

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/FDCC/

Regards,

The fashion community of Toronto