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 circleRobin’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
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.
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
If the design/fashion industry does not come together and want to be a part of a national organization (other than Apparel
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
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