Dare to Wear Love is the first exhibition devoted to the celebrated work of top Canadian fashion designers who have created original pieces to raise awareness and funds for grassroots organizations who are turning the tide of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Speaking to the potency and poignancy of artistic expression within a global context, this installation showcases designs created from African cloth by Canada’s top fashion designers including Brian Bailey, David Dixon, Fashion Crimes and Linda Lundström as part of Dare to Wear Love, an innovative creative platform, annual gala fashion event and fundraiser initiated by Jim Searle and Chris Tyrell, designers and founders of Hoax Couture.

The intent of DTWL is to raise awareness for the plight of the millions of people, especially grandmothers and orphans, who are living with the effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa, and to promote the talents of Canadian fashion designers, as well as their commitment to social justice.

DTWL inspires the entire fashion industry to come together and raise funds to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic by supporting the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the 300+ projects that it funds in 15 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. To learn of the incredible work that the foundation does to assist those in need, please visit their website . (www.stephenlewisfoundation.org)

Launched in 2009, Dare to Wear Love challenged 24 designers to create unique couture using 6 yards of African cloth, designs that were then showcased on the runways of Toronto Fashion Week. As a successful design showcase and celebrity fundraiser, the annual event has built awareness and resources for the Stephen Lewis Foundation and their support of community-level organizations that provide care and support to women, orphans, grandmothers and people living with HIV and AIDS.

The one-of-a-kind collection of original designs generated since 2009 will be on view in its entirety. Celebrating the powerful association of creativity and social responsibility, the exhibition not only speaks to the vibrancy of contemporary Canadian design, but to the long-standing connection between the fashion community and grass roots activism.

Presented by the Textile Museum of Canada in collaboration with Hoax Couture, the Stephen Lewis Foundation, and the Fashion Design Council of Canada, with the generous support of the Bank of Montreal and Seven Continents.

For tickets for the Dare to Wear Love Closing night Gala – World Mastercard Fashion Week please go here.

Order Online – payment is secured through Paypal or you can also order tickets by phone at 416-504-7132

Date: March 16th 2012 7:30 PM

Location: Under the Tents, David Pecaut Square

For more information go to – http://www.daretowearlove.com

Dare to Wear Love – Using the Power of Fashion for Good

All images copyright – George Pimentel