This not-for-profit organization is creating an accessible platform that celebrates local talent and reinvents fashion culture in the city
By: Zoha Alvi, Arts and Culture Contributor
Hamilton may be known for its industrial history but it’s quickly becoming a cultural destination—and fashion is at the forefront of this transformation. Hamilton Fashion Week and its events, such as the Runway Project, are providing a platform for local designers and redefining what it means to be an emerging fashion hotspot.
Krystal and Ken Biehler founded Hamilton Fashion Week in 2014 to celebrate and elevate local talent. “We’ve seen a big resurgence in the art and music crowd, but there was nothing for the fashion community. We realized there were very few platforms in Canada, let alone Hamilton,” said Ken.
The Biehlers aim to foster a sense of community that sets Hamilton’s fashion scene apart—a place where creatives can learn and grow together. “In Toronto, the vibe can feel competitive and unprofessional in a lot of ways. We want to create a positive, uplifting sort of environment for everyone to succeed,” Ken suggested. Krystal noted that the local fashion community has developed its own identity rooted in collaboration and creativity rather than rivalry.
We want to create a positive, uplifting sort of environment for everyone to succeed.
Ken Biehler, co-founder
Hamilton Fashion Week
One example of Hamilton Fashion Week’s impact is the Hamilton Runway Project, an intimate event designed to make fashion accessible for emerging designers and encourage young talent. The “Falling for Fashion” themed event took place on Oct. 17, 2024, inviting designers to showcase autumn-inspired outfits that highlighted their connection to the craft. Participants presented a single themed look instead of a traditional collection, minimizing the cost and time commitment required.
Audience members were able to engage with designers and vote for their favourite designs, while a panel of industry experts selected two winners: Bobby Raffin and Michelle Brisson.
According to Krystal, one of the main goals for Hamilton Fashion Week is to set new standards creating a reliable, professional and skill-building space for models, photographers and makeup artists. “If people aren’t getting paid, it’s kind of like putting on an art project. But in order to advance things, there needs to be that professional sort of platform to be able to grow,” added Ken.
The Biehlers explained how this mindset has led to Hamilton-based talent standing out, to the point where Hamilton locals are now known for their skills across Ontario and beyond.
For the Biehlers, Hamilton Fashion Week is about more than just putting on a show—it’s about creating a space where community meets creativity. “When we started, if you asked a group of people if they’d ever been to a fashion show, the answer was almost always no. But now I feel like we’ve made fashion part of the local culture and we hope to grow that,” said Ken.
They emphasized the importance of taking initiative, particularly for young, aspiring designers without access to big-city resources. “Every young person should have an opportunity to carry on in any career that they want, with successes and resources available to them within their grasp. Just do it, you never know what’s going to take off," said Ken.
Every young person should have an opportunity to carry on in any career that they want, with successes and resources available to them within their grasp.
Ken Biehler, co-founder
Hamilton Fashion week
Krystal also encouraged young designers to get connected and showcase their work on social media, saying, “You can get started with literally nothing. Don’t be afraid, just do it and have fun with it!” Beyond creativity, Ken highlighted the importance of a business mindset, urging designers to also consider marketability and target audiences.
As Hamilton Fashion Week continues to grow, so does the city’s fashion community, gaining momentum as a creative capital with each new event. Looking ahead, their 11th annual gala show is set for Feb. 15, 2025. For Krystal and Ken, this journey is just beginning, as they are focused on expanding Hamilton Fashion Week and supporting the next generation of creatives who will define Hamilton’s unique creative future in fashion.
Check out these events to take explore Hamilton before midterm season hits
Before the semester starts getting busy, take a break and stop by these events to explore and learn more about Hamilton!
The Mini Zine Making Workshop is a free event that will be taking place on Jan. 23, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. at the McMaster Museum of Art. The event is part of Thrive Week, a week when the McMaster community comes together as a community to talk about mental health. Mini zines are self-published mini magazines that tend to display images and/or texts that are collectible. The workshop will cover how to make these zines and have participants make it unique to their own art style and practices. The event will also include a tour of the exhibit Chasm at the museum. There is limited space and registration is required.
The Hamilton Winterfest will be held from Feb. 2-19 at the rooftop plaza of Jackson Square. It will host a variety of events such as concerts, crafts, drag, dancing, theatre, fashion and art installations. Performers such as Aoife-Louise Doyle, Wax Mannequin and LT the Monk will hold a live concert there. They will also be hosting their annual Winterfest POP in the heart of downtown, featuring interactive exhibitions that relive the nostalgia of our youth, scratch n’ sniff stickers and video games.
The Hamilton Fashion Week, one of the biggest fashion parties in Canada, will be holding its 10th anniversary at the Music Hall on Feb. 17, 2024. This year, it will present its first Hamilton Runway project: Ethos of Summer, a representation of what summer means to each competitor. It will feature 10 designers, each presenting 10 looks. Some of the local designers that will be featured include Aimee Woods, Kaylee Shallows, Leslie Smith and more. Tickets will need to be purchased in advance.
Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame Festival
The Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame Festival will be held from Feb. 21-24 at the FirstOntario Centre. It will be hosted by Patrick McKenna and Graham Greene and feature local Hamilton comedy talent. One of the special guests is Hamilton punk rock group Teenage Head, who will be performing their 50th anniversary show. Tickets will need to be purchased in advance.
Have fun checking these out!
Hamilton Fashion Week and Gala Fashion Show highlight the stylish and trendy side of the city and promote local designers.
From Feb. 12 to 18, Hamilton will be hosting their annual Fashion Week which will end with the Gala Fashion Show on Feb. 18. The events will be hosted at The Music Hall in downtown Hamilton, on Main Street West and tickets can be found on their website.
The purpose of Fashion Week is to promote local Hamiltonian and Canadian designers. The organizers of the event also hope the city and students to recognize and want to support the artists who are revolutionizing fashion in the country.
Ken Biehler, Fashion Week’s executive producer and chairperson, hopes the event will help bring awareness and change the perspective on fashion in Canada, so more people are willing to explore and learn about the industry.
Biehler’s main career is running a real estate photography company, Venture. Prior to being involved with Fashion Week, he had no primary interest in fashion. However, around 10 years ago, Biehler recognized the lack of recognition for this industry in Hamilton and wanted to use his marketing skills to change this.
As a producer of Fashion Week, Biehler describes his job as providing opportunities for people in fashion. Through education, exposure and connections, Biehler uses these key words to try to make Fashion Week reach its fullest potential.
“So what we want to do is make sure that people get value and a really good event where they are going to enjoy themselves,” Biehler said.
The hardest part of the fashion show for Biehler is convincing the audience that fashion is essential to their lives, such as using clothing to make good first impressions or express themselves.
In the past the show has received lots of praise and positive reception.
“Almost everyone I’ve talked to after the event. . .they’re just blown away by how much fun [they’ve had],” Biehler explained.
“Almost everyone I’ve talked to after the event. . .they’re just blown away by how much fun [they’ve had]."
Ken Biehler, Fashion Week’s executive producer and chairperson
Biehler hopes everyone who walks away from the show has a good time with the live entertainment and acknowledges the talent and art the designers have. Biehler encourages the audience to take the time to explore the different options that fashion can offer besides the traditional mall, such as supporting local boutiques.
The university population is a key demographic for Fashion Week because of the interest this generation has in fashion. Biehler explained students are more likely to buy from small businesses and support boutiques, which is why the occasion appeals to the population.
The Fashion Week events and Gala Fashion Show can be a great opportunity for students interested in fashion and clothing to discover more about what Canadian designers have to offer. A fun outing with friends or solo, there are a variety of events to ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy the week and support local artists at the same time.
