Taking place at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto, the 2012 One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale features 450 Canadian artisans and designers – including 150 new participants this spring – over the course of five days
Running from March 28 to April 1, 2012, highlights include DIY workshops, designer seminars, fashion shows, and a Craft Community of Canada feature exhibit. Enjoy fashion, flavours, home décor, art, kids’ clothing, toys, jewelry, ceramics, textiles and furniture.
Each season, new artists from cities and rural areas across the nation arrive on the scene. A special section is designated to emerging talent who together with veteran artisans create a vast array of items from gourmet chocolates and sauces to screen-printed pillows and visual art to contemporary ceramics and on-trend fashions. This spring, the standout trends are anticipated to appeal to many different types of shoppers at the One of a Kind Spring Show.
According to Show Director Patti Stewart, “Canadiana still prevails this season. We have been seeing this trend of buying local explode for almost 10 years now and we expect it to stay strong considering the widespread interest of consumers at any age that are looking for cool, individual pieces.”
Two other popular trends for Spring 2012 include “going green” and “bringing the outdoors in.” Many artisans are using reclaimed wood in furniture, décor items, jewellery and toys to capture that notion. Inspiration for several collections stem from such places as a vegetable garden and the summer sky as reflected in the pops of orange, yellow, red and blue colours. And the Green Shopping District returns for the 7th year, showcasing sustainable and innovative handmade creations.
What makes the One of a Kind Show special is in its DNA – creating a show that gives consumers an emotional connection by meeting the makers and by feeling good in supporting them. Under one roof, guests can discover a range of original handmade Canadian pieces from five key shopping districts: Flavours, Fashion, Green, Outdoor and Rising Stars.
Hours of operation are: Wednesday to Saturday, from 10:00am to 9:00pm, and Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Tickets may be purchased at the door ($14) or online ($12). Seniors and youth (aged 13-17) are $7 and children 12 and under are free.
The Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place is located at 100 Princes’ Boulevard in Toronto.
For more information, please visit www.oneofakindshow.com/toronto