Yorkville’s already known for its designer boutiques and luxury labels, but this week, the fashion is moving out of the stores and onto the street.
The third annual Couture for a Cause returns on July 22, turning Cumberland Street into an outdoor runway filled with Canadian couture, live entertainment and creations from some of the neighbourhood’s top salons. It’s all in support of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, with a fundraising goal of $150,000!
While reserved front-row seats come with a price tag, the fashion show itself will be free for the public to watch. Large screens will be installed along Cumberland St so spectators throughout the area can catch the runway action.
This year’s event draws inspo from the late 1960s, when Yorkville was known as a gathering place for artists and other members of Toronto’s counterculture. Hair and makeup will play a huge role in the storytelling, so perhaps you’ll spot some sky-high beehives, an Afro or two or maybe even a few flipped bobs throughout the evening!!
Doors to the ticketed area open at 5 pm, with Jake Koffman and his jazz band providing a soundtrack inspired by late-1960s Yorkville. Stella Leonetti will also perform before DJ M-Kutz takes over for the runway and street celebration.
At 6 p.m., 60 models will make their way down the Bloor-Yorkville Runway in an outdoor fashion presentation.
Six Canadian designers are joining the lineup: Charles Lu, MAYER, Demascare, Ocean Kiana, Rock’N Karma and Leyla Kashani. Each designer will be paired with a Yorkville salon responsible for prepping the models’ hair and styling for the runway.
Once the final model has walked, the reserved event area will open to the wider public for a Cumberland Street party beginning at 7:30 p.m. Expect DJs, drinks and restaurant pop-ups along the street, with the public celebration continuing until about 10 pm.
If you want a closer look at the fashion, purchase a $130 runway ticket, which includes reserved front-row seating and a complimentary cocktail. Or go all out: the $600 VIP option comes with the same front-row runway access, followed by a private dinner in the Village of Yorkville Park! The VIP meal will feature food from Powder Room, Sassafraz, Nervosa, COCO Espresso Bar and PAROS, with guests also receiving access to separate after-parties following dinner.
The Couture for a Cause Yorkville Fashion Show takes place this Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland St. Doors open at 5 pm. Purchase tickets at https://www.hairdressersforloveandpeace.com/attend.