About Ottawa Fashion Week
Ottawa Fashion Week (OFW) is an independent, community-funded organization and a dynamic commercial platform dedicated to putting the city’s creative talent back in the spotlight. After a long hiatus, the runway has been revived to provide a high-end, professionally produced showcase that connects visionary creatives directly with audiences, buyers, and the broader fashion community.
At the heart of OFW is a deep commitment to philanthropy, community building, and creative mentorship. We believe in providing a transparent, highly efficient environment where independent designers and up-and-coming models can launch their careers and accomplish their professional goals. We handle the logistics and the platform so our community can focus entirely on their art.
Meet the Founder:
Kataryn Tataryn
Founder & Organizer, Fashion Week Ottawa | Lead, House Tataryn | Humanitarian & Philanthropist
Kataryn Tataryn is a visionary leader whose diverse career spans over two decades of event planning, talent management, and creative direction. While her resume is incredibly impressive—encompassing fashion design, music production, cosmetology, and agency management—her true driving force has always been people. As a dedicated humanitarian and philanthropist, Kataryn’s ultimate mission is to build supportive communities, provide mentorship, and watch the creatives around her reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.
The Early Years: British Columbia A natural creative, Kataryn’s artistic journey began at just nine years old when she first picked up a camera, sparking a lifelong passion for photography. Growing up, she was heavily involved in her school community, taking on leadership roles to organize events and help her peers succeed. This early drive to uplift others naturally evolved into impactful charitable work in BC, including leading significant community fundraising efforts through The Sacred Heart to provide support and resources to those in need.
Building an Empire: Nova Scotia Kataryn’s career truly exploded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she established herself as a powerhouse in both the fashion and music industries. After attending school for cosmetology to master hair and makeup, her path shifted into talent management. When a local agent was unable to continue managing the plus-size models for the groundbreaking initiative "The Weight is Over," Kataryn stepped up. She obtained her official agent's license, took over the roster, and began passionately advocating for inclusive representation while producing independent fashion shows across the province.
Simultaneously, Kataryn immersed herself in the Halifax music and arts scene. She studied the fine art of DJing under the mentorship of DJ Tricks and Universal Soul, and soon became a staple on the airwaves, hosting radio shows at CKDU at Dalhousie University. This led her to found her own record label, The Philosophy of Rhyme. Through the label, Kataryn managed music artists, produced her own music, and meticulously organized live events—scaling her productions from intimate local venues like Jacob’s Lounge and Gus’s Pub all the way up to massive showcases at The Forum.
A New Chapter: Ottawa Bringing her 20+ years of agency, event management, and production experience to the nation's capital, Kataryn continued to expand her creative repertoire, including teaching dance in Ottawa.
Merging her extensive background in garment construction with her dedication to inclusivity, she founded House Tataryn—a sustainable, wearable art fashion brand designed for people of all sizes, featuring a distinct Whimsy Goth aesthetic and utilizing reclaimed materials.
Today, Kataryn is putting her vast logistical expertise and passion for community building to work by taking over and reviving Ottawa Fashion Week. She provides a premier commercial runway platform where independent talent receives direct, honest guidance, and where the hard work of emerging designers and models is celebrated on a grand stage.
MEET OUR TEAM
Kelly Bonin Master of Ceremonies & Promotions Team
As the official MC for Ottawa Fashion Week, Kelly is the voice of the runway. She sets the tone for the entire evening, guiding the audience through the collections with magnetic energy and introducing the designers' visions to the room. In addition to hosting the live showcase, Kelly serves on the core promotions team, working tirelessly behind the scenes to amplify the event’s reach and build excitement within the community.
Paris Annan In House Model, Brand Ambassador.
With a diverse background spanning film production and extensive modeling work across the Ottawa region, Paris has cultivated a versatile portfolio that showcases her ability to adapt to any creative vision—from high-fashion runway showcases to intricate, character-driven editorial photography.
As an in-house model for Fashion Week Ottawa, Paris plays a dual role as both a primary brand ambassador and a trusted stand-in model for our featured designers. Her deep understanding of garment movement and her precision in front of the camera make her an invaluable asset during fittings and conceptual shoots. Whether she is leading community-focused photography events or commanding the runway, Paris brings a disciplined, professional energy that consistently bridges the gap between artistic concept and final execution.
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