Knitwear designer and Ryerson Polytechnic University graduate,
Olena Zylak presented her collection of hand knit sweaters and separates in her first New
Labels show last March 1999 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. After having worked as as a costume designer for Livent Productions,
Zylak left the theater to complete her Ryerson degree and to pursue her entrepreneurial
instincts.
Recently, Zylak was named the City of Toronto's Fashion Graduate
of the Year Award recipient. At the New Labels show, she received the Evelyn Dollery Award from the
Fashion Group International.
Zylak presented knits and sweaters made with natural wool yarn, kid
mohair and baby alpaca. She created soft, cozy pieces in colors like butterscotch, mauve and celadon.
Outstanding was an oatmeal colored merino wool cape with high funnel neck and delicate lace dress subtly
adorned with glass and beads.
Details taken from casual sportswear, drawstrings and hoods for example,
were incorporated into many of the pieces. To complete the look, novel accessories such as fingerless
knit gloves and thick wooly socks were used.
Photo Credits
Creative Director: Lorena Barrera
Photography: Arash M
Model: Melanie Hale (Giovanni)
Hair & MakeUp: Kenny Lee (Plutino Group)
Stylist: Leslie Nykolshyn
