CREDIT: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VIVEROSPHOTOGRAPHER

On March 15, the Canadian Asian International Student Association held its 16th annual CAISA Fashion Show at Centennial Hall. The creative direction of the show was derived from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. The show was a spectacular combination of fashion, dance and acrobatics, and was an overall theatrical production!

The entire show is planned and run by students, showcasing local talents while all proceeds go towards supporting the Children's Health Foundation. This year, the show was able to present $30,000 to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a sector that specializes in care for premature and small newborns. Each year, the show attracts over 1,500 guests from all over the Greater Toronto Area, bringing people together to celebrate talent and support the Children's Health Foundation.

The CAISA fashion show, unlike a traditional runway-style display, is a full theatrical production of all types of dance and character interaction that tell the story of Alice in Wonderland. No fashion show is complete without a fierce stomp, which is incorporated in every segment but Alice, played by Kristen Platt, dances through her adventure through the scenes “Wonderland,” “Chaos,” “Flood,” “Royale” and finally “Triumph.” Alice's suave moves were contrasted in “Chaos,” where the Mad Hatter, played by Ryan Tang, and breakdance groups UWO Breakers and MightyMuffins showcased the intricate footwork, flips and the high energy of breakdancing. At the peak of the show, an exciting display of aerial fabric acrobatics left the audience in complete awe. In “Royale,” Alice meets the sassy Red Queen, played by Christine Song, and is the high anticipated sexy lingerie segment that is always a lot of fun to watch at the CAISA fashion show. In “Triumph,” Alice wakes from her dream with the upbeat vibe of swing dancing and infectious energy of the Western Ontario Organization of Filipinos, leading the audience to the finale of the show.

CASIA really stepped it up with their fashion display this year, with many local designers and sponsors to help create the characters in Alice in Wonderland. One notable mention is the display of men's fashion in “Chaos.” There were many daring pieces from French Connection that were still stylish which is refreshing, since men's fashion is often more conservative. “Flood” featured a gorgeous fashion- forward collection of royal blue bathing suits by Kimberley Le Sueur. In “Royale,” Mark Aguilar's body chains enhanced the fierceness of the models' lingerie while in “Triumph,” his evening pieces created a regal and pure feeling in the scene.

If you've never gone to a CAISA fashion show, it is highly recommended that you attend next year because it's an event that gives you an amazing show that supports local talent, businesses and the Children's Hospital! To see more pictures from the show, visit stylestateofmind.com and for more information about the show, performers and designers and CAISA organization, visit caisafashionshow.org.