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FRIDAY APRIL 25TH, 2025


Friday April 25th, 2025
6:00pm – Cocktails, Dinner, Live Auction & Fashion Show
Toronto Congress Centre, North Building

We’re Changing the Way the
World Thinks About Fashion


CITY COUTURE in Support of SickKids is an exclusive fashion show highlighting Couture Designers, curated by International Fashion Encounter.

The net proceeds raised for SickKids will make a direct impact on the lives of their patients. With your generosity we can shatter the limits of what’s possible in children’s health, and can give patients and families the special care they need to keep fighting.

THE AUCTION


The funds raised from the Silent Auction will go directly to the SickKids Foundation.

Bid on Luxury must have items – even if you will not be joining us for the event.

THE EXPERIENCE


  • Exclusive 3 Course Dinner hosted at the Toronto Congress Centre
  • Fashion Runway Show featuring Couture Fashion Designers, curated by International Fashion Encounter
  • Open bar
  • Luxury live auction
  • Black-carpet photos

THE designers


“People will stare.
Make it worth their while.” — Harry Winston

Couture Runway Show Curated by

Check back to see who we will be featuring on the runway!

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MEET OUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Co-Chairs, Jennifer Lipkowitz & Marialisa De Gasperis

Jennifer Lipkowitz is the publisher of Living Luxe, a high-end design and lifestyle magazine on newsstands across the province, and co-founder of the Living Luxe Media Group. Before launching the magazine in 2019, Jennifer spent a decade as the chief operating officer of a well-respected Toronto-based publication, and was a driving force when the magazine expanded across Canada and into Florida. She exited the publication to explore new opportunities—the creation of Living Luxe is the result of her work in not only the publishing community, but in the building and design industries. Jennifer is very passionate about philanthropy and giving back, and takes part in many fundraising events in the city. In 2022, she was the co-chair of Living Luxe’s first-ever charity initiative, City Couture—an event that benefitted Toronto’s SickKids. When she isn’t busy running two successful companies with her stellar team, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her two children, her family and friends

Marialisa De Gasperis:

Dedicated philanthropist and community advocate, Marialisa is passionate about giving back to the community. With a focus on supporting innovative healthcare initiatives and families in need. Marialisa has been instrumental in driving positive change. Currently, Marialisa co-chairs the Living Luxe City Couture event, devoted supporter of SickKids Hospital and The Foundation. In 2022 she also co-chaired the Live Donor Program for the UNH Foundation at Toronto General Hospital, supporting groundbreaking research and developments. Additionally, Marialisa has been an active committee member for Nankind; providing vital support to families navigating cancer treatment, for four consecutive years. ‘I am truly grateful and thrilled to be part of the Living Luxe team and to co-chair City Couture for the third consecutive year. This event is a testament to the power of community and compassion, and I am honoured to play a role in making a difference.’ Through tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, Marialisa continues to make a lasting impact in the community.

Committee Members

DIANA PIRES

Diana Pires is a leading Event Director in Canada, celebrated for her exceptional quality and client satisfaction, where she masterfully curates unforgettable guest experiences. Her expertise spans large-scale events, including her roles as Partner and Show Director of the Living Luxe Design Show, Committee member of the City Couture Gala in support of SickKids and Event Producer for the yearly Artists for Peace & Justice Canada Gala.

 

Driven by a deep commitment to philanthropy, Diana proudly supports The Sick Kids Foundation, making a meaningful difference in children’s lives. As a member of City Couture, she collaborates with like-minded professionals dedicated to elevating the event industry while giving back to a cause she cares deeply about.

 

A passionate speaker, Diana shares her insights on women in business and event design throughout Toronto, inspiring others with her blend of creativity, leadership, and dedication to making a positive impact. She has been featured in multiple publications and media outlets, such as Living Luxe Magazine and Breakfast Television.

BRITT RAWLINSON

Britt Rawlinson, founder of VSP Consignment, has dedicated her career to advocating for change within the fashion industry. With her mother’s legacy and their locations across Canada, VSP has reinvented the luxury consignment business, ushering in new generations of sustainable shoppers over the last 35 years.

Championing SickKids’ mission is deeply personal to Britt after one of her children experienced two heart surgeries in the very first year of their life. This experience allowed Britt to see the profound difference compassionate and quality care make in the lives of children and their families. The opportunity to support the advancement of SickKids, a world-renowned institution, is one Britt holds close to her heart.

Sarah Mantella

Born and raised in Toronto, Sarah has always been interested in improving the welfare of the next generation. Whether through leadership, fundraising, or advocacy, Sarah aims to empower women by providing resources that help end cycles of intimate partner violence (IPV). Sarah’s sense of gratitude for her own opportunities to overcome IPV has led her to create a platform that fosters a collective sense of solidarity free of shame and judgment. ProjectImWorthy reminds you to nourish self-worth. Ultimately, empowered women are more likely to lift their families out of abuse, providing children with better opportunities for their futures and serving healthier dynamics that contribute to a better quality of life. 

As a member of City Couture, Sarah is excited be part of the Fleur de Rouge Gala in support of The Sick Kids Hospital Foundation.  Helping others never goes out of style. Making an impact and ensuring the needs of children and their families are met is a key component in providing the best care possible for our next generation. Sarah has a deep connection to her community and wants to create similar chances for others.

SASHA H. DEMPSTER

As president of Heika Build Group, and Director of its subsidiary company RHBG, Sasha Dempster leads a vital role in managing communications, customer acquisition and retention. 

With the company’s rapid growth in the luxury sector of building and land development, opportunities arose in establishing true and meaningful relationships within the industry to better understand how to use valuable experience and networks to make a difference in the world philanthropy.

Becoming personally inspired by those who dedicate their lives to such worthy and courageous causes, Sasha’s passion shines in the avenues of philanthropic and charitable foundations.

Raised in Toronto, Sasha found a genuine affection for philanthropy and charity work through volunteering at a young age to local food banks and presently supporting a number of significant causes close to heart.

That desire has grown into a necessity to give back, with her most important and exciting venture in joining the incredibly talented, devoted and kind-hearted members of City Couture SickKids 2025 committee.

ZOE TEUFEL

Zoë Teufel is a rising visionary whose dedication and work ethic illuminate every aspect of her career and charitable pursuits. At just 24 years old, she has already built an impressive track record in luxury publishing, currently lending her talents to Living Luxe Magazine.

Zoë has a profound commitment to children’s healthcare and has devoted time to supporting nonprofit organizations focused on improving children’s health. This marks her second term serving on the City Couture Committee, where she passionately champions meaningful causes. She holds immense admiration for the exceptional team at SickKids, whose unparalleled care for their patients drives groundbreaking advancements in children’s healthcare.

Haley Birenzweig

Bio Coming Soon

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2025 Sponsors

Fleurs De Rouge Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
Floral Sponsor
Décor Sponsor
Couture Sponsors
Runway Curation
Event Planning & Production
Media Sponsor