Startup Fashion Week 2026 Is Coming — and This Year, Fashion Gets a Scent
In partnership with Ratelier, this year’s runway goes beyond the visual
Photo Credit: @angels_jpg
Toronto’s most innovative fashion week is back — and this time, it will surprise you.
Startup Fashion Week (SFW) returns in 2026 with a groundbreaking Fashion x Fragrance collaboration in partnership with Ratelier, Toronto’s creative café, gallery, and fragrance lab. The culminating runway show takes place on April 17, 2026 at the Illuminarium in the Distillery District — one of the most visually immersive venues in the city.
Here is what makes this year different: each runway designer worked alongside Ratelier to develop a custom signature scent inspired by their collection. On show night, those fragrances will debut live on the runway — synchronised with moving visual projections and curated soundscapes to create a fully sensory experience that goes far beyond fashion.
“Fashion is the visual expression of identity, and fragrance is its invisible signature. When they come together, the story becomes fully alive.” — Jodi Goodfellow, Founder of Startup Fashion Week
This year’s runway features nine designers, each bringing a distinct creative vision: Rue de Mort, Lure Apparel, EXERGONIC, Sofio di Como, 22 Lifestyle, CarryOne, bad kitty kimono, Miedor Eporwei Bridal, and Joey Cartz — the event’s presenting sponsor.
And there is still time to be part of the full week. On April 14, the Media Launch & Opening Party takes place at Escobar. April 15 brings the Business of Fashion Conference at Archeo in the Distillery District. And on April 17, the culminating runway show opens its doors at the Illuminarium.
April 14 — Media Launch & Opening Party — Escobar
Tickets: https://SFWOpeningParty2026.eventbrite.ca
April 15 — Business of Fashion Conference — Archeo, The Distillery District Tickets: https://BOFConference2026.eventbrite.ca
April 17 — Runway Show (Presented by Joey Cartz) — The Illuminarium
Tickets: https://sfwrunway2026.eventbrite.ca
Follow Startup Fashion Week on Instagram: @startupfashionweek
By FashionX Team
