Annual Cashmere Collection Celebrates 15 Years Supporting Canadian Fashion and the Breast Cancer Cause

Brilliant runway show of original Cashmere Bathroom Tissue (BT) Couture kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and annual fund- and awareness-raising efforts


TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A glittering vision of a future without breast cancer was revealed in Toronto at the 15th annual Cashmere Collection featuring breathtaking fashions (link to photography) all crafted in luxuriously soft sheets of Cashmere Bathroom Tissue (BT), Canada’s best-selling brand, on September 25.

A fund- and awareness-raiser for the breast cancer cause, the Cashmere Collection’s Crystal Ball theme honoured the collection’s 15th milestone year, featuring more than 180 top Canadian designers, and the brand’s generous support of the breast cancer cause.

Designing a Future Without Breast Cancer
A stunning showcase for Canada’s hottest design talent, the #Cashmere18 Crystal Ball showcases top designers from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver who rose to the challenge of crafting unforgettable Cashmere fashions with compassion. Hand-made feathery blossoms, crystal-edged petals, gilded bodices, and spectacular headpieces are but a few of the adornments that graced the collection’s 15 original Cashmere BT Couture creations. #Cashmere18’s star-studded line-up included: Claire Lemaître-Auger, Montreal, Quebec; Oscar Mendoza, Montreal, Quebec; Fesvedy, Vancouver, British Columbia; Andrew Coimbra, Toronto, Ontario; Atelier Guarin, Toronto, Ontario; Candace Daniela, Toronto, Ontario; Di Carlo Couture, Toronto, Ontario; House of Suri, Toronto, Ontario; Mani Jassal, Toronto, Ontario; Maret Kendra, Toronto, Ontario; Marie Copps, Toronto, Ontario; Maya Charbin, Toronto, Ontario; Neya Couture, Toronto, Ontario; Shelli Oh, Toronto, Ontario; and ZOFF, Toronto, Ontario.

A Dazzling Tribute to 15 Years
In celebration of the collection’s 15th anniversary year, the Cashmere Collection Crystal Ball payed homage to the traditional 15-year anniversary gift — crystal — and the unwavering commitment it represents. Toronto diamond jeweler, Kimberfire, generously donated more than 60,000 crystals to make this year’s collection sparkle.

An audience of more than 200 Canadian fashion industry leaders, influencers, designers and media turned out for #Cashmere18’s eagerly-awaited annual runway debut. Produced by Kruger Products, the maker of Cashmere Bathroom Tissue, the collection is a heartfelt display of the brand’s commitment to nurturing Canada’s fashion industry, while inspiring citizens to support and contribute to the breast cancer cause.

The annual show was hosted by CTV News Anchor and breast cancer survivor, Beverly Thompson; “This is my fourteenth time hosting the collection and I’m always amazed by the outstanding creativity, detailed workmanship, and above-and-beyond dedication that goes into crafting these original one-of-a-kind masterpieces,” she says.

This year’s collection was curated by Canada’s own Mosha Lundstrom Halbert, the New York-based internationally recognized fashion director, editor, writer and stylist. “I’m blown away by this amazing roster of brilliant designers, their fabulous gowns and exceptional generosity,” says Ms. Halbert. “This is a very exciting time in Canadian fashion.”

Nothing Feels Like Making a Difference
The Cashmere Collection is the annual kick-off for October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and heralds the yearly return of limited-edition Cashmere, with twenty-five cents from the sale of every package going directly to breast cancer efforts at the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS).

Please help Cashmere make a difference and take part in Vote Couture for the Cure® at Facebook.com/Cashmere. Cashmere will donate $1 for every vote (to a maximum of $10,000), to the CCS’s breast cancer efforts in the winning designer’s name. Voters can return daily to be entered into a draw for the chance to win a year supply of Cashmere Bathroom Tissue, and for their chance to win the ultimate grand prize – a custom piece of jewellery valued at $1,500!

“The Cashmere Collection celebrates fashion with compassion and support for those impacted directly, or indirectly by breast cancer. We are proud to raise much-needed awareness and funds for breast cancer research, and to be one of the top 5 partners supporting the breast cancer cause at the Canadian Cancer Society,” says Nancy Marcus, Chief Marketing Officer, Kruger Products.

Capturing Breathtaking Cashmere Couture
High-fashion photographer Katherine Holland captured the Cashmere Crystal Ball creations in a sensational series of photos posted on Cashmere.ca. Long-time collection partners Marc Anthony True Professional and MAC Cosmetics created cutting-edge hair and beauty looks to complement and complete each unforgettable ensemble. Cashmere Collection alumni and renowned Canadian jewelry designer, Rita Tesolin, provided stunning accessories for yesterday’s runway show, with thousands of crystal jewels generously provided by Kimberfire to ensure the collection’s 15th runway debut would sparkle.

About Cashmere and Kruger Products LP
Cashmere, Canada’s best-selling bathroom tissue, reflects Kruger Products’ commitment to providing the finest Canadian-made, quality tissue products to Canadian consumers. Kruger Products is one of Canada’s leading tissue manufacturers and serves the Canadian consumer market with well- known brands such as Cashmere®, Purex®, SpongeTowels® and Scotties®, as well as away-from- home products for industrial and commercial use across Canada and the U.S.

A longstanding and committed contributor to the breast cancer cause, Kruger Products L.P. has supported the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF), now known as the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) since the collection’s debut in 2004, and today is one of the top 5 partners supporting the breast cancer cause at CCS. An internationally acclaimed showcase for Canada’s top design talent, the Cashmere Collection debuted 15 years ago in 2004. It has featured more than 180 top Canadian designers, including Marie Saint Pierre, Denis Gagnon, David Dixon, Sunny Fong, UNTTLD, Stephan Caras, Joseph Helmer, and Lesley Hampton, to name only a few.

About Breast Cancer and the Canadian Cancer Society
It was estimated in 2017 that 26,300 Canadian women were diagnosed with breast cancer and on average, 14 Canadian women died from the disease each day.

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer.
CCS has invested more than $100 million in breast cancer research. These research investments combined with early detection, increased screening rates and better treatment therapies for breast cancer have resulted in a 44% decrease in the breast cancer death rate since the late 1980s. More work needs to be done as breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death among women in Canada. Money raised through this partnership will fund breast cancer research, education and awareness activities. For more information, please visit cancer.ca/breastcancer. 

Media Materials, Fashion Show Photography and Editorial Images are available for downloading here!

The Cashmere Collection 2018 is showcased at Cashmere.ca. Check out the Cashmere Facebook Fan Page at Facebook.com/Cashmere, and share the Cashmere Collection on social using #Cashmere18.

Nancy Marcus, Chief Marketing Officer at Kruger Products, maker of Cashmere Bathroom Tissue, Mosha Lundström Halbert, Curator of the 15th annual Cashmere Collection, and the 15 designers of the Cashmere Collection are available for interviews.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Shane McKenna or Amanda Chouinard at Strategic Objectives
Tel: 416-366-7735
Email: shane.mckenna@strategicobjectives.com, amanda.chouinard@strategicobjectives.com                                             

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1e2d41de-666d-44fd-8d34-c6bb94ab8aa3

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/07d6b90e-37d5-48c9-a87e-8db16124ebd7

cashmere MARET KENDRA