In celebration of Upper Canada Mall’s 50th birthday, an exciting Back-to-School Runway event took centre stage at the mall’s vibrant Centre Court, bringing together fashion, community, and nostalgia in a truly unique way. The event, designed by Rebecca Chan Events Inc., was a nod to five decades of style, featuring the latest back-to-school looks from some of Upper Canada Mall’s most beloved retailers.
At the heart of the event was the inclusion of young models from Upper Canada’s community partner organizations: Easter Seals, Girls Inc. of York Region, Community Living Central York, and Marquee Theatrical Productions. These incredible kids confidently strutted their stuff on the runway, thanks to MAC Cosmetics, who generously provided makeup services to ensure they looked and felt fabulous. Watching these young stars own the runway three times a day over the weekend was a highlight for all attendees.
The runway itself was a visual spectacle, designed with retro-inspired motifs like sneakers, boom boxes, and school supplies. The centrepiece—a massive boombox graphic on the runway floor—could be seen from the mall’s second floor, surrounded by pops of pink and blue with nostalgic imagery such as cassette tapes, flip phones, and digital watches. Oversized props of a sneaker, calculator, and Rubik’s cube, all custom-fabricated in vibrant colours, added a playful touch and provided perfect photo opportunities. The backdrop of lockers was also decorated with school-related motifs, blending past and present elements of back-to-school essentials.
Guests at the event were treated to more than just a fashion show. A Jibbitz Bar invited attendees to pick out their favourite charms, while a popsicle cart kept everyone cool with flavourful treats. The Newmarket Public Library was on hand, distributing library cards and hosting storytime sessions for younger guests. A live DJ, @djjoviej, set the vibe with an energetic soundtrack that perfectly complemented the fashion-forward atmosphere.
In the words of Christine Seidman, Marketing Manager at Upper Canada Mall,
“Fashion shows were once a regular occurrence at shopping centers, and we wanted to bring them back in celebration of our 50th birthday – with a modern twist. By incorporating timeless, past and present elements of heading back to school, we were able to capture what this time of year means to so many people, regardless of age. We highlighted our retailers in a fun, memorable way, and by incorporating our community partners, we stayed true to the core of who we are – a community connector and gathering place.”
This event wasn’t just about fashion; it was about bringing the community together, celebrating milestones, and creating unforgettable memories. The combination of nostalgia, creativity, and inclusivity made it a truly special occasion.
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Partners on this project:
Planning & Design: @rebeccachanevents
DJ: @djjoviej
Vinyl Print: @designerdancefloors
Props: @decoratus.canada
Venue: @uppercanadamall
Photos: Portraits on White (@portraitsonwhite)
Video: XO Social (@xo.social)
To learn more about Rebecca Chan Events Inc., you may check out their website and social media pages.
