Gettin Balsy @ The Kol Hope Blue Sapphire Ball

Somewhere just over the rainbow, and a little to the left fashionistas flocked- to this years gala de jour. Promoters rolled out the red carpet and draped themselves head to perfectly manicured toe in every shade of cerulean to sapphire. The Kol Hope Gala which raises awareness as well as cuts cheques for foundations such as The Hospital for Sick Kids and Easter Seals took place at Toronto's o-so-glamorous Fairmont Hotel.

The night also brought to light the questionably dull standardized gala gear question. Time after time we watch boring bow ties and ball gowns lull us to sleep, draped on cardboard cutout celebs- but not tonight. Club Fashion host and Kol Hope creative director Jeff Rustia enforced a dress code to die for and posed for more then just the throng of paparazzi; a challenge- the best blue outfit award. The panel of judges included Designer Susie Love, Fashion Observer/Stylist Jefre Nicholls, CBC Star, Natalie Brown, and Fashion File host Adrian Mainella and Designer Host, Steve Sabados.
Winner, Alice Kippen stunned judges with a Carrie Bradshaw inspired 40's Dior shantung silk bubble frock and stomped the stiff competition in an electrifying orange stiletto. Other mentionable stand outers dawned Indian inspirations, ombre silk suits and made a literal splash with hand painted designer lapels.

The night was a spectacular sucess with performances that represented a global awareness from up-and-coming dance company Tournout, queen of the night Cassandra, a tempting tango duo and many more. Even costuming was a crowd pleasing inspiration with a programme that offered a taste of everything from Broadway to Bombay.

For those lucky enough to enjoy the V.I.P invite and literal red carpet treatment, access to one-on-one fashion fraternization was a veritable plus to the night. We rubbed elbows and exchanged tips with the creative crust of the event in the beautifully designed platinum donors room (Lester Events).

It was a refreshing night to say the least and this fashion blogger is looking forward to the next. The only question left on my mind is- what will next years theme be?