[1] It has helped propel Canadian designers and fashion brands, such as Joe Fresh, to international recognition.

Its first show was held at the Windsor Arms Hotel and showcased six designers and attracted approximately 200 audience members.

[3] In February 2016, after World MasterCard and L'Oréal withdrew as sponsors, the event's title returned to Toronto Fashion Week.

The founding sponsors, aside from Freed Developments, included The Hazelton Hotel, Hill & Gertner Capital Corporation and Yorkville Village.

Toronto was chosen to commemorate a partnership with Milan and to endorse trade relations in the area of fashion, after the two cities signed a formal international alliance agreement to strengthen economic and cultural links in 2003.