It's that time of year again, where we get to see Canada's newest design talent competing in the Toronto Fashion Incubator's 2008 New Labels Fashion Design Competition. The semi-finalists have been announced and six designers will go head to head to win at $25,000 prize package from ELLE Canada. This years contest has brought talent from across the country and half the contestants are based outside of Toronto.

Adrienne Butikofer (Toronto) is known for her quirky Caninja winter accessory that can be found at Magic Pony. Adrienne has been producing accessories since 2003. I haven't seen much of her clothing and I'm eagerly anticipating its debut.

Krista Ozolins (Toronto) started Plush in 2006 and currently has a small line of that has focused on cute wool coats. It will be interesting to see her design influence on other garments.

Lara Presber (Calgary) was a finalist in last years New Labels competition. She is an Architect and you can see the structured influence in her clothes. It will be interesting one to watch, will she have an edge because of last year.

Oriol Swaan (Saskatoon) is a complete unknown to me and the all mighty Internet didn't provide many details either. This is a wildcard. Who knows what to expect.

I'm familiar with Ashley Rowe (Toronto) because I blogged about her spring 2008 collection on I want - I got. She has extensive experience with the business side of the industry. The spring 2008 collection is the debut for the newly started Miss Rowe line. I'm biased a little, but she is my fav so far.

Eugenia Leavitt (Montreal) studied Fine Art and Fashion design. She started her label Eugenia Designs in 2005. I felt her spring 2007 collection showed off her Fine Art background better than her fall 2007. I hope she brings that artistic flavour back for fall 2008.

TFI's 2008 New Labels Fashion Design Competition will be held on April 24, 2008 at the Direct Energy Centre. I'm looking forward to the new venue as I didn't like the runway presentation at The Carlu last year.

UPDATE: I've just found out that the Saskatoon representative has withdrawn from the competition.

image: Last year's Winner from TorontoStreetFashion.com