EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE
Search for Ottawa’s top male model to take place at fashion show
This spring, the streets of Ottawa may be lined with sharply dressed men thanks to the handiwork of an Ottawa designer.
Berdy Dessapes, a self-taught menswear designer who owns Berdy Elegance Tailoring, is hosting his first fashion show on March 30. He plans to unveil more than 20 pieces from his spring and summer collection at a runway event at the Ottawa Convention Centre.
“It’s going to be light, it’s going to be colourful and a bit innovative,” says Dessapes, who plans on showcasing a range of classic and edgy suits, shirts and ties.
Press the Fashion Magazine and Models International Management are also collaborating on the show, which will serve as a backdrop for a competition for “Ottawa’s Next Top Model.”
Seven male models walking in the show will compete for a one-year contract with MIM, to be the face of Berdy Elegance and a cover spot with Press the Fashion Magazine.
A panel of judges as well as audience members will vote for the winner using ballots during the show.
Contestants were asked to submit a photo and explain why they would make a good candidate for the contest. Photos of the 25 semifinalists were selected and displayed on the Berdy Elegance Tailoring Facebook page and users voted for their favourite by “liking” the photo.
“They are all new faces for us, so it’s nice to meet new models or those who want to be male models,” said Megan Fuger of Models International Management, adding that many clients are looking for male models, but the men are often intimidated to come into the agency.
Ottawa designer Jennifer Djamboleka of Nyira Elegance & Art will open the show with an array of African-inspired pieces for women. Djamboleka, who studied at the Richard Robinson Fashion Academy, recently showed her impressive collection at Ottawa Fashion Week.
Dessapes, a Montreal native, studied psychology at the University of Ottawa. He got bit by the fashion bug and is on an ambitious path to pursue a career designing and selling quality menswear apparel online.
“I like dressing well and I always got compliments. I realized if I’m good at it and I like it, why not pursue it.”
After moving back to Montreal, he began reading as much as he could about fashion and design and took inspiration from icons such as Giorgio Armani.
He created Berdy Elegance for professional men, and built up a client base for his made-to-measure offerings. Now he hopes to do the same in Ottawa.
Male customers can order a suit from his website, choosing their fabric and design, and Dessapes will deliver to the home or workplace of the buyer. He would like to expand into women’s fashion in the near future.
The fashion event kicks off with cocktails at 7 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m. Ticket information for the events is available at