Toronto’s Living Luxe Design Show Highlighted Contemporary Creativity At Its Finest

The return of the Living Luxe Design Show drew a fashionable crowd to the Toronto Congress Centre this April—and with it, a refreshed take on what a modern luxury design showcase can look like.

With presenting sponsor JennAir, Official Plumbing Sponsor Kohler and production by Amber Walker Events, the 2026 edition of the annual show leaned into a fully immersive concept. Set within a whimsical, secret garden-inspired environment, the theme unfolded through romantic lighting, layered textures and dramatic floral installations that transported guests into an elegant, design-forward world.

Opening Night set a glamorous tone for the showcase, welcoming a high-profile guest list of designers, media personalities, influencers and notable figures who received an exclusive first look at the event’s exhibitors as they moved through curated private booths. The evening also featured runway presentations and a closing performance by Karl Wolf,  ending the night on a high-energy note.

Over the following three days, more than 28,000 attendees from a variety of creative disciplines—spanning design, architecture, real estate, media and more—had the chance to explore approximately 100,000 square feet of interactive installations, displays and panels from over 60 thoughtfully selected exhibitors. With unique programming designed to be experienced rather than simply observed, each activation offered a different perspective and provoked thoughtful conversation on what contemporary luxury looks like today.

Of course, fashion remained a focal point throughout the event. Showcases presented by Toronto Fashion Academy were integrated into the schedule, creating a natural overlap between style and the broader world of design. Designers such as Daquel, Kahanii the Label, Capo Salerno, and more each displayed a selection of distinct silhouettes rendered in luxe materials, bringing a varied mix of structure, drape and texture to the Living Luxe runway.

The stylish weekend didn’t end there, though, with Friday’s City Couture evening marking one of its most anticipated moments. Now in its fourth year, the event opened on a pink carpet before moving into a cocktail reception and runway presentation. The evening fused fashion, entertainment and philanthropy in support of SickKids Foundation and Autism in Mind, with a live auction benefiting pediatrics care.

The Living Luxe Awards Gala added another celebratory note to the weekend, recognizing leading voices across design, architecture and lifestyle sectors, highlighting both established and emerging talent shaping the industry’s direction. Among several honourees, Toronto-based Douglas Design Studio, a leading interior design practice founded in 1995, was awarded the Living Luxe Award, while fellow Toronto brand Better Marble, known for its premium natural stone and engineered surfaces, took home the People’s Choice Award.

Rounding out the packed four-day event, an empowering panel discussion titled “The Power of Media,” moderated by Living Luxe Magazine Editor-in-Chief Christina Armanious and featuring View the Vibe Editor-in-Chief Steven Branco, Living Luxe Magazine Publisher Jennifer Lipkowitz and FASHION‘s very own publisher Deidre Marinelli, stood out as a key moment. The conversation explored how media shapes perception and culture within the luxury landscape, underscoring its enduring role in building brand presence, credibility and long-term influence.

“Being on the panel at the Living Luxe Design Show was an incredibly impactful experience,” said Marinelli. “I was in such great company, and it was inspiring to discuss how media is evolving and its powerful role in shaping today’s culture. It was a true reminder of media’s current impact.”

By the end of the weekend, the Living Luxe Design Show had firmly made the case for Toronto as a city increasingly defined by its breadth of creative talent across disciplines.

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Photography by George Pimentel and YYZ Events

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