After my salon appointment to prepare for the Fashion Cares gala, a package was delivered to my home: a couture Christian Dior gown, courtesy of the Fashion Mafia.  It was from Spring 2006, the same season that Valerie Steele and I discussed over a month ago, and was a perfect gothic gown for a Hallowe’en themed masquerade.

It was the night’s highlight, but everyone asked me why I wasn’t wearing a Canadian designer. How could I when presented with such a work of perfection?

My exquisite dress aside, the night ran like a classic Hollywood movie script. Fashion Cares is back on top as North America’s biggest and best fashion show.

The return to the MTCC was much welcome, but the indoor venue didn’t appear to warm up any auction pocketbooks. Canadians certainly are slow to bid, even for worthy causes such as ACT.

Many guests possessed by the Hallowe’en spirit showed off outrageous ensembles with three-foot-high beehive hairdos and ten-inch heels, while others were disappointingly conservative, barely bringing creative ideas out of their closets. They should have at least made some effort to celebrate the occasion; it was Fashion Cares and Hallowe’en, after all.

For those who chose not to masquerade as a fashionable or ghoulish alter-ego, the chicest chose to dress in high formal attire. Kimberley Newport-Mimran looked stunning in an ivory gown worthy of one-time Hitchcock heroine Princess Grace. Holt Renfrew’s lovely Natalie Lecomte stole the night in a Greta Constantine skating dress, recently debuted on the Spring/Summer 09 runway. It was as short as a dress could be, and she pulled it off with sophisticated flair.

As for the fashion and entertainment extravaganza, hosted by a handsome David Furnish and a giddy Yasmin Warsame, it returned Fashion Cares to form with great performances.

Fritz Helder and The Phantoms opened act and their Tommy Ton-styled Damien Hirst and Fifth Element-inspired crystal skeleton bodysuits were a work of makeup and wardrobe magic. Fritz himself shone like the star he is, with his entire skull encrusted in crystals.  Disappointingly, the band shared the stage with a costume contest and an unfortunate applause-o-meter, causing contest winner confusion and awkward applause. Honestly, I’m still not sure who won, but my applause went to the fabulous Fritz Helder.

Katy Perry was extremely gracious in person before the show and looked stunning in a frothy yellow frock. Her performance was spirited, saucy, and altogether perfect for the Fashion Cares crowd. Kreesha Turner sizzled onstage in a Greta Constantine wide-legged unitard; I am happy to see Canadian musicians and designers working together.

Without a doubt, the evening’s class act was Dame Shirley Bassey, who earned a standing ovation for every number. What a classic voice and elegant act to end the show.

Fashion Cares returned with a fierce, fun vengeance, and I look forward to attending this marvellous masquerade ball for years to come.