Fashion experts say Canadian designers are experiencing some welcome international attention thanks to Sophie Gregoire Trudeau.
Since touching down at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington on Wednesday, all eyes have been on the prime minister's wife, as the Trudeau family begins a highly-publicized three-day visit.
In the short time since arriving in the U.S., Gregoire Trudeau has showcased a number of Canadian designers, and fashion watchers are eagerly anticipating what, or who, she will wear at Thursday's state dinner.
Upon arriving in the U.S. capital with, Gregoire Trudeau wore a custom-made suit by DUY, a Vietnamese-Canadian designer based in Montreal, with jewelry by Toronto designer Dean Davidson.
During a reception hosted by Canadian think tank Canada 2020 on Wednesday night, where the Trudeaus were joined by Scarborough, Ont. R&B star The Weeknd, Gregoire Trudeau wore a floral jacket by Toronto womenswear brand Ellie Mae.
During the whirwind visit to Washington Sophie Trudeau looked stunnint in an @elliemaestudios jacket last night! pic.twitter.com/RkXkoKLn77
— Toronto Fashion Week (@TFWOfficial) March 10, 2016
Gregoire Trudeau wore a bold red dress by Romanian-born Canadian designer Lucian Matis to meet U.S. President Barak Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during the official arrival ceremony at the arrive.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau wears @lucianmatis #SS16 to the official arrival ceremony at the White House #PMDC #Trudeau pic.twitter.com/2yB5bzPScf
— Fashion Savage (@_fashionsavage) March 10, 2016
Some Canadian designers felt the "Sophie effect" immediately after Trudeau was elected prime minister in October.
After wearing two coats by Toronto- based outerwear design house Sentaler, one during the prime minister's swearing-in ceremony and another during a Remembrance Day ceremony, the brand reported a boost in sales.
"She's probably put Sentaler on the map," fashion expert Jeanne Beker told CTVNews.ca. "It's a newer, pretty obscure brand. She makes beautiful coats and said the exposure did wonderful things for her business."
Gregoire Trudeau also showcased Canadian design during a recent trip to London. She was photographed wearing a red and black plaid motorcycle jacket from Canadian brand Moose Knuckles when stepping off a government plane.
During a recent International Women's Day gala, Gregoire Trudeau opted for a metallic gold off-the-shoulder gown by Toronto designer Greta Constantine.
