Montreal’s Festival Mode & Design kicks off its 15th edition on July 31 with a four-day program of local and international fashion, art, music, and design. Numerous runway shows and fashion-oriented activities await guests along McGill College Avenue; here are SDTC’s top picks!

Wednesday, July 31

High Heel Race, 12:30pm. Grab a friend and a pair of heels over three inches high for a very self-explanatory high heel race! Prizes will be awarded for fastest time and best overall vintage outfits. Teams of two must pay $50 to compete, and proceeds will go towards Le Chainon, a Montreal women’s shelter. Between Maisonneuve and St-Catherine, on McGill College Ave.

”Fantômes” by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, 9pm. An artistic performance by Castelbajac, featuring electro music and models dressed ghosts in “Pop Tribal” tunics. That’s right. Main Stage.

Thursday, August 1

Grace Kelly Fashion Show, 6:15pm. The McCord Museum presents a Grace Kelly-themed fashion show, in collaboration with their exhibition Philadelphia to Monaco – Grace Kelly: Beyond the Icon. Esplanade Fashion Stage.

Friday, August 2

Place Ville Marie presents Fashion and Film, 12pm. Retailers from Place Ville Marie will combine contemporary fashion styles with classic film scenes, revisiting the wardrobes and music that marked historical moments in film-making. Esplanade Fashion Stage.

Saturday, August 3

Ice Cream, Sweet Lemonade by Elle Québec, 2pm to 4:30pm. Elle Québec hosts multiple runway shows within the festival’s “Ice Cream, Sweet Lemonade” series on Saturday. Designers include Pedram Karimi, Beverlay, Barilà, UN, UNTTLD, and Jef Barbara. Esplanade Fashion Stage.