I had a little peek of a few items from the collection at various times prior to the show. First visit was jersey dresses and the second visit was the long melton wool kimono inspired jackets. There was talk of velvet in the studio as I swung the jacket over my shoulders. Greta in velvet, I thought, that could be interesting. Little did I know that velvet would be everywhere this Toronto Fashion Week. Kirk and I talked about the inspiration which included the Orient and a link between past and future.

 

 

 

The show was back at Audi. I like the venue but it’s shitty to take pictures in. Of course, torontolife.com captured the entire Greta Constantine Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection. They have a great photographer that got way better shots than me.

The collection surprised me in a good way. It wasn’t just jersey dresses; Kirk and Stephen were dressing for a Canadian winter. Greta Constantine’s Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection is romantic and sultry. The colours were rich: charcoal, crimson, mushroom, cobalt and eggplant with slate and black being the complementary neutrals. I loved all the cocoon shaped jackets, especially the one in velvet. Other fabrics used this season included double knit, jersey, neoprene, leather, and fur. I loved the layered on styling, it looked so warm and cosy.

There are some pieces that don’t really work with the 2D nature of photos. The voluminous capes and skirt don’t look great in photos but the effect was like a quilt without all the stitching. It was like being wrapped up in a big cozy blanket which might not appeal to some but I thought was excellent.  I like warm in the winter and need alternative to down jackets. The melton wool Kimono coats looked so great on the runway. It’s dressing as a kick ass superhero or action star. Too bad it’s not practical to have a train on your jacket but they can be shortened for retail. The capes are cute on the runway but I still can’t see myself wearing one yet. I have a vintage one in my closet that I’ve never worn. I loved the pants. The collection also featured their signature jersey dresses which has some interesting cutout features on the side and backs.

Aldo created an exclusive line of Greta Constantine shoes in four styles using fabric that Kirk and Stephen had acquired but couldn’t use for the show. The shoes are pretty amazing and all the models got to keep a pair. I got some close up shots.

Ezra Constantine Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 had me at the billowing parka. I’m a sucker for that silhouette. Put anything on a piece that looks like a cape and I’ll be all over it.  It plays on all my superhero desires. I enjoyed the drape applied to Ezra this season. I also enjoyed my shirtless men but was wonder where our dear Paolo was. Ezra wasn’t into colour with slate, charcoal, mushroom and white being the palette. Fabrics were the same as Greta Constantine except the lack of velvet and fur.

I got the finale walk on video.  It’s pretty dark but meh.  It was dark.  Great job on the show music Diego!