All posts tagged: Toronto Fashion Week

Lucian Matis SS 13

TFW Spring Summer 2013 – Lucian Matis

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Lucian Matis fashion shows are just an absolute delight. Lucian gave us prints, transparency and leather for the spring summer 2013 Lucian Matis collection. The prints are lust worthy. The images chosen for the prints added depth to garments and made use of seams to create direction and structure with the print on the manipulated fabric. “I named this collection MOSAIC as it is inspired by the mosaics of Morocco in contrast with the transparency and neutrality of the papyrus,” says designer Lucian Matis of his latest collection, “I was always taken and inspired by the beauty of the Moroccan art and it’s ornate elements. Spring/Summer 2013 seemed to be the perfect timing for this inspiration.” Present throughout the collection were a mix of custom pattern designed fine cottons, silks, leather, and crocodile embossed leather (Source: Press Release) It was slowly becoming apparent that two trends were going to dominate fashion week: the Peplum and the Midriff. I love the peplum and hope it turns into a trend that sticks around. The Midriff I could …

Evan Biddell SS 13

TFW Spring Summer 2013 – Evan Biddell

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Evan Biddellwas one of my must see shows during the Spring Summer 2013 World Master Card Fashion Week in Toronto. This was my must see show of the week. I planned to drop Tuesday from my fashion week plans as it conflicted with the New Order concert but I couldn’t miss Evan. He took a break from fashion week after the amazing Kingdom collection of Spring Summer 2011. aMUSE, is the title of the Spring Summer 2013 Evan Biddell collection. “This collection isn’t about fads or colour trends, it’s about a girl and her multi-faceted personalities.” says Biddell, “her style is bipolar of sorts, she doesn’t care what other people are wearing, nor does she care if you approve of what she is wearing.”(Source:Press Release) The show began with a short film created by Evan and Atomic Clock Cinematic Arts Inc. I’m not a big fan of screening a short film before a show. It’s usually hard to see and people can only pay attention for so long when they can’t see. Thankfully the USB …

Jeremy Laing Spring Summer 2013

TFW Spring Summer 2013 – Jeremy Laing

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I’m so delighted that Jeremy Laing has fashion shows in Toronto now. Seeing his clothes in person can’t be matched, even with the great video and streaming technology that exists today. The Spring Summer 2013 Jeremy Laing collection brought me back to the mid nineties. I was in university and spending my time going to concerts and dancing at raves in front of much too loud speakers. The models walked by and Snug Industries kept popping into my head. Then the pants reminded me of the printed sarong wrap pants like the kind you could buy from a vendor at Lollapalooza in Barrie. I was having a full on 90s flashback. The sportswear theme ran strong in this collection with shapes influenced by basketball and baseball. Jeremy continued the layering theme of fall winter 2012 into spring by utilizing lightweight fabrics. Embellishments on the shoulders, flak vests and bombers gave a military/urban warrior feeling. The colour palette was called Swamp Deco because of a recent trip to New Orléans. It included a lot of slate, …

TFW Spring Summer 2013 – Pavoni

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The spring summer 2013 Pavoni show was fun. I usually don’t pay much attention to evening wear and when I do my style is sleek and understated. I saw Sister Act, The Musical a couple weeks ago. That show was full of sequins. There were everywhere and the light hit them from all angles. I was memorized. A sequin/shiny switch clicked in my brain and now I’m paying attention. Designers Gianni Falcone and Mike Derderian were inspired by Le Chateau de Versailles and all the opulence of that doomed age. The guys had this to say about their inspiration: “The allure of decadence, the glamour of a time long passed… This season, “Le Chateau de Versailles” and all its opulence becomes our muse. Let this PAVONI collection whisk you away to a place where sultry lace, jewel encrusted silk, glistening gold and unbridled romance defined an era! Sneak away to the lush royal gardens to steal a kiss under the moonlight, or dance till dawn in the hall of mirrors. For tonight, the world is …

Pink Tartan SS 13

TFW Spring Summer 2013 – Pink Tartan

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Pink Tartan brought out the a list fashion folk. She enlisted Maybelline New York Spokesmodel Charlotte Free and Irina Lazareanu to model. Annabel Tollman, celebrity stylist lent a hand to pull the runway looks together. “This collection has been inspired by geometric shapes, sharp lines and defined angles. I have incorporated an intricate geometric cut or detail into each piece of the collection in a non-traditional manner. The end result is a collection that dynamic, exciting and ultimately Pink Tartan this season.” – says President and Head Designer, Kim Newport-Mimran (source: Press Release) The collection looked influenced by the 50s and Greaser culture. There were plenty of full skirts, sweetheart necklines and high-waisted bottoms. There were a lot of classic shapes featured but the details were in the fabric and colour choices. I enjoyed the contrast of the show. There was the first, lighter half with the delicate mint, pink, white and silver. The brocade details add some texture and uniqueness classic looks. The second, darker half of the collection featured black and gold. It …

Holt Renfrew Fall Winter 2012

TFW Spring Summer 2013 – Holt Renfrew

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The tile of this post is a bit of a misnomer because Holt Renfrew didn’t show any looks from the spring summer 2013 season. Instead they opted for a showcase of merchandise Canadian and international that is available in stores now. I don’t have much to say about in general since these clothes originally went down the catwalk in March. “Tonight we’re proud to present a special take on ‘Canadian Catwalk’ — celebrating Holt Renfrew as the destination for those who love fashion”, said Alix Box, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Holt Renfrew. “Our runway showcases this unique moment in our 175 year history with an inspiring collection of contemporary and designer fashions to wear right now.”(source: Press Release) Holts opted to hold a breakfast fashion show that showcased their Canadian designer’s spring summer 2013 collections. I missed this cause it was too early in the morning, ha ha. The show had about 65 looks and they had all the best models ripping through those looks. It didn’t seem like a long …

TFW Spring Summer 2013 – Jean-Pierre Branganza

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Jean-Pierre Branganza is another ex-pat living in London. He’s the kind of designer who I could see myself dressing head to toe in (If I could afford it that is). Saying his name to anyone who asks “who are you wearing” would be a hoot too. The man has the best name. I love his angular designs rendered in bright colours. His clothing reminds me of the near future, something I always gravitate to. The Jean-Pierre Branganza Spring Summer 2013 collection was inspired by Ukrainian artist/designer Zinaida Lihacheva’spaintings “Transormation” and “Touch”.The results are bold and work very well with the Jean-Pierre Branganza aesthetic. As a fan, the collection didn’t disappoint. I want everything. Jean-Pierre’s shift dresses are always a staple in my mind but the jumpsuits and suiting looked really great. He stuck to his signature bold colour and geometric aesthetic. He is another designer who had a strong style that makes it a signature and unmistakeable. See more photos and a video from the Jean-Pierre Branganza Spring Summer 2013 show.

TFW Spring Summer 2013 РChlo̩ Comme Parris

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I just wanted to start by thanking Chloé comme Parris sarcastically for reminding me that I won’t be in L.A. this November like last year. The Spring Summer 2013 collection was a dreamy California trip. I almost expected to see a wave crash down on the opposite end of the runway. It made me miss California in a big way. The collection’s fabrics had a delicate, sun bleached feel. There was lot of flowing silk chiffon in shirts, caftans and spaghetti strap, floor grazing sundresses. Strategic thigh slits brought a bit of sex appeal to this All American Girl collection. The duo also featured their Spring Summer 2013 jewellery collection and I spotted my next set of statement earrings. The Shaped hoop earrings are just so good. The leather shorts are fantastic and have such a flattering cut.  The dusty pink leather moto jacket was another standout piece of the collection. Chloe Chloé Parris delivered another beautiful collection. I’m impressed at how Chloé and Parris have created such a focused identity for the brand. It’s …

Toronto Fashion Week’s New Players

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The Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 fashion season is approaching. The FDCC has cleaned house and the event formerly called LG Toronto Fashion Week Beauty by L’Oréal Paris is now called World MasterCard Fashion Week. Yes, one long name for another long name. I hate to say that both are kinda obnoxious but events need sponsors and that jazz. However, I also lament the lack of Toronto in the new name and with the event in general. I’ll probably go back to using TEFW (Toronto Extended Fashion Week) to describe our two weeks of fashion a season. Apparently, I called this new fashion week partnership way back in November in a drunken conversation I don’t remember when Danielle visited. “World MasterCard Fashion Week is one of the world’s most anticipated fashion events bringing together established names, emerging designers and luxury brands,” said Betty DeVita, President of MasterCard Canada. She adds, “Fashion is a key element of our Priceless Toronto and global Priceless Cities initiative. Through Fashion Week we are celebrating Toronto as Canada’s quintessential destination …

the shOws – CALLA Spring Summer 2012

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CALLA is one of the four designers that showcased their Spring Summer 2012 collections with the the shOws at the Ritz-Carlton. the shOws is the brainchild of Paola Fullerton. “Our aim is to put the spotlight on Canadian Designers, Hair and Makeup Artists and Models and build a property that benefits not only our designers, artists and retailers but also our supportive sponsors, by showcasing the very best of Canadian talent at home and abroad to our media, buyers and stylists. The purpose of The ShOws is to bring together our most talented and creative Canadian designers each season and allow them to present their collections here in Toronto to the fashion industry without incurring any production costs themselves. We want to support them here at home and give them every possible opportunity to continue to build their brands.” – Paola Fullerton, Founder & Creative Director Calla Haynes continued her digital print mastery and delighted the crowd with a collection that sat perfectly on the edge of femininity without being too saccharine. The inspiration for …

the shOws – Jean-Pierre Braganza Spring Summer 2012

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Jean-Pierre Braganza is one of the four designers that showcased their Spring Summer 2012 collections with the the shOws at the Ritz-Carlton. the shOws is the brainchild of Paola Fullerton. “Our aim is to put the spotlight on Canadian Designers, Hair and Makeup Artists and Models and build a property that benefits not only our designers, artists and retailers but also our supportive sponsors, by showcasing the very best of Canadian talent at home and abroad to our media, buyers and stylists. The purpose of The ShOws is to bring together our most talented and creative Canadian designers each season and allow them to present their collections here in Toronto to the fashion industry without incurring any production costs themselves. We want to support them here at home and give them every possible opportunity to continue to build their brands.” – Paola Fullerton, Founder & Creative Director Jean-Pierre Braganza is a Toronto ex-pat who has shown at London Fashion Week since 2004. He worked with Roland Mouret before starting his own label. Jean-Pierre was my …

the shOws – Thomas Tait Spring Summer 2012

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Thomas Tait is one of the four designers that showcased their Spring Summer 2012 collections with the the shOws at the Ritz-Carlton. the shOws is the brainchild of Paola Fullerton. “Our aim is to put the spotlight on Canadian Designers, Hair and Makeup Artists and Models and build a property that benefits not only our designers, artists and retailers but also our supportive sponsors, by showcasing the very best of Canadian talent at home and abroad to our media, buyers and stylists. The purpose of The ShOws is to bring together our most talented and creative Canadian designers each season and allow them to present their collections here in Toronto to the fashion industry without incurring any production costs themselves. We want to support them here at home and give them every possible opportunity to continue to build their brands.” – Paola Fullerton, Founder & Creative Director Thomas Tait studied at La Salle College in Montreal and then went on to graduate with an MA from London’s Central Saint Martins. He was the youngest person …

Line Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Line continued their ready to wear expansion for the fall winter 2011 – 2012 season. The season adds coats and pants to their traditional line up of knits. The collection was very 70s in terms of palette and style. Typical colours like orange, blue, mustard, beige and burgundy complimented neutrals of black and grey. The knit textures included cable, crochet, patchwork and loops. Line was one of the many designers that used fur this season but it was used sparingly. I always talk about my granny nature with fur and Line stuck to the traditional with raccoon stoles, collars and trim. The rabbit fur biker jacket was an interesting modern take on fur but I felt the raccoon vest was overwhelming on the body. My granny fur sensibilities didn’t prevent me for loving the rabbit fur knit which was used in some beautiful open wraps. The floor length cable knit dress sounded great on paper but didn’t deliver for me in person. It seemed a bit too restricting, perhaps a side slit would help. The …

DUY x Aldo Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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  Aldo Shoes is on a collaboration roll too.  During Rouge Fashion Week they partnered with Greta Constantine on some limited edition footwear.  DUY paired up with Aldo during LG Fashion Week for a limited edition collection of accessories. This collection of elegant and slightly rebel shoes and accessories pays homage to his Muse, her sophistication and distinctive sense of aesthetics. Faithful to her vision, the various pieces of this collection integrate the elements that made Daphne Guinness famous: leather, textured materials (python, lace), prints (leopard) and fur (pony), caramel hues and dark shades (grey and black). The FW 2011 ALDO collection of shoes and accessories for DUY is an stunning blend of radical chic, flexibility and accessibility. A collection which truly combines modernism, sophistication and elegance.    

Um you’re on WWD

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I was in meetings all morning and when I finally returned to my desk my twitter replies were blowing up. Something is up, I thought to myself, I haven’t even tweeted yet. Turns out WWD did a street style post for LG Fashion Week and I was snapped with my friend Caroline Shaheed. The title of this post was the best email subject line I received all day. It best represents the shock of finding out. Can you say freaking the fuck out! I’m stunned by this and doing a little happy dance. It’s silly but I have to admit I totally love this. All the shots are stealthy ones, I love it. I remember photographer James Lourenco taking our photo as we walked but didn’t think anything of it at the time. I’m so happy I’m not carrying a Starbucks coffee cup in this shot, ha ha. You can see the rest of the street style shots from LG Fashion Week at They Are Wearing: Toronto – EyeScoop on WWD.com. This outfit also landed …

Anu Raina Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Textile artist, Anu Raina debuted her hand crafted clothing line at LGFW.  Anu Raina Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 features hand dyed and printed pieces. She used details such as excerpts from her poetry, painting and embroidery. “This collection is an extension of my Autobiographical artwork titled Chapter 2, Page 1, that is going to be exhibited at Pearson Airport from April16 to October 3, 2011,” says Anu Raina “”My work has evolved as a juxtaposition of my urban and the traditional self that I left behind. In this collection, I have tried to trace my own transition. I have used motifs like haystack, paisley, Talim – a weaving code of Pashmina shawls – marks I made with toothpaste on the mirror, and the things I grew up with around me. I have tied it all with a poem in French I once wrote about my mother, which would roughly translate in English as: When I was little I woke up very late. I would wait for my mother to come and wake me up. …

Klaxon Howl Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Samuel L. Jackson was the only massive celebrity to attend LGFW. Random is the only word to describe his attendance at Klaxon Howl. One of my favourite moments of LGFW was tweeting about Mr. Jackson’s arrival. Ha Ha. Some people thought it was an April Fool’s joke. I did miss out on getting a photo with him but I did see him in the flesh. I guess when The Hudson’s Bay is backing your line things like this can happen. Klaxon Howl fall winter 2011 – 2012 was a very commercial menswear collection. The military influenced collection used a white, grey, blue, brown and black colour scheme. There was a lone coral coloured button up, which seemed out-of-place in the collection. The collection featured the basics: coats, denim, button up shirts, vests and pants. There was a lot of buzz about the handbag collaboration between Klaxon Howl and The Hudson’s Bay. The fashion show was half runway and half presentation. I think the main runway room is too large to pull this format off successfully. …

Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Comrags is one of the long-standing Canadian brands that are showing no signs of slowing down. They’ve been around for 28 years and they have a very established customer base and brand.  The Fall Winter 2007 – 2008 collection was my first Comrags fashion show. They show ever few seasons at LG Fashion Week.  I wondered what the Comrags print would be this season.  The endless possibilities they could come up with for for Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 excited me. The collection was typical Comrags: lots of easy to wear dresses, full skirts, couple of pant options and belted jackets. It’s a very retail friendly collection, stylish and uncomplicated. The models didn’t wear heels as per the usual Comrags MO. I loved the floral prints. The wide leg pant looked great with the Trotsky jacket. I want the complete runway look (with platforms of course). Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 linesheet stated this jacket was made a material called silver wool.  The fabric has an unusual finish.  Other fabrics used in the collection …

Krane Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Hands down favourite of LG Fashion Week is Krane.  This show had it all, from the amazing Krane clothing and accessories to the killer runway presentation with great music.  It’s was the most enjoyable show of the week for me.  I remember a Krane show I covered for blogTO way back in 2007 where designer, Ken Chow, cleverly used a bodybag in the finale of his fashion show. That guy has always been impressing me with his work and presentation skills. As someone who loves military details, it’s pretty hard not to be crazy in love with Krane. Ken Chow continued on his exploration of the military theme with officer’s coats, aviator jackets, bombers and pea coats. He combined his signature waxed cotton with vintage military blankets in many of the jackets. Lambskin, wool, cotton and shearling rounded out the fabrics in the line. Bags came in different styles like duffle bags, carpenter bags, laptop bags, rucksacks and briefcases. They came in either suede or a washed leather. The lambskin jeans stood out the most …

Amanda Lew Kee Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Amanda Lew Kee’s fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection started out so strong. The first third of the collection was very promising. Unfortunately, the middle part of the collection was a little lost and the last third of the show was a risky gamble with colour that didn’t pay off.   There was a lot of good elements going on the in the collection but they got lost among the unfocused elements. In my perfect world Amanda would have continued to explore the silhouettes she opened with in fabrics that weren’t metallic.  The rule about taking off a piece of jewellery before you leave the house applies to everything in life.  In this case, less would have been more. The collection was in desperate need of an edit.  The leggings and jersey tank dress are too American Apparel to be on the runway.  Those looks weren’t show material for me but the things you show to buyers in a showroom.  The flower embellishment left me puzzled.  Was it a deliberate design feature or some last-minute …

LOVAS Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Wesley Badanjak always berates me for missing his latest LOVAS collection at LG Fashion Week. I usually can’t attend because he shows at 5pm slot which conflicts with the 5 in mt 9 to 5. LOVAS fall winter 2011 – 2012 was scheduled at 6pm so I promised I would attend and finally see a show for the first time since FAT in 2009. LOVAS fall winter 2011 – 2012 is inspired by the immigration story of his mother, Manda and her twin, Marija. He’s blended traditional Slavic prints and stylistic elements using wool, stretch cotton, cashmere, taffeta, silk organza, tweed, silk volie, raccoon, coyote, velvet, lace and bengaline. The colour palette was dark with navy, charcoal, silver, bordeaux and crimson. LOVAS isn’t my style in general. Wesley knows that my nemesis is taffeta. The collection is wearable and accessible for many women. As an office dweller, there are suites and separates that incorporates elements of a fashion forward silhouette. Ultimately it was your standard fashion show. It didn’t have me salivating over every look. …

Juma Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Prints haven’t scared off the Juma siblings and I’m so happy about that. I ranted and raved about the Spring Summer 2011 collection. Alia and Jamil decided to do a print heavy spring collection which was something new for them. Normally, Juma is associated with neutral colours and a lot of black. It was a great pairing of silhouettes and prints. The Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection continues to hunt east for its inspiration. Tibet, Thailand & Shezhen’s local tapestry work and wildlife shaped the vibrant colour and intricate designs the duo developed for the 2011 fall winter collection. To modernize the prints, they distorted and layered them as well as added gradients of colour including midnight blue, burnt corals, olive, tangerine, nude and black. The multicoloured knits were inspired by the thick, colourful wool blankets that mountain people wrap around themselves during the winter months in Tibet.(source: press release) It’s safe to say I loved this collection from Juma as much as spring summer. I want it all. I didn’t get any photos …

Fashion Week Style: Jason Morikawa

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Jason Morikawa is a good friend of mine. He’s also a senior buyer at Holt Renfrew. I loved his super matchy matchy LG Fashion Week outfit. It’s all about the scarf and the shirt for me.  The scarf is from Paris, of course.  Jason says he was channeling Dries Van Noten with this patterned scarf and floral shirt combination. I encouraged the purchase of this Prada tote. It’s a great size and has a messenger strap too. It also matches his belt. I told you he was matchy matchy.

ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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The ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 started out with a video.  I’m not a fan of the video before the fashion show.  Rarely do they contribute something meaningful to the collection.  I’ve seen a couple of good ones by Evan Biddell and I enjoyed Holt Renfrew’s for the Spring Summer 2011 season.  What a difference a celebrity can make.  The video didn’t sit well with me as it basically was like “hey look at how much work Jay Manuel has put into this line.  He did it all by himself.”   In previous seasons, ATTITUDE would acknowledge the creative team who developed the line.  I really liked that Sears acknowledged it was a team effort. Now, Sears wants us to believe Jay Manual is the sole creative force behind ATTITUDE. He even came out alone at the end of the show. In general, ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection was what I expected.  Retail friendly trends: the 70s, military, leather and fur (both faux).  Jay was also drinking the Proenza …

IZMA Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Izzy Camilleri and Adrian Mainella are back again for IZMA‘s 70s glam rock influenced Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection. I got more of an old Hollywood feel from the styling, hair and makeup during the show. However, the colours and jumpsuits are all 70s though. Sustainable furs used this fall winter 2011 – 2012 season included coyote, lapin (rabbit) and fox. Is it bad that I liked the non fur portion of the IZMA show more than the fur? I’m beginning to realize that I’m a traditionalist when it comes to fur. Grandma fur resonates with me than more than this modern stuff.  I guess the Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 IZMA collection had just enough grandma to win me over.  The Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 coats with the gold and silver detailing were marvels of construction but I they didn’t work for me aesthetically. The smaller the fur piece the more I liked it. The capelets, boleros and stoles I really liked with my favourite being the fox and organza bolero in …