With another season of Toronto Fashion Week in full swing, we review some of our favourite shows as the week progresses.
Full coverage will be added in the course of the next 10 days, so stay tuned for more!
Beaufille
A wide spectrum of red is on the fashion horizon for next season and this was clearly illustrated at the Beaufille show on Monday. Slits and geometric patterns took centrestage at the designer-sister-duo’s presentation.
Metallic accents and zipper detailing were paired with statement jewelry on the runway. Black and grey were the other popular shades of choice.
-Hannah Yakobi
VAWK
An even edgier look than usual, this season’s VAWK collection, called 1001 Nights, had the feel of an anime warrior princess who had succumb to the dark side of the urban lifestyle. Completely done in black, the signature pieces included cocktail dresses and leather jackets with crocodile-skin detail.
Jersey dresses with high slits and sexy cut outs were among major highlights. Pants were paired with midriff-bearing tops and long-billowing silk backs. Evening gowns in black sequins were short and form-fitting, covered with layers of loose silk that gave the dresses dimension.
-Katia Ostapets
Sid Neigum
This was, by far, Neigum’s most memorable and polished collection. The geometrically shaped pieces in Neigum’s runway presentation, combined with exquisite fabric selection, carried the designer’s signature touch, while simultaneously adding an element of soft femininity.
Neigum’s creativity is definitely expanding further and further with every season—I look forward to the day when he takes his work internationally and I hope to see him show at London Fashion Week in the near future. Due to his design aesthetic, I think his work will be just as well-received in the U.K.
– Hannah Yakobi
David Dixon
The narrator reads Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, “Love is patient and kind…,” a church bell tolls… So began David Dixon’s collection for Kleinfeld Bridal, the wedding gown store that has become the dream shopping destination for brides across North America since being the star of the TV show Say Yes to the Dress.
Aptly named the White Label, the line provided ample choices for the modern bride while maintaining the signature David Dixon feel. Peplums, mini appliqué flowers and white feathers accented several looks. Skirts were kept fitted or trumpet shaped, some structured, others romantically free-flowing. Two pant options as well as a variety of blush pink creations rounded out this runway presentation.
-Katia Ostapets
Mélissa Nepton
For her latest collection, Nepton brought back her signature feminine and luxurious looks, combined with sporty influences. Abstract prints and muted colour scheme took centrestage in this runway presentation.
Key pieces included a tracksuit-inspired coat, a jumpsuit and quilted sweatshirts. Dresses and skirts ranged from floor-hugging pieces to sexy mini options.
Designer’s fabrics of choice included soft leather, silks and thick knits.
-Hannah Yakobi
Bustle
Theatrical as always, this season the designers of Bustle, Shawn Hewson and Ruth Promislow, were able to transform the runway into a Scandinavian story land.
Complete with rain boots, toggle sweaters and trench coats, the design duo captured the northern spirit. The walkway was decorated with miniature northern European houses in primary shades, standing proudly lean and three-floors high.
Other male and female looks focused on a variety of rain jackets, as well as pieces accented in black leather quilt and made modern with headphone accessories.
-Katia Ostapets
Farley Chatto
One of the most recognized and commercially successful designers in Canada, Farley Chatto presented his Far and Away collection to a packed room during fashion week. This was one of the most highly anticipated shows, partially because the designer hadn’t done a runway presentation since 2008.
The catwalk was filled with statement fur pieces that made grand entrances one after another. Drawing his inspiration from nature, Chatto incorporated a variety of options that ranged from mink and silver fox, to red fox and chinchilla. Far and Away also addressed the role of fur in sustainability—both in fashion and as it pertains to the natural environment. Importantly, all of the furs used by Chatto were Origin Assured-certified, which meant that they came from a country with regulations that govern the production of fur.
Colourful and trendy, the show was very well-received, with a standing ovation at the end!
-Hannah Yakobi
Highlights from Stephan Caras & Matthew Gallagher
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