By Katia Ostapets

Photography by Kalynn Friesen

The Fashion Group International (FGI) Toronto chapter hosted the 2012/13 Trend Edit with Stylesight presentation on Nov.16. Held at the secluded Airship 37 event space on Parliament Street, the evening was entertaining and educational.

Upon arrival, guests were directed to the smaller of two rooms. Decorated as a warm and eclectic ski lodge, with an oversized antler chandelier and low lighting, a couple “step-and-repeats” added an element of glamour to the evening. A variety of drinks were provided, including Kir Royals garnished with raspberries, white and red wine, and a variety of sodas in retro glass bottles. Models, clad in black, circulated the room with mini sliders and vegetable skewers.

Guests await the presentation at the FGI 2012/13 Trend Edit with Stylesight.

The small space made the cocktail hour feel intimate and encouraged industry insiders to mingle.

Fitting the theme of the room, many attendees wore fur, one even sporting an authentic Russian hat.

The collective style of the group included earthy tones and Queen West’s staples – black, mini leather bags with long straps, knit accessories and a lot of layering.

During the evening, guests were invited into another room – a stark white empty space, with a grouping of chairs – where the much anticipated presentation took place.

After a few words from FGI’s Leesa Butler, the door prizes were handed out, including the coveted Cayman Islands all-expense paid trip for two, donated by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.

Following a recap of the trends seen on the runway for spring/summer 2012, Stylesight’s senior trend director, Andrea Praet, presented a sneak peek of what to expect in the spring/summer 2013 designs.

Trends were presented, reviewed and forecasted on the screen.

Founded in 2003, Stylesight targets style professionals involved in the creative design and product development processes. It also assists them through its “Creative Platform” with content and tools that make the design journey faster, more efficient, less costly and accurate.

For next season, Praet predicts an “East meets West” influence. Divided into four categories (Ashen, Industria, Utopia and Clarity) or stories (as Praet calls them), the trends will have distinct feels and colour palettes.

Andrea Praet speaks at the event.

Ashen will represent a look at the beautiful side of destruction, and inspire one to create splendour out of the remnants of fire. Industria will focus on geometric shapes and androgynous street fashion. Utopia will be like a beautiful summer day – natural, carefree and organic. The final story, Clarity, will be soft and minimal, but futuristic. Here, accents borrowed from the East will be the most prevalent.

After an inspiring presentation, all guests received a swag bag full of beauty products, coupons, chips and pink Cashmere toilet paper.

The event

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