Like the vision behind her popular Toronto subway scarf, Raina is again set to channel her favourite city, paying homage with a collection that focuses on the rich hues and textures of Toronto’s autumn season. Entitled T.O², the lineup will include signature prints featuring original artwork of city-inspired imagery.
“In this collection of prints, I sought to recapture the joyful experience of falling in love with Toronto,” says Raina. “The rich memories of my first fall here have been a great source of inspiration for me. I recall an experience beyond words, where it seemed someone had filled a bucket with warm hues and splashed it across the city.”
Woven together by a common thread of black, the palette is punctuated by Malachite green, ochre, cobalt blue, prunes, purples and teals, inspired by the changing colours of nature and the passive-but-pervasive backdrop of the city’s signals and signs. Raina’s trademark prints feature stylized and abstract city scenes, including fall on Lake Ontario, gleaming high-rises, downtown at night, rides on “The Rocket” and long walks around North York.
I have only seen sketches of what’s to come — one of which is included here — but expect this collection to be a real flag-waving gem that will embody the changing nature and backdrop of fashion week’s host city.
Image via Anu Raina Designs