Last week, the off-schedule designers of Toronto Fashion Week participated in Rogue Fashion Week and this past week, their on-schedule couterparts showed their wares.
Holt Renfrew
To kick off the season, Canada’s biggest luxury retailer produced a show that they believe highlighted the best and brightest of Canadian talent, including designers that do not show at home. This show, which included pieces by Todd Lynn, Jeremy Laing (above left), Smythe and Greta Constantine, was a testament to the homegrown talent they are so proud of. A somewhat pointless presentation, as all of these designers have or will have shown by the end of the week to press and buyers, but it is still a nice reminder to designers and viewers alike about the potential for Canadian talent.
Chloe Comme Parris
Design duo Chloe and Parris Gordon have quickly earned a reputation for being Toronto’s answer to New York’s downtown designers that have hipster girls’ hearts racing. In their sophomore presentation, the designers stuck with that attitude and surely earned more fans. Their wearable, and effortlessly layered separates (above right) would make a perfect addition to the wardrobe of any cool mid-twenties girl.
Sarah Stevenson
Another sophomore presentation, Stevenson’s strengths are in the hand designed prints and textiles rather than the standard silhouettes. While the washed out florals (above left) may look a bit too “Erdem” at the moment, there is definite potential for the designer to grow.
Pink Tartan
By far, one of the standout collections of the week, Kim Newport showed covetable separates that are sure to be best sellers this fall (above right). Between the juxtaposition of soft and structured textiles and the unexpected cuts, the collection was a welcome break from a week that seemed filled with new talent still in the conception phase of crafting their aesthetic.
VAWK
Winner of Project Runway Canada, Sunny Fong has dramatically increased his profile over the past few seasons and this stellar collection is sure to fuel that trend. Most notable amongst the impressive outerwear and well cut separates is the use of knit panels integrated into luxe wardrobe staples (above left).
Lucian Matis
In one of the only off-schedule shows not showing in Rogue Fashion Week, Lucian Matis’ highly produced show was another definite highlight of the week. His deconstructed corsets and voluminous knits were reminiscent of past McQueen collections, but that reference alone proves he’s one to watch.
Photos: Jenna Marie Wakani, Laura Berry
