Kiss and tell? Never. RSVP and tell on the other hand, that’s a different story. From fashion week to film festivals, we’re checking out some of the biggest events and sharing every up-to-the-minute detail.
Runway Report
fashions canada, Toronto
(Mar.19.08)
The shows started with Lewd's modern spin on basics, including striped leggings, jersey dresses and tops with peek-a-boo cut-outs. Greys and blacks were everywhere (again), but also a gorgeous forest green. When it's time to get off the couch , we'll grab the slinky grey jersey dress with deep-v and black bows in the back.
After barely making it to Hibebe By: Salem Moussallam (that showed outside the runway room) we saw dresses in every shape and length; from a silk silver floor-length gown to a short, gold strapless piece with very exaggerated bubble-hem. (We know where we'll be shopping before our next big party.)
Onto preloved, who reminded us of old family photos with grey on grey and black skirt-suits, complete with French hair rolls and modern pops of colour. Think higher-waisted styles of days' past , but with hemlines cropped to lengths unacceptable for Grandma.
Then it was Evan & Dean and their dynamic collection of oversized bows, lacquered leathers (in skirts, jackets and tops), and punches of colour. Opaque tights in purples, reds and oranges (sometimes layered) add a cheery element to (an otherwise very neutral) Fall.
Next up, the Talenti Moda Milano show was as varied as its eight Italian designers. From angular shapes to feminine fabrics, grey and muted tones were a common theme. (Save for some flashes of colour: Alessia Xoccato's neon-lined black coat required a double take.) See our Fashion Exchange feature for more.
The excitement for (Project Runway Canada Runner-up) Lucian Matis's show was electric (and discernible from the number of times the announcer told everyone to sit down--five). Entirely monochromatic, the line featured voluminous sleeves, intricate beadwork and unexpected pleats. We loved the Dr. Zhivago-esque fur collared coat (made modern with a bubble hem), but the dramatic evening gowns (like a ruffle tulip gown with cascades of chiffon on the bodice) were definitely the highlight.
Star-studded and refreshingly fun, the Heart Truth Fashion Show (which we previewed for you yesterday) was a bona fide hit. What's not to love when you can see Jeanne Beker showing off her patented runway moves in a gorgeous Joeffer Caoc tulip gown, or Tanya Kim shaking her stuff in a saucy minidress with beaded collar by Izzy Camilleri? But, it was Catherine O'Hara who stole the show with her steely model gaze and breathtaking Thien Le gown -- all leading to a hilarious (but well planned) catwalk fall that had the entire room in stitches before a rousing standing ovation.
The crowd may have worn themselves out (and hurt their faces grinning) from the sea of red dresses, but there were still four shows to go -- starting with a Dynasty-titled one from NADA. The 80s glam-inspired collection was wearable without being costume-y (OK, we might not don the silver fox fur dress on just any old day but there were nowhere near as many shoulder pads as we expected). We did love the colour blocking, use of magenta and royal blue on black and seeing a sequin dress (anything to keep our holiday buy in rotation).
It was another standing-room only crowd for the gambling-themed collection from Bustle. Even though we're not likely to sport the menswear pieces ourselves (cute as the few female models looked), it's always a good time seeing what these guys do for the guys. Black on black pinstripe suits looked sharp and supermodel Stacey McKenzie rocked the close of the show with her signature strut.
The stands packed again for constant favourite, Joeffer Caoc. Heavy guitar (think front row nodding along to Hells Bells) pounded as (more) black, accented with purple, blue and aubergine, came our way. We love the movement of the slim silhouettes and more cowl backs. A leather bomber with ribbed cuffs will complement all of our outfits, from casual to cocktail dress. Or, the indigo leather and pony bustier that we can't stop thinking about.
Rounding out the (very busy) day was more menswear from Philip Sparks. The dapper line mixed classic and wearable with some more envelope-pushing looks, plus a black leather bomber for the boys too. Our (very fashionable) male friends agreed that the butt alone on the black cotton jean made them a must buy.