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L'Oreal Fashion Week: F/W 2008 review
Saturated colours, distinctive silhouettes and luscious fabrics set the stage for a very sexy season ahead.
By (with notes compiled from) Lara Ceroni, Nancy Won and Catalina Margulis
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 Evan Biddell
Fresh off his first place win on Project Runway Canada, the much buzzed about debut collection from Vancouver native Evan Biddell kick started the 15th edition of L'Oreal Fashion Week. Inspired by Japanese anime warriors for Fall 2008, models were swathed in raw silks, airy organic cottons and heavy knit wools to exemplify his philosophy of sustainable, yet sexy design. All fabrics for the collection are eco-friendly and renewable leaving little footprint on the environment.
Although some may argue that his aesthetic hasn't evolved enough from his Project Runway days (namely the pleated and hooded cocktail dresses), the talent was mostly in the details: Bright silk Obi-inspired belting in shades of olive and fushia, sexy cowl-neck backs and oversized bell sleeves. At once bold and architectural, Biddell's collection exemplified casual chic, which is sure to be a favourite for all of the young fashionistas in the crowd.
Paul Hardy
Calgary designer Paul Hardy continues to impress. Music that was at turns carnivalesque and cabaretesque played in the background as models strutted down the runway in equally theatrical creations. Blushing nudes and layered blacks dominated the show, but how colour was presented (in the slit of a skirt or the folds of an appliqué) kept the neutral palette interesting and evocative. We loved his bustiers and skirts adorned with giant flower appliqués. Kimonos and bows added an elegant oriental flavour to the mix, and fur vests and feathered capelets offered a glam finish. Even the swim caps adorned with glass embellishments were chic. The beaded bibs, however, were simply curious.
Preloved
They may have lost their flagship store to the Queen West fire, but Preloved founder Julia Grieve and head designer Peter Friesen, rise from the ashes with their impromptu appearance at fashion week featuring a collection, appropriately dubbed, No Love Lost. With smokey eyes and fire engine red lips, models walked the runway in funky designs constructed from reworked vintage sweaters and suits that were a sexy take on après-ski with an infusion of old-world European charm. Grieve and Friesen took their bows to a standing ovation at the end of the show, as “Burning Down The House” by Tom Jones and The Cardigans blared from the speakers.
 Joe Fresh Style
Leave it to Joseph Mimran of cheap chic label Joe Fresh Style to close day 1 of L'Oreal Fashion Week with a bang! When the lights came on, fashion “it girl” and Toronto native, Coco Rocha turned the corner and stomped down the runway (oh so fierce!) with her signature strut, bringing more than a little supermodel glamour to the tents. Part equestrian (twill jodhpurs, fitted jackets, equestrian hats), part mod (tulip coats, jumper dresses, berets) with a few killer accessories thrown in (must have patent leather gloves!), this collection will have fashionistas running to Superstores for a hit of Joe in the fall.
Check out our runway videos from the hottest Toronto Fashion Week shows!
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