ELLECanada.com reviews the best of LG Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2009.
 | Comrags If there’s one thing that will ensure longevity in this business of fickle tastes and lighting quick trends it’s a signature. And lucky for us, Comrags found theirs early on and haven’t wavered since. A dark palette of black, gray, blue and rust was very fall indeed, in silhouettes that will take ladies beyond this decade and well into the next few. Shift dresses, beautiful pleated men’s trousers, and slick pencil skirts in plain black or interesting brocade fabrics were well balanced with more whimsical (if that’s a word that applies to this label) pieces like a cropped boxy jacket in a fanciful black-and-blue print, and a succession of satiny, jewel-toned dresses in silhouettes ranging from ladylike — knee-length, three-quarter-sleeved — to the downright girlie babydoll. But it was all kept in check with grandpa-worthy brown dress socks and yes, clunky black shoes. Now that’s a signature. —Marilisa Racco |
 | Andy The-Anh After awhile no matter how beautiful the clothes, mesmerizing the models or upbeat the soundtrack, fashion shows all blend into one and my eyes start to glaze over. So it was a pleasant surprise when Andy The-Anh threw the curveball of sending three models up the end of the runway to start his show. What ensued was a beautiful collection of fluid dresses, coats and stoles in taupe, beige, gray, forest green, tangerine and crimson. Standout pieces included sheared mink-lined vests, beautifully pleated coats and blazers in shades of cream, a sexy sweetheart neckline jumpsuit reminiscent of Sandra Dee and, of course, a stunning white statement blouse with appliquéd organza. Personally, I could have done without the multi-coloured array of disjointed prom dresses at the end, but all was (preemptively) forgiven the moment awesome crystal-embellished tights in taupe, black and tangerine came down the runway. Once I saw those I was able to block out the prom parade. —M.R. |
 | Pink Tartan There was something eerily off-putting about Pink Tartan this season. Kind of like the time I walked into my house and just knew there was someone there despite the dead silence. As it turns out there was a very quite painter working in a closet on the second floor. He consequently scared the living daylights out of me when I walked into the room. Well that’s what Pink Tartan was, the quiet painter. Static-clingy satin mini skirts and cropped harem pants fit awkwardly and mixed in a jarring palette of coral and violet, while oversized black-and-white houndstooth looked dated worn over the otherwise cute pink lace tights. Cocktail dresses were far too short and a model wearing a pair of leather trousers looked like she could barely breathe. When the designer tried to steer things back to a more classic look, trousers were too wide and one particular white bow-tied blouse was downright circus-y. If only the show concentrated more on the two gorgeous chubby fur coats, one in an amazing white-to-black degradé effect. I wouldn’t mind coming across one of those in my second floor closet. —M.R. |
