Saturated colours, distinctive silhouettes and luscious fabrics set the stage for a very sexy season ahead.
Lucian Matis
With black as his theme, Romanian-born designer Lucian Matis set out to shine a light on the many sides of black with his dramatic collection of structured coats, laser-cut dresses, sheer overlays and shiny black sequined gowns. In spite of varied (almost confusing) interpretations, the collection rarely left the realm of the somber, making it not entirely unlike a funeral procession of eccentric European aristocrats. Impeccably executed, with intricate detailing for days (ruffles, pleats and piping galore!), each piece (though in need of some editing) was a definite showstopper.
Andy The-Anh
Montreal-based designer Andy The-Anh explores the dualities of soft and hard, fluid and rigid in his latest collection for Toronto Fashion Week. Sophisticated chiffon gowns and billowing blouses set off chic, tailored jackets, high-waisted trousers and shiny metallic power suits to perfection. Dramatic collars, cinched waists and float-y transparent layers celebrate the female body in ways that are bold yet graceful, proving yet again, that no one designs women's clothing quite like Andy. And starting in May, Toronto style mavens will be able to get their Andy fix at his new Yorkville boutique.
Nada
‘80s soap opera Dynasty proved to be the inspiration point for Nada's fall
2008 collection. The show's leading ladies: Dominique, Krystle and Alexis
were immortalized in the collection by way of sharp wool pinstripe powersuits, one-shoulder cocktail dresses with studded details and jersey wrap dresses. The colour palette was a glamorous mix of saturated colours: cobalt blue, magenta, copper and black while the silhouette was strong with big shoulders and cinched waists. Although most of us are skeptical of the ‘80s return in fashion, this was an example of how good it can be.
Rudsak
Rudsak made it know that theirs are the must-have coats of the season. While many of the samples paraded out were slight variations on signature styles of yore (long, lean wool coats with interesting collar and leather detail, as well as sharply tailored leather jackets), the Quebec label added plenty of statement-making newbies to its repertoire. We loved the super-rich cream, chocolate and smoke grey shades. And the ultra-feminine puffed A-line coats that were cinched at the waist and voluminous at the sleeves and collars were our favourite silhouette. Fur continues to be big (vests, collars and fur-lined hoodies), and the loose 80s-style leather jackets are sure to be a hit.
Pink Tartan
It was all about Gaellic punk at the much-anticipated Pink Tartan show. Dock Martins, tartan and pleated school girl skirts led the collection that sometimes veered into new romance territory, even as white button-downs stayed true to the label's preppy roots. Bubble dresses added whimsy, and cobalt electrified in myriad forms. Chains draped from pockets, zippers and military buttons added interest. The ghost of Oscar Wilde appeared in pants both skinny and trousered, tailored coats, vests and ties. Altogether, entirely wearable, yet fashion-forward, which is why we love this label so.
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