Runway Report: L'Oreal Fashion Week; S/S 2009

Pink Tartan
After the now-infamous ramblings of Robin Kay at the opening night of L'Oreal Fashion Week, I wasn't sure how focused the fashion set was going to be when Pink Tartan kicked-off the week with their vision for Spring 2009.Fortunately for Kim Newport-Mimran, the clothes -- which seemed entirely based on TV's über-successful show Mad Men -- spoke for themselves. Within seconds from the start, all eyes were steadfast on the gorgeous models parading the runway with ruby-red lips, Hermès-inspired headscarves and towering platform heels. The looks were decidedly classic Pink Tartan fare with the close-cropped cardigans, sweet floral A-line skirts and ruffle-front blouses, but what made it all the more interesting was the injection of candy-coloured hues: Gorgeous coral pinks, canary, almost neon yellows and bright blues. My personal faves? The shamrock-stenciled wrap dresses (reminded me of Van Cleef & Arpels!), the stuck-on-skin '50s-inspired halter-tops and the floral trench cinched with a wide belt across the waist; all slick, sexy and perfect for those ladies who lunch. And clearly I wasn't the only one who gave my stylish support: Phillip Bloch, the outspoken stylist to the stars was bobbing his head in apt approval as the models sashayed before him. Now, if only I could find out whether the bags the models were toting were *real* Birkins …

Nada
I've had the pleasure of knowing Nada Shepherd since I first interviewed her after she competed in the Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels Design Competition several years ago, so I was excited to see what she was doing for Spring 2009. Needless to say, her charm, charisma and sense of unique style flourished on the runway with looks that were sexy and strong. Citing Athena the Greek Goddess of War as her inspiration point, Nada's attention was all in the details: Long, flowing goddess gowns with braided shoulders, copper maillot embellishments on belted ombre-pleated shift dresses and sequined tanks with studded leather pants. Near the end of the presentation, I nearly fell of my chair in glee when I saw the gold, metal-beaded leggings that reminded me of Balenciaga's S/S'07 collection. Although not for the faint of fashion heart, those are surely something I could see myself sporting come my next Saturday night outing.

Check out runway images from the NADA show

Joeffer Caoc
Minutes before the show, I'm sipping my first of many glasses of champagne when I run into the affable –yet frazzled – girls of Milkmaid PR: Bronwyn Aikens and Pat Angelakos who represent one of Toronto's most beloved designers, Joeffer Caoc. Apparently the show garnered over 900 RSVPs (!!) and as a result, neither girl had slept in over 24 hours trying to get the who's-who into the show. Nervous to get my front row seat (Fashion Week can be notorious for seat-stealers!) I gulp the remains of my libation, wish the girls good luck and head inside the runway room. If there is one thing Caoc does well, it's his loyalty to modernist, no-fuss tailoring. The asymmetrical cuts, simple lines and voluminous shapes all made for very pretty silhouettes. The colour palette, although muted in tones of ivory, black and nude (the latter of which was the title of his Spring 2009 collection) had moments of artistic freedom like the black chiffon with nude silk dress that looked like it had been splashed with Jackson Pollock's paint brush. Loved the cream double-crepe tie leg pants and the silky suede jackets with folded collars; uncomplicated fashion at its finest.

Check out runway images from the Joeffer Caoc show


Bustle
I know a lot of people were disappointed when Shawn Hewson and Ruth Promislow decided to axe their womenswear line and focus exclusively on menswear, but I tell you, the anticipation of this show was almost palpable among the female attendees. Rumours abounded on which male models were going to be working for Bustle and let's just say the designer didn't disappoint. Clad in sexy aviator shades from Ray Ban, the cuter-than-possible models showcased slim pinstripe suits, classic trenches and flat-front Bermuda shorts. Arguably one of the few designers who can make kitsch cool, blazers were emblazoned with map motifs, a nod to the collection's world traveler vibe.

Images by George Pimentel