Soft chiffons, endless ruffles and jersey gowns set the pace for a very classy and sophisticated spring 2007 during Toronto’s latest fashion week, held at the Muzik Building in the Exhibition grounds.

While some of Canada’s most notable homegrown talent — such as Paul Hardy, David Dixon and Arthur Mendonça — was expected to be on hand, the week saw a bevy of new talent hit the catwalk. First-timers Common Cloth, Juma and Charles and Ron presented their must-have looks to a packed house of discerning fashion editors. With less-obvious style statements veering on class over trash, the message was evident — raw sexuality is out, suggested innocence is in.

Here, ellecanada.com previews some of the week’s finest contributions.

Arthur Mendonça
In a flurry of sexy white jersey and girly moss-green chiffon, one of Toronto’s most respected fashion designer’s showcased his spring 2007 collection to a packed house of adoring fashion media and fans alike. In a clear ode to all things feminine, models strutted the runway in white cotton peasant dresses, sweet bubble-hemmed minis and rose linen tunics with flower appliqué. The must-have look of the moment? A cinched waist. They were everywhere, from the alabaster skinny belts hugging the cocoa-hued jumpers to the more sporty red patent numbers wrapped around grey pleated safari shorts and a crisp cotton shirt. The ooohs and aaahs came, appropriately, during the final look of the show: A deliciously decadent white cowl-back goddess gown of viscose jersey.

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Photo credit: Attit Patel

Page 1 of 5David Dixon
A classic collection wrought with much emotion, David Dixon’s spring/summer 2007 was all about reunion. Having lost both of his parents (his mother most recently, in July 2006), Dixon flashed old snapshots of the happy couple, which signified his inspiration point and the start of the show. In trademark fashion, his designs were simple and sophisticated, minus the fuss. Although the colour choices were muted (offerings mostly in the beige, white and black categories), the fabrication was where the glitz and glamour reigned. Subtle sheath dresses were adorned with silver maillots, cotton eyelet summer frocks shunned innocence with the addition of metal sequins and the show-stopper: A floor-grazing black and white gown with floating strips of tulle that sashayed down the runway. Elegance swayed supreme.

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Photo credit: Attit Patel

Page 2 of 5Andy Thê-Anh
Considered a heavyweight in the nation’s fashion industry, Montreal-based label Andy Thê-Anh made his mark, yet again, with his spring 2007 offering. With a 40-minute delay, the anticipation from the crowd was almost palatable. Citing the sexy movie siren Veronica Lake as an inspiration point, blond bombshells with sensual wavy hair and fire engine red lips strutted the catwalk in a mix of ’40s elegance and rock ‘n’ roll spunk. Sinewy metallic skinny jeans were paired with the season’s must-have voluminous toppers, while other looks were indicative of ’80s revival: Structured blazers juxtaposed with a form-fitting pencil skirt and big-buckle belts. Most notable was the eclectic range of textures used: Liquid jersey with raw linen, silver raffia threads interwoven with wool and gold-embossed brocade with cotton voile. Andy Thê-Anh’s woman carries a very strong style statement that is at once bold and utterly coquettish.

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Photo credit: Attit Patel

Page 3 of 5Izzy Camilleri
Recently named the top designer of the year by Style magazine, Camilleri’s runway, a favourite amongst fashionistas, was one of the hottest tickets during the week’s festivities. Having launched her first collection of high quality fabric separates in 2000, her sumptuous leather confections are coveted by even the most discerning fashion maven. For spring/summer 2007, Camilleri ventured into unknown territory with her selection of innocent ’50s-esque floral print party dresses and ruffled trench coats. Plenty of brocade, lace overlay and taffeta was present for this very girl-next-door vibe. As the adorable publisher Mahfud Ibrahim from LUSH quipped, “Izzy chose the floral pattern to show another dimension to her multifaceted talent. She’s not just about leather. She can offer more.” Excitement levels rose to a fevered pitch when the runway took a turn to the naughty with some of her signature numbers such as the midnight black leather bloomers cinched high on the waist with a structured pinstripe blouse and puffy sleeve detail. Or, most mouth-watering, was her leather bustier with a gold lace pantsuit and corseted belt. Most fittingly, a standing ovation rounded out the end of the show.

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Photo credit: Attit Patel
Page 4 of 5Bustle
The recently married couple Shawn Hewson and Ruth Promislow took to the links in their spring collection. More reserved for the 20-something set, the cutesy collection saw fitted polos, tennis minis and plaid periwinkle short shorts paired with preppy monogrammed blazers and candy-coloured cardigans in all shades of pastel. With tee motifs emblazoned on everything from luggage to newsboy caps, the designers mesh country club chic with ’50s kitsch.

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Photo credit: Attit Patel

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