Sit front row at all the major Spring fashion shows with our NEW live runway videos. Check them out here!

L’Oreal Fashion Week, Fall 2007: While taking exception of the sexy sirens that strutted the Izzy Camilleri catwalk replete with the designer’s rocker chic aesthetic of luscious leathers and body-conscious silhouettes, the fashion mantra for fall 2007 was more conservative than it was avant-garde. Now, that’s not to say that Canada’s most notable homegrown talent – namely Comrags, Arthur Mendonca and Pink Tartan et al – were unadventurous in their showings, no. Rather, they presented looks that were refreshingly suitable, and by that we mean the white and grey elegant pinstripe suits of David Dixon, the mouth-watering jewel-toned jersey dresses presented by Joeffer Caoc and, a surefire mass-market winner, the smooth noir parkas offered at Pink Tartan.

Beyond the pretty, from runway-to-runway, a central clothing philosophy remained intact. Forget Milan or New York, the collections at Toronto Fashion Week (or otherwise known as L’Oreal Fashion Week) were wearable. Repeat: wearable. Although the week did hit on some current and daresay overdone trends — ’80s-influenced skinny pants, micro-minis and cinched waists — we were still met with less-obvious style statements that were more Audrey Hepburn than Lindsay Lohan. For Toronto leisurewear label Bustle, it was just another weekend of sporting in the English countryside for the campy fall collection. Known for its sharply tailored designs, the design duo of Shawn Hewson and Ruth Promislow showed traditional wools and twills as well as hints of plaid, herringbone and hunter check to round out their looks. Vibrant colour combinations and details in bright orange and butter cream yellow also reflected the brand’s characteristic whimsical twist on the classics.

Beloved by career girls everywhere for his impeccable suits, feminine blouses and gorgeous dresses, Andy The-Anh’s collection featured an urbanized chic in hooded oh-so-comfy dresses and metallic ginger pants. Jackets were cut sleek to elongate the silhouette and emphasizing a strong shoulder. A palette of taupes and greys, albeit safe colour combinations, was accented with high-tech textures and touches, such as satiny stretch wool, beads and grommets.


Check out live runway footage of L’Oreal Fashion Week here! www.lifestyle.sympatico.msn.ca/FashionandBeauty/TorontoFashionWeek/
On the other side of the style spectrum, the much talked about Joe Fresh collection from Club Monaco giant Joe Mimran showcased sophisticated and yes, fresh basics all under $99. Although not everyone could pull off the bright yellow wellies, most certainly the pewter cowl-neck dresses and layered empire-waist tanks will be fan favourites come the new season. From the slim pants and decidedly French chic berets to the Miu-Miu-esque bib-front blouses and flats galore cute and simple reigned supreme.

All in all, the designers did not disappoint. Beyond the approved musings of the usual mix of fashion editors, perhaps most promising was the buzz generated between the general public. Most notable? A mom and daughter pair front row at Pink Tartan. When the final model sashayed down the catwalk in a sexy black ballgown skirt and accompanying ruffled tank both said in unison “I want that.” Enough said.


Check out live runway footage of L’Oreal Fashion Week here! www.lifestyle.sympatico.msn.ca/FashionandBeauty/TorontoFashionWeek/
Sit front row at all the major Spring fashion shows with our NEW live runway videos. Check them out here!