I always wonder why there aren’t more Canadian outerwear brands. With our wickedly cold winters, it seems a natural niche in a market hungry for ways to look cool while keeping warm. Maybe designing winter coats isn’t as sexy as ultra-luxe gowns for Toronto’s 10 or so socialites, but it has a lot of financial potential. And wouldn’t it be great to see more Canadian designers heading up profitable, sustainable businesses?
This week saw three outwear labels hit the runway, only one of which showed a collection that felt fresh and worthy of the time it took up on the Toronto Fashion Week schedule.
Soia & Kyo celebrated its 10th anniversary with a minimalist collection of relaxed silhouettes in shades of oatmeal, ice blue, and the palest of peaches. Leather and suede jackets looked so soft I wanted to reach out and stroke them (in the least creepy way possible). No unnecessary branding or logos tackily stitched into sleeves here – just cool sophistication. Fitted women’s puffer bombers and a men’s trench coat in pale blue were highlights of the show, but there weren’t any pieces that missed the mark.
Continuing the week’s theme of uber-talented young designers who desperately need more retail support was Caitlin Power. Despite being one of the most anticipated shows of the week and a former Mercedes-Benz Start Up finalist, Power’s line is only carried by four small boutiques (just two of which are in Ontario).
Power’s show left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, her signature sharp architectural pieces were true stunners. I made garbled noises of pleasure when a trio of models strutted down the runway looking like Amazon queens with badass attitudes and chevron-patterned leather dresses in shades of black, white, red and olive. Power does female power like no other.
On the other hand, it was clear Power attempted to dilute her designs to satisfy the large contingent of Canadian buyers who are stiflingly risk-averse. Unfortunately this led to some of her pieces being technically strong, but a little lackluster. It also felt like watching two collections come down the runway – the one Power wanted to show, and the one she felt she had to.
At the end of her show, instead of the quick wave-and-dash most designers do, Power confidently strutted almost halfway down the runway to take a bow. It was an inspiring display of confidence and a great moment in the spotlight for someone who deserves it. It’ll be a big loss for the Canadian fashion community if she can’t strike a balance between maintaining her edge and finding financial success.
Toronto Fashion Week continues through Saturday (October 26). Check back for our daily coverage.
