After two days of the regular fashion week rhythm of watching a show, retreating to the media room and repeating, the Toronto Fashion Incubator designer meet-and-greet that kicked off Wednesday at the tents was a nice change.
The seasonal event is like a mini tradeshow with booths set up to let press and buyers get hands on with the collections. The fall 2013 edition included some clothing labels that have presented on the catwalk already including Duy and Sid Neigum plus accessory collections like Quill & Tine gloves and Benjamin Daedfyshe sneakers. A favourite find was mother and son team Cleo and Mitchell Darragh’s Killigrew collection of made-in-Peru knits.
Following the Christopher Bates show, Lucian Matis presented his first collection of two this fashion week. The lower-priced Matis line focuses on print dresses but a suit in green and navy blackwatch plaid was the obvious crowd favourite.
Ashtiani is always one of my must-see collections and didn’t disappoint this season. Designer Golnaz Ashtiani worked panels of patent leather, Fortuny pleats and sheer organza into her signature geometric shapes.
The Mackage presentation was about as glossy as a catwalk show can get with a slick black runway, glowing overhead lights and lots of covetable outerwear include a men’s pea coat that faded from red to grey. Structured bags including oversized carry-alls and miniature cross-body styles also stood out.
Joe Fresh‘s runway collection (that qualifier means many of these pieces are created to inspire the pared down main line and will only appear in a few, more fashion-forward stores) took inspiration from Paris and contemporary art. There was an Eiffel tower pullover, lots of black and white (and more wigs) and a lineup of sweaters knit with the words “The End” to close the show.
On the schedule for fashion week Thursday: Newbie Matthew Gallagher, UNTTLD, Vawk and the celeb charity walk-off Heart Truth Fashion Show. Follow me on Twitter @NOWLifeStyle.
