Two Whirlwind Days of Toronto Fashion Week

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

Loved the location of this year's Fashion Extravaganza! Princess Boulevard seems a fitting street name and Heritage Court is perfect for links to the past seen in the architecture of the building and on the runway, as always. The white and silver furniture and fancy tub and mirrors of the L'Oreal Beauty Station made this concrete and brick setting a palace and the fantastic green sculptures sent a strong message about the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it and recycling to save it. This was a light and bright setting for the Spring 2011 Collection: Style and Power. We were welcomed to Fashion Week by gracious, patient and cheerful registrars, notably Eugenia Loukian, a great face for Fashion Week. Just past the sign in counter and the exotic L'Oreal 'spa' was a stunning collection of dresses by Choryin Choi "Cydelic by Choryin". Such detailed design is fantastic to behold.

Registrar Eugenia Loukian

Choryin Choi "Cydelic by Choryin"

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Fashion Street was buzzing with excitement. There were formally dressed Kens and as many beautiful Barbies. There were instant transformations happening every few minutes at the L'Oreal make-up and hair stations. The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Family provided refreshing hot and cold Coffee-House and chocolate, including Americano, Caffe Grnde, Caffe Lungo, Expresso, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Hot Chocolate, Mocha, and Nestea Peach tea. Find out more about "the enjoyment that never ends" at www.dolce-gusto.ca

Trends seen off the runway: Faux Fur and faux leather, hats, stripes and patterns in pants and jump suits, shoes, shoes, shoes and lots of boots and boot shoes, fur purses and bags, fur cuffs on jackets and pants, peg legged and shorter pants for men, ruffles, tight - patterned, ripped, and textured, curly hair and chignons, big watches, chains, pencil and circle skirts, small, fitted jackets, animal prints but mainly in accessories and collars and cuffs and much more. People do really dress up for Fashion Week!

Anthea and Anne

On Tuesday, I attended LOVAS and Jessica Jensen. On Wednesday Chloe Comme Paris, Martha Aime, Sears (Attitude), Rachel Mara and Joe Fresh, were amazing. Also heard Phillip Bloch's presentation about his book, "Shopping Diet". Two full days of over the top programming and fashion forward.

LOVAS by Wesley Badanjak was titled: "Elemental" and featured silver, charcoal, black, yellow, citron, and red cocktail dresses and day wear. Jewelry was by Rita Tesolin and Nine West did the shoe styling. A runway list of models, agencies, clothing descriptions and prices was very helpful. More at www.lovasfashion.com

Designer of Lovas Wesley Badanjak

Jessica Jensen, in collaboration with Alexander Berardi was inspired by Jean-Luc Godard's film, "Breathless" and the collection is "A Tribe Called Hamptons". Once again, loved that the models were listed by name and that special thanks were given to the rest of the team. Military jackets, beaded dresses and satchels, jumpsuits and weekender styles for the Hamptons, included a gilda evening gown to really dress it up. Jay Gatsby where are you?

Chloe comme Parris showed cool winter whites, grays, blacks and tans. Long flowing tops - short in front and long in the back, lots of shorts and retro socks and high heel looks - the 40-60's. Detailed jackets, easy, unstructured looks, casual and comfortable but intricately constructed.

Parisian label Martha Aime featured a stunning music selection by Lucid Communications and an opening dance choreographed and performed by Missy Morris. It was truly a unique and captivating introduction to a well timed and beautifully designed and presented collection. Strapless tops, Bermuda shorts and asymmetrical skirts and dresses with lace and fabulous necklaces and scarves floated down the runway. Linen, cotton, muslin, silks and satins made you want to reach out and touch. Ostrich feathers and satin were a surprising and extremely creative combination.

Designers of Martha Aime

Sears Spring 2011 Attitude displayed Early American Sportswear with "uncomplicated but sophisticated style". There was a full house and lots of cheers for Sears and The Attitude Team and Cynthia Florek, Brand and Trend Director for Fashion, Sears Canada. Loved the large tote bags in orange and blue and the great two toned high heeled brogues. Maxi skirts and soft silks with lots of metalic golds and sequins plus neutrals and practical yet dressy looks made this collection one to look forward to. The all whites will pair up nicely with the oranges, purples and golds.

Rachel Mara's designs were in black, white and gray. Delicate florals and ruffles contrasted pleasantly with the tapered pants and silver sheath dress looks. Silks, chiffons and cottons looked soft but well constructed - classics that work for many more Springs.

Joe Fresh (Loblaws and Canadian Superstore) was so crowded, it was hard to get pictures. There was so much excitement and anticipation around this show. Affordable and easy to find, these uniforms, Bermuda shorts, long pleated skirts, skinny pants and brightly coloured tanks are both practical and stylish. This was an exceptionally well put together collection and show, featuring many styles and many models. Fresh looks and here to stay!

Would love to see some clothing, accessories and fashion note cards for sale at this venue. Food would be great too! How about a display board of categorized business/blog cards so we can keep in touch! Look forward to next year's Toronto Fashion Week. For more information visit the Toronto LG Fashion Week site here.