Flare Magazine Feature - World MasterCard Fashion Week Street Style - TOP TEN!

This year's World MasterCard Fashion Week was one of the best yet!  So many great shows, amazing clothes, fabulous outfits and to top it all off, I was photographed by Max Kopanygin for Flare Magazine's street style page.  I was also selected as one of the top ten looks of the week!  

Max was wonderful to work with and has a great eye for scenery!  I've included a link below to his portfolio site below - check it out when you have a moment.  Hope you all are having a great weekend.

Photo by Max Kopanygin 

ASHTIANI by Golnaz Ashtiani-Fall 2013

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Loved the color palettes in this collection designed by Ashtiani Golnaz: gold and black, blue and gold and plum and grey, especially.  A nod to the past is evident in the pony tails, usually long and with a curl.  Black, elbow length gloves were an unexpected pairing with black tights and a tunic black top with gold cutouts.  Plum cape coats with white and black details and grey peaked caps were also unique designs for fabulously different winter apparel.  Creative, stylish presentation, including fantastic music.  Vision of delight!  Visit her website here.

World MasterCard Fashion Week - RUDSAK - F/W 2013

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Having begun this brand in 1994, Rudsak designer Evik is an expert at designing and showcasing winter wear that fits beautifully and never goes out of style.  Several people in the crowd, were sporting RUDSAK jackets and coats.  I loved the leather suits and bags (with fringes).  Think short skirts and tops like second skins.  The fur edged flyer caps were true Canadian North and snowy Toronto, for sure. A dark color palette (except for the shots of gold) and edgy music, including The Black Keyes, kept this collection moving confidently through wind and snow.  So Fall, bring on Winter.

Images via Keith Beaty - Toronto Star

World MasterCard Fashion Week - KORHANI HOME

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

KORHANI HOME and Fashion always brings drama, music and art to the runway!  Truly wearable art!  We began with a sensational set of costumes (think French Court Life) that featured huge hats with feathers and birds to match heavily brocaded and patterned, long dresses, capes, coats, bags, all of which could be totally statement making pieces today.  KORHANI recently presented at Berlin Fashion Week and this part of the show was prefaced by a music video that referenced yet another stunning collection of suits, dresses, fancy, smaller hats - all very European looking and pieces that you wanted to reach out and grab.  There is never anything in one solid color; there is always a mix of pattern, texture and shape, very unique, one of a kind pieces.  The stage set for the third part of this spectacular show was a stage with red velvet curtains and again referenced everything that is magical, fantastic, multi colored, multi ethnic and exquisitely fitted.  I especially liked a furry pink, long sleeved sweater over an animal printed top and pants (with a touch of pink) and matching bag and shoes.  The message to me was that home is fashion, precision, beauty, style and fun.  Warmth, culture, design, lessons learned from history and that shivery sense of all that is possible are at KORHANI HOME.
Congratulations and a million thanks for sharing your vision.  Champagne and KORHANI bags were delightful!

Colleen wearing Korhani Home's - Tropical Paradise Tunic!

At the entrance of World MasterCard Fashion Week

World MasterCard Fashion Week - VAWK - BY SUNNY FONG - Fall 2013

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Nordic Fauna was the title of the wintery video by Chris Vassalos that provided an in-depth look about the beauty and power of nature and the struggle to survive in its icy embrace.  The Snowy Owl, riveting with its sharp claws and glowing yellow eyes was one of the first to appear.  Deer, delicate, contrasted with hunter wolves, eyes glittering and thick fur protecting them from the cold.  And what protects us from the storms and yet provides bright plumage, feathers, skins, and coverings that attract?  This collection, full of energy, movement and stunning visuals, will take us through to another Spring.  Cape topped jackets and coat dresses were wings and rows of brass buttons were the yellow eyes commanding us to watch.  Subtle pleating on the hems of wide pants and on the side of a gorgeous long coat were like rows and layers of feathers, and the wonderful cutouts in tops and dresses, once again kept our attention focused on the next layer, the depth within.  The little black cocktail dress, the classic Audrey, with puffs of faux fur on its skirt, took us out of the forest and the snow and into the blazing fires and bright lights of party time.  Styling by Tricia Hall really enhanced the theme of the video and the collection.  Sunny Fong's energetic and friendly hello at the end of the show, further supported the concepts of a thriving, continuing presence.  Outstanding!

Images via Keith Beatty - Toronto Star

World MasterCard Fashion Week - Matis by Lucian Matis

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Lots of classic two piece suits in blacks and greys and two piece knits with long sweater coats and then reds, greens and blues, colors that were repeated in jersey like dresses for Fall and Spring.  Very fresh florals in all lengths and in pants as well as dresses.  Dark green/black plaids were striking in a long dresses  and a jump suit with long sleeves and belled trousers.  Simple but gorgeous jewelry, often long pendants, seemed to fit with the long, shiny tresses.  There is always an air of anticipation and high expectations from the crowd, before the show begins.  I know why.  Another wonderful collection from Lucian Matis!

World MasterCard Fashion Week - Christopher Bates - Bespoke, Bespoke!

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen) 

Christopher Bates introduced his collection by speaking about each piece as the models appeared.  It is such a pleasure to hear the details from the designer, especially this one, whose training in Milan and sales success make his one of the top menswear lines in Canada.  Favorites include the gorgeous fitted shirts with metal studs on the collars and bespoke suits of beautiful material and classic, tailored fit.  Loved the gloves in all different colors and the fabulous shoes that were perfect with each outfit.  Formal or more casual, always bespoke materials and design.  Best dressed!

World MasterCard Fashion Week - Mercedes-Benz Start Up Presents DUY

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

First of all, thanks for the print handout about DUY and his collection.  Was also enthralled with the presentation and music - just so commanding and taking over the whole runway and room.  All quiet and concentrating except for the oohs and ahs!  Might like to hear some music from Vietnam too, next time.  The maxi wool double breasted beautiful brown coat was first down the walk and set the stage for formal, exquisitely tailored pieces to follow. White, cream, black, grey and greens were soft and elegant.  Furs, feathers, sequins and flowing trains pulled the eye to the very end of the runway and back again. The tailored jacket, the silk ruffled scarf, the fitted ankle pant, the maxi, and the formal ball gown, all for the stylish closet, this season.