DAY 1: PINK TARTAN AND MERCEDES-BENZ START-UP - World Mastercard Fashion Week S/S '15

Designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran wore runners at the finale of her Spring/Summer 2015 collection.  They were black and white, stylish and functional.  This is the world of work, career, world, all of it!  There was the power black, the black suit, the black dress, the statement blouse, the strong colors, the clothes that fit, and flatter but never impede movement.  The geometrics and prints, again, focused and dramatic, colorful, edgy, modern pieces that reflect the best of the 70's, including the music but minus the shoulder pads.   The Pink Tartan Line can be found across North America, locally at Holt's and The Bay as well as internationally.

Images via World Mastercard Fashion Week

George Pimentel

Mercedes-Benz Start-Up is an initiative and a competition that searches out emerging Canadian designers and supports them with considerable business start-up resources, including money and mentorships.  Of the six designers chosen to show their collections, Sid Neigum was the winner of the $30,000 start-up and also won the Disney-Mercedes-Benz Start-Up award (for his modern look black dress for Minnie Mouse)  Prior to this, the Alberta born, New York trained designer, won the Toronto Fashion Incubators New Labels Award in 2012.  His 2015 collection was the math I was never able to master but might have if he had been the teacher! (Big maybe)  Origami folds, geometric shapes and cutouts really made the eye travel and follow!  When I went outside, after the show, I immediately took more notice of the architecture of the city.  It's all about noticing the world, bringing it closer and then reflecting your own interpretation back.  The soft colours of this collection were all the shades of early morning to late at night and of the end of winter and beginning of spring.

BEAUFILLE (Formerly CHLOE COMME PARRIS) is designer sisters, Chloe and Parris Gordon.  Chloe creates the ready to wear lines and Parris designs the accessories.  This collection, too, features geometric cut outs and fashions transitioning from winter to spring.  I loved the long coat/dress over leggings.  One of a kind, for sure!

BLAK.1  Helder Aquiar and Diego Fuchs showed lifestyle collections for today's urban woman.  The edgy styles featured leather and graphic prints and black ankle boots and thigh high comfortable, wearable boots.  These for my little closet, please.

VAIKEN is designed by Valerie Tolila whose collection was an elegant and sleek line of black and white, featuring cutouts and fabulous minis, especially!  Loved the shimmery sci-fi like v neck white mini with detailed hem and the sleeveless mini with cut outs at the waist.  Black was softened with sheer overlays and loved her version of the little black dress.  Her dress for Minnie Mouse was my favourite: a simple shift with detailing at the neck and a plastic overskirt of circles - such an update for Min.

ELIZA FAULKNER is designing from Vancouver Island and I think her collection has a distinctly West Coast vibe.  It is described as being for "the elegant sportif" and that is apparent in her pieces.  Natural fibres, strong, vibrant colours and clothes that fit and flattered characterized this spring/summer collection.  Standout for me was the turquoise maxi with cap.  Loved the running shoes as accessories. Also charmed by her modern dress for Minnie: a red mini with bows at the shoulder!  Sweet!

LAURA SIEGAL based in New York and Toronto, (best of both worlds) is multi talented!  She is a silversmith, knitter and dyer as well as being a terrific designer.  She is known for her ethnic designs, the result of collaborations with Asia and Latin America and very likely, more to come.  As a hat person, I loved the turban, the silver neck and arm jewellery as wonderful accessories for a unique collection.  The dye work, especially in the long skirts/wrap arounds were captivating.