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  • Pink Tartan
  • Toronto Fashion Week Fall 2012

When Toronto Fashion Week rolls around there are always a few designers collections whose shows I look forward to attending above all others. Some of these including Chloé comme Parris, David Dixon, Lucian Matis and as noted above, Pink Tartan by Kim Newport-Mimran.

As expect, Kim has delivered yet another collection fit for the Canadian climate full of lush, over the top furs, this time in shades of forest green, ruby, blush and black. Long, loose silk trousers and cigarette pants were paired with trenches, flared pea coats and tailored blazers and featured brilliant pops of vibrant reds. The dresses featured the ever popular on trend peplum while most skirts graced knee length and remained flared and/or loose while giving peeks of skin through the sheer fabrics. The trench coats were stunning and featured leather and fur accents, my favourite being the cream trench with black colour blocked along the bottom of the sleeves and the body with fur sitting atop the shoulders. Something things that I didn’t expect to like so much were the emerald monotone look made up of the sleeveless peplum top paired with matching flared, fitted trousers and the figure hugging long red dress. However, I was not a fan of the furry booties that finished off many of the looks but they were easily over looked as the collection as a whole was so lovely.

Overall the collection was a perfect combination of wardrobe essential staples and statement pieces for the every day woman who has flare (which is fitting as it was styled by FLARE’s Fashion Director Liz Cabral.)


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  • Chloé comme Parris
  • Toronto Fashion Week Fall 2012

Every season I always look forward to design duo Chloé and Parris Gordon designs for their brand Chloé come Parris. Everything always feels airy and light but with a hard edge which always makes for an interesting collection.

This season saw a dark colour palette of black and charcoal with pops of camel and dreamy light watercolour prints. Most skirts were mid length and pleated and were styled with contrasting heavy leather and suede masculine motorcycle jackets. Oversized knits were heavily featured and made an excellent fall basic. Their trademark use of hardware and studded embelishments were in abundance and trickled down shoulders and sleeves. Evening dresses were completed with either the previously noted motorcycle jacket or a simple trench. Two things that caught my eye were the caged cuffs that were utterly covetable and the cigarette pants had fun slits up the front which will be perfect for showing off statement shoes. Overall Chloé come Parris was a collection full of muted basics that I am sure will have great commercial success. 

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  • Lucian Matis
  • Toronto Fashion Week Fall 2012

The buzz and atmosphere at Lucian Matis this season was palpable. Guests braved the rainy Toronto night and filtered into the classically elegant Fairmont Royal York (I encourage you guys to stay there if you ever visit Toronto). Judging by the overwhelming crowds of fashion savvy men and women sipping champagne outside of the ballroom for the cocktail hour preceding the show, this was definitely the highlight for many individuals week. The grand ballrooms really do make such a lovely venue and I prefer them to the tents so hopefully designers begin to take more advantage of them in the future.

The collection overall honoured nature and beauty while maintaining artistic symmetry. Matis went into detail by saying:

“The lines in nature can travel, swirl and conjoin. These natural patterns are nature’s expression and purpose. My designs have adapted and evolved through colours and shapes; the grace in movement which this planet and nature must play out from minute to minute, birth to death, and most importantly, the beauty in attraction.”

Anchored by a black base, as the show progressed the garments boasted intricate lace and crochet detailing and came into its own with the burst of dark hued feathers that were featured heavily towards the end of the collection. The use of lush feathers to comprise full skirts, coats and voluminous shoulders were truly decadent and alluring. Each piece was rich in texture, expertly crafted and exuded sex appeal as expect from the designer since his first showing at Toronto Fashion Week back in 2007.

More:

Image Credit: Jenna Marie Wakani

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  • Dolce & Gabbana
  • Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012

The orchestra music and dim lighting set the tone for the show as models stepped through a gold-leafed Baroque picture frame. The Sicilian art work and baroque inspired collection began with mostly dark pieces which quickly became adorned by ornate gold trim along the neck, sleeves and hemlines. Soon after the skirts became voluminous with elaborate belts cinching the waists. Blouses made of frilly white lace were introduced midway through while still maintaining a black base. Finally there was a mini explosion of colour in the form of heavily detailed cherub tapestry prints. Overall there was a demure ladylike vibe to the collection with skirts skimming the knee and capes completing many looks. The looks were complete with accessories like jewel encrusted headbands, pearl adorned bags, black Madonna like veils and oversized gold jewelry.

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  • Jonathan Saunders 
  • London Fashion Week Fall 2012

Preppy, elegant and ladylike are the first three words that came to mind after reviewing the looks from the latest collection from the recent recipient of the BFC/Vogue Fashion Fund prize, Jonathan Saunders. The beginning of the collection was ruled by equestrian inspiration with stiff collars, riding jackets and classic buttoned up shirts. The looks were defused into a modern woman with the heavy use of metallics, pops of bright unexpected colour and the most beautiful floral prints.  Colour blocking could be found within most looks separating each piece while still being anchored by brown, green and the loveliest poppy red hues. Saunders made great use of texture on many of the flared skirts and coats playing with tweeds, embossed effects and silks. I cannot wait to see what pieces pop up in street style photos from London Fashion Week next season.

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  • Vogue China
  • Fall 2011 Collections Issue
  • Model: Natasha Poly
  • Photographer: Willy Vanderperre
  • Stylist: Nicoletta Santoro

Now this is a proper editorial. Striking model, intriguing set and concept alongside expert styling featuring garments from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen and Lanvin. 

Ps. Natasha Poly you will forever be a true supermodel. 

(Image Source: fashionising.com)