Fashion

TOP TEN TRENDS FROM TORONTO WOMEN’S FASHION WEEK

With a flight to Toronto at the crack of dawn Friday morning, I made it to the shows just by the skin of my teeth. With a jammed packed weekend of meetings and 18 runway presentations on my to-do list it was bananas (in the best way possible) to say the least.

Held at the historic Waterworks building, in downtown Toronto, the venue was tucked away and had you not known about where it was supposed to be you could (and we did) walk right past it. However, I kind of loved this about it, it felt like you were apart of an exclusive underground experience which definitely created a cool vibe.

The venue was definitely much different than the fashion weeks of the past (which comes with its own set of pros and cons); however, the large space gave an industrial vibe which I thought served as the perfect backdrop for the collections (not to mention there was a washroom – which super helpful when you’re there for 5 hours straight.  The TW shows attracted over 10,000 attendees (and even us East Coasters) with peripheral events including TW Talks and TW parties drawing in close to 25,000 visitors.

TWFW was really well done, and I have to hand it over to the folks that took it over because it was not an easy feat. There are always bound to be hiccups, but overall I think it was a super successful event! I had a blast (minus this part).

As I mentioned there were 18 presentations, and I think I only missed two? So instead of uploading a thousand photos, I decided to showcase some of the trends I noted from the runway!

From ruffles to fringe our Canadian designers definitely know how to put on a great show; while their carefully crafted creations make us nothing but proud!

 


1 . RUFFLES


Ruffles are without a doubt the biggest trend right now, and the Canadian designs we saw come down the runway in Toronto were no exceptions. From tops to sleeves, to full skirts there was no shortage of volume. Picadilly featuring David Dixon photos c/o Che Rosales | Stephen Caras photos c/o Shayne Gray

 


2. FRINGE


Fringe. I could likely do an entire blog post about the amount of fringe that was on the runway during TWFW, but I’m not going to lie the crowd (including me) loved it. One thing I will say that’s different about the fringe we saw this season is that it was WAY more exaggerated than ever before. I have to say there’s something about movement on the runway that you really just can’t argue with.

Even Biddell & HendrixRoe photos c/o Shayne Gray

 


3. APPLIQUE


From the floral details of Dicarlo Couture to more geometric applications of Zoran Dobric we saw a lot of designers taking their pieces up a notch with layers and 3D additions. Dicarlo Couture and Zoran Dobric images c/o Che Rosales.


4. SHEER


Much like fringe sheer fabrics are equally a pleasure to watch come down the runway. There’s something about their delicate nature that inspires romanticism and whimsy. While Di Carlo Couture created a juxtaposition with dresses that included both soft sheer fabrics with beaded details that scream Hollywood glamour and red carpet. Zoran Dobric took a more modern approach with raised collar and an exaggerated sleeve.  Di Carlo Couture & Zoran Dobric images c/o Che Rosales


5. HIGH SHINE


I loved loved loved the mix of high shine fabrics with the texture from Hendrixroe, and Stephan Caras. I would totally wear that look from Hendrixroe (can’t you picture me in it?). And that sequin dress from Mikael-D? It literally created a disco ball effect on the runway when the model turned around. Everyone collectively let out a wow because we were all so blown away. And those cut outs? We’ve seen cut outs, but we’ve not seen THOSE cut outs. HOT HOT HOT. We know you’re next party dress. Hendrixroe, Stephan Caras, Mikael-D images c/o Shayne Gray

 


6. UP-CYCLED FASHION


It was amazing to see eco-fashion as a trending theme at fashion week. Given the amount of waste we generate both in the creation of clothing as well as how disposable wardrobes are —is quite frankly alarming. From Evan Biddell’s collection that was created using clothing from Value Village to spread awareness of the 81lb challenge by producing an entire collection using the second-hand clothing, while Peggy Sue created an ethically manufactured line made from locally sourced and natural materials. What a great use of the platform as well at their creativity, both shows were a pleasure to watch. Evan Biddell’s photos c/o Shayne Gray. Peggy Sue images (last two) c/o Che Rosales


7. BLUE


From powder blue to cobalt, shades of blue were ALL over the runway.  With flirty dresses, oversized trousers, and blazers from Rachel Sin’s collection that was inspired by the latest dance craze, Kizomba, (characterized by a romantic rhythm, urban vibe and a sensual appeal).

To hard hitting edgy vibes of Evan Biddell and Hendrixroe there’s no question we’re seeing blue in a plethora of unexpected places. Peggy Sue gets in on the actions too with her oversized periwinkle blue hat. Swoon. Evan Biddell & HendrixRoe photos c/o Shayne Gray Peggy Sue images c/o Che Rosales

 


8. TEXTURE


From fur to tweed, structured fabric to beading and feathers you name it, our Canadian designers definitely had fun playing with texture. And it certainly wouldn’t be Canadian fashion show without some fabulous outerwear. Joseph Tassoni’s collection “The Queen of the North” (very fitting title given how cold it was in Toronto) featured luxurious furs and textures that you just want to snuggle up in. I’m an extremely tactile person, so how the fabric feel is almost more important than how it looks, so I was so happy to see such a variety on the runway. Joseph Tassoni, Peggy Sue images c/o Che Rosales | Stephen Caras & Mikael D images c/o Shayne Gray.

 


9. HIGH LOW DRESSES


Who doesn’t love a sexy shoe or high slit skirt that showcases some leg? Whether it’s a super high slit from Stephan Caras, or a peek-a-boo ruffled front hemlines from Mikael D, our designers loved playing with levels. Stephan Caras and Mikael D photos c/o Shayne Gray.


10. THROWBACK


Everything old becomes new again. Everyone knows fashion is cyclical and it’s neat to see eras of fashion be made modern again. Whether it was the roaring 20s from Mikael D, to the mod inspired outfits from Picadilly featuring David Dixon, to the art nouveau Paris inspired pieces from Miriam Baker we definitely got a blast from the past from our Canadian Designers. Images c/o Shayne Gray.

Hope you enjoyed this Toronto Women’s Fashion Week recap post! Stay tuned for LOTS of outfit posts from my looks from the shows. I was super lucky to shoot with Moncton Photographer Denis Duquette, who I’m very lucky to call my friend.

 

 

xx

Kayla

 

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8 Comments

  • Reply Roger Gingerich March 25, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    One of the best write ups of the week. Love. This.

  • Reply Lyndi March 27, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    Looks like this was an amazing season of Toronto fashion week!
    I love the pink and blue finale – beautiful photos
    Lyndi xo

    http://www.stylecalling.com

  • Reply Stacy April 1, 2017 at 5:24 am

    Oh my goodness! an remarkable post dude. Thank you However I’m experiencing concern with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone acquiring identical rss trouble? Any person who knows kindly respond.

    • Reply shortpresents May 30, 2017 at 12:56 pm

      Stacy I was having issues with it, but it should be okay now. feel free to give it another go! You can find it under the subscribe and follow 🙂 Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention.
      xx

  • Reply Jeff Rustia August 19, 2017 at 8:57 pm

    Beautiful article. Thank you for your love and support!
    Jeff Rustia, Founder and CEO, Canada Fashion Group
    Executive Director of Toronto Women’s Fashion Week

    • Reply shortpresents November 2, 2017 at 4:29 pm

      Jeff ! Thanks SO much for taking the time to take a peek at this post. I absolutely adore all the hard work you do. Every year it gets better and better. Can’t wait for next season.
      xx

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