A grand use of embellishment, graphic patterning and shine made for one of the most eclectic fashion weeks in Toronto yet. While several designers including Malorie Urbanovitch continued to explore the possibilities of contemporary day wear, Mikhael Kale and others demonstrated what a little (or a lot) of floral accenting can do. Come spring, options abound – make space in your closet now.
Ashtiani
The mix of spacey fabrications with a bright palette and sportswear silhouettes gave Golnaz Ashtiani’s collection an ultra-modern but still familiar feel. Colour-blocking the humble shirt-dress and using a gauzy, sheer fabric for a floor-length jacket showed the potential in these wardrobe staples.
Mikhael Kale
Florals – either as embellished appliqués or textile prints – were on Mikhael Kale’s mind for spring, and his over-the-top creations (as always) wowed the crowd. Pearl detailing and shoulder cut-outs gave the designs depth and a sultry edge, while the flowers embedded in sheer tights was the season’s most unique styling approach.
Malorie Urbanovitch
Partnering with artist Bernadette Paetz to give her spring collection an artistic elevation, Malorie Urbanovitch’s show was more novel than seasons past, with a lighter feel for knits, and ruffles and elegantly frayed hems lending dimension and personality to sporty dresses and evening wear.
RED Emerging Designer Showcase
At Seneca College’s emerging designer show, the ideas were plentiful and executed amazingly well. Blue Collar Tribe’s Jing Zhao used denim and 3-D printed appliqués to give a raw, techy edge to casual wear. Wanwei Huang was influenced by artist Yayoi Kusama for her collection, and the Japanese icon’s polka dots were used to great effect in the playful lineup. And Vandal, the brand created by Seneca’s Fashion Arts alum Ronald Tam, mixed finely tuned tailoring with traditional kimono influences.
Zoran Dobric
Combining sophisticated silhouettes with dizzying patterns, Zoran Dobric’s collection was confident and cohesive. While some pieces skewed on the avant-garde side with their accents of gold and asymmetrical flourishes, his overall vision was eccentric but grounded, and presented many welcome updates for a work-wear wardrobe.
