After a series of unfortunate events, I got stuck beside two chatty fashion week newbies who were squawking to one another about why there were kids sitting front row at Comrags. I chimed in that they are family of Judy and Joyce, to which they replied, "Who are they?"
That, my friends, is just another day at LG Fashion Week.
Judy Cornish and Joyce Gunhouse, the design duo behind the Comrags label, have been making clothes for more than 25 years; they presented their fall 2011 "Wrest" collection last night at Heritage Court, on the CNE grounds in Toronto.
"It's clothes that only women could wear but they still have a strong feel to them," Gunhouse said in a preshow interview.
Chantilly (the model, not the lace) opened the runway show in a long-sleeved, black, knee-length Hawk dress that was as simple as it sounds, yet still well-structured.
Womanly, strong and simple was the resounding tone of the collection - or as Rock-It Promotions founder Debra Goldblatt tweeted from backstage, "It's the kinda clothes my mama called 'handsome.'"
Wearable frocks dominated the runway in the form of LBDs and shift dresses, draped and layered in silk, mostly knee-length, and easily transitional from day to night. It was the same with the styling: Messy updos looked worn-in and seemingly hairspray-free while footwear ranged from a black chunky heels to Comrags' signature flat brogue. All together, it was an exercise in feminine minimalism.
Fabric selection was the winning story as silk, wool, twill and tweed were shown in dark and stormy prints but also in gold and teal floral designs and vibrant graphics, almost à-la-Matthew Williamson. The real magic happened when the organic patterns and knock-out palettes collided, producing vintage-looking, flowery mash-ups and clashing prints that were very modern, very Dries Van Noten.
Nods to the seventies were made on most runways for the fall season, from Marc by Marc Jacobs to fellow Canuck Arthur Mendonça, and this collection followed suit with high-waisted, wide-leg pants, a touch of sheen and flirty silky blouses with neckties.
But the most buzzed item? The black cable-knit tights. Hand-embroidered by Cornish with detailed stitching and vintage buttons above the ankle, they had everyone leaning forward to snap a photo with their iPhones - proving that it really is all in the details. Speaking of which, nothing celebrates fashion in Canada like closing a runway show with a little Neil Young.