TFW | - Part 2

LOVAS S/S 2012

By: opique

30-12-2011

LGFW, Sponsored, Tamron, Toronto Fashion Week

Well tailored Caribbean and Indian inspired pieces

Wesley Badanjak’s Caribbean inspirations are apparent in his SS’12 contribution to LG fashion week. A cast of ethnic models strutted in well-tailored garments that were infused with a breezy, tropical flavoring. Rambunctious ruffles, pretty pleats and sophisticated shirring highlighted the cool and carefree femininity of the show. Beaded necklaces, wooden bangles, and open-toed sandals were the perfect accoutrements for the stylish Island girls who sported messy braids (sometimes accompanied by feathers). Whether she’s sipping coconut milk on the beach or heading to a carnival party, the Lovas girl of SS’12 is always effortlessly well-dressed.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: lovasfashion.com

Michi S/S 2012

By: opique

19-12-2011

Fashion, LGFW, Sponsored, Toronto Fashion Week

Fun futuristic fashions for the female workout warrior

Channelling George Orwell’s famous novel 1984, the Michi SS’12 show began with grainy black and white footage of industrial machinery trudging away in some ambiguous warehouse. Through this environment came the first sights and sounds of the showcase. One model in second skin body-con became flanked by two more on each side creating a dynamic girl band outfitted in the sexiest Jazzercising ensembles one could ever imagine. Bondage straps, cut outs, mesh and panelling were the staples of the collection whose palette was cranberry, mustard and amethyst balanced by black and white. While there was an abundance of garments that were both body-hugging and body-baring, a balance was achieved with a few light and loose pieces that swung in the air as the vivacious models danced down the runway to up-tempo music. Not for the shy or self-conscious, the Michi show was a breath of fresh air against stale, safe or predictable fashion.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: michiny.com

There’s No Place Like Holts

By: opique

14-11-2011

Fashion, LGFW, Toronto Fashion Week

Tailored, layered work and outdoor pieces represented in Holt show - Photos by Opique

The first show of the season was the Holt Renfrew show. I’m always excited to attend this show because it is the perfect way to start off LG Fashion Week.
The lineup included: Denis Gagon, Dennis Merotto, Jeremy Laing, Lida Baday, Naked & Famous, Smythe, TwentyCluny, and Wings + Horns.

The diversity of the models and designers was the highlight of the show and is one of my favorite aspects of Canada. This was especially refreshing because with some shows you only see one type of model and it makes everything start to blend together. I could imagine a large cross section of people wearing the pieces from the runway including myself.
For those of you who don’t know about Holt Renfrew, it’s similar to Macy’s or Nordstrom here in the US and has locations in major Canadian cities like: Toronto, Montrèal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Edmonton. Next time you find yourself in one of these cities, you have you check it out.

Written by Paul Ross

Lala Berlin S/S 2012

By: opique

07-11-2011

Fashion, LGFW, Sponsored, Tamron, Toronto Fashion Week

Leyla Piedayesh's fun, sheer and futuristic compositions for Lala Berlin. - Photos by Opique

Tints and pastels created a soft and airy opening to the LALA Berlin show. Cream, lavender and seafoam green blended together in a marbling effect featured on dresses, tops and trousers. There is a universal feeling of whimsical weightlessness echoed in the super light and loose-fitting garments that seemed to flow and undulate as the models walked. The garments can best be described as “open concept” with many being somewhat translucent and others featuring cut-outs. Despite all this exposure, there is no feeling of overt sexualization. Sequins and big, soft knits hung from the models that resembled glitter-faced pixies far more than Hollywood sexpots. Midway through the show shades and tones overtook the airy pastels. The marbling was replaced by another large scale print, this time a crystal kaleidoscope of natural earth tones and turquoise. These deeper hues add weight to the collection. While still girlishly demure, they were the gravity that grounded this very dreamlike runway show.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: lalaberlin.com

Arthur Mendonça S/S 2012

By: opique

03-11-2011

Fashion, LGFW, Sponsored, Toronto Fashion Week

Floral, structured and whimsical looks from AM Spring 2012 show - Photos by Opique

The Arthur Mendonça woman of Spring/Summer 2012 definitely has a taste for vibrant and rich colors. In this collection splashes of fuchsia and electric yellow accented more subdued colors such as burnt orange, cocoa and cream. Texture and pattern also play a role in enriching the collection. Models came down the runway in mature florals, animal print stripes and muted geometrics as well as garments that were gathered and draped. While the collection featured many suits and workplace separates, there were also plenty of flowing dresses for the Mendonça woman to wear on her day off from work. Gold arm bands, snakeskin belts and large necklaces reminiscent of breastplates finished the looks, adding a warrior-like dimension to the cosmopolitan collection.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: arthurmedonca.com

From PITT Homecoming to Toronto Fashion Week

By: opique

02-11-2011

Fashion, LGFW, Toronto Fashion Week

It’s hard to even know where to start after the crazy, wild, and fun week I had. First I want to say how great it was seeing so many old friends during Homecoming at the University of Pittsburgh. On Friday night I went to two very nice spots called SOHO and The Wine Loft, both of which were hosting events. After that, I was off to Toronto Fashion Week (TFW). I would like to thank Noriko and Mahsa from Amplis who let me test out the Tamron 18-270 lens and the Manfrotto Veloce VII Backpack during my coverage of the Spring/Summer 2012 runway shows. There are full reviews of the lens and backpack coming shortly. Lastly, I am happy to announce I have a new camera bag and am getting a new all-purpose lens soon.

Toronto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 marked the 25th season of fashion week in Toronto. This season ran from Oct 17-21 and was held in downtown Toronto at David Peacaut Square. Toronto’s fashion scene is continuing to grow and expand each season with local and international talent presenting collections. This marked my second season at TFW, and to share my experience, I will be presenting full collection coverage, reviews and beauty and garment details. In addition, I will highlight some street fashion from attendees inside the tents.

LOVAS S/S 2012

Michi S/S 2012

There’s No Place Like Holts

Lala Berlin S/S 2012

Arthur Mendonça S/S 2012

From PITT Homecoming to Toronto Fashion Week

Opique

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