FASHION Magazine

See the photos from Michael Kors’ Toronto visit »

“Just when you thought you had everything, along comes a camouflage mink stole,” drawled Michael Kors, as a model glided into Holt Renfrew’s café in an outfit from his Fall 2013 collection.

The mini-show followed lunch for 20 or so top clients at Holt’s Cafe yesterday following a fête at his Bloor Street store on Wednesday night, with hostess Hilary Weston presiding over the affair in an aqua Oscar de la Renta tunic and pants.

Elsewhere there was much Michael Kors Spring 2013 about, including a dermatologist in a colourblock dress, and a capital markets trader a peony pink sheath. After tucking into sweet pea ravioli, lobster over fried green tomatoes and a sliver of cheesecake, there was an exodus downstairs to the racks of fall clothes available for special order.

See all 25 party pictures from the CFC Gala! »

It’s a strange feeling to arrive at a party in Toronto in the middle of the winter and see a paparazzi scrum positioned outside the doors, but when you’re attending an event hosted by the Canadian Film Centre, such is the case. Last week the CFC celebrated its 25th anniversary with an extravagant gala and silent auction at the Carlu. It was likely the rumours of Ryan Reynolds showing up—perhaps with his new bride Blake Lively!—that caused the tabloid interest. (However, the pair was content to stay in Sudbury, sorry paps!) So who were the 500-plus guests celebrating 25 years of the CFC? Both talent and behind-the-scenes players from Canada’s film and television industry were in attendance, including stars from Murdoch Mysteries, The Listener and Republic of Doyle. While the dress code called for black tie, the majority of guests opted for a Justin Timberlake-approved suit and tie over a tuxedo.

One of the things I love about my role as FASHION’s editor-in-chief is the many diverse projects I am asked to participate in. The most fun, so far, has been to see my shopping list for spring used as inspiration for a Holt Renfrew window.

When is a sweater not just a sweater?

When it is five-ply cashmere, trimmed in Mongolian lamb, speckled with suede sequins or inset with lace sleeves.

But then, we should expect no less from Alessandra Vicedomini, a statuesque Milanese model who now resides in Geneva with her banker husband.

That Alpine air was all over the Vicedomini (vicedominicashmere.com) collection in the form of the dusty rose and faded blue-grey palette, the fox-trimmed après-ski vests and the beaded tunics perfect for curling up fireside. When selling for the spring/summer season, the designer flips to swimsuits and beachwear.

But it was her knits that had guests doffing their Balmains at a champagne-fueled trunk show at Toronto’s Four Seasons Hotel.