FASHION Magazine

See the Comrags Fall 2013 collection »

Judy Cornish and Joyce Gunhouse are no strangers to the catwalk. This year marks the 30th anniversary of their beloved Toronto-based label Comrags, and nearly one year in their new digs on Dundas West. “We’ve been at it for so long, it’s fun to have something that challenges us,” Cornish said from the top of the runway at The Shows, in a discussion about the collection with Dr. Alexandra Palmer of the Royal Ontario Museum. “We never forget that what we do is make clothes,” Gunhouse added. And these are clothes that were made for wearing.

“Nothing too precious” was the mandate for the duo’s Fall 2013 collection, translated via exposed pockets, drawstring waists and more practical pieces like a raincoat dress and a jumpsuit that made me think of Ryan Gosling’s character in Drive (always a good thing). The designers also washed, but didn’t press, some of the garments after they were made, giving them a bit of a life of their own. Cornish and Gunhouse are self-professed vintage lovers and said that they generally like to work with older found pieces that they deconstruct before putting them back together in a contemporary way. This season differed in that they fell for some vintage fabric, which they used to create original pieces. And ankle-lovers will be pleased to know that these are the body parts du jour. Nearly every piece in the collection hit just below the knee or at the mid-calf, showcasing an elegant and flattering silhouette in Italian wool dresses, swinging skirts and printed capris.