FASHION Magazine

See all the looks from the Mercedes Benz Start Up finals! »

And the winner is: DUY! Last night, the search for the Spring 2013 winner of the Mercedes Benz Start Up competition came to a close and Montreal designer Duy Nguyen was crowned the victor.

Pitted against seven other designers from across Canada, Nguyen’s dreamy pieces impressed the judges (including our editor-in-chief, Bernadette Morra) and secured his spot at the top of the podium. The DUY Spring 2013 collection was California girl meets New York, pairing structured suits with flowing chiffons and short-shorts with strong, collarless blazers. Nguyen was inspired by the French who are “very easy going” yet the collection was not necessarily reflective of Canadians—but worry not, as he told us that “fashion is about dreaming.” There was also a tinge of nostalgia, as silhouettes were very ’80s with crocheted knit tops and a modern version of the mom jean. The palette was simple and airy with seafoam greens, crèmes and baby blues but was punched up with a bright red-orange dress and short suit that featured cutouts. These pieces were winners in their own right.

See the Pink Tartan Spring 2013 collection »

Kimberley Newport-Mimran returned to her signature sunny disposition last night during the first night of World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto, showcasing a confection-sweet Pink Tartan collection of 38 looks for Spring 2013.

Opening with the aptly pink-haired Charlotte Free in a butterfly-printed crop bustier and pale pink full skirt, the looks that followed worn by the homegrown likes of Alana Zimmer, Irina Lazereanu and Amanda Laine were shaped with the kind of sixties-inspired aesthetic that always seems welcome. Staying within a predominantly pastel palette of mint green, cornflower yellow and lightly-sheened gold and silver, Newport-Mimran gave shimmering shift dresses, baby-dolls, flared jumpsuits and light car coats yet another life. And while a particular silver metallic jacquard jumpsuit may prove interesting for real-girl wear, the bulk of the collection is extremely easy to translate into closet worship for all ages.

See the Holt Renfrew designer showcase photos »

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to see a entire fashion season’s most important moments capsulized, last night’s Holt Renfrew opening showcase at World Mastercard Fashion Week last night was your dream come true. Set to a soundtrack by real-life DJ couple Brendan Fallis and Hannah Bronfman (who both donned Holt Renfrew’s “Girls” sweater designed in collaboration with Justin Broadbent), models including Amanda Laine walked in 67 looks of Fall 2012’s best internationally and Canadian-made wears.

View Jeremy Laing’s Spring 2013 collection »

Jeremy Laing knows what’s up for Spring 2013 and his collection shown last night on the final day of The ShOws was undeniable proof. With details straight out of the ‘90s (think cargo pockets, tear-away buttons and cornrows), the collection of neutrals was layer upon layer of glory.

Laing found the season’s sweet spot—the spot where five layers are none too many and where a metallic slate button down looks downright staple. Mid-way through the show, a two-tone grey and white button down dress (ahem, the new tear-away?) helped it reach a sporty high. Other than the sporty slouch that Jeremy Laing perfected, the collection mixed in structure and many pieces had a sort of body armour vibe with cut-outs, exposed zippers and thick fabrics. Laing used beaded shoulder pad-esque pieces connected by thin black straps to create a sultry yet refined neckline like that of a futuristic sport playing goddess.

Check out our front row pictures from Spring 2013 Fashion Week! »

Front row seating at the Spring 2013 Fashion Week collections has been an exciting who’s-who jumble of predictable favourites and amazing surprises this year.

Miu Miu’s Spring 2013 collection was presented today in Paris, with Glee’s Dianna Agron front and centre of the It girl mélage that came to check out Miuccia’s latest creations. Looking quite mod, she wore a ‘60s look of a turquoise dress, blue heels and purple tights, all by Miu Miu. Dianna Agron was seen with actress Amanda Seyfried who was wearing a Prada suit, Emma Stone and Felicity Jones both in Miu Miu and fashion week fixture and designer herself Chloë Sevigny. The girls looked like they were about star in the brand’s latest campaign, although Sevigny can already boast about that.

See our Spring 2013 developing top 5 trends »

While the international collections are only half way through there is no doubt that some Spring 2013 trends have been set. London Fashion Week elaborated on some of the trends that we first spotted in New York making spring style seem clearer than ever. Spring 2013 promises bold fashion ready for risk takers. Those who thought the crop top was a phase seem to have been proven wrong. Look for bare bellies and plenty of skin throughout the collections—start those crunches now.

Skin is definitely in, as leather frequents the catwalks for Spring 2013. At Mulberry, leather-on-leather takes the typically non-summer fabric for a ride dropping it right in the middle of its sugary sweet sixties-inspired collection. Meanwhile, defined digital prints continue to develop for Spring 2013 in the hands of their mistress, Mary Katrantzou: vivid images take us on a trip with international banknotes and postage stamps.

View our Montreal Fashion Week Spring 2013 photo gallery! »

It sure wasn’t easy getting into the groove of fashion week the day after Labour Day weekend, but this season’s Semaine de la mode was a success on many levels. A brand new venue, the return of practically all of Montreal’s cult fave designers and the city’s first ever participation in the global event of Fashion’s Night Out made for four fabulous days that will be hard to forget—and difficult to outdo next year. Here’s our round up of the top moments from Montreal Fashion Week Spring 2013:

Whether you were following the shows at London Fashion Week all weekend long or are just catching up now, Spring 2013 is shaping up to include everything we could hope for after a long winter. Here’s just a handful of the trends and items that have stood out from the shows so far:

Sass and Bride showcased numerous stunning dresses in classic black and white. The bright neon orange pants along with a white blouse and short long sleeved jacket was the best look by far—especially with laced up booties to finish it off. Casting man Russell Marsh exclaimed he wanted the girls to look ‘fresh’ and that they did with minimal make-up and pulled by hair.

It was a whirlwind day of running between shows and showrooms, but I’ve managed to suss out five of the best offerings of the day, beginning with the most unexpected one from Oscar de la Renta. From a man known for glamorous gowns and ladylike day-wear, it was a surprise to see Karlie Kloss open the show in a latex top and skin-tight pencil skirt. Clearly courting a younger contingent, uncharacteristically punky coloured streaks were added to wispy beehives and billowy shorts suits were on offer for evening. Is Oscar abandoning his core clientele? I seriously doubt it, but it’s always refreshing to see a designer throw us a curveball and stretch his style beyond the expected.

See the rest of our picks »