FASHION Magazine

See the Joe Fresh Spring 2013 collection photos »

After a quick, swinging 1960s op-art themed projection set the tone, the tent at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto erupted in genuine cheers, even hoots, as model legend Pat Cleveland minced down the runway in her sprightly half-dance, half-strut. In town to lend star power to the Canadian premiere of the documentary Versailles ’73, Cleveland stole the whole Joe Fresh shebang—it didn’t really matter what she was wearing. The army of other models (including Meghan Collison and Grace Mahary) showed off loads of things we’ll want to wear in ‘60s-mad Spring 2013: mini shift dresses, trapeze jackets, illusion dots and op-art prints in fabrics that are definitely of this century (neoprene, now a familiar Joe Fresh signature, perforated faux-leather, a fabric seemingly textured to resemble lizard skin). White, black, silver and sky blue were the only colours in the sky, with a small golden punctuation mark at the end in the form of a mixed metallic doily dress and foil painted denim—an update to fall’s waxed jeans we’re all obsessed with. Joe Fresh’s shoe designers came up with round-toed, white mesh heels, perforated pointy Mary-Janes and a chunky, pointed Céline-like pump, best in that baby blue. Pat Cleveland took her time leading and then falling behind her youthful colleagues in the finale, neither she nor we wanting her moment in the limelight to end.

See Evan Biddell’s Spring 2013 collection »

Evan Biddell’s eponymous Spring 2013 collection was a trip—but to where, we’re not entirely sure. After a two-year hiatus from fashion, the designer took us on what started as an African safari, then moved to Asia, then to the Matrix and finally ended at Andy Warhol’s Factory.

Despite our confusion about the thread that holds it all together there were some definite stand-out moments. The look that caught our eye was a white slouchy dress with thigh-high slits that showed off a pair of extremely tight short shorts. Finished off with a draped black jacket, the look was strong and clear—and thankfully lacking the animal prints that appeared on many other items in the collection. As we’ve seen on other runways in Toronto, the leather moto-jacket is trending for Spring 2013 and made at appearance at Even Biddell over a tone-on-tone printed bubble shaped dress. On another look, leather fringe hung off the back of a bodycon dress.

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.

See the Tanya Taylor Spring 2013 collection »

Toronto native Tanya Taylor returned home from current home base in New York to show her sophomore collection as the first to be presented in this year’s expat designer portfolio at The ShOws. And it couldn’t have been at a better time. Since starting her career designing for Elizabeth and James after degrees from McGill University and Parsons New School for Design, Taylor’s star has been rising, and since launching her first solo collection last season, we daresay it’s surging to the top.

See every look from Sid Neigum’s Spring 2013 collection »

Colour for spring? Pfft. Or at least, that’s what Sid Neigum’s Spring 2013 collection has convinced us. The Toronto-based Albertan showed a collection with long jersey dresses, fashion doo-rags, and majorly smoky eyes which when combined, created the ultimate cool girl look (look out Wang, Sid Neigum’s coming for you).

Neigum welcomed the reverse mullet cut to the runway—long in the front and bootyliciously short in the back—which is a necessary change from the current mullet craze out there on the mainstream market. The standout pieces of the show were the unexpected knits, ranging from a turtleneck dress to a grey oversized sweater piped with leather, the pieces were kind of a fashion reality check that made us realize knits are not only for fall.

View the full Chloé Comme Parris Spring 2013 collection »

The twisted sisters behind favourite Toronto-label Chloé Comme Parris were back with a decidedly sunny disposition for Spring 2013, deep diving into California culture last night with their latest show at Toronto Fashion Week. Chloé and Parris Gordon prove their envious skills season after season (need an age refresher? They’re just 24 and 22 respectively), and this time around it was no different.

Opening with the CCP take on the three-piece suit (think neutral-on-neutral and a button-up to boot), the 23-look collection flowed from one to the next with soft shades, airy layers and floral watercolour prints. The duo’s signature double-layer effect was as well done on a navy shirtdress as it was a short pair of slit leather shorts. The piece de resistance, however, was a pale pink motorcycle jacket that featured a thin elastic strap through the back. (Maybe you’d never actually tie a motorcycle jacket up, but hey, it sure looks modern).

View the Laura Siegel Spring 2013 collection »

Just add a desert and you’ve got the perfect background for Laura Siegel’s Spring 2013 collection. Instead of bring sand storms indoors; the first show of the inaugural year of The Collections featured models perched (some teetering) on wooden boxes with colourful cacti at their feet.

Adding to the pops of colour on the floor, the models had a case of pink eye—lids were lined in a bright verging on neon pink shadow and messy updos and braids were completed by streaks of fuchsia.

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 more pictures from Paris Fashion Week Spring 2013 »

This is an Important Trend Bulletin from Paris. Spring 2013 will be known as the season of the tux. Variations on Le Smoking opened Lanvin, Dior and Givenchy—a major signifier since eveningwear is usually reserved for last part of a show. And you can pretty much bet we’ll be seeing tuxedoes tonight when Hedi Slimane unveils his first collection for the now-renamed Saint Laurent Paris.