Simplicity accompanied by plunging neck lines, bold prints, colours and sophistication, seemed to be the theme of attire on and off the runway this season at Toronto’s World MasterCard Fashion Week.
Attendees did not hold back on their wardrobe of choice, considering Toronto’s below seasonal expectations. Fashion forward guests dressed in colourful pea coats, mix-matched prints and wide brimmed hats, were seen everywhere in and outside the big white tents of Toronto’s David Pecaut Square, where many of this season’s designers debuted their Fall/Winter 2014 collections.
The male collections for Fall/Winter 2014 seemed to be a split between a blast from the past, and everyday comfort, with an all-around sense of sophistication. HD Homme brought Hollywood red carpet elegance to the cosmopolitan gentleman, by incorporating eye-popping colours and fabrics such as vibrant blues and reds on velvet.
Thomas Balint, seemed to have been reminiscing through his childhood memories of dress up, by showcasing oversized tuxedo jackets and high collared coats, and Klaxon Howl brought the 1930s to today’s modern times, by pairing ascots with double-breasted coats and vintage newspaper boy caps with formfitting vests.
Toronto-based line, OUTCLASS, brought comfort and style to the runway, with emphasis on colours such as rich, vibrant reds, subtle navy blues and an array of earthy greens. “The brand is called OUTCLASS for one reason,” says designer Matteo Sgaramella. “It should be able to outclass any other competition or should feel confident in the clothing.”
For the female collections, the theme of colour and bold prints seemed to be a favourite amongst attendees. Anu Raina exhibited colour, textile and city fusion with her collection by incorporating the mesh of primary colours and sheer materials, while Madame Moje brought elegance and chicness to the runway. Highlights were Moje’s use of lace, laid under daring cutouts, long zippers behind rich purple, green and orange evening dresses and peplum ruffled coats in classic beige and black.
A favourite collection amongst many was the Fall/Winter 2014 collection from NARCES. “I love graffiti and I love stencil graffiti,” explains NARCES designer, Nikki Wirthensohn. “This collection you will see that it was more about stencils on a dress.” With the use of lace, A-line cuts and the designer’s signature flared dresses, many were in awe with what the collection had to bring, and all agreed that NARCES was one of the many “it” collections to view.
Hilary MacMillan was also a favourite. Bringing the Australian outback to the runway, the Fall/Winter 2014 collection combined animalistic prints with sophisticated design, while incorporating textures such as fur and metallic materials to exude the modern day classy woman.
Big names such as Pink Tartan, Joe Fresh, Mackage and Rudsak brought out many pairs of eyes to their shows to showcase their use of fur, texture combinations and overall daring style. Onlookers were pleased with leather heavyweights Rudsak and Mackage’s fuse of winter sexiness for the ladies. Rudsak paired leather minis with tailored leather blazers and parkas, topped off with fur hats and Mackage fused bold colour and plaid prints with leather bomber jackets and this season’s popular calf length skirts.
“I think the cool thing with Rudsak is that they always get away with mixing and blending leather with different kinds of fabric and really know a woman’s body,” explains Much Music VJ Liz Trinnear. “I find their fits to be fantastic for all shapes and sizes so I really appreciate them that way.”
The clothing for the gentlemen also didn’t disappoint. Mackage’s use of leather bubble bomber jackets and vest exuded the cool and relaxed look and Rudsak’s transition from tailored leather trenches to fur-embellished parkas topped off with edgy top hats was the right fit for fashion critics.
With a week full of trends from leather to colour to fur trims and internationally inspired textiles, Fall/Winter 2014 is sure to bring many fashion forward styles from the runway to the sidewalk. Toronto’s World MasterCard Fashion Week not only brought out many fashion-driven individuals such as bloggers, fashion editors and A-listers alike, but also, the inner child and pleasures in us all, reminding everyone how inspirational and fun fashion is. No matter where you’re from around the globe, we all speak the universal language of style.
Words & Photos By. Aliecia Brissett
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