Guests schmoozed at Hazelton Lanes while sampling at least a dozen different wines, courtesy of Vin de Pays d’Oc wines; and the most tasty hors doevres and cheese assortment, thanks to Amazing Foods – fabulous pairing! Guests were most content and impressed, but complimentary cocktails usually have that effect!

When I commented that the affair seemed more fashionable than most at fashion week, TFI blogger Carolyn Rohaly said, “Well, they know how to throw a classy party!”

Fashion Design Competition
Extras aside, the Elle Canada/TFI New Labels event is an amazing opportunity for hard-working designers to compete for cash, magazine editorial and a chance to sell their wares out of the exclusive TNT Blu in Toronto’s Hazelton Lanes.

For 2006, four focused and coherent collections were presented down a curvy runway in the most engaging fashion! (If all fashion shows consisted of the work of such thought out competitors, we may never grow bored…) The models looked superb with gorgeous hair, make-up and styling. And definitely worth a mention is the graphic elements that were projected on the runway to create some serious atmosphere. Go to the TFI site to learn more about the show contributors.

Fashion Psychology
For their fifth collection, designers Beryl Baccus and Patrick Larrivee take inspiration from the life and passion of Mary Queen of Scots. Gorgeous brocade corsets and jackets teemed with plaid and silk skirts; sequins and lace; all tied together with vibrant burgendy and peacock blue ribbons. For the finale, a plaid wool corset and billowing silk skirt, fit for a queen. Repetitive perhaps, but strongly coherent and fluent.

Karamea
Michelle Turpin is a costumer with a perfect collection for delicate, dramatic heroines in a historical film. This contemporary collection of red and gold silks is inspired by nomadic trade routes of the ancient Silk Road. A journey through many countries and many time periods- some parts whimsical and magical, some parts structured tailoring. Karamea is for a woman who wants classic and interesting wearables, though not too over-stated. Two-tone insert skirts added dimension to the collection.

Las Valentias
"Patchwork Quilt in a Hidden Forest" suitably describes Erin Keatch's collection of mostly jackets in shades of beige and brown in natural wools, tweeds and leather. Definitely not as boring as it sounds, each Las Valentias piece is customized with hand-made touches such as quilting or embroidery. There are subtle ruffles, designs on backs and insides and unique cuts. Tucked sleeves and quilt-like embellishment sets this collection apart.

And the Winner is...
Desperately Different
At first glance of Katya Revenko's innovative, winning collection, I thought that perhaps many (not all) pieces are too "Eastern European" for the average Canadian woman to embrace. But then again, with the influx of H&M and popularity of Zara - and with the prestige of winning this competition - and with the support of Desperately Different retailers Holt Renfrew and Boutique Le Trou - it is very possible that Katya will find much deserved success as a fashion designer in Toronto.

For FW 2006, Revenko sources her inspiration from iconic historic female figures such as Joan of Arc, Catherine the Great and Marlene Dietrich. The Joan of Arc jacket provides an armor of sorts for the modern woman who, with her strong exterior, can nurture and protect her soft vulnerable interior. The Isadora Duncan dress, a gorgeous swath of pleated lavish purple satin, is anchored by tweed on the torso but gives the wearer the freedom to move and sway away in satin.

The Desperately Different collection is one of velvet and jacquard; assymetrics and precise cuts, oversized pockets and varying shapes.

To see more photos of this event, go to www.fortey.net

Judges
Rita Silvan - Editor-in-Chief, Elle Canada
Kristin Booth - Actress
David Dixon - Fashion Designer
Arie Assaraf -Founder TNT chain
Natalie Atkinson -National Post fashion journalist

Rachel Schwab

>> Check out the New Labels Social Scene

>> Read Sonja Andic's Pre-Show Coverage