Fashion Week in Toronto
LG Fashion Week SS’12: Day 5

Jeanne Beker & Street Photos

Whoever thought of the common phrase “the first and last impressions are the most important” was certainly correct. To anyone not in fashion, this often means behaving your absolute best and putting on your best smile. To anyone in fashion, this means wearing the most extravagant ensemble in your closet, to be remembered. As fashion week wraps up we see everything from feathered shawls to one-of-a-kind dresses.

Photos from top: Marlene Shiff & Sonja Andic | Flare Editor Lisa Tant | Lovas Designer Wesley Badanjak | FLister Leesa Butler

The last day featured the biggest Canadian designers such as David Dixon and Denis Gagnon, as well as designers with a different approach to fashion. Adrian Wu opened up the day on a good note with his architectural designs, and Baby Steinberg who blew me away with her use of discarded fabric and assorted materials to create dynamic pieces. Cydelic offered a unique look, one often seen on Lady Gaga with the spaceship like shoulders, creating a “futuristic” look for spring. Lauren Bagliore was a favourite of the night with Asian inspired, loose fitting clothing with a feminine touch. Judith & Charles set up installations for an up close and personal experience with the fashion, and David Dixon won our hearts with his “Lagerfeld-like” black and white contrast.

The perfect ending to the week was Denis Gagnon, who designed menswear inspired pieces for the everyday female. Models skipped and twirled down the runway, ending the week on a happy note.

Day 5 LG Fashion Week SS’12 was probably one of the best days and the worst days at the same time. Starting with the worst (save the best for last always), was that it was the FINAL day of my first ever Fashion Week! Coming into this week I had no idea what to predict, and well, my initial expectations were exceeded. During the course of this week I met so many amazing, creative, and talented individuals, who are truly doing what they are passionate about in life. Designers, media representatives, guests, and all of the wonderful volunteers, all worked together to put together Toronto’s pride and joy, LG Fashion Week.

Now for the best news…drum role…I met Jeanne Beker! She has been an idol of mine for many years, after seeing my very first episode of Fashion Television. While casually sipping on wine with Toronto’s most stylish, I decided to bite the bullet and introduce myself, and am I ever glad I did! After leaving, I was stopped by a man who asked me if he could take a photograph of my outfit for FASHION Magazine. Without hesitation… I said yes. I was sporting my classic black booties from H&M (again), black tights, a teal chiffon dress from H&M, with a cape coat from Jacob over top.

This week was an incredible opportunity and an honor to represent Toronto Street Fashion!

{Editor’s Note: This is why we love Jenn! Enthusiastic, hardworking and the next generation of Toronto’s fashion bloggers!}

Imagine sporting a turban with matching muff this winter?! Well I won’t be buying the new Headmistress warm, winter (wow, so pricey) ‘Durocher’ accessories, but I do like them!  All from Headmistress:

Gloves $140 | Turban $140 | Muff $260

I don’t remember much about buying these shoes, but I do remember questioning whether they were hot or not. In the end I bought them because they were just too odd to pass up. Over the years, I’ve been too shy to wear them, but too fascinated to toss them!

As it turns out, my funky heels came in handy as I was getting ready for last week’s Tana Spring 2012 Shoe Trends event at Black Moon Lounge. Not only was fashion guru Adrian Mainella hosting it, but there was also a competition for the best shoes. To my surprise, Mainella picked my kooky vintage kicks as the best of the evening! (I won against a pair of Balenciagas and Calvin Kleins!) I won a gift card for Browns Shoes and a basketful of awesome Tana shoe care products!

As I was digging through my newly acquired booty, I felt guilty. Like most folks, I don’t mind dropping big bucks on shoes, but I tend to be lax in the care department. I instantly fell in love with the Tana® Shine Sponge in neutral, since I can give my shoes a quick high gloss shine, before I head out the door! I’m also looking forward to cleaning my summer shoes with the Universal Sandal Care before I put them away for the season. Thank you Tana!

Show Girl – an explosion of sequins
Elle Canada, December 2011

Photographer Jean-Claude Lussier
Model Irina Lazareanu
Stylist Sara Bruneau
Hair & Makeup Paco Puertas
Art Director Denis Desro

Canadian singers Chantal Kreviazuk and husband Raine Maida @ the 2011 Canada Walk of Fame event. She performed… What a great dress! Perfect for the Canadian event although designed by her L.A. designer friend…

Fashion Week in Toronto
LG Fashion Week SS’12: Day 5

Micalla’s jewelry collection pays tribute to the imperial cat that reigns in every woman’s spirit, (although all the cat-themed togs I saw this week were on men – t-shirts emblazoned everything from evil cats to cat-cosmonauts). Sponsored by Kusmi Tea, the collection is massively luxurious – silver discs cascade down collar bones, Swarovski crystals are woven into glittering mesh or colossal chokers. I’m happy to report that a “coral” necklace is in fact made of coloured pearls – your reefs are safe with Micalla. Unfortunately, the work (like the tea!) is only available in Quebec. The Swarovski boutique on Bloor should get on that. Today.

Inspired by the innovative architecture and culture of Brazil’s favelas – where she worked as a nurse, then teaching crafts to children, Baby Steinberg continues to turn cast-offs into couture. Fabric remnants are woven like rag-rugs or piece-worked into intricate gowns – some pieces took a hundred hours to make! Choryin Choi’s imagination plays with what we all know Sigourney Weaver was thinking – “Louboutin could make some gorgeous shoes out of that creature”. Alien skin print leggings are paired with sci-fi white and plastic, and accessorized with mutated monster handbags, but don’t worry ET – your flesh isn’t on our wish list (this year).

Dixon’s show is fabulous as usual (see previous review), and the entire week ends with Denis Gagnon’s limitless genius (above). Rabbit soft silks move with a feral quality, and sleeveless jumper shorts are updated, sexy and belted at the bust. Florals take a walk on the wild side (think Laura Ashley meets Grindhouse) in a garden of gorgeous black chintz, complete with matching patent leather box clutches.

All in all it was an exhausting, but exhilarating week. Emerging designers to keep an eye out for include Bonnie Yam, Naanafya of Garde d’Avante, Louie Manzo, and Kallvis Gents. Cheers to everyone (especially the designers) for a fabulous 25th season!

Some photos from the iYellow Wine Club’s Hallo’wine & Whisky party at Eight Wine Bar.

MORE HALLOWEEN ON TSF:

+ http://www.torontostreetfashion.com/tag/halloween/

Fashion Week in Toronto
LG Fashion Week SS’12: Day 4

Cynthia Rowley | Vawk | Trend: Flashy Accessories

Day 4 was a much quieter day (is everyone getting tired?) in David Pecaut Square, and the weather was still not cooperating; which is a mood killer especially after you’ve just done you’re hair and makeup.

Jenn proves that even your grandma’s closet can hold the best-hidden treasures – Wearing a sported a vintage, sequined floral shirt and black Guess jeans. Knee high, wedge boots from Aldo.

The agenda of the day was full of studio shows in the afternoon, and some in the later evening, which made for smaller crowds and better seats. I successfully made it in time to see the Fashion Environment Kellogg’s Special K Presents: Cynthia Rowley. Her mini show featured three ‘real’ women, in beautifully designed, cherry red dresses, supporting their “feel good” vibes and active lifestyles.

Next up was Caroline Néron in the studio (see Liza’s post here), presenting her goddess inspired SS12 line. The models had a breeze from the fans placed in front of the runway, giving the show an “Ancient Greece meets Victoria Secret” feel; it worked!

Vawk SS12 photos via http://www.stevealkok.com/

Bustle captivated the gentlemen in the room’s attention with sailor-like suits, and navy seal stripes. Although all three shows were outstanding, I have to say it was Vawk that captured my heart – sheer maxi skirts, Asian inspired dresses, and the use of metallic gold pleased everyone.

As the night went on, I found myself playing the classic childhood game “Where’s Waldo?” while awaiting the shows to begin. As I previously stated, it was a quiet night in the LG tents and many previously spotted fashion A-lister’s were busy elsewhere; wherever else their fabulous lives take them. I did happen to notice models Andrej Pejic and Stacey McKenzie, stylist Liz Cabral and designer Adrian Wu. It was great to see Adrian out supporting other Canadian designers in preparation for his studio fashion show on Friday.

Accessories Trend: Flash Attack!

The trend I spotted throughout the night was different than any other thus far: chunky accessories. Many chic women jazzed up their ensembles with edgy, bold, and dazzling jewelry. Designer, Naanafya rocked her own accessories line, wearing a bundle of silver beaded necklaces, a large cross ring, and a jeweled, pink skull ring while my own friend and partner for the night, Jennifer Nguyen, flaunted a Jeremy Scott white winged watch.

RELATED POSTS:
+ Naanafya Accessories at FAT >link
+ Dispatches from a Newbie LGFW Day Three > link
+ Statement Necklace T.O. > link