WMCFW is coming, and while this season’s focus will be on Spring 2016 collections, I wanted to revisit last season’s shows, and share my Fall 2015 favourites. If you’re on the lookout for cool Canadian designs to invest in, perhaps you’ll find a few new faves as well.
Mikhael Kale
Mikhael Kale has long been at the top of my fave Canadian designer list, and still his Fall 2015 collection managed to exceed all of my expectations. Artful embellishments, creative shapes, a mix of textures and exciting colours – it was my favourite collection last season, and one I would almost go as far as to compare to couture – it looked exquisite! So far, I only own one Mikhael Kale piece, but I am certainly itching to add more from this incredibly talented designer. Select pieces from his Fall 2015 collection are available at Holt Renfrew, so make sure to check them out in person – I have no doubt that you’ll be impressed.
Hayley Elsaesser
Ever since I laid eyes on Hayley Elsaesser’s Spring 2015 Heavenly Bodies collection, I’ve been in love with her particular brand of eclectic maximalism. Her Fall 2015 Midnight Cowboy collection was true to her colourful aesthetic, full of fun prints executed on fairly classic silhouettes. There were matching knit crop top/skirt co-ordinates, bomber jackets, sweater dresses, and even a few things for the boys. I guess girls aren’t the only ones who want to have fun.
VAWK
It’s hard to believe that Sunny Fong’s fun but sophisticated ‘DOT du JOURS’ Fall 2015 collection was originally inspired by Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. There’s no trace of silliness that defined the animated film; instead, the collection was sexy and vibrant – with flirty cocktail dresses, glam gowns, and Sunny’s specialty – cool coats. Rounded shapes (meatball-inspired?) were featured prominently, adding an architectural feel to the collection. Another great showing from one of my fave Canadian designers.
More after the jump!
Pink Tartan
While Pink Tartan is arguably one of the more commercial WMCFW brands, the brand’s runway shows are always awe-inspiring and nothing short of a visual feast. Fittingly, the Fall 2015 show took place among the clouds, with models showing off their impeccably-styled outfits while strutting next to the fluffy white paper puffs. The collection itself was a mix of tailored pieces and Japanese-inspired looser silhouettes, composing a perfect selection of work and play clothes for a modern woman. Fuzzy sweaters, belted jackets, and fur stoles were all prominently featured, making me add more than a few items to my ever-growing wishlist.
Malorie Urbanovitch
Last March marked my first time seeing a Malorie Urbanovitch presentation, but I certainly hope it won’t be my last. Her Fall 2015 collection was knitwear heaven – with uber-comfy-looking sweater separates and dresses executed in a perfect fall colour palette – the usual black, grey, and beige mixed in with rust orange as well as shades of blue and green. I loved the quirky details like the playful tassels, colourful buttons, and muppet-like feathers. It was a perfectly retro collection, and I can’t wait to see what she has up her feathery sleeve this season.
Helder Diego
Full of covetable frocks, Helder Diego (formerly known as BLAK.I) designers Helder Aguiar and Diego Fuchs certainly captured my attention with their Fall 2015 collection. From caped gowns, to slivers of sleek metallic fabric, to textured snakeskin – this collection was made for a sexy, powerful modern woman, with places to go. An impressive first solo WMCFW showing by these Toronto-based designers!
Mackage
Every season Mackage garners a flurry of breathless praise from the adoring media, and with good reason – the brand’s collections are consistently strong, choosing to keep the focus on what they do well – outerwear. Fall 2015 was no exception – a mixture of tried-and-true staples like sleek leather jackets and chic parkas, with a few stand-out pieces like the fuzzy grey topper (above), practical capes, and pieces with Mongolian fur and fringe accents – it was a memorable, wearable, and super-chic collection from the Canadian design duo Eran Elfassy and Elisa Dahan.
Photo Credits: George Pimentel for WMCFW
