Irina Lazareanu

Yesterday was Day 1 of World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto, where I attended two of the most highly-anticipated shows of the week – Holt Renfrew Hot at 175 and Pink Tartan Spring 2013.

I arrived nice and early to check out backstage hair and makeup prep, and to have a quick chat with Grace Lee, Maybelline Canada’s lead makeup artist. For the Holt Renfrew show, Grace created a polished “it-girl” look, classic and wearable, while Jorge Joao, Redken’s lead stylist, chose loose waves with a side part to match.

Instead of showing Spring 2013 arrivals, Holt Renfrew presented a special edition runway celebrating the best of what’s in store and on-trend now, showcasing brands like Jeremy Laing, Smythe, Carven, Kenzo, MSGM, and even that now almost iconic Tom Ford gown that Gwyneth Paltrow wore to The Oscars. I loved the styling and the selection, which reminded me of all those fall pieces that I am still craving this season.

Next up was Pink Tartan. Rocking her signature pink locks, model Charlotte Free opened the show in a midriff-baring bustier/full skirt combo. Head designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran shared that she chooses her models for their vibrant personalities, and with pink hair to match, Free was a perfect choice for Pink Tartan’s spring show.

The collection itself featured delicate lace frocks, subtle metallics, pastel-coloured trapeze coats (Newport-Mimran’s favourite), brocade separates, full skirts, perforated leather, and Aldo Rise x Pink Tartan collaboration shoes (classic pumps with geometric heels). It was full of feminine, oh-so-pretty retro-inspired pieces, and despite the fact that I’m not a girlie girl, I loved it all. Will have to check out this collection once it becomes available at the flagship location in Yorkville in a few months.

Overall, Day 1 was a blast! I got to see a lot of great fashion, hung out with fellow Stylicity bloggers Anita Clarke, Gloria Chik, and Crystal Gibson, visited backstage with Maybelline and Redken, and had a quick chat with Kimberley Newport-Mimran – all in a day’s work. Stay tuned for more World MasterCard Fashion Week coverage, as I attend some of my favourite shows later this week.

More photos after the jump!

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Lincoln Center’s 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards are usually a sight for sore eyes of the fashion-obsessed. This year’s event, though brought out some major star power, did not necessarily impress in the style department. Perhaps it’s just me, but a lot of the dresses were “been there worn that”, and majorly lacked the “wow” factor.

But among the bad and the boring, there were a few ladies (and gents) that looked both interesting and stylish.

SJP attended wearing Alexander McQueen. The actress honored the late McQueen with a speech and runway show, so the dress was both an appropriate and a touching gesture.

Two couples (well, Devon and Zac aren’t a couple-couple, but they did walk the carpet together), two gowns, great effort by both. Have been in love with Devon Aoki for the longest time, and I absolutely adore her Posen gown, her man-candy (Zac Posen as an accessory, anyone?), and her makeup. As for Iman, I don’t necessarily love this Giambattista Valli dress – but it’s Iman…and David Bowie is her husband and date. And she snagged the “Fashion Icon” award. Enough said.

This being Fashion Awards, there was no shortage of supermodels in attendance. My personal favorites were Irina Lazareanu in Philip Lim, fellow Canadian Jessica Stam in Yigal Azrouel, and Michael Kors’ favorite Carmen Kass showing off her sexy back.

The two outfits that definitely elicited emotion, were worn by Dree Hemingway (yes, that Hemingway), and Jessica Biel. I don’t know if it’s Dree’s hair accessory, but I am a bit undecided about her CFDA getup…perhaps she should’ve pressed her suit better, before wearing it? As for Biel, I think the fact that I don’t particularly like her as an actress (or her fashion history), is clouding my judgement. I do, in fact, like this citrus-colored DVF dress, and can imagine someone like Nicole Richie rocking it without much criticism…so I think I’ll give this one thumbs-up for effort. Though I still think she’s a crappy actress (Easy Virtue made me want to stab both my eardrums and my eyes out).

So what did you think about 2010 CFDAs? Was your favorite not listed? Let me know in the comments!

Photo Credits: Jezebel, www.style.com

Toronto Fashion Week: Holt Renfrew Hot at 175 Runway Show and Pink Tartan Spring 2013 Collection

2010 CFDA Fashion Awards: Noteworthy

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