Rogue Fashion Week

Toronto Fashion Week: Greta Constantine Spring 2012 Collection

3 November, 2011 Nelia

It feels like just yesterday, I was excitedly waiting for the Greta Constantine Spring 2012 show to start (fashionably late, of course), anticipating the next slew of gorgeous frocks that I will be sure to covet. Was it worth the wait? Most definitely!

So what should you anticipate next spring? Vivid jewel tones, moody greys, blacks, and whites, as well as the designers’ signature draping, ruching, Grecian silhouettes…and leather! Surprisingly for me, although I really liked the colorful jersey dresses, the ones that stood out this time, were the simpler monochromatic pieces. Wrapped in those gorgeous leather vests, skirts, and shrugs, you get what I can only describe as urban warrior princess’ uniform. A mix of fierceness, and vulnerability.

As always, Kirk and Stephen did not disappoint, and showcased a beautiful, wearable collection, for a modern woman. And this modern woman would like one of each, please and thank you.

What do you think of Greta Constantine Spring 2012 collection? Is it something you’d love to wear? Let me know in the comments.

Photo Credits: Jenna Marie Wakani via Toronto Life

Toronto Fashion Week: Fall 2011

13 April, 2011 Nelia

This is my seasonal challenge with Toronto Fashion Week(s)…attend the shows, get a feel for my favorites and then…delay posting them. Sorry if this comes a bit late, but some rest (and reflection) was in order. So now that I’m somewhat refreshed and ready to go, I give you my favorite looks from LGFW Fall 2011 shows.

Having written about VAWK already, I have to say that it was my favorite of the season, but there were definitely some notable looks from other collections that caught my eye.

1. RUDSAK

In Canada, we spend most of the year bundled up…And what I love about RUDSAK is that they prove time and time again that you don’t have to look like Michelin Man in order to stay warm. The variety of gorgeous leather coats, fur collars, interspersed with smart knit detailing really made me want to throw away my old Aritzia parka, in exchange for a more grown-up coat. It’s on my list for next fall. Stay tuned.

2. Juma

The Juma show, made my heart skip a beat with their gauzy dresses in beautiful prints. Pants and anoraks were also on my “must buy” list, with their perfect flow and fit.

3. Greta Constantine

Not part of LGFW, but rather the Rogue Fashion Week, Greta Constantine never disappoints. My favorite looks consisted of GC signature jersey gowns in deep rich shades – which looked comfortable enough to lounge in, yet glamourous enough for the red carpet. Love.

4. Amanda Lew Kee

The show started out strong, with exposed zippers, leather and sheer detailing galore – kick-ass and feminine all at the same time. The second part of the show, however, was much more…ahem…daring – visions of tinsel, Christmas, and Halloween came to mind, as well as Lindsay Lohan for Ungaro (rosettes on boobs? come on!). But I guess we can just forget about the second part, and focus on the leather detailing and the sheer maxi skirts for now, which really were pretty amazing.

5. LINE Knitwear

The final show of LGFW, with an encore to boot, LINE was one of the must-see collections of the season. And though lately, there’s a lot more to LINE that just knitwear, I loved their crochet and knit pieces the most – that yellow maxi dress was perfection!

What about you? Did you attend any of the shows this season? Any items on your “must-buy” list for fall? Share in the comments.

Photos: Greta Constantine, Amanda Lew Kee, Juma, Line Knitwear – by Jenna Marie Wakani via Toronto Life; Rudsak – via Rock-it Promo Flickr

Philip Sparks Fall 2011

23 March, 2011 Nelia

When it comes to fashion, usually, I’m the one taking le boyfriend to parties and events. Not this time. This time, he entered the Philips Sparks Fashion Show Experience Contest…and won! Which meant that he could bring me backstage with him, so see the magic as it was happening! Such a lovely surprise…and WINNING!

Anyway…silliness aside, I arrived at the Burroughes building full of high hopes – it is Philip Sparks we’re talking about afterall. His first womenswear collection was a huge hit, and seeing his kick-ass cherry blossom printed jumpsuit on Anita of I Want – I Got, I wondered whether he could give us something to covet once again…And after seeing his Fall 2011 collection, I’m delighted that his foray into womenswear was no one-hit wonder.

From head to toe, both male and female models looked rosy-cheeked, fresh and ready for a Canadian winter. Philips Sparks’ signature plaid was present, as was his newest obsession – original prints. While Spring 2011 was full of cherry blossoms, Fall 2011 was all about the rust-colored maple leafs (not the hockey team, thank goodness!). Another highlight of the collection was the abundance of shearling on muffs, collars, and hats – perfect for our winters – so old school, and yet somehow it felt brand new.

But the definite showstopper, for me at least, was the Janelle Monae-esque lady tux. If anyone is looking for a Best (Wo)man outfit, this is it! Pair it with some sparkly Brian Atwood pumps a la Anne Hathaway at the Oscars, and you’ve got yourself a WINNING combo!

Overall, I really enjoyed the presentation, and had a blast backstage, watching all of the fashion pros doing their thing – making the magic happen right before my eyes – from shoe selections, to makeup touch-ups, to Elmer Olsen stopping by to say hello to seemingly calm Philip Sparks and his models – it was almost intoxicating. The buzz from the showroom full of journos, complaining about too many bloggers, bloggers re-connecting with their friends, Toronto fashion celebs showing off their outlandish outfits, and photographers snapping photos feverishly, was all part of the scene from the first show of this season’s Rogue Fashion Week – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.