Looks worthy of a Bay Streeter who likes to party at Toronto Fashion Week
Designers got their texture on Wednesday for the third day in Toronto's Fashion Week. Take a look at the boldest styles from the runway.
In a throwback move, Christopher Bates presented salon-style, stepping out onto the runway himself to explain each look from his hyper-urban men's wear collection.Jenna Marie Wakani
Bates' beat is slick tailoring mixed with an edge - worthy of Bay Streeter who likes to party.Jenna Marie Wakani
There were updates on classics, like the 3/4 coat, this time in deep teal. The designer explained this as his alternative to black (he's right on trend with this shade, as it's popped up in quite a few collections throughout the week).Jenna Marie Wakani
His shirting was inventive and quite good, but stood out of context when it was paired with waxed denim with exposed zipper details. Those shirts, especially in the shiny chambray, were too good to be paired with jeans.Jenna Marie Wakani
Goatskin gloves, especially the ones in electric blue, were an interesting added element (and one would assume a good starting price point, sales wise).Jenna Marie Wakani
As a designer, Ashtiani Golnaz has carved out quite the niche: Transporting historical references right into the future.Jenna Marie Wakani
Golnaz's talent lies in unifying these seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive whole. Oh, and making some pretty damn cool clothes.Jenna Marie Wakani
A midnight blue pleated velvet bomber jacket with yellow mohair in panels on the back was a delight.Jenna Marie Wakani
Shredded silk panels, which appeared in a few dresses and a peplum top, really were marvel to see up close.Jenna Marie Wakani
For fall she focused on curved seams that owed some debt to Cristobal Balenciaga, and worked in quirky fabric-blocking elements by way of patent leather, beaver, silk and mohair among others.Jenna Marie Wakani
At times she could be heavy handed-with the details, especially since her pieces are so well constructed and thought out that trousers didn't really work with some of those exposed zippers. One small worry: With the pricey fabric patchwork, one wonders just how expensive these clothes will be.Jenna Marie Wakani
Montreal-based Mackage may show in Toronto, but the company maintains its focus on the beloved city they call home. They're avid people waters, creative directors Elisa Dahan and Eran Elfassy explained backstage, and they took their cues this season from cool Montrealers they spotted on the street.Jenna Marie Wakani
The urban vibe was there in the collection, with ombre furs in merlot and the ubiquitous winter parka, here elevated in satin and gold hardware (and paired with leather jogging pants, a styling directive I can get behind).Jenna Marie Wakani
For men, the hit of the night was a red ombre peacoat.Jenna Marie Wakani
Mackage continues to build itself up as a lifestyle brand with the introduction of handbags next season. The satchels which incorporated textured leathers are an instant hit, but my favourite was the mini version carried by Dahan backstage. It had so much to do with the way she wore it, with a leather collared tank and skinny trousers.Jenna Marie Wakani
Obviously style inspiration from Montreal hits Torontonians, too.Jenna Marie Wakani
"It's Malcolm McLaren," says Joe Mimran backstage before his show, referencing the theme of his Joe Fresh collection. "He put out a fantastic CD in the early 90s and it was called Paris. And Paris is jazz. The 90s was a very inspiring time for me, because it was a time that I was doing Club Monaco and it was very black, black turtlenecks. With all the colour that's there now, I thought 'let's just go all black.'"Jenna Marie Wakani
To be fair, Mimran practices this philosophy in person. He's in black head-to-toe, a look finished with his signature velvet slippers.Jenna Marie Wakani
A similar pair appeared on the runway for women, appropriately referencing his own history and sense of style.Jenna Marie Wakani
The collection was all-black as promised, with elements of white thrown in.Jenna Marie Wakani
A column dress in particular stood out. It was strict but made racy with a streak of a slit on one side and a painterly splashed effect.Jenna Marie Wakani
Words and word paintings were another Mimran inspiration, particularly the work of Ed Ruscha. So how did text-based art and 90s minimalism come together? Quite seamlessly, especially in a women's tuxedo paired with T-shirts designed by Mimran's friend Joshua Abelow, an artist from New York.Jenna Marie Wakani
Designer Joe Mimran for the Joe Fresh collectionJenna Marie Wakani