Amy Verner
Globe and Mail Update Published on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009 11:53AM EDT Last updated on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 12:12PM EDT
Only a Project Runway alum would think to use a hole puncher aided by a hammer to give leather a distinctive, decorative motif.
Hot off his victory as the winner of the popular show's second Canadian season, Sunny Fong debuted a 12-look capsule collection for his label VAWK on Monday afternoon at the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Walker Court.
It’s easy to see why the Toronto native out-designed his peers: not only does Fong have a laser sharp eye for detail but he is a rigorous researcher. French Polynesia, Mutiny on the Bounty and Jean Paul Gautier gave rise to a smart “Captain’s Jacket” and “Sailor’s Vest.” In a sand dollar shade of silk cotton with pinned-back lapels and brushed brass buttons, these were warm weather toppers with a Parisian twist. Meanwhile, a pair of capris took their cue from a sarong (imagine fabric wrapping around each thigh and opening suggestively up the back), offering an alternative to the city short, and an ivory silk organza “Anemone Top” one-upped an ordinary ruffled-placket blouse.
The daytime pieces were followed by less successful evening dresses where panels of leather and silk chiffon were set against nude-mesh; the result was more figure skater homage rather than a tattoo-on-skin effect.
But VAWK scored a big win with the aforementioned punched leather pieces, all in a versatile, if precious, sandy hue. The trench, short jacket and skirt were undoubtedly labour intensive and will be pricey but this is not the sort of DIY project you want to try at home. Leave it to Fong, a bona fide expert.
One last note: Two of Fong’s looks were modeled by women outside the industry norm: one more mature, the other curvier. After the show, the designer told me, “I don’t really like tiny models. On [Project Runway Canada], it was easier, but generally, I like healthy women. Diversity is key and I realize that is my future clientele.” Bravo.
Follow Globe Style on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/GAMstyle.
For more Toronto Fashion Week coverage, visit fashionmagazine.com.
To view this content you need to install the Flash Player.
VAWK Spring 2010
Globe and Mail Update Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009 11:48AM EDT
Project Runway alum Sunny Fong talks to FASHION Magazine about his new collection
Join the Discussion: