FashionCAN was a two-day event, running Oct. 16-17 at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, presenting the latest collections from leading and emerging Canadian designers.
Sponsored by Yorkdale, Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFA), and Sephora, the event showcased Spring/Summer 2017 ready-to-wear collections in a newly expanded wing of Yorkdale.
Runway shows on Oct. 16 included: Mackage, NARCES, Stephan Caras, The Feral – Formerely Sons of Odin, Bustle, Paul Hardy, Daniel Christian Tang, Lucian Matis, and Mikhael Kale.
On Oct. 17, the event brought: Maison Marie Saint Pierre, Jennifer Torosian, UNTTLD, SØSKEN Studios, Christopher Paunil, Pink Tartan, and Greta Constantine.
The featured designers were giving the vibes of Toronto Fashion Week (TFW); however, the overall organization of FashionCAN gave Canada’s fashion community new experience and support.
Here are my favourite runway shows from the event:
SØSKEN Studios
SØSKEN Studios is a new Canadian-designed line of statement outerwear and apparel pieces that are classic, yet youthful, and designed to transition between generations and occasions. Marisa Minicucci’s designs are known for being minimal, but her attention to detail and amazing selection of accessories (bags, jewellery pieces, scarves, and belts) are what make her creations really stand out.
NARCES
NARCES is a Toronto-based womenswear line that specializes in special occasion, evening wear, prom and bridal dresses. Nikki Wirthensohn Yassemi’s precise designs are inspired by romantic glamour and luxurious elegance of mid-20th century. The dresses she presents are absolutely feminine, delicate, flowy, and dreamy.
Mikhael Kale
Mikhael Kale is famous for his conceptual approach to fashion with attention to detail and tailoring. His vibrant and edgy collection is characterized by lace-up stitching elements that add shape to oversized sweatshirts and blouses. The contrast within his designs is not only between neutral and bright colours, but also between of the variety of the textiles (cotton, fur, and plastic) he uses.
Stephan Caras
Stephan Caras focuses on sensuality, luxury, and elegance for women. He translates and materializes femininity into extravagant dresses with voluminous hems and floral embroidery. The way, in which he combines different textures with timeless colours gives his creations a statement of inner beauty an individuality.
