Undoubtably, Toronto can be named the capital of Canadian fashion and style. Thanks to Toronto Women’s Fashion Week (TW), many of iconic designers made their way to the city in order to showcase their newest collections and share their visionary ideas.
Unstoppably, the week of wonderful runway shows and breathtaking presentations continued to mark the iconic launch of the first ever TW.
Here are my favourite collections from the second day of Toronto Women’s Fashion Week:
EVAN BIDDELL
Innovative collection by Evan Biddell was based on transforming, up-cycling and reusing thrifted items from Value Village, in an effort to illustrate the enormity of textile waste while inspiring consumers to rethink and reuse. A self-taught designer, Evan Biddell’s ability to transform and rethink textiles influenced a beautiful collection titled “VV by EB” (“Value Village by Evan Biddell”), where he played with contradictions by pairing opposites and provokes the consumer and fashion industry to seek sustainable solutions for garments and textile. Inspired by Biddell’s ongoing residence at the Darling Mansion, a life/work house of creatives, curated in a surrealist fashion. Imagery was key to the surrealist movement and Evan hopes to evoke this consciousness.
“The average North American discards 81lbs of textiles per year, ranking fashion as the second-most-polluting industry next only to oil,” shared Myriam Laroche, founder and president of Eco Fashion Week. “From runway shows, to industry panels, Eco Fashion Week – along with likeminded partners like Value Village – addresses the ethics of the fashion industry while proposing tangible steps towards closing the loop.”
INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: ROCH BY ROCH MATUSZEK
“The Valkyrie Collection” by Roch Matuszek, Polish-born and Berlin-based fashion designer, was inspired by the Wagner’s famous musical work and based on the mythological Norse saga. Roch’s interpretation was a dramatic interlude of power, gender, sexuality, and style. He staged a power-play in aesthetics and sexually expressed dominance along with unbridled animalism. This was evident in his use of contrast elements: loose vs. tight, dark vs. bright, lightweight vs. heavy and in the textiles he has selected. This collection embodied Roch’s philosophy of fashion theatrics – featuring five couture showpieces and following up with more variable ones that had streetwear appeal.
STEPHAN CARAS
Stephan Caras’ FW17 collection stayed true to its philosophy of design, continually inspired by femininity and sensuality while offering an elegant and enticing exposé of dramatic lines, trailing lengths and plenty of volume. The emphasis of this season’s collection was placed on the use of luxurious textures, sophisticated lines and exquisite detailing. Plunging neck lines, asymmetric treatments and fun flirty contours connected to create dramatic silhouettes. The collection seduced through the use of bold colour palettes in floral, ash gold, and silver undertones. It was inspired by opulence and femininity.
“Our Fall/Winter 2017 collection is inspired by women who enjoy a touch of drama in their outfits, demonstrating their individuality and sensuality,” said designer Stephan Caras. “This bold collection is a fashion forward statement and an ode to the strength of confident women.”
Signature CARAS gowns made of silk taffeta and luxurious beaded lace reign in a fluttering palette of gold undertones, while evening wear paraded pearled lace, flowing organza ruffles, opulent brocades, and form fitting jersey. The collection created drama and shows that a woman can have fun, and be elegant and sensual all over again.
“Our philosophy has always been to create collections that are feminine and sensual. For FW17 we showcase a vivid palette of colour that emphasize opulence. Sleek shapes achieve a balance between elegance and drama,” added co-designer Kyriako Caras.
