This weekend Toronto Fashion Week wrapped up with a bang! The final day of Toronto Fashion Week started with beautiful bridal wear from Paraezo Couture. Allistyle impressed the entire audience with gorgeous plus size models strutting down the runway, this was the first ever plus size only show shown as part of World MasterCard Fashion Week. Like always, Vawk showed us amazing gowns fit for women of all ages, we aren’t surprised that even Katy Perry is a fan of Sunny Fong’s. Express was the final show to wrap up fashion week, the best treat of all was top Canadian model Jessica Stam walking the runway.
Paraezo Couture
Designer Bruce Dang showed his collection of secret garden inspired bridal gowns accessorized with beautiful floral headpieces, designed by a florist for the show. The dreamy dresses came in all different silhouettes but it was clear that Bruce is a big fan of the ball gown style. A favourite of ours was the opening dress, an empire waist ball gown with a sweetheart neckline and just enough beading. We even got the chance to talk to Bruce backstage after the show about his inspiration and plans for the next collection, so stay tuned for that soon!
Travis Taddeo
Travis Taddeo brought his edgy minimalist flair to the runway with jersey dresses with plenty of cut-outs, knotting, high slits and fitted leather. The grey, black, white and cobalt colour scheme certainly stood out from his last collection which featured vibrant red pieces. The menswear pieces included printed tanks, denim and fitted white leather jackets. This collection is definitely for someone who likes to dress with a bit of edge and the cut-out dresses are definitely for the brave risk takers.
Unttld
Unttld was the first brand to show us designs made with lamé. Shiny gold lamé shirts and maxi skirts are definitely a new trend that we might not be a hundred per cent sure of yet. The black mini dresses with sheer details and white robe style shirts were something we can definitely see fitting into our wardrobes perfectly for spring. Like Travis Taddeo, Unttld had an edgy aesthetic with a slight boyish vibe with a look consisting of fitted army trousers and a wrapped sleeveless black top. This collection stood out from the ultra girly pastels and romantic influences we had been seeing all week.
Allistyle
Starting off with women empowering music like ‘I’m Every Woman’, the first ever plus size show for Toronto, received cheers as Season 10 winner of America’s Next Top Model Whitney Port opened the show. Allistyle was created by Pam Shainhouse and her daughter who passed of cancer, Alli. Through the treatments Alli had experienced weight gain and wasn’t pleased with the quality of plus-size clothing available in retailers. Not only does the line offer stylish work wear separates and trendy weekend wear, but the fabric is also completely sustainable and made from bamboo and organic cotton. The line featured cotton wrap dresses, pencil skirts, geometric tees, the purple, green, grey and black colour scheme was appropriate for all age groups and was stylish without but not overly trendy. We expect to see Allistyle on the runway again in upcoming seasons!
Vawk/Vawkkin
Sunny Fong always impresses us. With his first collection, Vawkkin, models wore peplum tops with white fitted trousers, work wear blazers, and little black shift dresses and of course black peplum dresses, a clear staple for spring. Vawk gave us more glamour with evening gowns and even a cone bra that we think even Madonna would go crazy for. Red leather and printed bodysuits are some of the Vawk items that we’re definitely coveting. The beauty look was our favourite of the week, foiled silver lids that sparkled on the runway courtesy of Maybelline’s Grace Lee. It’s no wonder that Vawk has had some pretty high profile customers including Katy Perry at the 2012 MMVA’s.
Express
Express was the perfect show to wrap up another great fashion week. The crowd of editors, bloggers and fashions elite guests were all buzzing with excitement over Jessica Stam’s appearance. Jessica opened the show with her new jet black locks and walked down the runway in a bright red dress showing excitement to be back on her turf. Express gave us a preview of what we can find when it opens here in Toronto. Taking a cue from high fashion designers, peplum will also be available at retail prices. Jessica’s tiered pleated red dress instantly reminded me of a Halston piece that Sarah Jessica Parker wore in Sex and The City, with the Express prices it gives us an excuse to stock up on cute dresses for spring. Not only was the runway show with Jessica Stam a treat but the after party featuring Dragonette was the best way to toast to all of the designers who put on another great showcase of Canadian fashion.
[Photos via Toronto Fashion Week and Paul Ross and Mirian Njoh for OPIQUE / Top of the Runway
Tags: Allinstyle fashion show, bridal fashion show, Express fashion show, jessica stam, Jessica Stam at Toronto Fashion Week, Paraezo Couture, plus size fashion show, spring 2013 fashion show, toronto fashion week, Toronto Fashion week day 4, Toronto Fashion Week day 5, Toronto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013, Travis Taddeo, UNTTLD, Vawk fashion show
I am glad to see the kick off with “plus size” or as I call them normal women. I am curious with the increasing trend in Organic Clothing will we start to see this “theme” from major designers.