Designers and stylists have models wear all sorts of interesting accessories on the runway, sometimes – rather unfortunately – taking focus away from their designs. Which is exactly what I’m doing here.
Models present creations for fall/winter 2013-2014 collection by Georgian designer Ria Keburia during Tbilisi Fashion Week, April 23, 2013. (AFP PHOTO /VANO SHLAMOV)
Show us your writing skill and paste your best caption for this picture in the comments section below.* Read more…
Animal rights organization PETA was told its “Runway Reversal” parody video – featuring animated foxes wearing creations made of human body parts on the runway – was refused approval to air at Toronto’s Pearson Airport ahead of World MasterCard Fashion Week kicking off next week.
An image still from PETA’s “Runway Reserval” video. (PETA)
Fashion Week from an editor’s point-of-view: My semi-annual numerical round-up of World MasterCard Fashion Week and off-site shows that bookended the event.
35.5 – Hours of work, outside of my regular gig.
30 – Runway shows over five days at World MasterCard Fashion Week.
26 – Seasons of Toronto Fashion Week (it’s official name changes with major sponsorships. ie. last fall I attended LG Fashion Week.)
19 – World MasterCard Fashion Week shows I attended.
11 – Cups of coffee, including two venti Starbucks, which should count for about three each.
10 – Whole grain, fig and fruit and nut bar-based dinners.
Off-site fashion: Lucian Matis, Jean-Pierre Braganza and LOVAS (one of my favourite dresses). (Magnet Creative, Dave Abel/QMI AGENCY, Brill Communications)
Before aching feet have fully recovered, and have eyes de-pouffed, here’s a look back at Toronto’s LG Fashion Week (makeup and hair by L’Oreal, water by Smartwater, curls by Rowenta and hangover by Peroni – did I miss anyone?).
The final tally:
A zillion – Bottle blondes in the front row (myself included).
A glimpse at the exclusive front row seating during the Holt Renfrew show on Oct. 17, 2011. (Mark O'Neill/QMI AGENCY)
37 – Fashion shows, both in the big runway room and the smaller studio room. Read more…
The only annoying byproduct of attending Fashion Week is that one has to wait five months to find the yummy new clothes in store – making everything one wears to a show feel rather dull and dated. Last March I couldn’t wait to stomp around in hiking boots and a muted maxi skirt, this week I feel like if it’s not airy and floral, there’s no point in trying it on.
Despite the fact that by the end of the week what’s in our closets is old news, style lovers spend days before the big week planning “look-at-me” outfits for a chance to get noticed (or better yet, Tweeted) for their street style smarts.
Off-the-runway trends:
Hair: Many ladies steered clear of sheers last summer (yours truly included), as long wavy locks were the style du jour, with high ballerina buns as an alternative look for “day after” hair.
One fashionista wears red lips and bold jewelry front row at Toronto Fashion Week. (Kate Kennedy/QMI AGENCY)
Makeup: Red pouts (from orange to scarlet), pursed on front row patrons’ lips and were often showcased with dark liner and buxom black lashes.
Dress: The most frequently spotted outfit included a once seemingly far-fetched trend: the furry vest.* Whether thigh-skimming or cropped, the touchable topper (which is inherently unflattering, as it disguises the waist) was worn by bloggers and well-known style setting Canadians alike.
Women tended to opt for micro-mini skirts or skinny pants, often in black, and tights were back to matte black, after a couple seasons of wild designs and bold hues. For men, slim dark jeans and check shirts were popular, with a few cute bowties spotted here and there.
*I still owe my editor a dinner for betting that real people would never wear these.
Jewelry: Big and bold was the way to go, especially for bracelets and necklaces, which were piled on to punch up basic black.
Shoes: The style set teetered in platform pumps (again, often in black), which meant those who splashed out in metallic or spiked heels got lots of attention.
[View the story "Toronto Fashion Week style off the runway" on Storify]
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