LG Fashion Week – Spring/Summer 2012: Day One

Day one of LG Fashion Week kicked off opening night with Holt Renfrew’s spring preview (There’s No Place Like Holts), featuring select pieces from their Canadian designers. Fashions by Jeremy Laing, Smythe, Naked & Famous, TwentyCluny, Denis Gagnon, Dennis Merotto, Wings + Horns and Lida Baday paraded down the runway.  Large H-O-L-T-S lettering marked the runway and models made their way in and around each letter to the end of the runway and back.  Highlights from the highly anticipated show included Lida Baday’s immaculate and loose fitting dresses with bright pops of yellow and orange. Denis Gagnon introduced florals to his 2012 collection signalling that the floral trend has yet to wilt within the industry.

The evening consisted of three other designers – Klaxon Howl, Arthur Mendonca and Lala Berlin. It is without a doubt that Arthur Mendonca’s collection was the most seamless and unified with pleasing color blocking and a retro glam feel to various pieces.  The collection was inspired by Elizabeth Taylor’s portrayal of Cleopatra, which was evident in the long see-through skirts and jewellery. However, menswear was a key feature within the collection. Electric blue tuxedo jackets paired with slouchy pants didn’t resemble Cleopatra, but the sharp cuts was a crowd pleaser.  The night wrapped with the collection from Lala Berlin with lightweight and sheer fabrics. A striking graphic print outfit left the fashion crowd with fond memories of opening night.

This year’s show  in Toronto is entitled ‘Canada Cool’ and runs all week closing Friday evening at 9pm – that’s if the shows run on time.  Stylewatchers came styled in furs, leather leggings, power suits and cocktail dresses to soak in opening night festivities at the event’s new home at David Pecaut Square.  Many shows are taking place outside of the tents of fashion week and most notable was Lucian Matis’s collection that debuted  at Gallery 99. The collection featured impressive hand-detailing, appliqued rosettes and sheer gowns.

OLM will be covering the 40 designers and labels which are slated to be featured during the 25th season of Toronto’s biggest fashion week.