Toronto Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day Three

The energy was at an all time high on Day Three of World MasterCard Fashion Week with a cowboy themed collection and the much anticipated and sold out show which lived up to all of the hype.

Montreal-based designer Melissa Nepton took to the stage with her signature simplicity in cut and exquisite attention to detail. Subtle silk dresses, tunics with detachable woven necks and wrapping coats upon which textures, fibers and natural threads helped to create a web of warmness.  Nepton’s vision reflected both her personality and view of fashion: “For me, fashion is a vigorous expression that impacts women’s lives in a positive way. And in return, women bring fashion a sense of sensuality, fluidity and femininity. It’s a communication rooted in comfort, practicality and confidence.”

It was all about the wild, wild, west at Bustle. The energetic crowd hooted and hollered as the male models made their way down the runway dressed in separates fit for the Calgary Stampede. The cowboy collection featured t-shirts that read “This isn’t my first rodeo” paired with plaid button ups and fitted denim.  Bustle’s collection was inspired by the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede and with white cowboy hats, bolo ties and denim on denim you’d think that you were at a rodeo. The men’s collection featured leather paneling on the back of jackets and large belt buckles to complete the ‘cowboy chic’ look.  Needless to say, Bustle’s collection will always remain a fond memory for many fashion lovers when they look back on the hectic week.

Closing out Day Three with a sold out show was none other than Joe Fresh.  Known for its bright and colorful array of separates, Joe Fresh received a standing ovation for its wide-array of prints, orange soled shoes, mustard-yellow pieces, knit-wear, tweed pants and faux-fur paneling. The all inclusive women’s collection stood in contrast to the men’s collection. Then men’s line featured little variation however it still featured many of the women’s trends; felt and wool jackets, houndstooth dress shirts, dark denim and chucky cable knit sweaters.  I have yet to warm up to the faux-fur detailing which appeared on both men’s and women’s separates and that seemed to be an unnecessary addition due its evidently poor quality. My favorite highlight pieces from the show include: houndstooth leggings and dresses, a graphic print jacket with matching pants (a standout piece in the collection) and colorful felt structured men’s jackets.

Toronto Fashion Week runs till Friday at the tents at David Pecaut Square.