Gimmicky and tacky are two adjectives one thinks of when they hear that a designer is showing a collection filled with city maps and skylines.  However, this was not the case for Anu Raina’s Fall/Winter 2014 collection, which is filled with desk to dinner-appropriate pieces.  In fact, other than a few obvious pieces (such as the Dundas skirt), there was nothing unsubtle about the collection.  In fact, one might not even notice that the pieces were Toronto-themed unless they were very close (thank goodness the show was presented in the studio and not the main runway area – it would have been very difficult to realize what the theme was in a less intimate space)!

Most of the city-themed pieces were maps of the area or cityscape pictures.  However, the “Yorkville Jacket” is all black (hmmm, because lots of people wear black in the area?) and what the lookbook calls the “Richmond Blouse” is bird-themed (while all other bird pieces are merely labelled “bird”).

Not only was there subtlety in the collection’s Toronto theme, but most of the looks were very wearable and best of all, “short woman friendly.”  This might have to do with the designer, who is herself very petite.  Most designers make pieces with them in mind and it really helps.  Perhaps the only criticism for the collection is not the clothes themselves, but the make-up.  The very dark lipstick looked out of place.