Yes, it’s time once again.  This was my ninth time  covering Toronto Fashion Week (I say Toronto Fashion Week because it’s been under several brands since I started back in 2009, ranging from L’Oreal to LG and now, World MasterCard), and each time, there were hits and misses.  So here we go with what I liked, was okay with and thought

Amazing: 

Tomato and Mozzarella panino, catered by the Ritz-Carlton

Food: It was “real” food this time! OK, so we have to pay for it, but compared to the $8-9 cold wraps that used to be available, it was a vast improvement.  And you have to have the Ritz-Carlton to thank for that.  I tried the mozzarella and tomato sandwich and the grilled vegetables thought were both delicious. Best was the food at the press and buyers brunch.

Internet: Consistent and at a reasonable speed this season!

Croissants and other baked goods from the TFI Press & Buyers’ Brunch

Pretty gloves from Quill&Tine, one of the brands at the TFI Press & Buyers’ Brunch

Press and Buyers’ Brunch: I loved that I was able to meet new prospects to interview/review/profile for my upcoming site as well as see looks for the upcoming season from designers who were not showing at World MasterCard Fashion Week.  I was not able to catch Rachel Sin’s show in Montreal, for example, so it was great to catch up with her and see her Fall/Winter pieces.  It was also good to speak with designers and brands directly – perhaps addressing things that you might not be able to at an interview (sizing, especially “off” sizing on both sides of the spectrum).

One of my favourites from Matis by Lucian Matis (taking any pre-orders yet?)

Shows:  My favourites were Matis by Lucian Matis (already have a wish list, so I’d love to know when pre-ordering starts!), Laura Siegel and MIZ, a collection that, according to press releases, targeted baby boomers.  I found that despite being in the demographic that hovers Generation X and Millennial, there were plenty of pieces that would suit me.  Korhani Home, as usual, had a very entertaining show, featuring vignettes that included one inspired by burlesque.  Finally, and perhaps the best show of all, was The Heart Truth Show.  This annual show promotes awareness of heart heath, especially for women, and features celebrities as well as heart disease survivors and seniors who exemplify heart health.  One senior was a 90-something woman who walked wearing a dress by AlliStyle!

Interesting:

Joe Fresh’s Fall/Winter 2013 collection was dominated by black and white

Shows: The lack of colour at Joe Fresh and the nearly all black or collections that were presented on Friday.  Also, there were two designers who indicated that their upcoming collection was influenced by Alfred Hitchcock (Pink Tartan and Maison Matthew Gallagher), though Pink Tartan’s use of blonde wigs on every one of its models was a bit strange.  Some did not go well with the model’s skin tone.  Outerwear line Mackage launched their line of bags at their show, but the lighting was a little too dark and photos, even from the pit (including those I received from PR) did not highlight them too well.  Perhaps this was a creative decision?

Models: Found that this season, the men mostly looked a little…sad.  And that goes for both menswear lines as well as collections catering to both men and women.   It was interesting how it was so consistent between designers.

Needs Improvement:

Media lounge work space, taken from the bar/hang out area on the upper level

The Media Lounge: The space was absolutely AMAZING back in October for the spring collections.  It was large, comfortable and food was complimentary. This time, it was much smaller and there was no food, not even for purchase (or carb-filled cereal bars).  For the spring shows in October, I think IMG should consider, once again, a sponsor for the lounge.  I noticed that fewer bloggers and media were hanging out in the lounge this season, opting for the fashion environment instead.  It seemed that unless they really needed to work, there just wasn’t the space in the lounge to chill.  Besides, if most refreshments cost money, why not go out where there’s more selection?

The Studio:  The space for the past two seasons was light, big (perhaps a bit too big) and comfortable.  This time, it was much tighter, and a bit oddly shaped (more square than rectangular).  The space was actually better for installations rather than runway-like presentations.  Would like to see a space that is somewhere in between in terms of size for October.  In addition, the photographer’s pit (I shot a few shows from both pits for the first time this season) could be a little bit bigger and in a better position.  It was oddly positioned, so those who were off side didn’t necessarily get good shots compared to the runway room.

Joe Fresh photos by Deborah Lawrence Photography

 Media Lounge, Matis by Lucian Matis and all food photos by Cynthia Cheng Mintz (author)