Pre-fashion week wrapped up Thursday after a whirlwind of shows on the same day, requiring a lot of back and forth between the Burroughes Building (The Collections) and Andrew Richard Designs (The shOws) or logistic scheduling for those who wanted to cover both. The Collections, which presented its inaugural season, featured designers that usually show at World Mastercard Fashion Week, such as Laura Siegel and Klaxton Howl while The shOws, which has presented for a few seasons, had its usual Canadian designers who have gone on to work abroad . This season, DelectablyChic! only covered Laura Siegel at The Collections, and spent the rest of Tuesday and Wednesday at Andrew Richard Designs.
Laura Siegel:
Presented in a partial installation format where models stood on wooden boxes, then walked off to change, this boho chic collection had a very tan and green palette. While the pieces were nice to look at, many would be difficult for anyone over 30 to pull off without looking too ridiculous. This is a fun, young collection that lacks a grown-up sophistication.
Tanya Taylor:
This collection, was, according to Refinery 29, who covered Tanya’s presentation in New York last month, inspired by 1960s resort wear. With a range of different styles that include cropped (on models, anyway) pants, A-line and pencil skirts as well as tunics and loose-fitting jackets, the pieces definitely have a more mature and sophisticated flare. Favourite pieces include a white and black floral cropped jacket as well as a black pencil skirt with floral detailing.
Jean-Pierre Braganza:
Geometric shapes and cuts on some pieces make this collection quite interesting, yet still wearable for most people. Though the colours were dominated by a black and white pattern, the pops of coral and cobalt definitely make the pieces pop. Most pieces are fairly wearable by non-models, though some might overwhelm a shorter, smaller frame.
Antonio Azuolo:
Some of the pieces in this collection seemed more resort-like than spring/summer. Colours and patterning tend to be a bit on the loud side, and not necessarily in a conservative way. Most interesting was a suit that looked like it belonged on Don Cherry than a the young man walking the runway.
Jeremy Laing:
Definitely another wearable collection, though not the most colourful (especially for warmer months). However, detailing, fabric and cut in many of the looks definitely make up for its mostly white and dark palette. One piece that stood out was a maxi dress featuring keyhole detailing at the shoulders as well as the knee area.
