Well, it’s that’s a wrap. The Spring/Summer 2012 collections are now over and boy, it was an amazing week. A new location which takes us back tents gave it more of a fashion week feel. Of course, accessibility for those who take public transportation this time around was better as well – the location was right by St. Andrew subway station, while the previous location, which was at the Exhibition was by a streetcar. The smaller studio space was also an improvement from the Fall/Winter shows back in March. While previous space was dark and difficult to light, the Spring/Summer space was white, making it easier to change the lighting scheme of the area (and not to mention, photograph). Venue space was not the only likes of the week, of course. Plenty of designers fall into the list as well. They include:
LOVAS: We wrote about this line earlier this week, but have to do so again. This “Birds of Paradise” collection flies with gorgeous pieces, both for every day and special occasions. The white gown with black straps and hem may be of interest to brides.
Pink Tartan: The spring/summer 2012 collection was, according to press material, inspired by the French Riviera and films of Brigitte Bardot. Sexy and mysterious and with a palette of red, orange and blues (LOVE the blues!), the entire collection definitely matched Kimberly Newport-Mimran’s inspirations as one can definitely feel the warmth of the South of France. The biggest highlight was, of course, androgynous model, Andrej Pejic. Loved the a-line skirts and striped dresses as well!
Korhani: This is always the highlight of LG Fashion Week where home rugs are modelled as clothing. Always a production (and we mean, production), the Spring/Summer collection was divided into three sections. The first seemed like a combination of Bollywood and Cleopatra, the second was themed the beach, and the final one, the biggest production of all, was Alice in Wonderland. Characters from the story, including the Mad Hatter, the White Queen and of course the Queen of Hearts and playing cards.
Others in the “like” category: Laura Siegel (especially for the Earth Princess vibe), Sarah Stevenson (a gorgeous, nature-y “staycation”) and the always-popular Joe Fresh, with its casual, appropriate-at-any-time pieces (we especially loved the green and yellow pleated skirt). One little nitpick about Joe Fresh: What was with those grocery bag-like dresses? We realize that Joe Fresh sold at Loblaws-owned stores, but still!
Mehs:
Cydelic by Choryin: Lovely collection, clothing-wise, and the shape of bags each model carried were certainly very interesting. However, their sizes looked very overwhelming for anyone who isn’t tall. Let’s hope they come in more compact sizes.
What was with orange? Several designers incorporated the shade in their collections, especially at the shows held earlier in the week. While I realize that warm weather/tropics is a central theme for the upcoming season, there could have been a more diverse palette. They’re pretty shades, but sometimes, too much is too much. Luckily, designers later in the week had more variety.
Dislikes:
MICHI: While the collection of lingerie/workout wear was very interesting, the presentation, which incorporated the use of strobe lighting should have included a warning, not only because it bothers some people, but it could be a health issue.
The Fashion Week Media Diet: Sugar, sugar and nothing but sugar in the form of Kellogg’s cereal bars (though the mini cup cakes on Day 5 were delicious). It was that, expensive sandwiches or food court junk from downstairs (unless you had the time to walk to one of many restaurants on King). But there was free coffee this season.
Looking forward to the Fall/Winter 2012 shows in March!
