Martin Lim, a designing duo consisting of Danielle Martin and Pao Lim was the winner of the Mercedes-Benz Startup project presented their first full collection at Toronto Fashion Week. Though this was a fall collection, there were many elements that screamed out warmer weather.  Lavender was one of the key colours, as was magenta and of course, classic black.  Many of the looks also had long, streamer-like pieces that can remind people of a kids’ birthday party, but with a more sophisticated vibe.

The entire collection is definitely very wearable, yet with a great deal of artistic flare (perhaps the only thing that looked a little odd were the opaque tights/leggings.  Many of the dresses would have worked much better with nude or bare legs).  Without a great deal of bulk or volume, the looks can be easily translated by women of many different shapes and sizes for a variety of different occasions.  Colour blocking, which has been a key element for the upcoming Fall/Winter season, is very much present here as well.  And because the blocking in Martin Lim’s collection is mostly vertical rather than horizontal, it can translate well for those who are tall or short without losing proportion due to alterations.

Based on this gorgeous, very wearable collection, Martin Lim certainly has a bright future in the fashion industry, here and abroad.  I won’t be surprised if they get an 8 or 9 o’clock slot next season next to, say Pink Tartan or David Dixon.