House of Groves presented their spring/summer line in a unique fashion, using a much smaller space – using a small runway with models not leaving after walking down. The collection itself was inspired by two decades – 1930s and the 1970s – and is very wearable for most women. Casual dresses, tops, bottoms and jackets in oranges, blacks, tans and whites are excellent basics to add to one’s closet. A favourite is the orange dress (see above), which would look amazing with a scarf and belt!
This nature-themed collection, though good, seemed confused. Without a range in colour pallete and a countryside backdrop that looked more like early September than May or June, the collection had a bit of a fall vibe. However, the material and most of the styles clearly marked spring and summer. With loose dresses that are NOT shape-flattering, it actually might look great as beach covering rather than day pieces. Separates, especially bottoms, are better when it comes to showing off one’s figure. Finally, the entire collection itself errs more to a young crowd than the sophisticated type, though there are pieces which would be of interest to those who are over 30.
Having just launched in North America three months ago, today’s show marks the French line’s runway debut in Toronto. The theme for SPring/Summer 2011 is ‘The Inner Warrior” complete with an interpretive dance prior to the start of the show. The colours range fro purples and browns to blues and golds, with bright as well as subtle colours. Included were neck pieces reminicent of “Warriors” in some cultures Despite the “warrior” theme, elegance was still present, something which is very difficult to maintain as the traditional view of “warrior” is the complete opposite of refinement! Unlike Chloecommeparris, who also was attempting the lady of nature theme, Marte Aimé was able to pull it off…and very well, at that!
Her press release said that it was a bank heist theme with a mixture of 1930s and 1970s. However, the collection was more 1970s than the depression. In fact, with the exception of some slim dresses (and even that is pushing it a bit), there was nothing 1930s about the line at all. The colour palette was full of blues, yellows, summer blacks as well as salmon – a popular one for the spring and summer. Stripes, low-rise, skinny ankle pants (if they’re ankle-length on the models, wouldn’t that mean that it’ll be regular length on average women? It wouldn’t look the same, no? Shorter skirts looking “office appropriate” on average and petite women, DelectablyChic! can understand, but the ankle becoming “regular length” just doesn’t make sense) as well as ones with wider legs (a welcome change after several seasons of skinnies) and flowy tops and dresses were also part of the collection. Our favourite? Definitely the patterned knee-length day dress with the elbow-length sleeves.
Well, what can I say? This show has traditionally been *THE* one to attend (and as usual, it was PACKED). It was also very different from many of the others who have presented so far. Rather than a 1970s influence, Joe Fresh’s Spring/Summer 2011 was more along the lines of preppy country club/early 1960s, with one dress that Betty Draper (Francis) might have worn to her Junior League meetings. The colour white was all over the collection. In fact, the opening film consisted of people wearing what appeared to be tennis whites combined with period street clothes (also in white). Blues also dominated. Other colours seen included deeper greens and oranges, mostly in the women’s clothing. Unlike many of the other lines, Joe Fresh is always simple, with many work-appropriate clothing and best of all, affordable. With most pieces under $45, one can get an entire wardrobe for $300!
Interesting Note: On the same day they showd at LG Fashion Week, Joe Fresh also announced that they will be designing the uniforms for Scouts Canada starting next fall. Official reveal of the uniforms will take place in the spring of 2011. All attendees were given Scouts Canada kerchiefs.
