Cynthia Cheng Mintz

(Shows L-R: Jules Power, Marthe Aime, Baby Steinberg, Amanda Lew Kee)

Another LG Fashion Week has wrapped up and this season, as usual, has had its hits and misses.  The venue, Heritage Court on the Exhibiton grounds was not too different from the previous season’s at the Allstream Centre in the same area.  It was transit accessible and for those who drive, with plenty of parking available.  In fact, there isn’t much to criticize about the location.  Food-wise, prices of the sandwiches offered were still a little high at $7, but there was more selection.  Salads were also offered this time around.  The coffee from Krups/Nestle’s Dolce Gusto machines were not too bad (for capsule coffee, anyway), especially for those who don’t want to pay the money for other drinks.  Most interesting was the presence of Ken.  Yes, as in Barbie and Ken.  Two gigantic boxes, one pink and the other blue were set up next to each other, and people had the chance to have their pictures taken inside a Barbie box as well as one in the Ken box with a model who was hired to be Ken for the week.   And of course, as usual, other sponsors had booths, including a huge area taken by L’Oreal to give makeovers as well as a pop-up store selling Sears’ Attitude brand.

Part of Evan Biddell’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection, as presented in the Studio space

Showing collections off-runway was used more this season than in the past.  Even Project Runway Canada alumnus, Evan Biddell, opted to use the Studio rather than present a full collection showing some pieces (all black!  Why??) on mannequins and presenting a video of his Spring/Summer 2011 show, which was held at an earlier date.  Other designers who utilized the Studio space included Sarah Stevenson, whose collection had an airy garden party feel as well as House of Groves and lingerie company Fortnight.  In the past, the Studio space was used more for events rather than presentation of collection.  Of course, special events were also held there.  Stylist to the stars, Phillip Bloch had a book signing in the space.  And while the runway room was used, for the most part, in a traditional fashion, one designer decided to utilize live mannequins on the runway rather than in the studio.

Sarah Stevenson’s Garden Party collection

In the eyes of DelectablyChic!, the best designers were those with collections that had something for everyone.  This includes House of Groves, Sarah Stevenson (beautiful, light, airy dresses which are great for brunch out with the ladies) as well as the ever-popular Joe Fresh.  Lana Dugmag’s bridal-inspired pieces were also beautiful.  Classic, lady-like (or gentlemanly for the boys) looks are always a good thing, especially when paired with the trends.  It is important not to look like one is trying too hard like many celebrities seem to do. 

Some bridal-inspired pieces from Lana Dugmag

And what about the dislikes?  Rita Liefhebber’s use of “live mannequins” in the runway room did not work very well.  For one, the room was quite dark and quite difficult to get good pictures for some cameras.  It was also very crowded (again, making it difficult to get good shots – regardless of camera power).  Perhaps they should have had a sign-up list, allowing only a limited those with media passes and only for 10 minute increments. Amanda Lew Kee’s show was another one which was quite unusual.  The collection itself was not bad if not for the too-short dresses on too-tall models (it seems that many of her dresses were meant for more petite women.  Long tops without leggings or pants just don’t look good), but the blue lips were too much.  In a fashion show, we are meant to notice the clothing while the models “disappear.”  The blue lips were purely distracting.  As for the collections in general?  It seems that the affair with skinny pants continue.  Perhaps many of us don’t need to send things to charity this year, after all. 

So what does LG Fashion Week need to improve on for their Fall/Winter shows?  For one, the prices and selection of food. As mentioned above, $7 for sandwiches is a little on the pricey side, considering that there are no sides and the sandwiches are ice cold.  Perhaps the inclusion of more diversely-sized models as well as exclusively specialty sized designers would be a good idea as well.  Since LG Fashion Week does host international designers, wouldn’t it be great to see the likes of Allison Izu or Henrietta Pertuz on the runway?  Or even better, a Canadian designer who does exclusively specialty sizes.