Here we are again at the end of World MasterCard Fashion Week and our seasonal likes, dislikes and well, “needs improvements.”

YAYS:

Rachel Sin:

Not only does she return to the tents this season, but she also presented both her current and upcoming collection.  I really like how she divided it into two mini-sessions (#rswork for the current pieces (far left and far right) and #rsplay (centre) for Spring/Summer) so that the audience would know what they could purchase now AND expect at a later time.  The dress on the right is one of my favourites from the current collection.

elan & castor:

I loved the beautiful, beach-ready pieces.  They were very colourful and wearable by many different figures.  I was lucky enough to be moved to the front row so I could catch these gorgeous pieces without people blocking me!  I’m not sure if I would have been able to catch them without looking at photos at a regular seat, considering that the show as in the studio.

Fashion Saturday:

I was glad to see this back for the Spring/Summer 2015 shows.  Is this only going to be held for the Spring/Summer shows going forward, or would we be expecting it in March for the Fall/Winter shows?  Not only did I like checking out the market, which featured designers who showed during the week as well as many who did not, but the trends presentation featuring select pieces from designers presented during the week as well as a slightly longer runway show were both amazing as well.

Gourmet B1tches:

Not an “official” World MasterCard Fashion Week event, but they’ve been outside the tents for a few seasons now.  Besides, poutine is where it’s at! ‘Nuff said.

Press and Buyers’ Brunch:

Once again, delicious food and I loved the opportunity to meet new people (and seeing returning brands).  I even had the opportunity to try on some pieces, including the above trench by Granaté Prêt (based out of Philly and on exchange with Toronto)!  The fact that most of the vendors included their social media accounts (plus the “official” event hashtag) was a great thing!  Not sure if #tfipbb ended up being a trending topic, though.  If not, maybe next time!

NAYS:

Photographers in the aisle:

If you’re going to take pictures using a “real” camera (i.e. not phones/tablets but DSLRs or even point-and-shoots), please get a spot in the pit – especially in the studio.  I’m surprised the volunteers said NOTHING.  As someone representing a smaller media outlet, I do not have front row seating.  And since the studio doesn’t have raised, stadium-style seating, it’s pretty hard to see anything.  If you’re lucky enough to get in early and grab an aisle seat, you’re good – as long as the photographer isn’t blocking you.  So volunteers, please do your job and ask photographers to go to the pit.

Christopher Bates Menswear and its short shorts:

“Who wears short shorts….”  OK, I realize that it’s a runway presentation and the “real” retail length will be longer, but seriously, if it’s supposed to be “Bermuda” style by pairing the piece with a button down shirt, then please make it Bermuda length.  Most guys don’t want to go back to a 1980s basketball uniform length. #justsayin

Studio Seating:

I know there’s nothing one can do about it, and I complain every year, but sometimes, it’s just hard to see.  I don’t just go to shows to watch what’s going to pop up next season.  I’m taking notes for possible blog posts, unlike some fashion/style/lifestyle bloggers who show up to Fashion Week just to be seen.

Joe Fresh:

Opting NOT to do runway and having a party?  A good number of smaller outlet bloggers I spoke with were a bit disappointed as they really wanted to see what’s coming up.  Maybe they’ll return to a runway presentation for Fall/Winter.

MEHS:

Food Prices:

Yes, I’m going to complain about them every season.  Nine dollars for a panini without a side?  Five dollars for an 8 oz hot chocolate (though not charging extra for almond milk is a good thing)?  No matter how good they are (and yes, I did buy a hot chocolate), it’s still a little bit expensive.  However, I won’t put them in the “nay” category though.

HUNTRESS’ Runway Presentation:

The pieces were beautiful (if they weren’t HUNTRESS would be in the “nay” category), but I’m sorry, a runway presentation – even in the studio doesn’t quite work for jewellery.  It was very difficult for anyone – even in the front row – to actually see the pieces.  An installation similar to what Caitlin Power did for her Spring/Summer 2015 collection would have worked much, much better.  It’s too bad that this wasn’t done.

The plates at the Press/Buyers’ Brunch:

The pancakes above are NOT gigantic!  It’s the plates that are small.  I realize that they’re trying to get us to visit all the vendors while munching on the food, but one also can’t walk around while eating, say, scrambled eggs.  The plates should have been bigger, like they were in past seasons or they should have offered finger-friendly foods (e.g. super-mini pancakes on skewers or toothpicks, quiche, etc…).

All runway photos except Christopher Bates are by Paul Ross for OPIQUE / Top of the Runway

Granaté Prêt photo of the author by Annina King

All other photos, including Christopher Bates (taken on Fashion Saturday), by author