Toronto Fashion Week Spring 2008
Spring 2008 Collections Unveiled at L’Oréal Toronto Fashion Week
Oct 18, 2007
Who are you wearing? That’s the question the Fashion Design Council of Canada is asking Toronto fashionistas at the launch of another edition of L’Oréal Fashion Week. This time around, it’s the Spring 2008 collections, on view between October 22 and 27. (If you want to know about the Fall/Winter 2008 previews, runing from March 17 to 22, 2008, you want this article.) Normally, Fashion Week happens at a nightclub or event venue, but this time the FDCC is taking over Nathan Phillips Square, and the runway shows and all the schmoozing will take place under the cover of tents. (Click here for reviews of some top trends and shows.)
Like Fashion Weeks in New York, Milan, Paris and other cities, Toronto Fashion Week is designed as a showcase for buyers, media and other fashion industry professionals, but this year a select number of seats are being allotted to members of the public.
Seats are not necessarily guaranteed however, especially for the most popular designers like Montreal’s Andy The-Anh and Toronto’s David Dixon (scheduled for 8 and 9:30 p.m. on October 24). But it’s worthwhile to brave the crush just to get in on the industry buzz – especially this year, since the new designer talent-search series Project Runway Canada is filming segments at Fashion Week, and that’s sure to heighten the general air of excitement.
Also of note is the return of Damzels in this Dress (slated for 5 p.m. on Wednesday). This Toronto design team of Kelly Freeman and Rory Lindo has been out of the spotlight recently while they were busy launching an east-end Queen Street storefront for a cute accessories line called Doll Factory. Now they’re apparently bringing back the dresses for which they’re so well known – but in a new incarnation
Those who love fashion-forward design might want to check out Monday’s lineup, especially Zoran Dobric at 5 p.m. and Joeffer Caoc at 9:30. Look to these boys with tricky names for cutting-edge artistic creations that never bend to the tyranny of the latest trend. On Thursday at 2 p.m., "Fashion Takes Action" promises eco-friendly contributions from ten top design talents, including the iconic Pat McDonagh, Queen West staple Annie Thompson, JUMA and the Damzels. (The work had an exclusive viewing in late September, but this is an idea that deserves a second look).
Highlights of Friday’s shows include the youthful energy of iconoclastic sportwear company GSUS at 7 p.m., followed by RUDSAK’s eminently wearable outerwear (and possibly their new footwear line). It all ends on Friday night with a closing party hosted by Eye Candy and Fashion Television. Find out more and register online.
Click here for capsule reviews of all the onsite runways shows for L'Oréal Toronto Fashion Week Spring 2008.
