Toronto Fashion Week Spring Summer 2019 took place in early September, bringing fabulous colours, textures, and styles to Yorkville. Torontonicity was invited to check out the amazing creativity by some of Canada’s top designers, as well as some names that we should all be paying very close attention to. The three days were completely packed, so here is a quick guide to everything you need to know:
For anyone planning a wedding in 2019, Toronto’s own Christopher Paunil presented a gorgeous collection of both bridal and evening in collaboration with Herman-Sellers-Gough Furs. The bridal collection was filled with gorgeous flowing gowns made of Spanish Mikado, the ideal fabric for structural details without bulking up an elegant design.
It was Paunil’s evening looks that were breathtaking though, with saturated jewel-toned colours combined with the softest pastels, to create statement-making outfits. The entire audience was left mesmerized in awe as his final iridescent vinyl gown walked down the runway. No detail was spared in the petal bodice, and combined with the rainbow glow from the vinyl, this hyper-feminine look was clearly intended to be worn on a main stage. Keep an eye out for this piece during music video award season!
Everyday vibrancy came courtesy of the Hayley Elsaesser’s Teenage Wasteland collection. The signature fun patterns and pops of colour were still very present, but the patterns were cheeky: scorpions, cell phones, and bananas! Not taking the deserted landscape theme too literally, the palette remained true to spring with pastels, yellows, blues, and the occasional accent metallic. If you’re looking for a fun jacket or accent piece that you can throw over anything to instantly bring it to life, make sure to stop by their 695 Queen Street West store.
The amazing Toronto duo behind WIL Studios – What I Like Studios – also brought neons and brights to their runway show by pairing classic muted menswear colours, with true red and neon yellow accents. The silhouettes were minimally oversized, keeping true to the brand’s effortless everyday style and introduced some fun accessories to match: a completely transparent side bag for their Ball Boy look had me dying for one of my own, and surprisingly, sparked the idea of getting back into tennis. WIL Studios is coming to Hudson’s Bay this fall, so make sure to visit their flagship store at Yonge and Queen Streets to get your hands on their coveted pieces before the hype gets too real.
Also, serious love for the fact that WIL Studios models are mainly people from their childhood, and some are even neighbourhood friends! Not only are they brilliant designers, but also great and supportive professionals.
Another amazing show from the week was put on by the WRKDEPT team, who opted for an exhibition style showcase instead of a runway. I loved it. The entire collection was kept in the centre of the RE/SET studio space, with guests invited to walk around and get close and personal with each outfit. The vibe was a fun party, with the collection having a hospital-gown-inspired feel to it. I know, sounds strange, but if you’re into minimalist silhouettes with long lines, then this collection is absolutely worth checking out.
The last collection worth mentioning is Pedram Karimi, who brings environmentally conscious and sustainable materials to the fashion world in the most gender-free pieces possible. This is for everyone. Karimi’s collection came with the message of Don’t Crush the Caterpillars, the idea that growth and change is exciting, and we don’t know how we could be limiting ourselves or others with negativity. The sheer material that dominated the collection, came in neutrals and looked perfect for layering during spring, or just to throw over for hot summers.
So, what can you expect for SS19? The neon trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, so make sure to grab an accessory with a bold pop if an entire piece feels like too much for you. Pastels will always be in for the warmer and brighter months, and eco-friendly minimalism is now more about a lifestyle than strictly a fashion statement, so research what local designers are doing to ensure their practices match your convictions. My ultimate recommendation: wear what makes you feel good, and always inject a bit of fun into every outfit. Enjoy!
