L'Oréal Fashion Week – Day 5

As L’Oréal Fashion Week wound down in Toronto, we made our way to the tents one last time to indulge in warm-weather wear (especially welcome since the thermometer has dipped into single digits!). 
Toronto Fashion Incubator winner Eugenia dazzled fashion fans with her collection of ‘cocktail attire.’ The pieces were classic yet edgy, with pleats adding visual appeal and volume to the clothing. Made locally with organic fabrics, the clothes were versatile and appealing to both fashionistas and eco-conscious women alike! 
Nada Yousif’s collection screamed glam New York rock ‘n’ roll! Black fringed skirts, rainbow tulle skirts and black and gold lamé skinny pants were all paired with ribbed tanks spray-painted ‘I ♥ NY.’ Floor-length, fitted gowns added an air of sophistication to an otherwise edgy collection. 
Young designer Janet Hill debuted a punchy and playful collection (sold in some of Toronto’s toniest boutiques!). Tie-dyed silk in fluoro brights and saturated solids were expertly cut into flirty tunics, billowy blouses, slinky camisoles and swirling, satin one-shoulder dresses (smartly dressed down with simple flats). Paired with ankle-length dark denim, her look exudes sweet summer style. 
The inspiration for Mellinda-Mae Harlingten’s collection came from three seemingly unrelated genres: 1920s garçonne, 1970s bohemia and Native American beauty. The pieces were simple, yet luxurious and feminine. The colour palette was soft and romantic. Flowing silks were paired with structured pieces such as plaid vests, and soft, white cashmere sweaters added comfortable elegance. 
At Lucian Matis, cream silk dresses in both body-conscious and boxy cuts were printed with large, digital, pixelated, red flowers giving them a futuristic, graphic look. Lots of embellishment (ruffles, pearls, beads and delicate acetate squares) adorned many of the eye-catching pieces, making it a standout collection. 
Afshin Feiz – new to the L’Oréal Fashion Week lineup – was an instant hit with a supremely romantic runway presentation. Evening gowns as light as air seemed to catch the wind and billow up behind the models like clouds of smoke. With juxtaposing rows of tiny ruffles and heavy silver chains, the pastel-coloured clothes seemed to float down the runway. The designer also offered flirty, cut-out cocktail dresses, and chic pantsuits with long jackets, roomy pants and sexy bustiers. 
Last, but certainly not least, was Montreal designer Denis Gagnon. Simple swaths of jersey were artfully woven, twisted, pulled and puckered into spectacular cocktail dresses and evening gowns, each more stunning than the last. Gagnon played with draping, asymmetrical hemlines, shots of vibrant lipstick-red against raspberry, leather pieces and lamé. Competing for the spotlight were his daring accessories: vertiginous, vinyl platforms, chunky, resin necklaces in organic shapes (think feathers and floral bouquets) and black, leather bubble bags for Fullum & Holt.