Last night’s Mass Exodus In Bloom marked the 60th year end fashion show for Ryerson University School of Fashion. True to its name, the show boasted a slew of designer’s that have honed their seedling skills over four years, showing the full beauty of their talent’s growth on last night’s runway. A captivating array of collections including menswear, children’s wear, swimwear and costume, the 2010 Ryerson graduates did not disappoint in their ability to surprise us with their creativity and innovation.

LUSH LOVES:
Désiré Bara-Assi

There was a collective intake of air among the audience, as the first Bara woman took the runway. The avant-garde eveningwear collection was an answer to the modern woman who wants elegance and sophistication without comprising edge and youthfulness. Inspired by Nicola-Henri Jacob’s medical illustrations, the collection of five dresses was done in white silk chiffon and ostrich feathers with bold leather latticing (in Bara’s word’s, ‘rib-cages’) and scarlet red silk charmeuse sashes. The classically dynamic colour choice and impeccable fit made the (removable) leather strapping, almost an exterior corset in shaping and contouring of the body, appear as a seamless compliment rather than an after thought or gaudy addition. Who doesn’t want to be the prettiest and edgiest girl in the room at the same time?





Amanda Lew Kee

If the world is coming to an end and you have to go to fashion battle, you might want to own a jacket by Lew Kee. Kee’s collection of urban warrior women donned all black fabrics in stretch nylons, chiffons and light-weight nappa leathers embellished with studs to spare. Exploring, ‘decay and decadence’ the collection showed Kee’s strength for juxtaposing texture and working with combinations of synthetics and natural fabrics to create sexy separates. There was just the right touch of transparency to turn up the sex appeal and keep the collection from looking too heavy. Kee’s leggings with sheer interior panels are motivation enough to start doing some lungs for summer early.



Rebecca Lam

Intricate and elaborate folds marked the standout cocktail dresses of Lam’s graduating collection. Simple solids and a limited colour palette of vibrant purple, green and pink, highlighted the sculptural quality of each silhouette that took the runway. Short and sweet each dress, done in peau-de-soie a heavy silk/satin, featured origami-like folds and tucks that Lam used to explore avant-garde structures and reference Lam’s personal inspiration British artist and designer Richard Sweeney. Those that miss out on Ryerson’s final show can look forward to seeing a continuation of Lam’s line at this year’s F.A.T show. Lam’s creations take the runway April 24th at 10pm.