April 1, 2010
By Cytlalli Ruiz- Chapman

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Fashion week is officially over but before you hang up your harem pants or your boyfriend blazer. I was able to get the backstage exclusives from the fashion pros themselves.

Brandon R Dwyer presented his collection under a new name Basch. The line was very sexy and exclusive! Make sure you get out to buy this limited collection; otherwise you may end up chasing after Basch. But fret not -- there will be more Basch to come next season. Don’t be surprised if it is heavily influenced by spicy Latin culture because Brandon and his mother are off to Dominican Republic for some inspiration.

I must say Lucian Matis took my breath away. I truly did not want his show to end. The down-to-earth designer who was awarded by the FDCC last season really knows how to put on a show. The Romanian-inspired production was reminiscent of his celebrated graduation collection from Ryerson University. All the attention has not fazed this humble designer; instead of partying the night away he celebrated with close friends and loved ones.




Joyce Gunhouse and Judy Cornish, the designers of Comrags, are a dynamic duo. I asked them how they have managed to work together for so many years. The answer -- give and take. I found out that the ladies don’t actually design together but edit and style the collection collectively.

For the most sought after show of the week, David Dixon, people were literally on top of each other to catch a glimpse. It all started off with the fun and flirty Barbie collection. During the intermission guests were spoiled with glasses of wine and bottles of beer.





The David Dixon show itself was a real success, with the perfect mix of trend and sophistication. The shy designer has shown his work at Toronto Fashion Week from the very start without missing one season. As result he has a very loyal fan base.

Bustle ended the week with a bang! Known for their creative themes, Shawn Hewson and Ruth Promislow were inspired by the exclusivity of the velvet rope and the VIP. The show ended with Canada’s top fashion icons strutting their stuff down the runway. But the night didn’t end there, Bustle hosted the final party to mark the end of Toronto’s LG Fashion week at Brassaii.

It’s hard to know where the runway will be next season but one thing’s for sure, people will be flocking to see what talented Canadian designers come up with next.

Day 3: On and Off the Runway

March 31, 2010
By Cytlalli Ruiz- Chapman

I had the opportunity to sit among the stylish and fashion-forward spectators of Toronto’s LG Fashion Week. The bi-annual event encourages self-expression through clothes, shoes, handbags, hats… you name it, nothing is off limits.
Tuesday hosted an impressive roster of Canadian fashion talent. I was able to make my way backstage to speak with the designers as well as some onlookers.

I asked Zoran Dorbic about his original print designs and use of fabric.  He told me he collaborated with a graphic designer from Tokyo, giving his collection a real sense of international romance. 
The LOVAS show was sealed with a kiss from designer Wesley Badanjak. His loved ones sat in the front row in support and he made sure to show his appreciation. I was able to ask Badanjak about the fingerless elbow length fur gloves that made their way down the runway. He sheepishly confessed that he was a smoker and liked having his fingers free. As a result he created the “smokers glove.” 

Speaking with Pat McDonagh after her show was truly inspiring.  The veteran designer is known for her elaborate collections. What many don’t know is that she put the entire production together in just three weeks! She also allowed for three young designers to show a piece along with her work to encourage them to pursue their dreams.

The night ended with Evan Biddell.  The creative rebel pushes fashion boundaries like no other Canadian designer. I asked him what he was thinking when putting his unconventional line together he responded by saying “hips and back fat.”  Everything a woman tries to hide he accentuated and celebrated. I found Keshia Chanté in the stands wearing one of his designs. “I really believe in Evan. He is like a rock star or a rebel in fashion,” Keshia said when I asked what she thought of the show. 
The night was a real success, I’ll have more scoop on LG Fashion Week and the designers throughout the week.  

March 31, 2010
By Naeme El-Zein

There wasn’t an empty seat in the house for Lunström’s premier F/W collection without its namesake designer, Linda Lunström. Now owned by Eleventh Hour Apparel, a manufacturing company, the 39-look collection held true to the simple sophistication of previous collections. Almost entirely in neutrals, the collection featured work separates, outerwear and cocktail attire, in camels, mushroom browns, a variety of grey tones and black with the odd pop of teal and magenta. Overall the collection bordered on matronly and the styling, very Betty Draper on an equestrian outing, didn’t help. There were nonetheless, some beautiful pieces, including the Alpaca ‘cuddle’ coats in geranium, cherry red and walnut; the volume and enticing tactile quality would pair nicely with a slim jean or riding pant for fall.

March 31, 2010
By Naeme El-Zein

Kimberley Newport- Mimran’s Pink Tartan F/W10 collection is amazing in its range of wearable pieces with longevity, for both a younger and older demographic. There was winter whites o’plenty and lots of soft greys tones with touches of fur (in skirts, collars and vests) – a running theme this season that doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The collection, simple knits, skinny pants, polished outwear and high-waisted skirts, played with volume and texture and rocked a nice balance between feminine and edgy.  From classic white shirts and charcoal grey sheaths with embellished collars and shoulders to olive green wool biker jackets paired with sequin minis- each outfit highlighted Kimberley’s ability to seamlessly envision a woman who is modern and chic in the most effortless way. Each piece offered up possibilities that would extend beyond the season and into any woman’s capsule wardrobe. Just don't ask me where I am wearing my sequin aviator hat...I'm still working that one out.

March 30, 2010
By Naeme El-Zein

Sunny Fong’s VAWK F/W 10 show was a heavy helping of sophistication. Beautifully tailored coats, in blacks, creams and camels, finished with a variety of furs (fox, coyote and beaver) stole the show. No pun intended! The collection had a very European flare with high-collared jackets and form-fitting silhouettes in a monochromatic palette. The closer was a definite favorite; a black strapless leather mini-dress with fox fur along the bottom. It looked just as good coming as going.

March 29, 2010
By Serge Kerbel

LUSH magazine is proud to be Canadian! Just came back from Holt's fall 2010 preview. Lots of stunning (my neighbors kept whispering - "gorgeous!") monochromatic and beautifully crafted dresses from Canada's own Jeremy Laing, Denis Gagnon, Mikhael Kale and Greta Constantine. Thank you guys for a great start to Toronto Fashion Week!