Keeping up the face that says “I belong here, and this seat next to me is reserved for my non-media pass friend” gets tough, especially when piles on piles of guests start pouring in to the room and quickly seat themselves on the bleachers. The Gotstyle show was certainly far more jam packed than either show that I had attended earlier that day, and it seemed to be far more anticipated and eagerly awaited.

Showcasing the many brands and styles sold at her King Street W store, Melissa Austria did not disappoint. With the assistance of many Canadian celebrities, such as Michael Landsberg and Nico Archuabault, everything from the suave and cool (girls, think Chuck Bass suits) to the urban and edgy was strutted down the runway. With the fashion show split into four scenes (or seasons), you could easily see how each piece from Gotstyle works into your wardrobe at any time, even now!

Skmpeez's swimsuits take a stroll down the boardwalk

What were my favorite looks? I definitely loved the geeky yet chic moments with several of the designers, along with JUZD’s crazy graphics and Skmpeez’s sexy bathing suits.

Designers included Christopher Bates, Costa Pavlou, Bustle, Skmpeez, Red Canoe, Juelz Rok, Gregory Allen, JUZD, 1921 Jeans, 18 Waits, Maison St. Pierre, Kwasi, Lipson, Trepaul, and Empire Clothing.

For more information on Melissa and her store, check out the Gotstyle menswear store and GSmen blog.

Nico Archambault strikes a pose

Images courtesy of blogTO

Barb :: Oct.29.2009 :: Fashion :: 1 Comment »

Jessica Biffi with her fabulous models and designs

If anybody asked which two designers had the most contrasting runway music, I would without a doubt tell you that it was between the two Project Runway Canada alumni Brandon Dwyer and Jessica Biffi. While Dwyer’s lulled me to take a nap, Biffi’s soundtrack instilled energy and alertness. With an unlit runway, a model steps out and poses for the audience. In spite of the darkness, there is an allure to the whole atmosphere with the crazy digital short, loud techno music, and of course, the glow-in-the-dark dress.

Models strut down the runway in many interesting pieces: jumpsuits, unitards, dresses with shingled layers in crazy colors, such as hot pink, flourescent green, and bright orange. I have to admit that some of the wardrobe displayed wouldn’t be fit for everyday wear, but it sets the tone of fun and edgy clothing quite well. Plus, anyone that can pull off showing a hot pink leopard-printed jumpsuit definitely commends my respect (considering that I’m not even a big animal print fan).

The definite pieces that should be seen on the streets this season from Biffi’s collection are her jackets and more casual wear. The shingle element returns in a hot pink skirt, which when paired with a plain tank top exudes class and style. Also to note, Biffi’s jackets have a hint of a Mackage style but with an added level of boldness.

Biffi on Fashion Television; see the beautiful Design + Conquer accessories?

Although it was hard to see from where I was sitting at the time, upon closer look when Biffi did her interview with Fashion Television, you could see some gorgeous accessories. Keeping up with the Canadian spirit, the accessories are by Vancouver native (and now Calgary resident) Morgan Mallett of Design + Conquer.

Check out the runway video here too:

Runway images courtesy of blogTO

Barb :: Oct.28.2009 :: Fashion :: 2 Comments »

After a ten hour bus ride departing from New York City on a NeOn bus that failed to deliver on its promise of electrical outlets and WiFi, I arrived in a rain-soaked Toronto. Really, you’d think that the rain would signal to me that the day wouldn’t so fabulous.

Heading over to my first show of the last day of fashion week, which was that of Project Runway Canada alumnus Brandon R. Dwyer, I can say that was already hectic. Thinking that I would be late, I hurried over in a taxi only to find that the spare time that I had allotted would go into insisting that I had not received my media pass and that I should be receiving one.

Seated in the wrong section (I’m later told to ignore the ticket given to me and that media is seated in the section facing the runway), I am being jibbed and jabbed at by obnoxious eager beavers. The show starts with music that leaves me puzzled. Aren’t fashion shows supposed to have energy? Well, this one seems to have been bogged down by the weather, as the music sounds more like a techno song on tranquilizers.

As for his collection, there are some great pieces along with some plain ones. With plenty of orange, teal, and white mixed into the pieces, Dwyer aims to project his clothes more for the summer season than the spring one. Most of the collection looks the same with A-line skirts, bubble hems, and bat-wing sleeves, with some variation of stripes that follow the contours of the body. Really, it’s not that interesting for the most part.

The show stopper, though, is a cream v-necked dress adorned with beautiful crystal work. Had that been the last piece of the show, I bet that a lot more of the audience would have been receptive. The last dress to hit the runway, though, people are appreciating, but I fail to see the allure. What I’m referring to is the black-and-white candy cane striped dress that looks more like something pulled out of the Fairweather prom dress catalog, as opposed to the Holt Renfrew racks.

Dwyer's first piece to hit the runway: an orange a-line shaped dress

Dwyer's Showstopping Dress on the Left, and the Questionable One on the Right

Images courtesy of blogTO

Barb :: Oct.27.2009 :: Fashion :: No Comments »