Toronto Men's Fashion Week TOM*: Christopher Bates

This past week, Toronto hosted its first Men’s Fashion week, following in the steps of many of the largest and most influential capitals.  Among the highlights of the week was Christopher Bates closing show on Tuesday night. 

Bates’ updated mens sartorial designs have made him a mainstay on Toronto runways and a highlight of the Canadian menswear design scene.

Bates runway show began with a short film encapsulated his contemporary aesthetic and sartorial designs that were soon sent down the runway. 

Bates showcased his new line, which featured a myriad of pieces that exuded a cool and collected confidence from the more classic and refined tuxedo to the more casual and relaxed knits. 

The line featured classic garments with updated and exciting details, which has become Bates trademark. 

The lipstick stain on the shirt collar featured heavily throughout the show was a highlight for those in attendance.  Bates showed tailored shorts, suspenders and laidback knits that will continue to sustain his reputation as a purveyor of smart-casual contemporary design.  

AOF Winning Designer Zoran Dobric Rocks Fashion Week

It’s all about the fabric with Art of Fashion 2005 Design Competition winner Zoran Dobric. The flowing silk dresses that dominate his 2010 collection evoke romance and feminity, while Dobric’s signature textile prints lend exoticism and make the pieces bold. The unique prints and the sometimes unexpected mix of textures is what truly makes this a collection of walking art pieces. Tones for 2010 are earthy with bold accents of turquoise and mustard. Details like metal buckles and wool jackets gave the collection edge and really pulled the look together.

Inspired to pursue fashion by a seamstress grandmother, Dobric had access to lots of fabric to play around with while growing up, and that early fascination with fabric is what gives this designer’s style its complexity and richness. The 2010 collection is stupendous. Unlike anything else you’ve seen, yet completely wearable, these unique, soft, universally-flattering pieces could have the power to change fashion trends.

Fashion Week: Sears Attitude, Andy the Anh and Pink Tartan Rock the Runways

Fashion Week! Wasn’t it magnificent? Did you make it out to the shows? Art of Fashion was there checking out headliners like Attitude by Sears, Andy the Anh, Pink Tartan, and, of course, our very own Zoran Dobric. Woman-about-town and local fashionista Jenny Bersinic snapped some shots and took some notes on all the highlights to keep Art of Fashion followers in the know.

Attitude by Sears

In-house Sears’ label, Attitude, thrilled the crowds with sexy work-wear inspired by the 1940s. Lace accents showed up under blazers, sweaters and dresses, adding a playful touch to classic pieces. Predominant colours were black and grey and camel, with deep red and indigo accents. Skinny belts, A-line skirts in a variety of textures and flowing silk blouses promise flattering silhouettes for all.

At the end of the show, Canadian Olympian Joannie Rochette walked the runway in a white blouse and A-line skirt – a proud moment as she received a warm applause from the crowd.

Andy The-Anh

Andy The Anh’s latest collection was heavy on the black. Models had severe buns and wore heavy smoky eyes for a sultry, ‘le smoking’ effect. Whites and monochromatic geo-floral prints occasionally lightened the mood, as did hints of cobalt blue mixed with brown and army green.

The tango-inspired collection boasted structured pieces that were well-tailored. Even the bursts of Spanish-style ruffles remained contained by being pressed close to the body. Silky materials created draped just enough to create flowing lines and not look sloppy. Overall the show was sensual, sexy and seductive, and a definite Fashion Week hit.

Pink Tartan

Aviation took centre stage at the Pink Tartan show, where Amelia Earhart-inspired pieces combined tough and feminine like a Secret deodorant ad. Shining aviator caps and airy-light colours like white and grey contrasted with darker black and red pieces. Camo patterns and mixed textures, like fur, wool and sequins created surprising but workable contrasts. Exaggerated shoulders and leather pieces, including a cropped leather jacket, were all the rage. Harness belts were worn parachute-style around models’ upper torsos, while hair was done in side braids à la Alexander Wang Spring 2010. Again we saw camel-toned pieces floating down the runway – look out for this shade in the fall!

Coming up next - Zoran Dobric!  Check back for news on this amazing, sensual new line by the very talented Mr. Dobric.

Countdown Begins for Toronto Fashion Week

The countdown to Toronto’s Fashion Week has officially begun!  The event kicks off on Sunday, March 28^th – and at Art of Fashion, we just can’t wait.

Art of Fashion’s very own Zoran Dobric will be unveiling his latest collection on Tuesday, March 30^th at 5pm at the Allstream Centre (105 Princes Blvd).  Zoran was the winner of Art of Fashion’s 2004 Most Promising Designer award, and he’s also a valued member of our Board, so be sure to check out his show.

In the news lately, much talk about Fashion Week’s last-minute venue choice.  The event was originally supposed to be held in a large warehouse at 30 Ordnance St, but on March 10^th, only 18 days before the opening ceremonies, the venue has been changed to the Allstream Centre.

Fashion Design Council of Canada’s Robin Kay said that it’s been a tough season for the design council and that, while she’d like to see Fashion Week have its own “permanent home,” it needs a larger space because it keeps growing.

Word is, much of Toronto’s fashion community is bemoaning the switch from the more “romantic” ambience at 30 Ordnance to the more generic, conference-centre-style ambience of the Allstream building.  In a release, the Fashion Design Council of Canada stated that Fashion Week simply “requires a much larger canvas to articulate its vision."

So take note of the change of venue before you hit any shows and be sure to make the most of this city’s big fashion extravaganza. 

Image: George Stojkovic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net