World MasterCard Fashion Week: Day 1

Last night I hit the tents at David Pecaut Square with my fashion blogger and industry friends for Day 1 at World MasterCard Fashion Week! Everyone was beaming with excitement to be in the tents again, wearing carefully curated outfits and ready to see some spring 2013 fashion! This season, I have a media pass so I was able to enjoy complimentary cocktails and comfy couches in the Target Media Lounge; I’m always so impressed with how nicely decorated and furnished the tents are!

Day 1 at World MasterCard Fashion Week kicked off with three hot shows: Holt Renfrew, Pink Tartan and Pavoni. Holts proudly opened the show with a special runway celebrating the best of what’s in store and on-trend now. The runway featured 67 looks, spanning the seasons and showcasing Canadian and international designers, including Jeremy Laing, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Diane Von Furstenberg, Armani, Alexander Wang, Gucci and many more. The show also featured a stunning array of accessories, including handbags, hats, jewellery and absolutely to-die-for footwear!

It was a little odd to see fall/winter outerwear on the spring runway, but it was a special show to commemorate Holts 175th anniversary and showcase fashions in-store right now. Here are a few of my favourite looks from the show:

Next up we enjoyed the SS’13 collection from Pink Tartan. I love Kimberley Newport-Mimran’s elegant designs and how she reworks the classics with just the right amount of  edge to appeal to modern fashionistas. For her Spring 2013 collection, she played with bold shapes, interesting fabrics and eye-catching textures. I really enjoyed the subtle metallic brocade and full skirts with feminine blouses and while I can’t see myself wearing one, I love the sweetheart crop tops she paired with high waist shorts and skirts. There was a definite 60′s mod vibe to the show, with the trapeze coats and slanted top hats while simple v-neck t-shirts cut in neoprene and perforated leather added a futuristic edge.

Everyone was buzzing backstage about this year’s “it girl” model, Charlotte Free, opening and closing the Pink Tartan show with a long mane of light-pink hair – she looked awesome! I’m used to seeing more colour on the runway from Pink Tartan, but I did enjoy this season’s pastel pinks and greens as well as the subtle metallics. Here are a few of my favourite looks:

Last but certainly not least, Pavoni hit the runway at 9pm and gave everyone some serious fashion-gasms! Their fantasy-inspired SS’13 collection titled “Le Chateau de Versailles” is the kind of high-octane glamour that fashion dreams are made of and the perfect way to wrap up Day 1 at World MasterCard Fashion Week! These Paris-based designers specialize in super sexy cocktail dresses, dreamy chiffon evening dresses and bombshell ball gowns all featuring exquisite embroidery, lace and bead work.   This whimsical collection featured sexy off the shoulder and sweetheart necklines, exposed backs with cutouts and draping, curve-hugging mermaid styles and ballgowns fit for a Parisienne princess – I’ve never heard so many sighs and coos from an audience!

Pavoni’s internationally acclaimed evening wear is so extravagant it’s bound to appear on countless red carpets next year – Katy Perry, Shakira and Carrie Underwood are among many famous fans. This collection is beyond me…but one can dream! Here are some of my favourite looks:

I wrapped up the night at The Thompson Hotel where not one, but TWO parties were happening for opening night. I started off at the Adrian Wu party on the rooftop where I had the opportunity to chat with the designer and wish him luck on his show today. He’s such a great guy and he looked very Don Draper dapper in his black suit and skinny tie! My final stop was the Pavoni party sponsored by Disaronno in the lounge where I cut a rug with some of my fashion blogger friends! SO fun!

Tonight I’ll be back in the tents for Day 2 at World MasterCard Fashion Week (drinking water this time) – stay tuned for my recap + photos tomorrow! I’m really excited to see Adrian Wu, Evan Biddell, Melissa Nepton and more. Click here for the full calendar.

All photos courtesy of George Pimentel