World MasterCard Fashion Week: Day 2

It was an action packed day 2 at World MasterCard Fashion Week last night with seven shows hitting the runway!

First up at 3pm was 22-year old designer Adrian Wu with yet another fantastical collection. Wu stayed true to his eclectic aesthetic and sent models down the runway in an unusual mix of polyurethane dresses inspired by the popular video game Bioshock, with historical references and the idea of a technologically advanced world – a state of “dystopia”. While not exactly wearable, the designs were fun and artistically styled with beehives, geek-chic glasses and platform oxfords. Adrian curated every aspect of the show – casting models, set design and disco ball lighting – I really enjoyed the 50′s nostalgia songs performed live mid-runway. Here are a few shots from the show:

Next up, we enjoyed the SS’13 collection from DeMOYO. Making her World MasterCard Fashion Week debut, Paidemoyo Chideya presented her collection, titled With In Spira, highlighting the dualistic nature of the spiral which represents the evolutionary process of learning and growing, and the coming into being. I first met Paidemoyo at Fashion Art Toronto in March and really enjoyed her F/W 2012 collection as well. This season, she presented more of her super popular knit dresses, wearable separates and a couple evening gown styles. I love her knit work but it was nice to see some silk and chiffon as well. Models floated down the runway in feminine neutrals, pastel blue seersucker and pinstripes – perfect for spring! Here are some of my favourite looks:

I was so impressed with the ASHTIANI SS’13 collection – it’s no surprise that designer Golnaz Ashtiani won the Toronto Fashion Incubator’s New Labels competition last year!

For her third show at World MasterCard Fashion Week, she chose the smaller studio space, but I wish she presented this incredible line to a bigger audience! ASHTIANI takes a new twist on retro classics, with her trademark pleating and precision cutting this feminine collection combines sporty day wear with fresh cocktail frocks. I absolutely adored the use of sheer fabrics, geometric details, colour blocking, the icy colour palette and fun retro sunglasses! Definitely coveting these daring yet dainty looks for spring:

I was really excited for the Evan Biddell show at 6pm, not just for his highly anticipated return after a two-year hiatus, but for the premiere of twenty three twenty eight, his fashion film with Atomic Clock Cinematic Arts. I was lucky enough to be on set for the making of this film so it was wonderful watching it in its entirety for the the first time with the crew. The aMUSE collection featured a wide variety of looks with no particular theme; each piece really stands on its own. Evan played with various fabrics and textures including colourful Warhol-esque and Japanese prints, leopard, lace mesh and leather. I love the loose, flowing silhouettes, intricately cut leather jackets and the dishevelled elegance throughout the collection. Here are my favourite looks:

The Mercedes Benz Start Up emerging designer showcase hit the runway at 7pm with eight designer finalists presenting their capsule collections. Guests enjoyed mini-collections from Caitlin Power, Christopher Bates, DUY, Dreamboat Lucy, Lauren Bagliore, Malorie Urbanovitch, Nicole Campre and Pure Magnolia. Montreal’s DUY  won this season and will get to present a full show in March at the Fall/Winter 2013 World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto. Duy Nguyen’s high end ready to wear collection features peplum tops, faded denim, fitted jackets and flowing skirts in bold red and tones of turquoise, light green and sea foam. I really enjoyed DUY, Dreamboat Lucy and Caitlin Power; here are my favourite looks:

Montreal-based designer Melissa Nepton specializes in modern, ready-to-wear couture that targets the urban career woman. The SS’13 collection titled Seafaring Dreams: Imaginings of Silk and Sun is inspired by fluid movements, mysterious sensuality and Nepton’s trademark intricate details.

The succession of sheer separates and ethereal dresses exuded effortless elegance with a predominantly black and white palette with hints of red, pink and orange among other accents and watercolour inspired prints. I caught myself coveting almost every wearable silk garment, especially the full-skirted dresses, maxis and beach cover-up style tunics. It was hard to narrow it down, but these are my favourite looks:

Last but not least, the husband and wife team behind Bustle took us on safari with their SS’13 collection. Elephant tusks and clothing trunks lined the runway, while super hot male models paraded down in khaki suits, tropical floral prints, camouflage and stripes. They could’ve left the safari hats at home, but Bustle always injects an element of costume-like fun into their shows and it works for them!

I also got an amazing opportunity to go backstage before the Evan Biddell show to interview Redken‘s lead stylist Jorge Joao. The energy backstage was high-octane and incredible – models, stylists and media everywhere – all coming together to make the shows happen on time! Jorge gave me a sneak peek at the hairstyles for the Biddell show and told me that the latest hair trends are all about versatility – loose waves, sleek ponytails and quick updos for the woman on the go! I dodged the hairspray clouds and managed to photograph some of the models fresh off the ASHTIANI runway with designer Golnaz Ashtiani and I even got to meet MTV alum and Canadian TV personality Dan Levy! I am definitely going to go backstage again before the week’s over!

I’m back in the tents again tonight for Day 3 shows featuring Lucian Matis, Mackage and Joe Fresh among others. I can’t believe we’re at the half way point! Stay tuned for more recaps and runway photos and for real time updates, follow me on Twitter!

All runway photos courtesy of George Pimentel