The air has just turned brisk in Toronto this week, but fashion insiders have warmer weather on their minds as they prepare for the launch of LG Fashion Week, which kicks off tonight and features five days of spring 2012 collection shows from the Canadian fashion world's top names and emerging stars.
The theme for the 25th Fashion Week is 'CanadaCool,' a nod to the fact Canadian designers have established their own 'fashion niche' on the international scene, according to Robin Kay, longtime head of LG Fashion Week and president of the Design Council Of Canada. The theme leaves the runway wide-open for designer interpretation; how will they incorporate 'cool' -- or for that matter, Canada -- into their spring wear?
Fashion Week mainstays will show alongside up-and-comers, including well-known lines Joeffer Caoc, Bustle, Pink Tartan and affordable favourite Joe Fresh, which recently made its U.S. pop-up debut in New York. Attitude, the line created by Top Model personality Jay Manuel, will feature its second collection since its debut, and longtime Canadian designer Arthur Mendonca will make his return to the Toronto runway after a hiatus in Milan.
Eyes will also be on the edgy new kids on the King St. block, including vampire-dresser Amanda Lew Kee, Philip Sparks and Chloe Comme Parris, and Label. Fashion Week-goers will undoubtedly also be taking stock of the new venue digs at David Pecaut Square, a significant move in-town from its former home on the Exhibition grounds.
So bring on the CanadaCool, we say. If you're itching for a sneak preview of the collections, check out these four sketches courtesy The Globe And Mail. Or check out the videos below of collections past.
WATCH: Joe Fresh Spring Collection From LG Fashion Week 2010
WATCH: Rudsak Fall Collection From LG Fashion Week 2011