Touted as an alternative (and more cost effective) avenue for emerging designers to show their clothes in Toronto, The Collections showcased the spring/summer 2013 presentations from Laura Siegel, Chloé comme Parris and Label.
While these three design houses all had their own unique vision for spring fashions, there were a handful of stand-out trends that, come warmer weather, we're all going to be scrambling to try on.
Muted Colours: Maybe it's in reaction to the plethora of eye-popping colour running around last spring, but The Collections runway was awash in washed-out tones. From Laura Siegel's layers of buttery-yellow fabrics to Chloé comme Parris's blush-pink leather jacket, barely-there colour was everywhere.
Short Shorts: Better pray your pins are in good shape, because this summer they're going to be on show. Label's black-and-white diamond print sport shorts were both flattering and fun, while Chloé comme Parris's thigh-grazing shorts showcased a sweet snakeskin-like print.
Maxi Dresses And Skirts: Be it batiked sundresses from Laura Siegel, long jersey mullet skirts from Label or simple paneled tank dresses from Chloé comme Parris, designers were still going to great lengths when it came to dresses and skirts.
Green: The majority of Laura Siegel's New Mexican haute-hippie themed collection was a kaleidoscope of green; moss, emerald and sage were all on display. The predominant print from Chloé comme Parris was lovely soft green-and-peach floral paisley and Label decided to integrate colour into their mainly neutral team-sports-inspired collection with a handful of bright viridian green pieces.
Cutouts: Sometimes less is more, and that was certainly the case at The Collections. Here a knee, there an elbow, clothes were cut to expose a hint of skin and not necessarily in the most expected places (although there were still plenty of midriffs on display).
