Toronto: Thien Le, Andy Thê-Anh, Joe Fresh Style
{FASHION WEEK SPRING 2009 TORONTO}
By Sarah Casselman
Today at the tents people are talking about:
– The Toronto Star article about FDCC prez Robin Kay’s rather, er, foggy moment – Sore feet – The K-Swiss shoes in the Evan Biddel gift bag- Which after party to hit (The answer? Joe Fresh Style at Fashion House)
On with the shows…
Thien Le turned out a mixed bag of designs that left the crowd wondering, what was the overall fashion message? While we applaud Le’s liberal use of soft watercolours (think optimistic swirls of pink, red, purple and green), we have one tiny suggestion for the never-ending lineup of looks: Edit. Among the colourful skin print caftans (very Jennifer Lopez), models hit the runway in ombre print pieces, bow blouses, high-waisted wide leg trousers and sweet day dresses with ladylike floral and lace accents. The show was capped off with Corner Gas actress Tara Spencer-Nairn taking a spin down the runway in her wedding dress.
Designer Andy Thê-Anh has been a busy bee. Last week he was buzzing about Montreal Fashion Week and now he has landed at the tents in Toronto to show his highly anticipated spring 2009 collection that included: leather jackets with peplums, LBDs with sheer accents, lots of accordian pleated pieces, sexy flesh tones, draped pockets and jersey jumpsuits (big for spring!). Models sported Gwen Stefani-esque hair (think slick, high and futuristic) and first-day-of-spring flushed cheeks. Tricky trend to try: mile long neon pink faux lashes. Signature Andy Thê-Anh looks: jewel-encrusted tops, heavy industrial zippers, ruching and ruffles. The bejewelled brooches hit a haute high note clustered on shoulders and hips. Best statement to tie on this season: big, bold plate necklaces. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the bright Transformer-inspired platform shoes from Aldo. Footwear has reached a new frontier this spring. Tread loudly. Watch the runway video and designer interview.
Joe Fresh Style closed the night with a runway lesson in chic-o-nomics. Translation: chic looks at sweet prices. The sporty-meets-preppy collection included ribbed cardigans, cropped nylon jackets (so sport utility), Three-quarter sleeve striped boat neck tops, platform shoes, mesh shorts, rompers, lace shirt dresses and darling bubble skirts. (Lavender, I want you!) And, for you shoe lovers out there, get ready to fall in love with the white leather brogues ($59) and the sexy platform shoes ($29). Foot fetish, anyone?
Until my next jottings, my lovelies…xo
Shown: ANDY THÊ-ANH Spring 2009. Photography by Jess Baumung
THIEN LE | ANDY THÊ-ANH | JOE FRESH STYLE | DAY 4 | DAY 3: PART 1
