5 things you need to know about Day 3 at Toronto Fashion Week

David Dixon Fall 2016 shot by George Pimentel
David Dixon Fall 2016 shot by George Pimentel

Toronto Fashion Week Day 3 was full of surprises: some that made us smile, and one that had us dabbing our eyes with a hanky.

The tearjerker was David Dixon’s show, dedicated to all the women he loves and his sister, Susan, who died of cancer last year. An opening video showed Dixon draping and sewing while he spoke about individuality and knowing your genes, a message meant to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. Girly things inspired by sis followed with slit bodycon dresses, gowns with punk studs, and laser-cut floral circle skirts. Dixon took his bow surrounded by women whose lives have been touched by the disease. I wasn’t the only one reaching for a tissue.

Jennifer Torosian Fall 2016
Jennifer Torosian Fall 2016 shot by George Pimentel

Jennifer Torosian scored points for her latest round of sport luxe looks, which included minimalist separates and statement outerwear. Torosian fired things up on the runway with a handful of red power pieces (slim trousers, flirty frocks) made for turning heads. Metallic jacquards, techno fabrics and plaid collegiate coats checked off all the must-haves on our fall shopping list.

Helder Diego Fall 2016
Helder Diego Fall 2016 shot by George Pimentel

The team of Helder Diego couldn’t decide whether to go military or romantic for fall, so they blended both. A perfect example? The billowy shirt tucked into wide pleated pants, all in a strong army green. The gold finale gown flowed with the ease of the Peace Tower flag in a breeze.

Hillary MacMillan Fall 2016
Hilary MacMillan Fall 2016 shot by George Pimentel

The other wide-cut pants that made us smile were Hilary MacMillan’s. Whether under a tailored jacket or as a jumpsuit, they hung with an ease that made us want to pitch all our skinnies. A pleasing palette of pale pink also came in faux fur scarves and collars—MacMillan has consciously nixed real pelts from her runway, and her life.

Mackage Fall 2016 shot by George Pimentel

We weren’t sure why Mackage made us trek from the show tent at David Pecaut Square across the street to the CBC. But then we walked into a massive studio to find a fake igloo backdrop and giant “icicles” hanging over the runway. It was a perfect setting given Mackage’s focus on outerwear. Coats and parkas came trimmed in coloured fur and there were lots of blanket plaids and checks. Under it all: leggings that were quilted or splashed with broken mirror. And if this collection doesn’t make you want a pair of leather overalls, nothing will.

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