Angela Chen knows her girl—a straight-ahead, no fuss, city dweller who wants to dress well but has no time or inclination to futz with her clothes. The palette for her Fall 2010 Orange collection was kept to a strict black, white (or off-white) and silver for instant wardrobe integration and the pieces were simple, with the slight twist of a drapery-like swag on skirts and—less successfully—pants. There was perhaps a bit too much of the ’80s working girl about the whole business. Period-correct puffed sleeves appeared on jackets and long-sleeved organza blouses without much reinterpretation, but the jackets had an easy throw-over-anything vibe that will make them a closet staple. There were a number of chunky black knits that worked well—especially an oversized V-neck tunic--but the silvery dresses were a droopy letdown. Still, it was a nice Toronto debut for the Vancouver-based Chen, and one that will surely delight her many fans.
Get the FASHION newsletter
Sign up and never miss fashion and beauty news, product drops and trends. Plus, the occasional promotional message from our partners.