SHOW STOPPER
Mikhael Kale & Mark Fast
Fall 2011
A first on a few levels, the Mikhael Kale and Mark Fast show in the grand salon on the ninth floor of the yet-to-opened Trump Tower Toronto, was a feast for fashionable eyes. The two designers, who only met last summer, presented together (not usually seen with designers of their caliber in Canada, or anywhere for that matter) and Fast, who has shown his first six seasons in London, presented the same collection here as he did on February 21st in the UK, the first time he has ever brought his collection home.
Kale, the first out of the gate, continued where he left off last season, with rosette sequined embellishments and bum graving skirts with drapes of silk or chiffon in the back or front. This season however, the Central Saint Martins alum added a touch of edge with oxblood lizard finished leggings, grey suede tunics, daring cutouts and leather jackets. Perfect for the woman who wants to make an entrance, whether on stage (Rihanna and Beyoncé are fans), or in life.
Seeing the intricate knit work of Fast thisclose is every sartorially inclined womans dream, and the show, mostly in black and grey, with one pop of orange, did not disappoint. Taking mohair to max, Fast opened with what he calls the Big Bad Wolf Coat and every look the followed was just as bad-ass.This season Fast, who also studied at Central Saint Martins, collaborated with celebrated Canadian leather house, Danier, by adding one of our favourite looks, a pair of high-waisted lamb leather trousers, with a long sleeve cropped leather top, in black, naturally.
Part of what has been deemed The Shows, produced by Poala Fullerton and Plutino Group, the series has certainly added a much needed cache to Rouge Fashion Week.
