NEW SEASON, NEW TALENT
Taking a peek at up-and-coming Canadian designers at the TFI press and buyers breakfast
Recently, the Toronto Fashion Incubator, a non-profit organization that helps budding designers try to turn themselves into entrepreneurs, invited press and buyers for their annual TFI Breakfast to showcase some fresh, hometown talent. This season featured 19 designers ranging from those specializing in ready-to-wear garments to all types of accessories. With LG Fashion Week just around the corner, there was excitement in the air, and certainly some promising designers we hope to see on the runway soon.
Names to watch:
Betina Lou had one of the sharpest collections spotted during the TFI breakfast. After nearly 10 years of working in the fashion industry, designer Marie-Eve Emond launched Betina Lou in 2009, made of well structured, high quality pieces that are sure to become wardrobe staples. The feminine collection felt easy and echoed a very French je ne sais quoi that would fit perfectly alongside your favourite items from A.P.C. We’re loving the check shirt with contrasting Peter-Pan collar and bow from Emond’s current collection and want to get our hands on the high waisted Dorothy short for next spring.
Designed by Szilvia Bora, Bora Birs’ spring line offered incredibly versatile women’s wear. Bora, who previously worked with a design team in Paris, also spent two year with Joeffer Caoc’s studio. Inspired by the Island of Capri, there’s a light and refreshing feel to the clothes. Our favourite pieces were a linen tucked bias dress and linen tucked top in a neutral shade, the reflected the feel of the ocean with a subtle hint of an unexpected iridescent finish.
Sarah Stevenson stands out for her unique patterns and textiles. Stevenson creates her own patterns by utilizing various forms of media, including watercolour paints, to paint or draw out the print. She then digitally enhances them to create the pattern, which is then handprinted on natural fabrics. Stevenson’s Spring 2011 collection utilizes images of flowers that feel organic, yet still have a graphic look to them making them a more modern take on grandma’s old floral print.
Designer Hailey Coleman created Damn Heels after experiencing what us ladies often face after a night out: having our feet throbbing in pain from high heels. Damn Heels are a fold up ballerina style flat in a pouch so small that it fits in almost any purse and also has an expandable bag to throw your heels in after slipping into a pair of Damn Heel flats. Damn Heels were spotted during the Toronto International Film as many parties wound down, and we’re expecting to see the same during fashion week. Currently Damn Heels are available in basic black, but Coleman will be introducing gold and silver in time for those holiday parties.
