Digital Journal — It’s the middle of March and I’m scurrying across the road in a pair of stiletto sandals. Bizarre, I know, but it’s to celebrate one of the most anticipated fashion events in Toronto: L’Oréal Fashion Week.
This week, hundreds of people — media, industry folk and designers — gathered for the 11th annual event hosted by the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC).
Anyone who’s anyone in the fashion-world attends this week-long frenzy at the Liberty Grand in Toronto. And while it’s not yet even Spring, all eyes are searching for what’s to come in the Fall and Winter 2006.
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The Mackage Fall 2006 collection is filled with fur necklines, hoods, cuffs and accessories. |
Robin Kay, president of the FDCC, welcomed the lot of photographers and journalists followed by another opening salutation from media-guru Moses Znaimer. In a passionate speech, Znaimer talked about the common misconception that fashion is often considered frivolous — it’s the fluff with which magazines and papers fill their pages. He urged journalists to explain the hard work and mastery of fashion designers to readers and viewers so that fashion is meaningful to everyone.
So before you throw away all your winter wear, here’s a snapshot of what’s to come in the fall and winter 2006:
Patterns/Paisleys/Prints:
Both Men and Women’s clothing featured an abundance of patterns and designs. While delicate paisleys adorn blouses and dresses for women, large chequered patterns offered a more robust texture to pants and jackets.
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Coats and jackets feature open necklines for Fall 2006. Wild hues of tangerine filled runways at Fashion Week, including this piece designed by Fairyesque. |
The runways were filled with fur. Faux or otherwise, many designers use fur to line coat necklines, hoods and cuffs. Large necklines are also a predominant feature of winter coats — they’re wide and over-sized, adding tons of character to a Canadian winter must-have.
Bows, Belts, Frills and Ruffles:
You may feel like a child, but bows are back — big time for the fall. You’ll notice them on men’s and women’s fashions — on ties, necks, affixed to waists and as hair accessories for women. Frills and ruffles on clothing add playfulness to sometimes mundane winter clothing. Belts are all the rage in the upcoming months, too. Fashionistas will notice the return to higher waisted clothing, with large belts sitting below the waist.
A winter salad?
This winter, colour is the new black — no, really. While black is always a fashion favourite for the gloomy winter months, why not punch it up with some colour? Here are some hues to watch out for: wild tangerine, luscious eggplant and plum, dark green and teal, bright fuchsia or classic navy.
L’Oréal Fashion Week runs until Saturday, March 18 at the Liberty Grand in Toronto.
