Yesterday, I had the chance to catch a unique show featuring new fashion design talents in Canada. The Mercedes-Benz Start Up is a program to “nurture Canada’s next generation of fashion designers.”
The show featured four designers (or duos/trios) and their small collections, all vying for the grand prize of winning a grant and a spread in Fashion Magazine!
The first collection was UNTTLD, which juxtaposed dark leather and nails with soft chiffon and lace.
I completely fell in love with their shoes, which were adorned with nails and spikes that jangled as models strut down the runway.
Next up was Triarchy, a denim line. I loved the music for the show, but most of the pieces weren’t exciting or original enough. Only time will tell if this home-grown denim brand will rise to the ranks… I must admit that their backpocket design looked like a signature.
Cassie Dee’s collection of Western prairie frocks was a little bit too Poliana for my taste, though I liked that the collection was cohesive.
Travis Taddeo’s collection brought on disheveled streetwear that was cool, but at times unrefined.
I didn’t really understand the feather vests and skirts, the plumes seemed too rough and wild to wear to an event, but you can’t get away with wearing feathers on a casual Friday either.
Martin Lim’s collection was a breath of fresh air, with their gauzy silks in bright, colourblocked designs. I loved the contrasting black serging that emphasized the kerchief-like pieces.
The garments were ready-to-wear, and would appeal to a lot of women. They might skew to the muumuu side, but I think that they would work on a range of body types and women of all ages.
The contest was judged by a panel which included Robert Ott, chair of the School of Fashion at Ryerson, and supermodel Jessica Stam, who announced the winner.
It was no surprise that husband and wife duo, Danielle Martin and Pao Lim of Montreal won the competition. Their collection was gorgeous and I was so excited to witness a new Canadian designer have the chance to show at LG Fashion Week.
