NEW DESIGNERS DEBUT IN TORONTO
FALL/WINTER 2002

In a season where the big engines of Canadian fashion deliver solid collections, there is a refreshing amount of room for rising stars to get their foot in the door. Labels new to the fashion scene have the gift of freedom that comes with having no expectations to meet. In fall 2002, this means the opportunity to bring bold creativity to the table.

The Mohawk Group's Aycha Araya told Minimidimaxi about the art collective's nascent foray into fashion. "The theme of burnt vs. frozen fascinates us. This collection is about the body being preserved through time along with the last item worn." The reversible ¾ fur jacket with rounded edges and a reflective taupe jacquard print lining is the classy stranger to the raw collection which stands out for outfits like the torn, caramel suede top and matching jacket with flared sleeves. I hope this isn't their last fashion venture.

Janet T.Planet hits a cross-seasonal home run with her debut collection. Gold is a major player, adorning brocade vests and skirts. An aquamarine wool and organza skirt has innovative pointed pleats for a signature look while the olive wool coat with sky-blue hood lining gives solid silhouette definition to this collection. The combination of the Thai silk shirt and wool skirt with front slit contain counterbalancing forces that pull to leave the body in focus.

 

Vassel & Esoin mark their second Toronto Fashion Week with the sultry black minidress. Ana Kuzmanic's red separates are beautiful in a simple way.
Olivera Savic explored texture with fur-flax pattern on cream contracted with abstract paint splash on soft blue.

Annie DiLalla, 2001 Canadian winner of the Smirnoff Fashion Award debuts at Fashion Week to win over some new fans to her fashion as deconstructed architecture

But the floor belongs to Eryn Reid, packing a wallop in a whimsical, cross-seasonal collection for men and women. The British-influenced vintage collage work in bright primaries yells out "your slip is showing and it looks great!" The womens' burnt orange cropped kimono jacket with black Victorian lace overlay works a similar angle as the racing green satin and lace bias-cut skirt; geometry without being too angular. Pants are awesome, with a few pairs sporting concise cuff-pinning details. Men's two-tone outfits are just as spectacular. "The collection is based on the graphism of the Monarch butterfly," explains Reid. This is raw, interpretative talent, folks. Daniel Cox Fashion Editor Marek Wlazlo Photographer Minimidimaxi LTD. - The Canadian Fashion Stage Copyright ©2002 MINIMIDIMAXI LTD. All Rights Reserved