Toronto Fashion Week Spring 2020 Highlights
Toronto Fashion Week hit the city this week and with it a slew of designer collections and droves of celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. In its second year returning to Yorkville, patrons were treated to a fashion feast of everything from opulent tulle confections and Levantine jewelry to vegan dresses and deconstructed apocalyptic menswear. Take a look at some of the highlights.
Hania Kuzbari
Photo: George Pimentel
Fine-jewelry designer Hania Kuzbari made her TFW debut hosting a private parlour-style presentation over high tea. The event was part of STYLE PLATE, taking place inside the Hazelton Hotel’s Yorkville Room on September 4 at 4 p.m. in partnership with William Ashley, Majesty’s Pleasure, LUMAS Gallery, and The Orchid Florist.
The presentation was a commentary on slow-fashion, with the sparkling ethically sourced jewelry, ranging from delicate rings, bracelets, and earrings to head-turning statement pieces showcased on live models. The presentation was followed with mingling and chatting with the designer, making it an experience unlike any other at TFW this season.
Hania Kuzbari’s one-of-a-kind pieces are inspired by the details found in objects, patterns and things we see and use in our daily lives. “Anything that catches my eye is a source of inspiration, particularly the culture and architecture of my homeland, Syria.” Hania Kuzbari’s pieces are available online now.
Steven Lejambe
Eveningwear designer Steven Lejambe showcased a luminous, and vibrant collection of dresses ‘inspired by the wildflowers of Costa Rica’ in his Toronto Fashion Week debut. Organza dresses and opulent, floor-length tulle gowns in exquisite silhouettes made for a strong fashion week debut.
Steven Lejambe is a Toronto based women’s evening wear brand that specializes in feminine silhouettes and romantic details. After years of working under some of Toronto’s most celebrated bridal and evening wear designers, Steven started his own label to create one of a kind garments that coalesce a certain air of sex appeal without ever sacrificing elegance and grace.
Each piece is designed and handcrafted in Toronto and each piece has a story to tell, the goal is to create gowns that are a work of art on the body.
The Feral
Menswear label The Feral by designer Zakariah Milana showcased a dark and ominous collection inspired by the feeling of unease caused by climate change. Riffing on the concept of the sartorial as armour, the designer used pockets, textures, and shapes to allude to the idea of clothing as a sort of protective shield.
The Feral is a new label from designer Zakariah Milana and evolved from the success of his former line, Sons of Ódin. The Feral expresses the spirit of the brand and the creative direction of the line – wild and non-conformist. It has drawn the attention of international celebrities and athletes. With a perspective gained from a lifetime of working with artisans and a passion for travel and exploration, the recurring accents in the label’s collections include rugged, rough-hewn materiality, muted tones, and raw finishes.
Kim Newport
Kimberley Newport-Mimran, the president and design director of Pink Tartan, showcased her first evening wear collection at the ROM under the label Kim Newport. From powder-pink dresses with oversized bows to floor-grazing feather-and-tulle creations, the designs recalled a certain je ne sais quois of 60’s elegance and sophistication.
HILARY MACMILLAN
Womenswear designer Hilary MacMillan, (whose label went completely vegan this year), presented a collection of dresses and separates for Spring 2020, along with her signature statement trench coats. Available for pre-order until September 18, a number of the runway looks will be available in extended sizes for the first time.
Hilary MacMillan is a contemporary, Canadian, cruelty-conscious womenswear brand. The self-titled brand was founded in 2013 with a focus on offering a breadth of styles at accessible price points. Hilary MacMillan apparel is for the adventurous and fashion-savvy woman who likes bold prints and inspired fabrics, which make fashion effortlessly conscientious.
Cody Rooney is a Glossi Mag contributor.
He is a photographer, visual artist, masters candidate, fashion enthusiast, and lover of all things aesthetically pleasing.
