Work it. Fashion Week 2011 is almost upon us and Young Professionals across the city – both in the fashion business while others are just in the business of looking fashionable – are gearing up for what always is a vibrant week in Toronto. This LG Fashion Week has been dubbed Work It: The Business of Fashion, which is all about not only being in the business but also making it a real business, a theme that as Canada’s source for Young Professionals we definitely can relate to.
We know you’re swamped, so we’ve broken down the most relevant shows for you. We’ve covered off the designers that make wearable pieces for Young Professionals and also know how to put on a notable show. If you only have time for a few, buy your tickets and head to Heritage Court with these designers on your fall/winter 2011 wish list. Can’t make it? Stream it live. Running March 28th to April 2nd.
Who: Pink Tartan
When: March 29, 7:30 pm
Where: Heritage Court, Exhibition Grounds aka “The Tents”
What: Womenswear, day-to-night ensembles
Why: Ingénue Kim Newport-Mimran brings smart, sassy clothing to Toronto’s high-powered execs, young go-getters, PR girls about town and the unsuspecting social elite.
Who: Joe Fresh Style
When: March 29, 8:30 pm
Where: Heritage Court, Exhibition Grounds aka “The Tents”
What: Everyday basics for men and women
Why: Although a lot of what gets sent down the runway doesn’t survive the trip into Loblaws stores, this clothing-turned-lifestyle brand has made big waves recently. With the opening of their first standalone store in Vancouver to a New York announcement, we expect only the best (garments and guests) to be seen here – as always.
Who: Bustle
When: March 29, 9:30 pm
Where: Heritage Court, Exhibition Grounds aka “The Tents”
What: Preppy, but playful suiting. A Young Professional staple.
Why: Bustle was founded by two young lawyers in love. One still practices. The other has turned this brand into a fashion week schedule staple. Not afraid to try new runway presentations (live bands and sets, for example), but always show punchy pastels and clothes that actually work for the everyday.
Who: RUSDAK
When: March 31, 6 pm
Where: Heritage Court
What: Canadiana cool; leather & edge with class
Why: Probably one of the most successful labels on the schedule, Rudsak already has its own store on Queen West in Toronto. Always on trend and on point with their garment selection, they also produce their own handbags and accessories. A one-stop shop indeed.
Who: VAWK
When: March 31, 9:30 pm
Where: Heritage Court
What: Project Runway Canada winner Sunny Fong’s line Why: This is the first time Fong is showing his casual-cool womenswear label at the so-called “Tents.” We expect great tailoring, a wide variety of models (no waifs, please) and smart garments for a truly fashionable female clientele.
Who: Amanda Lew Kee
When: April 1, 8:30 pm
Where: Heritage Court
What: Neo-mod womenswear for the under 30 set
Why: This girl has been tooted as the designer darling of Toronto. She has a reality show in the works we hear. She’s a pretty, young thing. She’s actually got talent. This is her sophomore collection to show officially. We’re waiting with baited breath and clenched jaws.
Who: Line Knitwear
When: April 1, 9:30 pm
Where: Heritage Court
What: Knits and other winter essentials
Why: Line Knitwear is too perfect a brand to miss. They always do it right when knit can often come out chunky and bulky and basically unappealing. But they’re so much more than that. The duo designer’s versatility grows with each season and are quickly getting picked up by shops and worn by all fashion editors-about-town.
For more information on LG Fashion Week click here.
See you on the runway!