Winter White: Wearing white after Labour Day used to be considered a big fashion faux pas, but not anymore. Several Canadian designers showed all-white looks in their fall 2013 collections that had critics raving. Jeremy Laing was the first to send a white-on-white canvas shirt-dress and cardigan ensemble down his runway on Day 2 of The Shows earlier this month.

Nathan Denette/Canadian Press

The World MasterCard runway also saw its share of striking white looks. Matthew Gallagher paid homage to the late Grace Kelly with a beautiful full-length, Greco-style evening dress in white, while Sunny Fong showed bustier-top evening dresses in a winter print on white silk on the VAWK runway. Designers John Muscat and Jennifer Wells of Line Knitwear also kept to the white-out trend with a white a cashmere sweater over a white silk blouse and flowing mini skirt.

Fur: It seems as though the anti-animal cruelty cries from the 1990s have finally ceased. This season’s runway was overrun with big, fluffy animal pelts. While fur trimmings, mainly on coat collars and accessories, were still seen on the runways of designers like Duy Nguyen of DUY, Sunny Fong of VAWK and Kimberley Newport-Mimran of Pink Tartan, among others, the newest fur trend is longer, full-fur pieces.

Chris Young/Canadian Press / Michael Ho

Mackage showed circle-skirts, crop-tops and sweaters in full rabbit-fur, while Tanya Taylor did large fur coats in white and pale pink. Joe Fresh and Pink Tartan also showed fur outerwear in the form of ’50s and ’60s full-fur cropped-sleeve coats. Even Lucian Matis, who many consider as Canada’s haute couture designer, did full-fur knee-length pencil skirts in black and brown.

A tip for fall? Dark shades of makeup will be in for all skin tones.

Dark lips: One of the biggest makeup trends seen on the fall runway was the dark, sometimes almost black, shade of lipstick. Models on the Laura Siegel runway donned a dark ox-blood burgundy colour, while those on the Caitlin Power and Comrags runways sported a dark berry tone. According to Grace Lee, the lead makeup artist for Maybelline New York Canada, dark burgundies, merlots and plums are the ‘it’ colours for next fall. The darker the better. It’s a makeup trend that works on all skin tones and makes a big statement.

Chris Young/Canadian Press

Biker Jackets: The ever-so-popular fall staple was all over the runway this fall season. Almost every designer showed a rendition of the edgy, leather garment. While many kept to the basic black leather and exposed zippers, Tanya Taylor and the Gordon Sisters of Chloé Comme Parris incorporated their own vibrant spins by using shiny patent leather material and statement colours. Tanya Taylor showed a sparkly biker jacket in metallic blush pink. Like Taylor, the Gordons used a high gloss material on a black patent leather boxy biker jacket but also showed a more authentic version in a grungy forest green colour. Joe Mimran of Joe Fresh maintained this rocker-trend as well by sending out a white leather number with metal studded sleeves and shoulders.

Frank Gunn/Canadian Press; Chris Young/Canadian Press

Floral Prints: Another unexpected trend for fall seen this season is the high-impact floral prints. Before now florals were reserved for spring/summer, but since we’ve already seen white for winter, who are we to ask questions? Pink Tartan’s ode to the 1950s housewife consisted of several garments with a large rose graphic floral pattern in pink and green on black and others in blue. The ladies of Comrags also did florals this season but in a more casual way. An example being the long silk v-neck dress in cream with navy floral. The biggest shock of the season was definitely the fact that designer Sid Neigum, well known for his goth-inspired lines, decided to take part in the somewhat girlie trend as well. Neigum showed a large rose pattern on several dresses and pants but stuck to his signature monochromatic colouring.

Leather panelling: No fall collection is complete without leather. This season was stock full of leather looks, as always. There was a new trend however and it was that of leather panelling. Be it on wool coats,  office trousers, or shirt piping, leather trimmings popped up everywhere this season.

Frank Gunn/Canadian Press; Chris Young/Canadian Press

Almost every piece of outerwear on the Mackage and Rudsak runways had leather sleeves, from blazers to buffalo check coats. This trend of mixing materials was also heavily done by Caitlin Power. The designer showed a number of highly-structured shift dresses made up of vertical leather panels in different metallic colours and textures.

Capes: Once popular in late 1950s and back again for another shot as next season’s newest outer wear trend is the cape. Retro-loving designers like Mr. and Mrs. Mimran of Joe Fresh and Pink Tartan both showed fur-trimmed capes on their runways. While Pink Tartan did the garment in several colours such as black, grey, tan, and a bright pink, Joe Fresh kept it sleek and simple in black wool. Sunny Fong of VAWK also did the retro cape but in a sportier way. The belted tan wool hunting coat with matching tan cape was perfect for a day of riding in the Canadian countryside.

Chris Young/Canadian Press

Burgundy: One of the most important colours next season is burgundy. The bold red colour we are used to seeing sprinkled in to fall collections has been replaced by a darker, more sever shade and everyone from Laura Siegel to Chloé Comme Parris can’t get enough of it. The moody red fit perfectly with the Gordon sisters’ grungy 90s Chloé Comme Parris collection. A burgundy velvet top-and-pant ensembles was one of the very many ways the girls used the colour.

Caitlin Power and Lucian Matis used the powerful shade to give their office-appropriate collections a sophisticated kick. Lucian Matis did a v-neck shift dress in a blood tone, while Power showed both bright and dark burgundy chiffon blouse-and-trouser ensembles. Laura Siegel used a burgundy shade she called ox-blood in several printed garments, such as scarves, and long chiffon skirts. The young designer also shows an amazingly structured, wide-collar wrap vest with red, burgundy and brown embroidery.

[related_links /]

Toronto Fashion Week Fall/Winter: Pink Tartan 2013

Toronto Fashion Week Fall/Winter: Pink Tartan 2013

Toronto Fashion Week Fall/Winter: Pink Tartan 2013

Toronto Fashion Week Fall/Winter: Pink Tartan 2013

You could watch Toronto Fashion Week Fall/Winter: Pink Tartan 2013 here:

Sticking to its signature retro style, Kimberley Newport-Mimran’s Pink Tartan fall/winter 2013 collection at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto was a tribute to the 1950s bombshell housewife.

There were shift dresses in bold colours such as royal, plum and bright pink, all of which were accessorized with colourful fur stoles or collars.

The designer’s use of leather and fur this season kept the collection away from feminine/pretty. This time around, Pink Tartan was all about the fierce, sexy 1950s woman, and not so much the “dinner’s-on-the-table-sweetie” we are used to. She’s got cat eyes, leather gloves and legs for days. She means business. And a 1950s-inspired line is nothing without the era’s staples.

To wit, Newport-Mimran was perfectly on point with the floral on black a-line dresses, fur-trimmed capelet and cigarette pant ensembles, and an array of boxy cropped-sleeve coats. If the Mad Men costume designers ever fall short on ideas for Joan’s next office look, all they have to do is give Kimberley a call — she’s stocked full with them.

[related_links /]

{ see a gallery of the full collection below this write up }
{Photography by George Pimentel}

When I think of Pink Tartan, I think of a Canadian fashion label that creates feminine apparel with a modern twist; plus a touch of edge without sacrificing class. This Pink Tartan FW13 collection was exactly this. The looks ranged from refined to sporty with a classic little black dress to a modern and flirty take on a sports jersey.

Pink Tartan‘s President and Head Designer, Kimberley Newport-Mimran, said her muses for the collection were Constance Langdon and Marnie Edgar, two “beautifuly dressed sophisticated blondes, but there is something underlying that you can’t quite put your finger on. This collection is all about rich lux fabric – very Pink Tartan – a return to pulled together looks with a dark twist. As Hitchcock says ‘blondes make better victims’.”

What’s your favourite look from the Pink Tartan Collection?

{Click thumbnails to browse through the photos}

Joe Fresh FW13 – Toronto Fashion Week

Melissa Nepton at Montreal Fashion Week

Toronto Fashion Week FW13 Begins

Moose&Beaver – The Premier Collection

THE PRESS DARLINGS

Sid Neigum

Best known for his previous goth-inspired collections, Alberta-born designer Sid Neigum has been a press favourite ever since his first show in fall 2011. The critics continue to love the designer’s androgynous and mostly black looks, and they’re drooling over his intricate leather designs. For spring 2013, however, Neigum showed a collection of flowing asymmetrical dresses in dusty lilac, taupe and black. Yes, a more feminine feel — but fear not, Neigum made sure to keep to his goth-roots by accessorizing his models with nylon skull caps.

Chloé Comme Parris

Prints are very important this season and the majority of the credit should be given to sisters Chloé and Parris Gordon of Chloé Comme Parris. Praised for both their beautifully elaborate pattern-making skills and their grungy distressed metal jewelry and detailing, the girls have a knack for finding exactly the right balance between femininity and raw intensity. The highlights of their spring 2013 collection were the printed-pieces, think Victorian-meets-kaleidoscope tapestry, and a leather biker jacket in the perfect shade of blush pink.

Lucian Matis

It is common knowledge to Toronto’s fashion media that Lucian Matis’ runway shows are glamourous ordeals. Some say they’re the closest Toronto has ever come to a Paris show – in chicness, that is. A pro at elaborate evening wear and statement pieces made with the most luxurious detail, Matis’ collections are a Canadian ode to haute couture. His fall 2012 collection of floor-length black lace gowns and green-black plumage was the highlight of the season and the same can be said about his spring 2013 collection. More bright and festive, but definitely just as bold, Matis’ line of ultra-fem evening wear is perfect for a Mediterranean dinner party.

THE STAPLES

Joe Fresh

If Canadian fashion had a dad, it would be Joseph Mimran of Joe Fresh. He’s been a part of the fashion industry for more than 25 years and knows exactly what the everyday Canadian is looking for when it comes to clothing, footwear and accessories. Joe Fresh does it all and the best part is that what you see on the runway will be available in one of his many Toronto stores. Last season was all about big boxy ’60s dresses, print trousers and oversized translucent purses — totally Mod and totally relevant. If you’re new to the fashion world but interested in experiencing a fun runway show, Joe Fresh is your best bet.

Vawk

Sunny Fong of VAWK is a designer who always knows what he’s doing — or at least makes it seem like he does. He finds an inspiration for his line, creates a theme and  gracefully pulls it through every piece of his collection in a way that is so easily understood by even the most fashion-illiterate. For spring, the VAWK runway was an ode to Madonna and Frida Khalo. Ultra-sexy, bondage-inspired dresses and iconic Madonna moments, including, of course, the famous cone bar, made the show one not to be missed.

Pink Tartan

Always one of the most anticipated shows of the Toronto Fashion season, Kimberley Newport-Mimran’s Pink Tartan is a line for the pretty working woman. Her designs are flirty but sophisticated and her colour palette and fabric choices are always on point. For spring, the designer showed pastels, lots and lots of pastels. Open any fashion magazine, and what will you see for spring? Pastels. For someone who’s been around for more than a decade, Newport-Mimran’s fashion forecasting ability is anything but fading.

Aaron Vincent/Canadian Press files

THE NEWBIES

Christopher Bates

While designer Christopher Bates may be new to the Toronto runway, he is quite familiar with the ins and outs of the Vancouver fashion scene. The Vancouver-native first debuted his line of highly tailored, James Bond-esque menswear at Vancouver Fashion Week in 2008 under the name of ULTRA. In 2011, Bates rebranded, moved to Toronto, and the Christopher Bates label was born. Keeping to the sophisticated European aesthetic he picked up while training in Milan, Bates’ spring line, which was showcased on the Mercedes Benz StartUp runway show last season, was very well received by critics. This season, Bates has been given his own show and everyone is excited to see how he will articulate that European flair this time around.

DUY

Winner of last season’s Mercedes Benz StartUp competition, Montreal’s Duy Nguyen has made his way to the Toronto runway for fall 2013. His previous collections of structured, somewhat futuristic men and womenswear have been considered the highlights of past Montreal Fashion Weeks. Last season, Toronto was given a glimpse of what all the fuss was about when the DUY spring collection took to the Mercedes Benz runway. This season, Nguyen will get the chance to showcase his line at his very own show at the David Pecault tents.

LACERDA

Newest to the game is Vinicius Lacerda. The 23-year-old Toronto-based designer is launching his label LACERDA at Toronto Fashion Week. Not many new designers get the opportunity to start from the top right off the bat. Could this be a hint as to how good his collection must be? We’ll have to wait and see. The collection is described a “unconventional minimalism” and promises prints, texture and masculine shapes. If the designer’s personal style is any indication of what is to come — he’s a poster boy of perfect ’90s grunge — then Toronto should be excited.

[related_links /]

Hello, fabulous fashionistas! I bring you a fantastic post today about an extraordinary event I attended at Saks 5th Avenue at The Summit (Birmingham, Alabama)…The Birmingham Fashion Week Emerging Designers Reveal! “The Emerging Designer Competition was created to give aspiring fashion designers in college and post-grad an opportunity to showcase their talent…[The Emerging Designers] will compete on Thursday [February 28] and Friday [March 1] nights for a chance to show during Saturday night’s finale, where a winner will be awarded with a grand prize package,” states www.bhamfashionweek.com

Ginger Jefferson kicked off the Emerging Designers Competition Reveal.

“…I am blessed to have been able to do runway shows for twelve years…always for charity. I am so proud of these designers tonight,” states Heidi Elnora, co-founder of BFW.

Sarah Winford (Auburn University) walking out with her breathtaking designs. I love the attention to detail!

Latigre Purdie posing with her fantastic models. Don’t you just love those big bows!

Claudia Gonzalez and her fabulous designs at the Saks event. Love the colors she chose!

Jess Dupuy (University of Alabama) created some ensembles that the VIP adores!

Shannon Warren (University of Alabama) and her models giving a big round of applause for all their hard work. The metallic and rhinestone accents are superb!

Megan Kaple’s (University of Alabama) designs walking the runway at the Sak’s Emerging Designers Reveal. I am in love with both frocks!

Elizabeth Singleton (University of Alabama) posing with her fabulous designs. Both garments are truly amazing! Congrats on being the People’s Choice and automatically advancing to the Saturday night finale!

AnnaKay Winford (Auburn University) fabulously dressed as she shows off her designs. The structured details of these two dresses are breathtaking! Love, love, love!

Kassi Gerk (University of Alabama) giving the crowd a wave as she walked out onto the runway with her models. Don’t you just love the colors of both ensembles!

“Kailey Smith, junior in apparel design, said her four looks of deep reds, pinks, and grays are made to portray a vintage, romantic feel,” according to http://www.thewareaglereader.com

Ayana Ames (University of Alabama) designed dashing men’s apparel for the BFW 2013 Emerging Designers Competition.

Stephanie Nunez (University of Alabama), these designs are red-carpet-ready!

Kelly Druce’s (University of Alabama) designs are classy and sophisticated! According to The Crimson White, “In seventh grade, Druce decided she wanted to be a part of the fashion industry and has yet to look back.” http://cw.ua.edu/2012/11/26/fashion-community-growing-at-ua-propelling-program-students-in-industry/

Allison Mills (University of Alabama), the VIP wants that sensational sequined skirt!

Brandon Wayne (BFW Model) and I looking totally fabulous at the Saks Emerging Designers Reveal!

Detra Smith and Daphne Rush were quite the amazing people to meet! Detra has organized a design team from local cosmetology schools and junior colleges through a mentorship program by Matrix called “Spread the Love”. Daphne is busy backstage dolling up models to hit the BFW runway!

The VIP also met the 2012 BFW Emerging Designer winner, Mandi Faulk! I will have an upcoming interview blog with fabulous Mandi…so, stay tuned for more:)

Kimberley Newport-Mimran and I at the Saks event. Kimberley is the President and Head Designer of Pink Tartan. The VIP was honored to have met her! She looked smashing in her Pink Tartan “Stripped Power Stretch Dress”!

Kimberley Newport-Mimran posing with Megan Kaple and her designs-It was such a wonderful surprise to have her there!

“Design is part of our culture…it is great to see young talent coming out,” states Kimberley Newport-Mimran (Pink Tartan).

Find out more about spectacular Pink Tartan on their website! http://pinktartan.com/index.php

Check out the Pink Tartan blog! http://www.pinktartan.com/blog/

For more information on the above Emerging Designers, check out the following links:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/datelinealabama/8389237941/in/set-72157632542952267

http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2013/02/auburn-students-make-semi-finals-in-birmingham-fashion-weeks-emerging-designer-competition/

http://www.otmj.com/2013/02/the-runway-rundown-a-preview-of-birmingham-fashion-week/

http://cw.ua.edu/2013/02/05/fashion-inc-provides-students-opportunities-to-intern-design/

http://cw.ua.edu/2012/11/26/fashion-community-growing-at-ua-propelling-program-students-in-industry/

http://www.elizabethannefashiondesigns.com/index.html

To learn more about Birmingham Fashion Week, take a gander at their website: www.bhamfashionweek.com. If you are interested in purchasing tickets for Birmingham Fashion Week, click here.

Like BFW on Facebook to keep up with the latest media coverage and runway updates! www.facebook.com/bhamfashionweek

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bhamfashionweek HASHTAG: BFW2013

If you cannot get enough of the VIP, check out my articles in The Real Story! The Adventures of the VIP in the Lifestyle section! www.realstorypublishing.com

The VIP is also on The Real Story YouTube page! Check out the first Adventures of the VIP video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uhx3yMCDh4

Check out the latest issue of Town and Gown Magazine! You can read online @ www.issuu.com/townandgownmagazine!

Like the VIP on Facebook to keep up with the latest VIP news and sneak peeks! www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/abbysauce_

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/vintagepassionista

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Label: Blak.I

Designers: Helder Aquiar and Diego Fuchs

Facts: Blak.I is a two-year old label. The designers were finalists at TFI’s New Labels competition, and it is sold at TNT in Toronto.

Label: Laura Siegel

Designer: Laura Siegel

Facts: This was the designer’s third season, which consisted of desert/cactus inspired festival wear.

Label: Chloé comme Parris

Designers: Chloé and Parris Gordon

Facts: This collection was inspired by the California culture.

Label: Cara Cheung

Designer: Cara Cheung

Facts: This season’s collection was Navajo-inspired.

Label: Jeremy Laing

Designer: Jeremy Laing

Facts: This collection was said to have been inspired by a trip to the bayou in Louisiana.

Label: Paria Shirvani

Designer: Paria Shirvani

Facts: This was the newbie designer’s debut collection.

Official Fashion Week Shows:

Label: Pink Tartan

Designer: Kimberley Newport-Mimran

Facts: This season’s show featured top models Alana Zimmer, Irina Lazareanu, and pink-haired Charlotte Free. The label is also collaborating with Aldo, and the shoe collection debuted on the runway.

Label: DeMOYO

Designer: Paidemoyo Chideya

Facts: The spring/summer 2013 collection is called With In Spira.

Label: Joe Fresh

Designer: Joe Mimran

Facts: This collection included geometric prints, metallics and lots of white.

Highlights of Toronto/World Mastercard Fashion Week

Spring Summer 2013 Collections- PAVONI and PINK TARTAN

Pavoni:

Montreal designers, Mike Derderian and Gianni Falcone are the creative forces behind Pavoni. In their 2013 collection, we saw 3 different looks: sexy cocktail dresses, romantic chiffon evening dresses and the big huge ball gowns. All three looks featured stunning bead work and embroidery which really made the gowns stand out that much more.

Extravagant is certainly a good word choice to describe this collection! Not everyone can wear these gowns, but they certainly are beautiful to dream about.Pavoni’s clients (like Shakira and Fergie) are some of the lucky ones who we probably will see strutting these dream-like gowns.

Pink Tartan:

Designed by Kimberley Newport-Mimran, we see classic styles with some fun modern twists. The biggest attraction from the show? Re-working the staple t-shirt into bold shapes, patterns and unexpected fabrics like gold perforated leather. I loved the brocade trapeze coats and full brocade skirts…so lady-like, but modern with the metallic colours!

Holt Renfrew, celebrating its 175^th birthday, began the festivities by going against the grain and showing their Fall/Winter designer collections as opposed to Spring/Summer 2013 which was anticipated by the audience. Non-the-less, some pieces were show stoppers – the Tom Ford white cape gown. You might remember Gwyneth Paltrow pulling off the dress perfectly at the Oscars this year. Also turning heads was the Gucci velvet green dress. Kim Kardashian wore this same outfit at an event in LA last month; she was criticized heavily for it not fitting her properly, but you have to admit emerald is a lovely colour on her. Textured clothing was a major theme.

SEE A GALLERY FROM DAY 1 OF TORONTO FASHION WEEK.

The sophisticated Kimberley Newport-Mimran, designer of PINK TARTAN who is also wife of Joe Mimran designer of Joe Fresh, was next. Her Spring/Summer 2013 collection focused on pastel as well as metallic colours: pink, green, silver and gold, respectively. She also included some patterns such as large butterflies and an alligator print. Newport-Mirman played with the length of her skirts, not only keeping them short, but going quite a bit longer – right past the knee. My personal favourite was the pair of gold alligator printed cropped pant.

To wrap up the evening was the classy duo Gianni Falcone and Mike Derderian of PAVONI. “Le Chateau de Versailles,” was the name for their runway show inspired by France’s royal palace. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the first model entered the runway wearing a fully beaded light gold sequin cocktail with crystal baroque detailing. Every single dress was absolutely breath taking; the light would project onto the gowns creating an angelic glow of the model. It is no wonder many celebrities have fallen in love with PAVONI.

The semi-annual event launched its 27th season under makeshift tents at David Pecaut Square with a lengthy runway presentation featuring nearly 70 separate designer ensembles from Holt Renfrew.

While the luxury retailer has largely focused on featuring homegrown designers in its recent Fashion Week shows, high-profile brands from beyond Canada’s borders were incorporated into the showcase.

[np-related]

From an azure blue draped sleeved satin dress from Yves Saint Laurent to a colour-blocked coat from Celine, a patterned Prada suit and sleek tuxedo from Tom Ford, the looks on display offered an extensive range of apparel and accessories, with outerwear, eveningwear and everything in between.

While a large portion of the designer showcase was devoted to international labels, homegrown talents had their time to shine, either featured in standalone looks or teamed with apparel and accessories from foreign brands.

Aaron Vincent Elkaim/The Canadian Press

A satin-lapelled black blazer from Toronto-based label Smythe was worn atop a classic white T-shirt from American designer Alexander Wang. A slinky black sequin dress from Twenty Cluny was teamed with YSL shoes and a Christian Louboutin purse. A fur-trimmed hooded parka and puffer coat were among the offerings from Canada Goose, while a pair of floor-skimming gowns from Wayne Clark — one white, one black — were among the closing looks to the runway show.

Lida Baday, Jeremy Laing and Dsquared2 were among the other Canadian labels showcased.

Meanwhile, there was plenty in pink from Pink Tartan among the pretty pastels in the latest line of ultra-feminine looks from the homegrown label helmed by Kimberley Newport-Mimran.

In a recent interview, the designer revealed that her latest collection dubbed “The Shape of Things to Come,” was inspired by the use of geometric shapes, which she incorporated in skirts and pleats featured in the new line.

There was a definitive retro vibe in the succession of demure separates that coloured the runway, which featured butterfly prints and floral cutouts among the intricately patterned looks.

High-waisted shorts and slender capris, skinny brocade pants, bustier crop tops, full mid-length skirts and bell-sleeved coats conjured up visions of 50s and 60s era styles.

“There’s certain elements that are sort of DNA to the brand and I feel that they’re part of what I do so I like to show them on runway,” Newport-Mimran said.

“I’m always loving a shirt-dress, and I truly love working on these cutouts on shirt collars and things.”

The swells of orchestral music that filled the runway room ahead of the closing show were particularly fitting with the series of majestic gowns presented by Pavoni.

The luxury fashion label co-founded by Montrealers Mike Derderian and Gianni Falcone has garnered A-list clientele with stars like Celine Dion, Katy Perry and Carrie Underwood sporting their red carpet-worthy fashions.

The latest line, dubbed “Le Chateau de Versailles” continued the trajectory from the duo’s Toronto Fashion Week debut earlier this year with a range of ornate, painstakingly embellished dresses.

The new creations straddled the divide from barely-there minis to mermaid-style glamour gowns in lace, silk chiffon, taffeta and organza swathed in sequins, beading and crystals. Intricate patterned detailing was a hallmark of many of the designs, from sunburst sequins to embroidered tattoo-effect adorning creations.

While bolder accents loomed large, Pavoni also showed less is more with a romantic, silk chiffon gown featuring a back train, with a subtle criss-crossing of fabrics highlighting the garment.

Fashion Week runs until Friday.

Aaron Vincent Elkaim/The Canadian Press

Today marked the day that shoppers could have a new look and new insight into the life of Kim Newport-Mimran, creative direction behind Pink Tartan and now the new Seventy Seven store. Walking through the doors your met by a very airy space, a nice change from what seems over crowded racks/spaces these days. It’s not just Tartan though, she has chosen a lifestyle for the customer from jeans, to shoes, to fashionable books; all items that help create a complete look through the eyes of the creator, something we have yet to experience till now.

Nothing is greater then when the creator behind the brand takes their hand at store design, so much of their design belief and culture helps to build the perfect space. For Kim it’s a true reflection of the brand; clean lines, simple colour palette and just the right amount of posh — very reminiscent of the clothing –. We can do nothing more going into this wonderful holiday season than to wish her all the best, nothing better than the perfect holiday gift!

Jake Wilton

Bright colours, bold prints, and brimmed hats were just a few highlights from the show. What a better way to think about spring then when we think about colour. Its that time of year that we are able to express ourselves after a lac-luster winter filled with greys, black and anything else “basic”. For Pink Tartan, we broke the shackles of winter as moved forward in a beautiful collection that truly embodied spring, of the fashionista women that does not dare to wear black –we know there were a few pieces–! Magenta’s, creams, neons, and bold prints were the palate for the collection; ranging from dresses, blouses, jumpers, and jackets.

It doesn’t take much to change ones wardrobe for a season, knowing that we can’t buy into every trend. Trend can be a bad thing, if we look to trendy then we’ve over done it but if we’ve done to little, then we’ve missed it. This was one of those collections were you can mix and match with what you already have, Pink Tartan or not. You want the printed blazer to change up that boring pant suit, the bright blouse for that high waisted skirt, or that fantastic hat that just adds to any outfit; all pieces that are very wearable and very interchangeable in any modern day women’s closet. Pink Tartan for spring 2011 was true inspiration, inspiration we need to think about as we move into this cold grey season of winter!

Jake Wilton

(Pictures via Toronto Fashion)

lucky penny looks forward to most, at toronto fashion week, is pink tartan, designed by the graceful and elegant kimberley newport-mimran.

a chilling, electronic violin performance by dr. draw set the stage for another classically-tailored collection. emphasis and placement of details on the shoulder is a key spring trend moving into fall, and here it was executed with gorgeous restraint.

lucky penny can hardly wait until the pale grey shift with beaded shoulders hits the stores! there were pink tartan staples, like crisp white shirts and tailored puffer coats… as well as fun pieces like aviator caps, and newport’s pretty, little finale of a wedding dress. je t’aime.

fur was a new point of experimentation (not entirely practical when used to make a full skirt), but seamlessly beautiful as accents on collars and hems.

***images lovingly borrowed from george pimentel.

Pink Tartan is an iconic Canadian fashion brand that is reflective of designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran’s own personal style — pretty, polished and elegant.

Kimberley began her fashion career in retail at the age of 14, before pursuing a merchandising and manufacturing degree at George Brown College. By 1990, she was the senior merchandise manager at Club Monaco, a position she held until her move to senior manager at Caban eight years later. Her dream of starting her own line that catered to busy, on-the-go, fashionable women was realized the year after her daughter (and muse) was born. In 2004, the Canadian designer opened a Pink Tartan showroom in New York.

Kimberley is a role model whom I had the pleasure of meeting at a Women of Influence seminar last year. She spoke eloquently and passionately about what she loved. I could not help but be entranced by her words. If we can all strive to do what we love we will have accomplished our goal (our destiny). The one thing she said that I remember very clearly – “The moment you are not open to learning is the moment you cannot grow.”

Pink Tartan is available at Holt Renfrew.