Hilary MacMillan at The Glass Factory / Fall 2013

Spring is creeping closer and closer - it's time for some serious Fashion! Just last week here in Toronto I had the privilege to attend the Runway debut of local designer Hilary MacMillian for her Fall 2013 Collection.

Premiering at The Glassy Factory just off the Queen West strip, MacMillan boasted an aesthetic that played with glistening gold textures and damask opulence in wearable, urban forms. Creamy, off-whites and rich blacks were dotted with bright, blood reds and cool beiges (a perfectly balanced palette of what Fall neutrals should be) in classic pencils skirts, tailored 50's-era coats, and light-weight trenches. We absolutely loved seeing gold take centre stage as it beamed forward from all that neutrality; and especially the intricacy of the gold, patterned in finely detailed textural sequins in trim and even full-body forms; adding glamour, richness, and a glitzy, 80's touch to a generally clean-cut aesthetic.

Accented with the lightest fabrics (what looked like it could've been soft Chiffon) and classic Fall textures like Fur and Leather; Hilary's showcase was strong, concise, and well executed. Congratulations on your Runway debut Hilary! Hope to see all you have to offer Toronto in the future.

All Images Courtesy Magnet Creative

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SAINT LAURENT / Spring 2013

Saint Laurent, the new born baby of Hedi Slimane; following the aftermath of the controversial re-branding, and re-naming of Yves Saint Laurent's great empire, has just released it's Spring 2013 Collection at Paris Fashion Week. Generally met with mixed and anti-climactic reviews; the Collection boasts strong silhouettes, a brooding and sophisticated palette, and classically sharp tailoring in the form of belted coats, blazers, and skin-tight trousers.

Although I can understand the attitude of reviewers considering this was Slimane's highly-anticipated debut - one can't knock his quality and approach. The clothing is immaculate. The palette is seasonal and on-point; and the flowing dresses, over-sized hats, and general aesthetic of an almost Old World meets New World, cowgirl sophisticate is chic, refined, becoming, and extremely bold. I especially love the huge capes and sheer blouses - weightless, movable, but very fashion-forward and interesting. I think people are expecting Slimane to re-introduce the grandeur of Yves Saint Laurent - but this can't be done. YSL will always be at the helm of what it means to be a YSL Woman - Slimane is re-introducing, re-interpreting, and re-imagining YSL. It has to be Yves Saint Laurent to Slimane, not Slimane for Yves Sain Laurent; in reality, that's the only way he will return YSL, now Saint Laurent, to it's former glory.

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