Bustle for the Fall/Winter 2012 Season

Down at the tents last night for Fashion Week was simply electric! The crowds, the energy; it was one of the biggest nights of the week with some fantastic talent gracing that runway. Bustle, a Toronto-based powerhouse lead by Shawn Hewson and Ruth Promislow, was one of them. Bustle, since it's early beginnings in 2002, has become famous for creating not just tailored masterpieces with quirky touches, but also for producing theatrical runway shows that evoke Bustle's sense of masculinity; that is, adventurous, smart, whimsical.

This year, Bustle took their aesthetic in a whole new direction: rural and rustic; a vast departure from their rich, nautical inspiration from their last Spring season. Light, acid denim, fantastic, metal bolo ties, and beautifully constructed sport coats and blazers all were staples this season. And unsurprisingly, it's all about the details! The blazers were constructed with such mastery but possessed subtle, unique details; like the half moon seam at the bridge of the back of each coat that gave it a "country edge" though the cut itself was modern and crisp. Leather found it's way lined into the sleeves and shoulders of many of Bustle's coats, adding a unique textural layer; and traditional, dark denim was made sexy and interesting with overlaid seam lines. It was all about rustic elements with a modern execution; the epitome of style and nature.

As usual, Bustle presented a collection that was an easy showstopper. The music, the rock, the vibe, the appeal. It was sexy and confident but at the same time incredibly sharp, crisp, and full of class; Bustle in a nutshell. I will never tire of these two. I think they are two of the premiere designers this city has to offer that consistently maintain a balance of taste, functionality, and substance in their work. Fantastic as always! And I should also mention that it also helps that Stacey Mackenzie surprisingly opened and closed their show for them! An awesome little nugget for the audience last night!

More photos below

Full credit of all this incredible photography goes to Steve Alkok.

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