One of events we most looked forward to during #TorontoFashionWeek is the Press & Buyers Brunch put on by Toronto Fashion Incubator, where emerging and established designers are able to present their latest collections in an intimate trade-show setting. Members of the press and media are able to chat with the designer, literally browse through the collections, and discuss trends, dreams and the reality of the fashion industry. And did we mention the brunch?! No pastries and coffee here – there was an array of delicious (and healthy!) options to legitimately eat. We loved attending this March, and walked away with a depth of knowledge from amazing #CanadianMade designers! We have showcased six of them below:
Peggy Sue Collection
This collection featured a selection of the finest hand woven pieces. The brand celebrates the abilities of Canadian farmers and artisans and has a strong emphasis on sustainable clothing. Each piece of clothing comes with a history of where the cotton was sourced, the buttons were made and who put it together (all recorded on tags attached to the garment). Peggy Sue hopes to create a culture of valuing the heritage of a garment, the importance of quality fibers and re-instate the mindset of passing down garments at some point in time.
Bano eeMee
This designer from Calgary showed his collection of leather jackets at the TFI press brunch. His current collection includes blazers and mixed media pieces including knit vests and fringe jackets which caught the guests attention. It was super cool to see a fellow Calgarian in Toronto showcasing such dope amazing pieces. We are proud of you!
Angela Huntington
The fun collection of Angela Huntington stood out with its interesting use of puzzle piece prints. Each piece in the collection had a puzzle piece integrated, sometimes all over (as shown in the picture) and other times very boldly as just on puzzle piece on the back of a skirt. Huntington used back, white and red throughout the collection and makes a true statement with it.
PARC
Parc, the only shoe brand present that morning immediately got our attention. the real leather boots are handmade in Portugal and feature a large men’s and small selection of women’s shoes and boots. The brand prides itself on versatility, taking the shoes and boots from the park to the boardroom. I also loved that each shoe was named after a famous park in the world, like Central Park. Parc City Boot also offers a selection of bags and scarves – but only for men at this time!
Puffin
Puffin stood out for me personally. A brand of head wear that took it upon themselves to spruce up hats for Canadians. Vibrant colors and interesting prints are the core of the hats which come in many different styles. Each hat is made of a traditional Russian scarf, and finished of the fur which not only gives the hats a cute look, but also keeps your ears warm!
Tulsi MacRae
The collection “Art Off The Wall 2016” by Tulsi MacRae features art pieces by the designer herself which are printed on pieces of clothing, such as t-shirts, tunics and dresses. Tusli loves art and wants it to not just hang in one spot but be worn and travel everywhere to share its beauty. She had a ton of energy and also a beautiful story about this collection representing the ongoing legacy of her mother who recently passed away. Each piece of art has a distinct meaning and story behind it, which makes each design extraordinary.
