The 2007 Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design grad show drew an audience of hundreds to the Westin Bayshore on November 26. 43 new designers showed their 3-piece collections, which made their way down an incredibly long t-shaped runway that sliced through the length of the grand ballroom. Student portfolios were available for viewing in the lobby prior to the show, where designs truly ranged from simple classics to stunning, imaginative works of art.
Overall, the construction skill of the entire grad class was evident, and it was inspiring to see some of these young designers – such as Annika Forde, Kathy Dawson and Rachel Parker – using hemp, soy, organic cotton and recycled materials to construct eco-friendly pieces.
One of our top favourites of the entire class was Megan James, who somehow pulled off a dream many of us have pondered…how to make that dreadful “vintage” curtain hanging in your grandmother’s living room into a beautiful garment. She whipped a velvet moss green curtain into a lovely chaise-inspired dress, and her entire collection maintained this 50’s homestead theme. A mustard linen dress adopted a refined apron cut, while another skirt was both high-waisted and handknit, and her wool and leather coat was just striking. Her overall color scheme retained that golden glow of retro.
Miki Unger developed a refreshing take on the toolbelt, subtly incorporating the utility features of this masculine accessory into high-waisted pants and the neckline of a dress. Lauren Osmond was a big winner with her dramatic conceptual pieces and their many embellishments, but ironically many of the garments were also ready-to-wear, especially her jersey tunic and stirrup pants. Tucky Aalto was another popular vote, and while her raincoats were both stylish and unique we were disappointed to see the nasty pollutant PVC on the material menu. Other notables were Raisa Ruiz and her impressive green wool coat, Taiha Perron pairing a jersey bodysuit with lowslung olive pants, and Amanda Rae Foxcroft with her eye-catching palette of primary colors.
Congratulations to all the grads, we anxiously await the next show!
www.blanchemacdonald.com
good stuff terri!
here’s my pics from the night… http://www.flickr.com/photos/kk/sets/72157603336927432/