Lovas shows off Caribbean-inspired looks at LGFW

For a few seasons now, Wesley Badanjak, the man behind Lovas, has been turning out collections women actually want to wear. I say women because Badanjak doesn't design for trendy "it" girls, nor does he buy into fading fads or work in here today/gone tomorrow trends. Badanjak has developed a very clear and concise idea of who his customer is; she's modern, adept enough at fashion, and cares about a garment's ability to actually look good on her, not outlandish.

For spring/summer 2012, the designer — who cut his teeth working for David Dixon — found inspiration in his travels to the Caribbean, and through the "beauty of the lands and of their people." In a well-edited selection of 24 looks, with styling by the daring Luis Rajiv and accessories by Canadian jewellery legend Rita Tesolin, the collection actually held our attention. Rajiv, whose talent was abused for Brandon Dwyer's last underwhelming show, is so good at making otherwise boring garments feel so refreshing. But that's not too hard a task considering Badanjak's work; he excels at more intricate dresses, like an almost perfect organza jacquard dress and other hammered satin ones.

What he should omit, however, are the simpler pieces that don't do him justice and threaten to bring down the stronger ones (those folksy babydoll dresses, for example). I'm always happy to see a Lovas collection; it's easy to digest, and reliable in its tailoring and finishing, evidence that Badanjak is a pro in the making with a real chance at longevity.

Photos by Jesse Milns