Pink Tartan not so Pink Tartan

Shut it down. Just shut it right down. That was scrawled across my notes in large letters as I watched the Pink Tartan show on Wednesday night.

"A disaster," said one fashion magazine art director, post-show. One international style photographer in the front row could barely keep the look of distaste off of his usually friendly face. A famous model furrowed her brow throughout most of the show. Many attendees were engrossed in their BlackBerries, or staring into space, or chatting to their friends. One show-goer was even fast asleep in her chair.

Pink Tartan is a "safe" brand, to be sure, crafting simple, elegant sportswear and the occasional fancier frock , so I wasn't expecting anything mind-blowing.

I actually find it often difficult to take notes during Kim Newport-Mimran's shows because the clothes are so bland: neither good, nor entertainingly bad. Just...ehhhhh.

Same went for this season, but it was somehow even more mind-numbing than usual (and that's kind compared to the buzz that spread throughout the Allstream Centre, post-show).

Somber music played as a steady stream of neutral, super-simple shifts came out, punctuated by truly bizarre blips like fluffy wing-like back accessories, aviator caps a few seasons too late, high-waisted PVC pouf-skirts, cheap-looking fur trim, and trapeze-style puffy jackets.

It just didn't feel like Newport-Mimran's heart was in it this time--I like that she attempted something new, but what she tried felt like watered-down versions of more subversive designers' artistry.

She should stick to timeless sportswear--like the cute camel wool miniskirt and ivory sweater adorned with thick braids-- because, with a brand like Pink Tartan, it's all about safe bets, not striking out.

Photos by James Kachan. Video by Istoica.