Lauren Bagliore goes high-tech, Japanese at LG Fashion Week (Video and Photos)

When you "cut your teeth" at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Toronto essentially demands that you knock our socks off. In fact, there is this illusion that any departure to New York, followed by a return to Toronto (or even, a presence in Toronto) results in success. Given this self-hating theory, I'd be curious to know what you think about Lauren Bagliore's successes this week.

The most controversial play of language was Bagliore's emphasis on "couture" in a skirt that layered varied textiles. A small note: unless you've received accreditation (and you have not), then butchering the terminology is the epitome of gauche.

But Bagliore is no butcher of shape - she constructs high tech, Japanese designs that transform in a number of ways to ensure that you get the most out of your dollar. The "Endless" dress is the best example, shown in black and white, worn as a hooded top, a dress and an off-the-shoulder option.

I was impressed with the fit of an Alaia-esque (re: the body-con fit was well executed) twisted tunic dress worn with a recurring pair of textured leather spats.

An Audrey Hepburn-equivalent black Delfina triangle dress was both sophisticated and feminine - a banded hem showed a competitive attention to fit.

Despite her transformative shapes, some of the draping looked too sloppy, looking more wrinkled than contemporary and fashionable. This is likely the struggle of all great draping experts - how to create that slung look without making the person themselves look slung.

But there were details that added interest to most looks, including knotted backs, seam details, draped hems and jacquard lining - and most looks were accompanied by spats and shirred leggings. She presented a street-appropriate collection for those after that darkly lit Berlin aesthetic - seemingly the only appropriate "goth" movement in fashion.

While Bagliore may not be that Queen-like presence that Canadians anticipate from over-the-border designers (or anything really), she has a very timely outlook on fashion, where black is always the new black in an industry where the audience is always looking for something special.

But not couture. Just not.

Photos by James Kachan. Video by Istoica.