Pink Tartan? My friend wanted to know how the show was but as I began to answer I was startled to find that I couldn't remember a single piece. Even during
the presentation, I found my eyes glazing over as trench after trench glided down the runway.

That's the thing with Pink Tartan - their clothes are very nice, and very elegant, but not particularly memorable, I find.

The Holt Renfrew Media Cocktail Party is like a great kiss from someone way better-looking than you--you're left wanting more, but they're off to more intriguing conquests.

This season, the handful of spring looks being shown to the assembled media came from some of Canada's most exciting designers, including Denis Gagnon, Jeremy Laing, and Mikhael Kale.

At the end of each runway show at LG Fashion Week we've tried to head backstage to snag some coveted interviews with the designers. Hey, we're not Fashion Televison, so we usually need to wait our turn (if you know what I mean), but when all is said and done, all of the designers have been gracious enough to give us a little soundbite.

Carlton Brown



Video of the Carlton Brown runway show
Photos of the Carlton Brown runway show
Backstage photos at the Carlton Brown runway show

Like a razorblade lurking in an apple, Kim Newport-Mimran's Pink Tartan line this season has a sliver of edge to go with its ladylike wholesomeness.

Video of the fashion show here

For winter, Newport-Mimran has added darker colours, more andro pieces, and luxe furs, adding some much-needed oomph to her usual sturdy, safely stylish clothes.

Wearing fuzzy chignons and full-face veils, the models stomped it out in black tuxedo jackets, bad-ass black fur coats, and bright fuschia pyjama pants. And thank goodness - too many boring monotone shifts make a girl go crazy, really. The only boring bits were the few stale pieces, like silk bubble skirts and some sober separates like a houndstooth suit..

Or, view it larger on YouTube.

There's no denying that Joe Mimran, head honcho at Joe Fresh, can do whatever the hell he likes when it comes to fashion in this city. And the fact he's the chair of the FDCC means he can also book prime spots on a Wednesday night for he and his wife to takeover the runway.

But, seriously, as important as it is to promote affordable fashion options right now, there are many who question whether Toronto Fashion Week is an appropriate venue for a brand sold in Loblaws. Just ask Toronto Star fashion scribe Derick Chetty who spent the entire show tonight staring at his crackberry.

The question needs to be asked - Does Joe Fresh belong at Fashion Week?


Previously:

FW Poll #2: Who Doesn't Belong Here?
FW Poll #1: Will She or Won't She?