Five fantastic new Toronto designers, and where to find their stuff

Five fantastic new Toronto designers, and where to find their stuff

The best talent to come out of Fashion Week this season

Ellie Mae’s cute coats

The brand’s eponymous jacket collection only debuted this spring, and already the Toronto designer—who’s been featured on the websites of Vanity Fair and Vogue—can count Sophie Grégoire Trudeau as a fan. The designer’s spring’s collection consists mostly of chic blazers, bombers and other lightweight toppers—all made edgier with bright colour combinations, intricate embellishments and cut-out prints.
Standout spring look: The butterfly-adorned Yazmin jacket chosen by Ms. Trudeau (above).
Price tag: Most pieces range from $400–$900.
Where to get it: Midtown’s Carbon, Gotstyle or Bathurst’s Riant Boutique.
 

Jennifer Torosian’s technical officewear

The local designer makes tailored looks ideal for office workers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort for style. The made-in-Canada label uses high-tech fabrics like nylon-finished silk and bonded jersey, in addition to luxe wools and mohair. Spring’s collection includes basics like shift dresses and pantsuits elevated with unique details (unusual cuts, twisted accents) and graphic prints. Celeb fans so far include Kim Catrall and Molly Ringwald.
Standout spring look: A cheerful, confetti-print dress.
Price tag: Spring’s collection ranges from $195—$525.
Where to get it: Online.
 

Christopher Paunil’s glamorous gowns

Paunil crafts red carpet–worthy gowns from his Dundas West studio for brides and party-goers. Both his bridal and ready-to-wear lines play up modern silhouettes with architectural layers and asymmetrical skirts, while channelling sophisticated style icons like Grace Kelly or Jackie O. He sent both collections down the runway this season to much fanfare, and his pieces have been worn by local model Stacey McKenzie.
Standout spring look: A pastel colour-blocked frock that would be perfect for attending summer weddings.
Price tag: The label’s ready-to-wear line starts at $250, and bridal dresses start at $1,200.
Where to get it: Online or through a custom order. His bridal gowns are also carried at Kleinfeld.
 

A photo posted by @danielchristiantang on

Daniel Christian Tang’s architectural jewellery

Toronto jewellery label Daniel Christian Tang uses high-tech 3D-printing machines in Asia to craft complex earring, bracelet and necklace designs. Last week, the label sent incredibly futuristic (and frankly, kind of frightening) shoulder armour down the runway at Fashion Week. Thankfully, there are still lots of simpler, more work-appropriate pieces to choose from.
Standout spring look: Stackable, beehive-inspired bangles in 18-karat gold, rose gold and sterling silver.
Price tag: $150 for a sterling silver ring to $8,000 for a solid rose gold pendant.
Where to get it: Online.
 

A photo posted by WRKDEPT (@wrkdept) on

WRKDEPT’s androgynous streetwear

This unisex label put on a fall presentation full of earthy colours and cozy layers (and some very interesting baby hair designs). Spring’s collection is a bit of a wilder scene, and is filled with attention-grabbing pieces like fuchsia tunics and electric orange polyurethane vests.
Standout spring look: A fiery maxi dress that features a blurred print of the Vietnamese flag.
Price tag: From $65 for a graphic tee to $400 for a long tunic.
Where to get it: Online.