Toronto Fashion Week: Pavoni gives its usual display of glittering ball gowns for spring/summer 2013

Toronto Fashion Week runs from October 22 to 26, in a large—and stylishly appointed—tent at David Pecaut Square. We’re posting full galleries from the buzziest runways. It’s time to forget about the chilly weather and imagine what life (or at least fashion) will be like in spring/summer 2013.

DESIGNER
Pavoni, helmed by co-founders Mike Derderian and Gianni Falcone

IN A SENTENCE Pavoni (Italian for peacock) is known for its lavish, over-the-top dresses: these aren’t the kind of outfits you wear to go grocery shopping or get gas.

THE SCENE The front row seats were bedecked with white roses, while the runway was bathed in a red light to give it that movie premiere feel. Suzanne Boyd walked in on the arm of stylist George Antonopoulos and Suzanne Rogers stayed close to her pal Glen Dixon. We also spotted Corner Gas actress Gabrielle Miller taking in the eveningwear.

THE COLLECTION Think diaphanous chiffon ball gowns bedecked in sequins, and beads on everything. Marchesa-inspired mermaid gowns look luxe, but wouldn’t be appropriate at any but the fanciest of balls. Cocktail dresses, some with sheer lace, were covered in blue and black beads, and sometimes border on garish.

BEST PIECES Though Pavoni has a penchant for all things sparkly, our favourite gowns are the less adorned ones, like a long black dress with two knee-high slits and a navy blue number with ruching and pleats. Their simplicity shows off the tailoring rather than focusing on glittery extravagance.