Toronto sophisticates with black-tie events on the horizon should check out the Balenciaga trunk show at Holt Renfew. Running through February 16th, the showcase features 12 floor-sweeping gowns that have been modeled on the red carpet by big-name celebrities like Cate Blanchett,Jessica Chastain and Salma Hayek. Shoppers can stop by just to ogle the couture, or they can shell out for a designer dress. But red-carpet Balenciaga pieces don’t come cheap: prices start at roughly three grand. Here, a few of the showstopping gowns, plus some styling tips from their celebrity wearers.
Until February 16. Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-3333, holtrenfrew.com
At the Van Cleef Gala in New York, <strong>Cate Blanchett </strong>accessorized this simple gown with a chunky gold statement necklace and dramatic, swept-back locks. $5,235
(Image: D. Dipasupil/Getty)
Holt Renfrew’s Balenciaga trunk show
Browse the glamorous gowns for sale at Holt Renfrew's Balenciaga trunk show
At the Producer's Guild of America Awards in 2012, <strong>Jessica Chastain</strong> complemented this slinky dress with jade pendant earrings and a casually mussed hairstyle. $6,845
(Image: Barry King/Getty)
Holt Renfrew’s Balenciaga trunk show
Browse the glamorous gowns for sale at Holt Renfrew's Balenciaga trunk show
<strong>Jodi Foster </strong>rocked this silk halter dress at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011. She accentuated the pretty neckline with a double-strand of chunky beads. $7,875
(Image: Ian Gavan/Getty)
Holt Renfrew’s Balenciaga trunk show
Browse the glamorous gowns for sale at Holt Renfrew's Balenciaga trunk show
<strong>Maiwenn</strong> sported this off-the-shoulder red dress to the Cannes Film Festival in 2011. Her unkempt, cascading locks add to the sultry-Grecian-goddess vibe, as do the strappy black gladiator sandals. $4,995
(Image: Jean Baptiste Lacroix/Getty)
Holt Renfrew’s Balenciaga trunk show
Browse the glamorous gowns for sale at Holt Renfrew's Balenciaga trunk show
<strong>Salma Hayek’ </strong>s floral choker draws attention to this gown’s dramatic plunging neckline. She wore the look to the fifth annual Dubai International Film Festival. $3,395
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty)
Holt Renfrew’s Balenciaga trunk show
Browse the glamorous gowns for sale at Holt Renfrew's Balenciaga trunk show