Toronto Fashion Week: Arthur Mendonça shows gorgeous saturated hues 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
Arthur Mendonça

IN A SENTENCE Mendonça, celebrating his tenth year at Toronto Fashion Week, is known for his luxurious, elegant womenswear—it’s the kind of clothing you could picture on Jerry Hall at Studio 54.

THE SCENE
Glen Baxter gave designer Philip Sparks a hearty hug before the show, while the Toronto Star’s Derrick Chetty coveted the free macarons (we stole an extra for him) and fashion week regulars Suzanne Rogers, Hilary Farr and Stacey McKenzie all nabbed front row seats.

THE COLLECTION The collection is tied together, so to speak, with belts: wide obis and skinny leather ones wrap almost every outfit. Exposed zippers on the backs of dresses give an edge to feminine frocks and bright colours like cobalt (which we’ve seen on many runways this season), acid yellow, bubblegum pink and purple gave life to blazers and pants.

BEST PIECES The shimmery gown with long sleeves and a cowl neck was like liquid silver and we loved the varsity jacket in an almost-herringbone print in red, white and grey.