Toronto Fashion Week: Holt Renfrew kicks things off by opening its show up to international designers

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
Holt Renfrew presented pieces by a raft of high-end designers

IN A SENTENCE The posh department store continued its tradition of opening World Mastercard Fashion Week (colloquially known as Toronto Fashion Week) with a lush display of the luxury brands it carries.

THE SCENE As usual, the guest list contained plenty of society stalwarts, like model Stacey McKenzie (who we heard asked to be moved from her seat at the end of the front row to somewhere more central), Suzanne Rogers and her frequent fashion week date Glen Dixon, Dan Levy (in town to play host for the Target-branded media lounge), Love It Or List It’s Hilary Farr and designer Kirk Pickersgill.

THE COLLECTION In seasons past, Holt Renfrew focused solely on Canadian designers for its show, but this year it opted to showcase a bigger slice of their offerings. A whopping 67 looks rolled down the runway, from the likes of fashion powerhouses Celine, Prada, Jil Sander, Burberry, Tom Ford, Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Lanvin, as well as Canadians Lida Baday, Jeremy Laing, Twenty Cluny and Smythe.

BEST PIECES The men’s Kenzo varsity jacket was a hit amongst the male editors in the audience, but the emerald green crushed velvet Gucci gown and the white Tom Ford gown with a cape (the same one Gwyneth Paltrow wore to the Oscars) were the most awe inspiring.