Lundström presents its fall collection without Linda Lundström

Long-time Torontonians will be familiar with the name Linda Lundström. The designer was famous for her LaParka coats in the late ’80s but declared bankruptcy in 2008, and the company was bought by Eleventh Floor Apparel. Last night, its spinoff line, Lundström Collection (see the photos in our slide show), debuted its fall line, but Linda’s not the designer. Instead, the clothes were dreamed up by a faceless team, which made for an awkward finale when no one came out to take a bow.

Not surprisingly, the collection was heavy on outerwear and conservative pieces for an older woman. There were animal prints and velvet aplenty, from blouses to wide-leg pants to dresses, even capping the show with a floor-length velvet gown. The collection was slightly haphazard, and a lot of looks reminded us of the early ‘90s (especially the fur headbands and tie-front blouses). We’re not sure the under-30 set will find much here to get excited about, despite the company’s claims that it’s trying to reach a younger shopper.

See the full collection in the slide show >>