Sid Neigum eases up on the androgyny with a softer spring/summer 2013 collection

Every year during Rogue Fashion Week, emerging talents and established designers alike opt out of the Toronto Fashion Week melee to show their collections in the days leading up to the official event instead. 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
Sid Neigum

IN A SENTENCE Alberta-born Neigum’s unadorned, goth-inspired looks recently propelled him to victory at the Toronto Fashion Incubator’s annual New Labels competition (which included a $25,000 prize courtesy of Suzanne Rogers).

THE SCENE Fellow designers David Dixon (who was one of the TFI judges) and Chloe Gordon were both there to show support, along with TFI’s Susan Langdon and Hello’s Lisa Tant.

THE COLLECTION Ethereal fabrics in grey-tinged lilac, taupe and black were more feminine and less androgynous than in seasons past. The dresses had asymmetrical hems, which flounced and bounced beautifully down the runway, while the men’s outfits (there were only two this season) were boyish, with slim knee length shorts. The $25,000 cash infusion was evident in the tailoring, which looked more professional this season, especially under the harsh glare of the catwalk lights.

BEST PIECES All the sweaters: there were updated cardigans, sweaters with leather details (one spectator said it looked like someone took a lighter to the fabric) and oversized sweaters with a modern flourish. We also loved the high boat-neck black mini-dress, which would look as good on any Yorkville girl as it would on someone going to Bambi’s.

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