Toronto Fashion Week: Comrags shows accessible dresses and luxe coats for fall 2013

Each season, The Shows invite a handful of high-profile Canadian designers (many of whom now show in New York, London and Paris) to preview their collections in the days leading to Toronto Fashion Week. We’re posting full galleries from the buzziest runways. Here’s what trendsetters will be wearing in fall 2013. 

DESIGNER
Comrags, designed by Joyce Gunhouse and Judy Cornish

IN A SENTENCE Gunhouse and Cornish’s edgy-pretty garments—which are all still made in Canada—have earned the pair 30 years of commercial success and draw rafts of loyal fans to their Dundas West store.

THE SCENE Designers and fashion media packed Andrew Richard Designs’ loft space on Adelaide Street for the first show of the season. We spotted Jeremy Laing (who’s showing his collection tonight) sneakily munching a cookie in his front row seat, TV host Glen Baxter working the room in a plaid overcoat and blazer and Now’s Andrew Sardone and blogger Anita Clarke catching up in a corner.

THE COLLECTION After focusing on layers last season, Gunhouse and Cornish challenged themselves to make a collection where no outfit had more than two pieces. The result was a simply styled show full of dresses showcasing luxurious textiles—luminous Italian woven wool, geometric prints and purposefully-wrinkled silks—all in muted tones. Unexpected details, like exposed pockets or the bottom of a skirt poking out from under a sheath, livened up tailored and classic shapes.

BEST PIECES A long, body-skimming floral silk dress is both completely laid-back and extremely feminine. A minimalist navy raincoat also wins points for wearability.