Toronto Fashion Week: socialites and Parisian cool at Joe Fresh fall 2013

Toronto Fashion Week runs from March 18-22, in a large—and stylishly appointed—tent at David Pecaut Square. We’re posting full galleries from the buzziest runways. Here’s what trendsetters will be wearing in fall 2013.

DESIGNER
Joe Fresh by Joe Mimran

IN A SENTENCE Mimran’s Loblaw-owned mass market label is exceedingly popular with most Canadians (and a good number of Americans), and his semi-annual runway show has become one of Fashion Week’s biggest parties.

THE SCENE As the Pink Tartan show proved earlier this week, the society set comes out in droves for everything Mimran. We spotted Suzanne Cohon with CFL commissioner husband Mark, Dragon’s Den star Arlene Dickinson, Galen Weston, David Nugent flying solo (his wife Catherine had to cancel last minute), Bruce C. Bailey, CBC News’s Amanda Lang, Big Brother Canada host Arissa Cox and of course, Joe’s loving wife Kim (who jumped to give a rousing standing ovation.) Afterwards, the party decamped to nearby Storys where even models from the show had a tough time getting in (they eventually did) and Bailey cut a rug. Even Mr. Fresh himself made an appearance.

THE COLLECTION Mimran took inspiration from the Parisian jazz scene in the early ‘90s (specifically “that chic French girl whose style was so effortless and cool—the early days of street style”). The overal effect was starkly monochromatic, with only two blue pieces breaking up an otherwise black and white show. A few good basics should appeal to shoppers—a sheer polka dot blouse, a cape-cum-pea coat, and several wearable skirts—but this is not the strongest Joe Fresh collection we’ve seen. A chunky knit sweater with a white Eiffel Tower is too on the nose, while graphic tees designed by New York artist Josh Abelow sometimes veer dangerously close to Ed Hardy territory.

BEST PIECES Mimran capitalized on the ever growing camouflage trend with a great, understated print, used on blouses, mini dresses and dressy pants. A studded white leather jacket and pair of jeans are both cheap ways to get the rock-and-roll look.