World MasterCard Fashion Week: Pop Art Pretty at Pink Tartan Spring '14

The finale at last night's Pink Tartan Spring '14 show - Photos by George Pimentel Photography

World MasterCard Fashion Week has officially kicked off and before I nap off the Holts party (is it bad that I'm already tired after Day 1?) I wanted to share pics from last night's big show. Pink Tartan is always one of my faves and for Spring '14, rlr mini and I found plenty of pieces to covet. The collection was inspired by contemporary art - bright white & textured jacquards, pop-art florals and highlighter accents felt modern and fun, while soft pinks and blues added just the right amount of sweetness. Kimberley Newport-Mimran also introduced her first washable vegan leather capsule collection for Spring '14. If any Canadian designer knows how to 'do' pretty, it's KNP.

As for the Twitter backlash that ensued after models were sent down the runway exposed, here are my thoughts: When in Paris, one can send one's models down one's runway wearing whatever undergarments one wants. No bra, no big deal. Exposed nips? Par for la course. Toronto is quite familiar with braless models - I mean we're not exactly prudes here. But pasties seem to be a bit of a fashion prerequisite in Canada, particularly for a brand like Pink Tartan that's so perenially ladylike and whose clothes are so consistently lovely. The boys in the audience were thrilled. I barely noticed (no pun intended). The Yorkville ladies who lunch, however, looked a little unsure. Or perhaps they were considering a little post-Fashion-Week bra-burning of their own? Is it really a big deal, Toronto? Maybe nipple is the new normal?

See the full (#NSFW - depending on where you work..kidding...) collection below. I need that blue pleated shirt dress. Isn't it just perfect?

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MasterCard Stylicity 2013

World MasterCard Fashion Week is in full swing and with it, a strong desire to shop.  Just me? On Thursday, Stylicity hosted an exclusive event for a select group of editors and bloggers, complete with a private streetcar (ooh la laaa) and a private tour of some of the coolest hidden gems in Toronto. We hit up GOTSTYLE Menswear, pretty Parisian Boutique Canon Blanc, the super edgy Sauvage, ultra-charming 69 Vintage, and Hammam Spa, where I could have gladly stayed all day.  We finished off our afternoon with a yummy lunch at Crush Wine Bar served up by Trista Sheen of TopChef Canada.  As someone who's currently too busy (and too out-of-town) to regularly wander Toronto's neighbourhoods, this was so much fun.

As the official retail program for World MasterCard Fashion Week, Stylicity consists of a network of local retailers, spas and restaurants in Toronto offering unique discounts and experiences to customers throughout the month, including Teatro Verde, Banana Republic, Pink Tartan and Intermix, plus online etailers like eLUXE, asos, and Revolve Clothing.

Since launching in 2011, Stylicity has grown to include partnerships with more than 150 local Toronto retailers, restaurants and online national brands, all of which are offering sweet discounts until the end of this month when you use your MasterCard. For the full list of participating retailers, check out mastercard.ca/stylicity2013

Happy shopping! x

A wall full of bright pocket squares at GOTSTYLE Menswear

The super sweet Ticha Bijoux at Canon Blanc.  I took home the pink one :)

Caroline Phely, owner of Canon Blanc, gives us a quick scarf tutorial as only a Parisian woman can.

A spring trend report at Sauvage on Queen West

The girls at 69 Vintage are the best.  Champage, candies and vintage beauties...what's not to love?

The hallways leading to pure bliss at Hammam Spa

A Fashion Week dish by Trista Sheen of TopChef Canada at Crush Wine Bar

World MasterCard Toronto Fashion Week

In Toronto fashion circles, October means only one thing: Spring.  This season marks the city's first Fashion Week since its purchase by NY-based entertainment giant, IMG World, almost certain to put Toronto, and our ever-growing list of talented designers, in the global spotlight.  From Fashion Week veterans to runway debutantes, we've rounded up our top 10 picks of this week's must-see shows at David Pecaut Square in my article this week at iVillage.ca.  

And if you still want to catch the shows live, it's not too late.  Visit For tickets to World Mastercard Fashion Week (Oct 22 - 26), visit worldmastercardfashionweek.com.  See you at the tents! x