With Toronto Fashion Week officially launching yet another season last night at David Pecaut Square, the city is once again ablaze with vivid sartorial statements from a bevy of Canadian designers. From shimmering and sparkling detail to daring necklines, the Fall 2016 runways have pointed to the most eye-catching looks for the season ahead. Here’s Real Style’s report on Day 1 of the Toronto shows.

Mikhael Kale

Toronto designer Mikhael Kale launched his label in 2007, and was titled the 2015 CAFA Winner for Womenswear Designer of the Year. For Fall 2016, Kale joined forces with music producer Neenyo, with a custom soundtrack taking over as the official playlist for his show. His latest collection stayed true to the funky beats of the music, with deconstructed garments and cool shades of blue and pink as key looks. Meanwhile, grunge inspired faded denim, sheer plastic jackets and playful velvet frocks also made an appearance.

Narces

At Narces, Eastern influences paved the way for a breathtaking eveningwear collection. Toronto-based creative director Nikki Wirthensohn Yassemi was inspired by the aesthetic of the traditional Mandarin gown, along with the brilliant shades of ruby red which mark Asian fashion. On the runway, this translated into elaborate frocks adorned with scarlet lace, asymmetrical flared hemlines and delicate sheer detail. Gowns were detailed with sequins, illusion necklines and ladylike long sleeves. The designer also stayed true to her signature bridal wear looks, with voluminous white lacy gowns and strapless necklines causing a sensation.

Christopher Paunil

For Fall 2016, co-designers Christopher Paunil and Chalo Hancock unveiled a strikingly feminine yet classic line of evening and bridal gowns. Models walked the runway in asymmetrical black strapless dresses and luxurious black fur stoles which brought the vintage chic era of the 1940s to mind. Contrasting cut-outs, swirls of sexy white lace and floral accents added a glamorous yet versatile finishing touch to the line.

Sid Neigum

Born in Drayton Valley, Alberta and now based in Toronto, rising designer Sid Neigum has clearly experienced a whirlwind few years in the fashion industry. Neigum, who recently returned from London Fashion Week, closed the evening’s shows with an edgy presentation of architectural designs. For his latest creations, the designer took inspiration from the precision of mathematics, which resulted in bold structured jackets and a dark neutral colour palette. Striking black and white looks, along with Neigum’s signature black crepe designs, dominated the collection.

Photo: Paul Ross for OPIQUE / Top of the Runway