This past weekend, the inaugural Toronto Women’s Fashion Week took place at the Waterworks building in the city’s King West area. TWFW highlighted a number of Canadian designers, from seasoned stars to up-and-coming rising talents. Real Style was in the front rows and had the opportunity to see the latest in Canadian fashion, which ranged from wearable pieces to extravagant outerwear. Here’s our runway report on the best Fall 2017 catwalk looks from TWFW’s first season.

David Dixon

The established Mississauga, Ontario-based designer collaborated with PICADILLY to present a sophisticated and versatile collection. Models marched the runway in navy blue flared frocks, while a signature red and dark blue print was a statement look. From pencil skirts to collarless jackets and airy blouses, the aesthetic was clearly feminine and polished. Meanwhile, ivory also brought a neutral touch to the punchy pops of red and blue. Belted wrap coats, flared trousers and high-collared tops all made an entrance in this ethereal shade of white.  

Major Looks: Eye-catching statement prints, navy blue and ivory hues, tailored femininity

Rachel Sin

Rachel Sin produced an array of pastels for her combined Spring 2017/Fall 2017 collection, which was inspired by kizomba dance. Sky blue was a dominant shade in the collection’s colour scheme, as it made a splash on everything from asymmetrical skirts to frocks. Soft cotton candy pink and cobalt were also key colours, illuminating the line of strappy dresses and structured, architectural silhouettes.

Major Looks: Pastel pink and blue, architectural inspiration, asymmetrical accents

Evan Biddell

The Project Runway Canada winner, who walked away with the prize in 2007, has since established himself as the wild child of Canadian fashion. Biddell stayed true to his rebellious yet conscious sartorial sensibility on the runway, with a theme of recycling. The collection highlighted the importance of being environmentally friendly, and was created in collaboration with Value Village. The myriad of textures involved skirts trimmed with fringe, while high-drama leather and furs coats turned up the glamour factor.

Major Looks: Contrasting textures, luxurious outerwear, fringe accents, mustard yellow hues

Stephan Caras

As a father and son duo, Toronto-based Stephan Caras and his son Kyriako are known for creating sumptuous evening gowns. For Fall 2017, Caras returned to the Toronto runways with floral brocade frocks in splashy sorbet tones of orange and pink. From miniskirts to ruffled on-shoulder frocks, the garden inspired motif stole the spotlight. However, basic black and cut-outs also ruled the collection, with lace-up detail and thigh-high slits contributing to the sultry aesthetic.

Major Looks: Florals, pink and orange tones, brocade, fitted black gowns

Lesley Hampton

The Toronto-based First Nations artist and designer may have just launched her eponymous label in 2015, but she’s already recognized for bringing aspects of her heritage into her designs. For her latest collection, Hampton turned to delicate laces, intricate metallic hairpieces and fluid sheer sleeves. The colour palette ranged from peaceful sky blue to ivory and basic black, all blended together to create structured yet sexy flowing frocks. 

Major Looks: Sky blue, flowing silhouettes, metallic hairpieces, structural elements

Mikael D

Montreal-based Mikael D (who was born Mikael Derderian) closed the weekend’s runway shows in true spectacular form. The eveningwear and bridal designer presented a series of intricate gowns, inspired by the 1920s. Corset bodices, intricate metallic lace on sheer fabric and contrasting fringe ruled the collection. Shimmering oversized sequins also enjoyed a moment on daring minidresses, along with strapless ballgowns with massive full skirts. Derderian brought his show to a grand finale, with a strappy embellished ivory wedding gown trailing along the catwalk. 

Major Looks: Fringe, metallic lace, sequins, dramatic hems, 1920s elegance 

Photos: Belle Bunag for Top of the Runway