CREDITS

Photography by Wilkosz + Way
Makeup & Hair by Alicja Wilkosz
Styling by Leah Van Loon
Model: Ania Boniecka (Mode Models)

The crowd anticipated with eagerness to see Nylund’s line Daleio. He is known for his strong creative abilities shown through his pieces. Besides designing the outfits, Nylund also created the hats the models wore which were elaborate and elegant; this element drew even more attention.

The theme was one of the chandelier which was imprinted on dresses and skirts of various colours. One of Nylund’s signature dresses is a one shouldered white dress with the purple chandelier print on it; the bottom of this lovely design had purple crinoline to give it that bit of extra poof. Crinoline was once again used to create a tube toulee black top which was paired with a short green satin skirt with the chandelier print on it.

Another eye catching design was a long sleeved, short purple sparkling dress that glistened various colours under the spotlights; on the upper back was a big black satin bow that added a nice touch. Following with the simmering idea was an iridescent green strapless short dress which was gathered heavily on one side and was reminiscent of the rippling of water on a fresh water lake in the mountains. Absolutely breath taking!

Words by Daniela Codreanu

Photos by Faby Martin

Never one to disappoint, Nina Rahal-Kharey’s sophomore show at the previous AFW was anything but inferior, starting the show with the memorable experience seems to be a Rahal-Kharey signature. Playing with the cameras, infusing the bustling audience with luscious beats it was a smooth transition from performers to models as the first model captured the golden jacket from one of the performers.

As the show was set to pace, models walked the runway with that same pulse from the performance. The collection was named ‘Valor’ and with true strength and high energy, it did not stray from the definition.

The collection carried more edge and digressed from Rahal-Kharey’s previous collection. This time there was a stronger silhouette as well tailored suits alluded to the confidence of the 40’s woman. Suits were trimmed around the collar with ruffles and made with a satin looking material. Bold shoulders were accented with gold on long sleeved black tops and paired with spandex holster leggings that have been prevalent on many runways; the added shimmer connected it to the energy of the 80’s but with more of a soft edge. As with all of Rahal-Kharey’s designs it evoked class but with a youthful twist, infused with elegance.

Matched with miniature top hats and crowns adorned the models heads that juxtaposed the outfits bringing cohesion.

Color was kept to a minimum black and gold were the main staples but grey was also added in a stunning strapless cocktail dress with 4 swipes of black came down the runway.

Playing with proportions was evident throughout the collection as, puff sleeves, single shouldered accents, and at the finale a dress with a gold bodice and black bottom boasted layered satin and tulling. The bottom a concoction of those two fabrics was a mixture that came from different angles and finished off with an asymmetric hemline was the coup de grace.

To brand oneself, as a Canadian designer Rahal-Kharey was clear in the identity of her collection, and like her previous collection it was true to her vision, we could still see her passion come through in the designs, and thus are proud to have her showing once again.

However, the night did not end there for Rahal-Kharey, as the host of the after parties, which was held conveniently at BR& where the shows were located. Rahal-Kharey played the gracious host after a quick outfit change into her finale piece.

The night brought a different spin to the regular techno beats heard as of late where hip-hop was reincarnated. The event fittingly named Break the Runway. Bboys flipped and tricked on what was the runway and there could not be a better finish to the night.

Words by Linda Sui Lem

Photos by Faby Martin

The whistles, various catcalls and applause were an indication of the devotion of the fans, and the audience was not to be disappointed.

Confidence and strong prowess came through as the first model touched the runway. With a Native American infusion there were elements included in many pieces. Dresses and tops were adorned with fringe detailing while feathers accented headpieces, ears and the shoulder of a one-shouldered white dress.

While Canada is still fresh from the Olympics, Madame wolf was sure to include a cropped tank emblazed with Canada that brought together pride and style. Paired with white and black-stripped leggings it was sure to impress.

With a hint of sass, Etcheverry included a body framing t-shirt printed with ‘sew what’ on the front and ‘if I don’t like hem jobs’ on the back corner, for a fun and energetic mix she also dabbled with animal prints and furs. Cheetah, zebra print and a fur vest were all in attendance for the outfits.

As hemlines were once again kept short as seen in her previous collection, Etcheverry matched them with trendy tights keeping in mind our chilly weather.

One stand out creation was a form fitting white cutout dress that emanated a Givenchy feel that would be perfect for a night out with the right amount of exposure and class, with long sleeves and a short hem, edgy and elegant are the words.

Further designs incorporated a lace insert into the front of one dress and a entire creation made of emerald green velvet which boasted an exposed zipper on the back and an extra ruffle at the waist envelopes an 80’s influence and rock n’ roll vibrancy.

With another successful collection to add to her credentials Etcheverry is a promising designer with a keen eye on trends to look out for.

Words by Linda Sui Lem

Photos by Faby Martin