Toronto ON, April 22 – The first night of FAT Toronto’s Arts & Fashion Week kicked off with a collection from designers Katherine Laird and Jennifer Murtagh of Wallace Playford. The collection featured colorful headwraps in vibrant teals and soft blue pastels along with corsets, poodle skirts, camisoles, and sheer harem pants. There were lots of visuals as textures, sequins, sheers, and patterned fabrics were layered and mixed to create a tantalizing tableau for the eyes.
Dotted, spotted, quilted, beaded, and frilled, the full rainbow of colors were represented in this lingerie inspired collection. The models were just as diverse in size, shape, and ethnicity, which was a delightful way to kick off FAT 2014, and really set the stage high for those to follow.
The atmosphere was playful, witty, and fun, the overall tale of a rambunctious slumber party. With the models lounging around in bed to the tune of “Mr. Sandman” before confidently strutting their stuff down the runway. It was Arabian Nights meets the ladies of a high end bordello. When the girls started to get out of hand, the final model strolled out looking serene and confident, as a madam, in a show stopping full length textured soft pink gown, complete with sequined hot pink headwrap. After showing off her fabulous attire, she skillfully put the more scantily clad ladies back in bed, as the lights faded out.
The designers walked out and gave each other a quick kiss to celebrate! Thank you ladies, truly phenomenal!
photos : Ian Compton
– Tasha Farrington