Mikhael KaleSince launching his eponymous label in 2007, Mikhael Kale has built a reputation for intricate detailing and craftsmanship. His Spring 2016 collection followed trend, with a gorgeous assortment of layered floral applique looks, incorporating sheen (reflected in slick hairdo’s), cut-outs and asymmetrical piecework with a 1970’s flavour. All of these elements together could be too much, but Kale has an incredible talent for walking the line between avant-garde and wearable – the heavily textured jackets and sweet transparent knee-highs with the floral embellishments could walk right off the runway.
PrelovedPreloved is a Toronto fashion institution, currently celebrating 20 years since its launch. Founder and creative director Julia Grieve is an eco-design pioneer and leader, creating a global brand – sold in over 400 doors around the globe – with ethical production at its roots before it was a popular mandate to do so. Preloved’s designs are crafted from reclaimed vintage combined with deadstock and overrun fabrics to create truly unique pieces. The Spring 2016 collection continues to tell Preloved’s story, with ready-to-wear pieces that feel good to have on.
Matthew Gallagher
Canada-born, Italian-trained designer Matthew Gallagher showed a strong and sexy, yet quirky line of cocktail evening looks for Spring 2016. With pieces handcrafted in Toronto using fabric sourced from small shops in Milan, Gallagher showed a jewel-toned collection punctuated with cotton-candy pink, in shapes ranging from swingy to structured – a bell-shaped skirt silhouette standing out in particular.
Sid Neigum
Designer Sid Neigum has been building momentum over the past few seasons, adding to the list of design accolades already under his belt. Neigum seems to be thriving from this support, judging from his Spring 2016 presentation. The collection shows growth in his aesthetic, exploring new silhouettes while maintaining the clean, architectural lines that have become his calling card. The Sid Neigum girl clearly enjoys monotone dressing (who doesn’t), but this season shows some tone-on-tone looks to freshen things up and move the label forward.