World MasterCard Fashion Week: What we’re excited to see

In an office filled with women, it’s inevitable the there will be some passion for fashion amongst us. So,  we’re pretty excited to (again) be a part of this year’s World MasterCard Fashion Week. This year sees a return of some old favourite designers and some exciting new additions. We are on the edge of our seats and can’t wait to see some cutting-edge, fabulous creations make their way down the Canadian catwalk.

From haute-couture to street-style, we’re loving it all. Here’s a sampling of some of the shows that we’re
reaaaalllly looking forward to seeing this year.

Mercedes-Benz Start Up National Final
Tuesday, October 23, 7 p.m.


For the past two seasons, Mercedes-Benz has sponsored a competition between emerging Canadian designers. The competition aims to foster the young talent in this country, and provide mentorship and support to young designers. This year, eight are competing for a chance to show at the fall/winter 2013 shows this March. The eight finalists this year include Caitlin Power, Christopher Bates, Duy, Dreamboat Lucy, Lauren Bagliore, Malorie Urbanovitch, Nicole Campre and Pure Magnolia. 


The designers in this competition always provide an interesting show and it’s exciting to try and predict both this years’ winner and who else will wind up making a strong impression on Canadian fashion. We can’t wait to see who wins this year and view their full collection next season.

Joe Fresh 

Wednesday, October 24, 9 p.m.

Joe Mimran and his wife Kimberley Newport-Mimran (Pink Tartan). Image Source

We consider ourselves to be fairly up-to-the-minute with fashion trends but of course being on a budget (and who isn’t these days?) can sometimes crash our closet fantasies. This is why we love Joe Fresh. A staple amongst the office (it’s not a coincidence since there’s a Joe Fresh store down the street from us), we love how creative director Joseph Mimran offers trendy shoppers stylish and versatile looks for everyday that are totally cute and totally affordable. His pieces are simple. Sleek lines, bold colours and cute accessories that are easily paired to create great outfits for work or weekend. Not to mention the down-right crazy-cute shoes that are popping up everywhere you look.

Being the co-founder of Club Monaco, it’s easy to trust that the Joe brand will be on trend.  It’s earned a huge following over the last couple of years and is available at over 300 Canadian locations and has popped up on New York’s Fifth Avenue this past spring. It’s come a long way from it’s 40 store launch in 2006. Can’t wait to see what Joe has come up with for 2013.

Adorable. Image Source

   Arthur Mendonça

   Thursday, October 25, 8 p.m.

The man behind the label… Image source

Arthur Mendonça launched his collection in 2002 after receiving a fashion design degree from Ryerson University. His line has grown since then and opened Spring 2005 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles. The line has since been presented in London, Los Angeles, Montréal, New York, São Paulo and Toronto. His designs have also been featured on
the covers of Cosmopolitan,
Marie Claire, Fashion,
Flare, Elle and Out
Magazine, and within the covers of Wallpaper and In Style. 

He appeared as a guest
judge on the first season of Project Runway Canada, and his clothes are earning a reputation amongst celebs. Pieces have been spotted on Nelly Furtado, Rihanna, MariaBello and Mischa Barton, to name a few.

Mendonça’s work is recognized for its accent pieces and his attention to detail, which you can see in features like gold snaps, push buttons and zippers. 

Travis Taddeo

Friday, October 26, 5 p.m.

Travis Taddeo. Image Source

Travis Taddeo is a hip Montreal-based designer who launched his line in 2008 after graduating from the fashion design program at College LaSalle. Taddeo is known for his combination of minimal lines and distinctive blends of silk, jersey, leather and fur, a perfect combination of simplicity with a bit of edginess. How very Montreal of him…

This year has been a milestone year for Taddeo. With his 2013 collection, he’s focused on clean cuts and classic designs and has stayed true to the line’s minimalistic edge. He’s also launched his first complete collection for men, Travis Taddeo Homme and has collaborated with Aldo to create a line named “Aldo Rise“. He’s taken his signature blend of street and luxury and has created a complete collection, dressing us from head to toe. We love the blend of different styles and can’t wait to see what he has created this year.

Paraezo 

Friday, October 26, 3 p.m.

Lead designer, Bruce Dang. Image Source

The fairytale lovers and the romantics amongst us are dying to see the Paraezo Couture show. Established in Toronto in 2009, Paraezo Couture is the high-fashion division of Paraezo Bridal. The spring/summer 2013 collection, Essence, was created and is led by designer Bruce Dang. Having launched its first collection in 2012, Paraezo is still a new face on the bridal gown scene and offers beautiful, modern designs. The collection’s name reveals its inspiration: the Spanish word paraiso, which means paradise, mountains and garden of eve. Sounds like it will be a lovely show. Even if we’re not in the market for a bridal gown, it’s always nice to day dream, isn’t it?

One of Dang’s beautiful gowns. Image source

We’re sure there are lots of other shows that will take our breath away; these are just a handful of our favourites. See you in the tents!