Fashion was anything but weak at L’Oréal Fashion Week.

Denis Gagnon’s last name is appropriately close to the French word gagné, meaning “won” - he certainly had the winning collection this season. His severe but accessible solid black or white outfits were lauded by every pair of fashionable lips. Cozy knits, sumptuous leathers, perfect asymmetry, and incomparable construction put Gagnon on the A-list.

Everyone wondered how the Project Runway Canada battle would play out. It was brilliant rather than bloodthirsty, led by Lucian Matis and Stephen Wong at Greta Constantine. Lucian showed crowd-pleasing restraint in his homage to Coco Chanel and old Hollywood glamour. Greta Constantine made perfect jersey and neoprene outfits for the international woman-on-the-go. Carlie Wong is on the verge of designing the next Little Black Dress, and Kendra Francis is ready to start a fashion revolution.

Rock-chic prevailed at Joeffer Caoc, Andy Thé-Anh, and Pink Tartan while Canadian-chic showed at Comrags and David Dixon. Comrags embrace their Canadian-ness and hinted at what winter weather and salt stains do to long hems. Their models wore brooches made of twigs. Dixon’s bare branch fabric patterns reflected the choice motif of the season. It is time for designers to proclaim, “I am Canadian!”

The 80’s are here to stay, this time in two versions: luxe opulence (from Nada Shepard’s resurrection of Krystle Carrington and Alexis Carrington Colby) and neon streetwear (from GSUS and Kid Robot).

Show stars included Bustle, who had Stacey Mackenzie playing a blackjack dealer and strutting the runway looking better than any guy in menswear. Joe Fresh brought in Canadian catwalk queen Coco Rocha to model its take on equestrian school wear.

Seat stars were actors from Corner Gas and MVP. There were hosts from ET Canada, eTalk, and MuchMusic. Degrassi kids and MTV VJs were at every show. Canadian celebs came out to play with the nation’s fashion elite and Toronto looked all the more stylish. It was a week to celebrate.

Lucinda’s List: Top Ten Toronto Trends

1. Black is back.
2. Shoulders, Shoulders, Shoulders! Puffed by pads, rumpled with ruffles, or peeking through tall gloves and short sleeves, Fall 08 is the Rise of the Shoulder.
3. Don’t muffle your muff! Yes, you’ll see muffs exposed all over Canadian streets this fall.
4. Black patent pumps. Shown with every collection except two, this is the designer’s default choice for next season.
5. Love your gloves. Wrist, elbow, or opera length; leather or knit. You’ll need a new pair of gloves for every outfit.
6. Chunky charms. Think maximalist when adding embellishment to your Fall wardrobe. “Enough” is not in your vocabulary.
7. Smoky eyes. We love them so much, we can’t seem to let the look die.
8. Opposites Attract. Thin is in with thick. Smooth slides with rough. Light lives with Heavy. Mix and match those fabrics.
9. Thin belts cinch it up. Pair them, triple them, do whatever you want with them, as long as they’re thin.
10. Double breasted. Seen on coats and dresses; it will take us twice as long to button up this fall.