Holt Renfrew launched L’Oréal Fashion Week with its traditional, yet sophisticated Media Cocktail event. Only the crème de la crème of the Canadian fashion scene attend. Very few bloggers were invited, thank goodness. They only crowd a space otherwise filled with journalistas, designers, celebrities, and stylists.

Ms. Robin Kay, President and Executive Director of L’Oréal Fashion Week, started the week with a bang, insisting that “Fabulous” was the only “F-word” she was allowed to say, and what a word it is. Judging by the Holt Renfrew crowd, “Fabulous” won’t begin to describe this week’s attendees.

Andrew Sardone, Jeremy Laing, and Christopher Sherman were all fun, frivolous, fancy, and fabulous in their matching Comme des Garçons for H&M pre-release ensembles. I predict another H&M success.  Of the fabulous new friends I met, the most fabulous may have been Derek Friday, who has his own show on Slice called Mr. Friday and is covering L’Oréal Fashion Week for ET Canada this season. I had to ask what shows he wants to see and he told me,

“I’m really looking forward to Joe. I love Joseph Mimran; I love everything that he does. It’s really simple and classic and basic. I just like the freshness that he brings.”

I also spoke with Nada Shepherd, she promised something special and slightly scandalous for tomorrow night’s runway show. She hinted at including something in her show that is dividing the team, so naturally, I cannot wait to see the outcome. Apparently the final decision will be made during morning rehearsal.

During the event, there was no mention of the scandal caused by “Anonymous” two seasons ago, who attempted to overthrow Robin Kay from her Queen Bee position in the Canadian fashion scene, but I remembered it.  I have a reliable lead on the identity of this “Anonymous” character.  I haven’t yet decided what to do with such sensitive information - it is a terribly unsophisticated subject to broach on a week that should be about the designers.

Taking a fabulous Fashion Week Lincoln to the tent at Nathan Phillips Square, I daydreamed about what was in store from Pink Tartan. I always look forward to the Pink Tartan show; the designs never fail to satisfy my sophisticated tastes. I could not wait to debut my White Tie Neck Shirt and Grey Tuck Sleeve Dress. It looked so stylish with my Rudsak Over the knee riding boot and structured shoe compartment tote.

I sat next to the always polished and sophisticated stylist Linda Gaylard, and we both had the pleasure of meeting actress Ngozi Paul, star of Da Kink in My Hair. On the show, she plays Starr, and both have something in common: a love of Pink Tartan. But how do their styles differ? Ngozi said,

“Starr, my character, would wear those cute little tulip skirts or those pouffy skirts. She’d even wear the scarves. A lot of the stuff in this collection I think she’d wear…that cute little shift dress with the little red flowers on it…I would go with the stuff with a little more edge. The tight pants, the jodhpur pants, those were hot!”

I had no choice but to agree with Ms. Paul. The entire collection was beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated. It was what Betty Draper would pack if she were going on a trip to the French Riviera, accessorized impeccably with Hermès. Très chic, Pink Tartan! Ooh la la! Je t’aime!

After Pink Tartan, the Spanish company MANGO showed its Fall 08 collection, after the customary Robin Kay rambling and rolling preamble. While attempting to introduce a design partnership with VIA rail, Robin’s voice trailed off on a tangent.  After an exchange of uncomfortable glances from both sides of the runway, a gentleman dashed out of the audience and maneuvered her to backstage safely. Word whispered after the show suggested that the kind man was from MANGO.

The show went on, but the Fall clothes were out of place at a Spring/Summer event. I did enjoy the exquisite Monica and Penelope Cruz limited edition collection, which was definitely runway-worthy. I sat across from Ms. Monica Cruz, who was gorgeous, glamorous, and grinning. What a treat to see her flapper-gothic collection bring some international flair to L’Oréal Fashion Week. I adored the maxi-dress with maxi-slit and mini shorts; what a sophisticated way to be sexy.

How could my first Fashion Week night end without a fashion fete? Over at the Drake, the Toronto Fashion Incubator held an intimate fundraiser, where I met some interesting interior designers from CityLine. Sure, they were slightly grungier than my usual crowd, but I ignored their red hands and casualwear since they claimed they came from work, where they created a bloody set for the Hallowe’en special. Personally, no job would pay me enough to paint my hands red, but this group was fun and entertaining. Perhaps I should consider an interior renovation on my Minto condominium. I would make the perfect CityLine story.

When I did return to my condominium, the most extravagant gift awaited my arrival: the entire Hermès Fall/Winter 08 bag collection! How did my admirer know that Pink Tartan would be accessorizing with Hermès? Are they that eager for a good review?

No matter who masterminded this delivery, it is surely too much for even me to accept. I do not even know who sends these sumptuous presents. I am beginning to think I would rather know the mystery person behind the gifts than continue to receive them. It would be just lovely to sit down with my admirer over a long dinner and discover what we have in common. Flitting from party to party with superficial sidekicks is becoming a fleeting fancy. Sometimes I want more.

Then again, my new Birkin is the most gorgeous accessory I have ever held in my own delicate hands.