I thought I saw Fiona lurking behind a Nathan Phillips Square pillar today. The poor girl loves fashion so much that she can’t stay away, even if she is in exile after the animal cruelty incident. I just knew she would envy my Andy Thê-Anh off-the shoulder suit, Jenn Day silver necklace and studs from Made You Look. and my incredible m0851 Noeuds Hobo bag.

If it was her, it is certain she will not remain in limbo for long. She always needs to be at the heart of the scene. Somehow she always gets there, always with the grandest of entrances. I am most curious about her plan, but intend to stay well away from her.  It’s a shame Fiona could not attend the evening shows since she is a fan of Thien Le, Andy Thê-Anh, and Joe Fresh.

Thien Le threw colour and influences all over the runway. It may not have been the most cohesive collection, but it was not sleep-inducing, despite one blogger’s heavy eyelids. I will never understand how those people are allowed to sit so close to the first row; they are not journalists.

Andy Thê-Anh showed  the collection of a lifetime, with muted colours, precise tucks, details, and folds. My particular favourite design detail were ties at pant leg bottoms; they formed long, flattering silhouettes. Not only did Andy make a fabulous pair of pants, he designed what is sure to be my favourite dress of the season: a soft-pink red carpet gown with crystal-encrusted straps.

I had a chance to speak with Renee Thompson, the Nam Model who wore said dress. I wanted to know how it felt to wear the stunning finale frock that forced the house to its feet. She said:

“The pink chiffon is to die for. I felt like a princess. I felt like I was at the Oscars and I felt like, ‘if I don’t own it, it wouldn’t justify it at all.’ You have to own it. It was a gorgeous dress.”

With seven shows done and three more to go, Renee is undoubtedly The Queen of the Toronto Catwalk.

I thought the day’s biggest surprise was the absence of star model or star-star at the Joe Fresh presentation. They tend to dress up those basic designs with a headliner, but it was all about the clothes tonight. The garments were definitely cute for the price and very well designed, but there was no shock or innovation on the Joe Fresh runway. It was exactly what I expected.

So the day’s biggest surprise came after the show. My secret admirer gifts are increasingly extravagant and I am beginning to feel uncomfortable accepting them.

But I am not quite ready to refuse yet. How could I return a set of custom-designed Louis Vuitton travel trunks? Why does my International Man of Mystery remain a mystery? How I would love to meet him. It has been too long since I have met someone who shares my tastes and interests, but I can tell this man will be nearly perfect.