Last week’s Canadian fashion feast brought tasty trends, marvelous design morsels, and colourful construction confections.  Some ask if Canadian collections are shown too late to break trends - the answer is, of course not!

L’Oréal Fashion Week took over downtown Toronto and made it look better for six days by showing off the country’s best fashion-forward style. From attendees to models (and even volunteers in fabulous red coats), it was an entirely sophisticated affair, despite a few hiccups at the event’s start.

Since the media lounge was too packed for my liking, I spent most of my time sipping Prosecco and conducting interviews in the VIP lounge, and what a place it was. Canada’s most stylish celebrities, socialites, and tastemakers were there.

It was a wonderful week where I was able to catch up with colleagues. I always love to hear what Lisa Tant and David Livingstone have to say, since they are two intelligent voices in this sometimes shallow world. David’s reviews in The Toronto Star are always honest and Lisa’s editorial picks for Flare always show a smart use of Canadian style.

You’ll have to wait for next Spring to see what’s in Flare, but until then, Dear Readers, I am here to tell you how to prepare for April showers, May flowers, and everything to follow.

Lucinda’s List: Spring/Summer Substance

1. No-felon Watermelon – You will not be committed of a fashion crime next season if you are caught wearing watermelon, the runway it-colour of the week.
2. Visage Visual – Faces were on places you wouldn’t expect: they popped up on fabric prints all over the catwalk.
3. Pixelated Prints – Designers overdosed on digital prints.
4. Saggy and Baggy – Hemline theory: low hemlines, low markets. Nobody told me this applied to inseams until I saw MC Hammer’s pants prance down Toronto’s runway in nearly every collection.
5. Cupcake Colours – Collection confections presented goody-goody frosting hues such as baby pinks, soft yellows, minty greens, and tender blues.
6. Ruffle Kerfuffle – Spring will bring so many ruffles, everyday dressing will feel like a wedding.
7. Razzle, not Dazzle – Sequins, appliqués, and sparkles adorned apparel, but in muted, understated spangle simplicity and sophistication.
8. Onesie Upon a Time – The one-piece pantsuit could be the next Juicy tracksuit.
9. Lazy Sundays – Most designers included groupings inspired by elegant weekend lounging. Tasteful maxi dresses are the way to dress for relaxing summer weekends.
10. Cowl Prowl – Cowl draping moved away from necklines and all over the body to sleeves, pockets, and pantlegs.