Life after reality (television)

Though autumn’s cold, windy weather has arrived, designer Sunny Fong transformed the Art Gallery of Ontario into a tropical paradise at yesterday’s kick off to Toronto Fashion Week.

The show, inspired by French Polynesia, was Fong’s first since winning the second season of Project Runway Canada last April. It also served as the re-launch of Fong’s label, VAWK, which went under before he appeared on the show.

With the help of his new business partner, Canadian entrepreneur Ben Barry, Fong resurrected the label and created a collection of twelve looks to show at LG fashion week. The garments included a leather trench, a white power pantsuit, a flowing dress with a sheer floral cutout, and a floor-length chiffon gown that closed the show.

Fong mixed muted ivory and cream with hints of vibrant fuchsia and red, inspired by the colours of the hibiscus flowers that grow in Polynesia. Fong paid close attention to detail, punching holes in intricate patterns on leather items and twisting organza silk to create plush textures. Looks were completed by thick brown belts and fringed necklaces.

Alongside the press and usual fashion industry insiders, who sat in rows of chairs set up in the AGO’s foyer, Fong’s fans piled into the hallways overlooking the runway, which served as the show’s general admission area. The show also streamed live on VAWK’s website, as Alexander McQueen’s show did earlier this season in Paris.

Jason Meyers and Jessica Biffi, the two runners up from season two of Project Runway, are also showing collections this week. Meyers is showing this evening at 5 pm, and Biffi, who attended Fong’s show, will present her collection on Friday.

*This post is pulled from Canada.com, where I'll be reporting over the coming weeks. You can see the video footage, shot by the boys at Slice, alongside the article, which is posted here.