Fashion Week wrap: 5 notable trends from spring-summer collections - Montreal Gazette

TORONTO - As the latest edition of Toronto's World MasterCard Fashion Week draws to a close, the fashion forecast for the coming months is set with plenty of shimmer, sheer fabrics, large-scale prints and a standout shade highlighted in spring and summer collections.

Feeling the blues: There was a taste of deja vu with the abundance of black, white and neutral shades featured in new lines — not unlike the colour palette which populated several fall-winter collections unveiled in Toronto earlier this year. There was no shortage of shades to select from in the colour wheel, but various blue hues stood out from the pack on the runway. While there were prominent paler shades like baby blue and periwinkle, navy and midnight blue served as the go-to tones in many of the lines, transforming the traditionally cooler weather colour into a must-have addition for the spring and summer wardrobe.

Heavy metals: Silver took the gold as the main metallic of choice on the runway. While the holidays are typically the prime time for garments showcasing a little sparkle and shine, shimmering silver was prominent as a standout accent, from colouring sleeves and skirts to full-scale treatment on moto jackets and even a pair of suspenders showcased by Rudsak.

Pattern power: From the tribal-inspired print at Caitlin Power to the florals, stripes, diamond shapes and checkerboard prints from a pop art-influenced Pink Tartan, larger-than-life graphics proved their staying power for the seasons ahead. Statement-making patterns served as the perfect companion to a range of ladylike skirts, dresses and caftans. Beyond the prints, there was considerable attention paid to textural details which offered unique visual interest to the garments, like quilting on coats, perforated prints, laser-cut petals, feathered trim and leather panelling.

Showing skin: There may be a little stylish incentive to keep the tummy toned during the warmer months — and not just for those lounging poolside in a two-piece swimsuit. The recent resurgence of the crop top shows no signs of diminishing with several collections revealing midriff-baring designs. But it's not just the rib cage that's getting a little added exposure, with plenty of power suits and body-hugging dresses showcasing plunging necklines and open backs. For those who may be reticent about baring too much flesh, the prominence of sheer materials often teamed with more matte fabrics may offer a happy medium. Paria Shirvani wholeheartedly embraced the trend toward translucent fabrics, with her asymmetrical V-neck blouses, see-through skirts and an inventive spin on the wrap-front black pant with one leg entirely encased in sheer material.

Feminine fashions: With fitted pencil skirts, silken blouses and a vast range of dress styles from flirty minis to shirtdresses, tiered creations and floor-skimming numbers, designers continued to deliver with their assortment of ladylike looks. As a twist on garments typically saturated entirely in one shade or showcasing a miniaturized print, some designers opted for striking pairings of bold, dual hues or oversized patterns to lend some pop to the stylish essentials.