The Avant Garde Fashion Show on March 9 by Avion (at Revival) was a magnificent success for coordinators and designers as well as participating models. The event highlighted five emerging designers form the GTA featuring quite distinct pieces from fun and flare to elegant and sophisticated.

Living Fantasy is the line by Clara Nguyen, a young designer boasting her Spring/Summer 2008 collection. Clara has been at it for two years now and is inspired by eclectic, oriental beauty. Model, Claire, enjoyed wearing the fluffy chiffon top with a slim black skirt. Nicole had fun with the sleek-backed jacket and fitted corset top. Brightly coloured oriental designed skirts with long side slits, perfect for the slim build. Kimono styled dresses with matching pants in bright chiffon and pretty vests with bell pants are delightful to the eye. Green silk vest-top with a tight lace dress with a low lining see through back is very tasty and elegant.

Photos by Sherlon Charles

Designer Natalie Simms has crafted designs of cotton jersys and dresses with impressive silk screen prints Natalie's designs are inspired by Native art and music, highlighting coloured designs which are silk screened onto one corner of each outfit. This particular line was all grey cottons, tightly and comfortably fitted for the slim and sexy physique.

Photos by Sherlon Charles

Next, Sarah Catalfo. Catalfo's segment of the show was fun and energetic suggesting that runway fashion shows should not be stiff or ack personality. When her models took to the runway the audience could feel their enthusiasm, something that seems to be relatively non-existent on the fashion scene these days. Too often are models required to act like moving mannequins, rather than human beings, and to let the clothes speak for themselves. However, Caraolfo's line definitely benefitted from the casual demeanor that the models undertook- proving that her line is not simply about the clothing itself, but about having fun in the clothes

Catalfo's line relies mostly on satin, chiffon and knit fabrics paired with turquoise, green and pink colours. These elements are selected to represent a "little girl's tea party all grown up", she says. She feels that her line is "very real" and is suited for the "fashion forward" who want to enjoy what they are wearing. (by Sarah Moore)

Photos by Sherlon Charles

Larissa Barness holds her own with fall/winter Italian and woollen fabrics. One design sports a wool suit skirt with hightop grey skirt and white bell collar. Another in full length coat with huge fur collar. And antoher full waisted length coat and pant suit with fur collar. Barness' designs are much suited for the tall woman including full coverage with multiple pieces to match.

Photos by Sherlon Charles

Janina Longley (Fashion Boulevard) interviews Jade & Lloyd after a great show !

Eryn Vogn