Fur flies at LG Fashion Week

It may be the beginnings of a beautiful spring, but Canada's most talented recently turned out their finest to showcase the upcoming fall/winter fashion at LG Fashion Week in Toronto.

So what can fashion-lovers expect for the upcoming blustery season? Well for one thing, fur is everywhere — collars, muffs around the neck, on jackets and more. It was a topic of contention for the week to be sure, but there's no reason why you can't indulge in faux accents because we all know the real stuff isn't furry friendly. Seen at Gaudet, Joe Fresh and the aviation- inspired Rudsak — fur is bound to be a favourite of Canadians, we're always looking for stylish ways to keep warm.

Fall/Winter 2010 will be seeing looks you can easily recreate from the
clothes you already have in your closet.Similarly, shearling made a big appearance at the shows. Not unlike Brit powerhouse, Burberry, Canadian designers are picking up on its cozy qualities as well. Lining a beautiful wrap jacket at Jules Power, anyone who's a fan of comfort and style will love that this snuggly fabric is back in a big way for fall.

Also on the comfort front — geek chic is going to make everyone prepared to crack the books once summer is over. Jules Power and celeb-favourite Preloved created quirky cool looks reminiscent of It-girls Zooey Deschanel — you could easily see her in a Jules Power floral strapless number — or Chloe Sevigny. This look can also be easily replicated by shopping your closet.

Checkered shirts, Fair Isle sweaters, over-the-knee socks, knitted shorts, thick-rimmed glasses and you're done. The one item you might not have, but may not realize you adore yet, are the phenomenal jogging pant Jules Power leggings. It may sound tacky, but when you see them paired with some beautiful tan leather lace up ankle boots — you'll reconsider.

Two trends you can also likely break out of your closet again are sequins and studs. Ever-wearable Joe Fresh Style, by Joseph Mimran — current chair of the Fashion Design Council of Canada, featured these little accents mixed in with mohair sweaters and surprisingly cute furry earmuffs.

There was also the typical fall/winter 2010 fashion expectations — black, cream, with jewel tones thrown in as well as pops of colour — as Evan Biddell's collection demonstrated with bold patterns. Tasteful draping was big at Orange by Angela Chen and sheer was seen everywhere. Leather-enthusiasts will be happy to know they can recycle their favourite topper, especially if it's got a fur trim and resembles something Amelia Earhart might wear — aviation was a popular theme for both Rudsak and Pink Tartan.

Taking place at the Allstream Convention Centre, the week was packed with Canada's best. While it may be a criticism of LG Fashion Week that the designs aren't necessarily making an international impact, the fact is that the majority is wearable, practical and above all, still very stylish — which is what we Canadians are all about anyways. Hey, we've got seasons here!