Ten most-wanted designers
By Laura Osborne
A profile of the hottest Canadian labels.
Calling all fashionistas: Looking for the next big thing in couture? We undress ten of the hottest Canadian labels.
The rising star
Label: Arthur Mendonça
Designer: Arthur Mendonça
The look: Sexy, bold silhouettes that fit like a second skin
Celebrity factor: Worn by Nelly Furtado and Sandra Oh
Must-have items: Red safari suit; Diane von Furstenberg-inspired canary-yellow wrap dress
The rockers
Label: Chulo Pony
Designers: Nettwerk Music Group
The look: Sophisticated, quirky pieces with signature textile appliqués
Celebrity factor: Avril Lavigne, Sarah McLachlan and Dido are fans
Must-have items: Kimono top in blue floral pattern; culottes
The provocateur
Label: YSO
Designer: Siphay Southidara
The look: 1950s housewife-meets-Valley of the Dolls peignoir
Celebrity factor: Kelly Ripa is a devotee
Must-have items: Marine baby-doll dress with large straps; creamy silk pleated skirt
The fantasists
Label: Beckerman
Designers: Sisters Cailliane, Samantha and Chloe Beckerman
The look: Whimsical, playful touches mixed with unexpected fabrics
Celebrity factor: Loved by the Dixie Chicks and Tori Spelling
Must-have items: Pink princess dress with striped organza; airport dress with seams and layered collars; Madrid black cocktail dress with velvet trim
The innovator
Label: Denis Gagnon
Designer: Denis Gagnon
The look: Raw and refined fabrics combined to create new shapes
Celebrity factor: Heather Locklear (she owns a customized leather coat)
Must-have items: Leather Perfecto jacket; cotton and lace Bermuda shorts; 1960s-inspired white stretch cotton mod dress
The celebrity
Label: Jason Matlo
Designer: Jason Matlo
The look: A throwback to 1930s film noir with luxe, über-feminine shapes
Celebrity factor: Jason Matlo (he appeared on the reality series Making It Big)
Must-have items: Navy crepe de chine dress with peach flowers; Studio 54 white full-length gown
The bohemian
Label: Nadya Toto
Designer: Nadya Toto
The look: Functional-meets-flouncy flamenco
Celebrity factor: Drew Barrymore, Yasmine Bleeth, Angelina Jolie and Celine Dion (they’ve all been known to drop by the store)
Must-have items: Black tulle four-tiered skirt with drop waist; white adjustable cotton bubble skirt with paillettes
The sophisticates
Label: Tavãn and Mitto
Designers: Payam Tavãn and Mike Mitto
The look: Cuts that manage to be sensual and elegant
Celebrity factor: Charlize Theron, Ashanti and Foxy Brown are aficionados
Must-have item: Strapless Empire-waist tobacco-colored dress with balloon hem
The establishment
Label: Izzy Camilleri
Designer: Izzy Camilleri
The look: 1970s haute couture
Celebrity factor: Admirers include Jennifer Lopez, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Reese Witherspoon
Must-have items: Gold fringe halter; high-gloss python jacket
The next generation
Label: Complexgeometries
Designer: Clayton Evans
The look: Sharp, angular geometric cuts that change shape on the body
Celebrity factor: Jessica Paré
Must-have items: Multi-drape top; metallic leggings, tube top and bubble skirt
Photo: Jason Matlo
