The Holt Renfrew show was the perfect way to kick off LGFW 2011. For those of us in the know, it gave us an exciting tease of what was to come. For fashion week newbies, it provided a fun and thorough overview of what Canadian design is all about riiight now! (Or at least from the perspective of the country’s most established luxe department store.) Eight designers were chosen by Holts to represent the best of the best – but without a doubt, our favourite collection is from the ladies of Smythe. With electric socks under sandals and cute-cut blazers paired with skivvies, it was deliciously flirty while also classy, in a spring social sort of way. For late night bar hopping in the back alleys of Montreal, we’d choose the darker designs of Denis Gagnon that ooze sexy and emote a Girl with a Dragon Tattoo kind of edge. BANG! When we feel like BEING the disco ball, we’ll turn to Mikhael Kale, who had quite a few front row heads turning with his metallic numbers. They kind of reminded us of wrapping presents after too much champagne, wish we had hooked up this look before last week’s Boobyball FLASH! Much more conservative, Pink Tartan is always a safe bet for the stylish uptown girl who embodies grace but given the choice we’d likely opt for Line, which feels just a little more playful and young. Last but not least, when we we are channeling Tilda Swinton this spring – we will be sure to wear Jeremy Laing….because sometimes life is more interesting when you pretend you are living in Narnia.

Yes, it was a night to be proud of Canadian design and we all left thinking of dewy grass, blossoming tulips and spring romance…..that is until we opened the doors onto the Ex parking lot and were hit by a relentless cold wind.

Photos by George Pimentel