Somewhere between the entrance to the AGO and the Renaissance oil paintings, the safari came to life in the Walker Court. Fashionistas and models alike stomped and strutted through the court for the presentation of VAWK by Sunny Fong SS11 collection.

“Toro Safari is Africa and Spain caught together in a bullfighting ring,” Fong explains in the preview booklet. Cue the animal kingdom looks translated into pants, jackets and dresses. A tribal inspired soundtrack with a drum heavy remix of “Vogue” by Madonna acts as the musical backdrop for a show that seems to have two halves. The first half is concentrated on champagne and brown tones, perfect for the hunter or explorer, with the collection breaking away and going wild with a fuchsia and purple fused knotted fringe dress. Cue the second half with animal inspiration like the crocodile boleros, cheetah print dresses and black zebra gown.

Boasting perfectly structured dresses and boleros, the show even featured plus-sized—excuse me—normal sized models in a fitted nude zulu dress and cheetah print dress.

Fong isn’t the first to look to Africa for inspiration on the runway. Juma previewed their collection on the same theme of Africa and Evan Biddell featured a leopard gown. Do I sense a trend for Spring and Summer 2011? Safari in the city awaits. I am woman, hear me roar!

By Ivana Markotic