L'Oreal Toronto Fashion Week, a bi-yearly event held on an international level, is an opportunity for designers, media, and buyers to find out what the latest trends are and what trends to avoid. This year, I checked out designer team Kavi Kavi, three South Asian sisters Dipika, Monika, and Ravika Gupta. The threesome first made their mark on the Canadian scene at the 2004 Toronto Fashion Week with their innovative and unique swimwear.

This year, their 2007 Spring/Summer Collection seemed promising. Electronic beats performed live by up-and-coming artist Amit blasted while models adorned in neon colored swimwear, offset by black and white checkered and zebra patterned prints, strutted down the runway. Following these striking swimwear patterns, Kavi Kavi showcased simple satin-like dresses - some straight-cut and others that flared. A key design element was a strip of fabric that accentuated the waistline.

The theme of the show was "Take Off," similar to how an airplane takes flight off a runway. I found the theme a metaphor for their clothing in more than one way - the clothing reminded me of something that a space-aged stewardess would wear. I know that Fashion Week occurs in late October but I don't think it was the best time for Kavi Kavi to showcase their Halloween costumes. The models carried vintage-like suitcases with sayings such as, "Do not touch" and "Miss me?" I'm pretty sure in these outfits, no one could possibly miss you.

You could dismiss the outlandish designs to artistic license, but showing at Toronto Fashion Week is no joke. Quality garments are expected. The construction lacked on many of the Kavi Kavi pieces. The heavy fabric bunched around the backsides and midriffs of many of the models, creating an unflattering silhouette. Garments were not properly fitted to the models. Clear plastic bands were used to hold up certain aspects of the garment but instead of blending in - these straps distracted and took away from the garment. The showcase felt amateur in construction and design.

Post-show Desiclub.com was invited to Stylus Canada's 6th Annual Fashion Week Party filled with Canadian industry leaders such as Andrew Majtenyi and Fashion Television's Glen Baxter. Parasuco showcased their latest line of denim wear followed by Carl Henry who performed three songs including the club hit, "Bare as She Dare." All proceeds from the event went to the Canadian Breast Cancer Association. All things considered, Toronto Fashion Week displayed cutting edge designs that demonstrated what to expect for the next season and what to pass up.

To view Andrew Majtenyi's designs visit: www.andrewmajtenyi.com

For more show photos visit: www.lorealfashionweek.ca

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