A silk Polynesian gown from Sunny Fong's Tattoo Hibiscus collection (Photo by Jenna Marie Wakani)
A smattering of the city’s socialites, fashion editors and Project Runway contestants (is it just us, or has the PR crew taken over fashion week?) filed into the AGO yesterday afternoon for Sunny Fong’s Vawk show.
Titled Tattoo Hibiscus, the collection is Fong’s first post–reality TV offering and one of the most anticipated of fashion week. That’s because his PR collection last season was a standout against more experienced professionals, and the country’s fashion community has been eagerly awaiting his next move.
Though this was a small presentation of just 12 looks, the Walker Court setting was hardly humble. “Gorgeous AGO setting for the Vawk show,” tweeted Flare editor-in-chief Lisa Tant. “Wish all of fashion week was here. Bright, slick, impressive.” We were less impressed with the clothes.
Fong has cited the 1930s flick Mutiny on the Bounty as an inspiration, and you could see the collection moving, as the film does, from the ship to Tahiti. The show started with lovely pieces—dress pants, jackets and vests—in cream silk cotton along with a taupe leather skirt and trench. Once the designer moved away from separates, his precision wavered. Some of the pieces with cut-out “tattoo” detailing were ill fitting, and the strange McDonald’s palette of mustard gold and ketchup red on the Polynesian gowns is more appropriate for fall. But Fong fans will find a lot to like here, and we’re sure the buzz will continue to next season.
See photos of the collection below, and visit Fashion to view a video of the event. Toronto Life’s profile of Sunny Fong from earlier this year is here.
Wow – bee-you-ti-ful fashions! They surely have picked a winner here. Sunny’s clothes are immensely wearable, fun to look at and feminine. Maybe there is hope for the fashion industry after all. Nothing outlandish or that would need “ammending” for the ordinary common folk to wear them, just great, colourful, and original looking outfits.
October 20, 2009 at 11:30 am | by Janis MaharajI must admit, I really do love the line. However I do agree with the one-pieces falling a little short in fit. I highly dislike the red dress with the brown belt simply because of the cut-out detailing. It doesn’t have the same grace as the rest of the rest of the collection.
October 20, 2009 at 12:43 pm | by Amanda CiarmelaI’ve never been a fan of florals. I do like the idea of reimagining island prints away from the Hawaiian shirt look. I love the tailored pieces and the more traditionally ‘autumn’ palette for spring.
November 25, 2009 at 11:13 pm | by Miss Alias SobriquetI LOVE HIS PIECES! He is amazingly talented, I would love to wear his clothing.
January 14, 2010 at 3:31 pm | by PeppaHi.. does anyone know when the 2010 Toronto Fashion Week will be ?? and how (if) we can buy tickets to attend?? We are hosting a fundraising event in our little town, and have a silent auction table… I would like to have a ‘fashion package’ and include a pair of ticket to 2010 Toronto Fashion week – fashion shows, dinner in Toronto and accomodation… Please help?? I’m not from Toronto and don’t know who to talk to…. Thanx in advance.
January 27, 2010 at 3:49 pm | by LindaLinda, Fashion Week is held by the FDCC – I would contact them for information. Some shows are invitation only, while others are not. Here is a link:
http://www.lgfashionweek.ca/aboutfdcc.aspx
January 28, 2010 at 6:57 am | by M-A-P[...] winning, he has shown at Toronto Fashion Week twice with his Vawk clothing line, including his debut show at the Art Gallery of Ontario. I remember watching Project Runway and Sunny’s designs were always [...]
May 17, 2010 at 8:18 pm | by Fashion Designer and Project Runway Canada Winner Sunny Fong « Lunch with Mary