GREAT WHITE NORTH

The fifth annual Toronto Ready-To-Wear Collections featured straightforward fashion – no supermodels and no theatrics, just strong looks that women could wear off the runway and straight into the office, according to the “Talking Trends” report by the Fashion Group International. Nicole Tysowsky, merchandising editor of Vogue magazine, reported for FGI.

The biggest trends in the Great White North:

• Shaped jackets.

• Narrower silhouettes.

• Knee-length skirts.

• Bold color satin blouses.

• Fur-trimmed coats.

• Skinny belts.

• Patent leather.

• Red.

Other interesting fashions to note from the collections are knit fur coats by Paula Lisman and Doc Martin-like spectator shoes.

New designers to watch: Marissa Minicucci and Mimi Bizjak, along with hometown favorites Marilyn Brooks, Marie Saint Pierre and Loucas, according to Tysowsky.

FALL FASHION ACCESSORIES

Fashion Group International reports the top trends at the Fashion Accessory Expo included:

• Neo-conservatism – again. Head-to-toe ensemble dressing la Mamie Eisenhower and Jackie Kennedy.

• Urbane outdoors. Landed-gentry looks for city slickers. Think Ralph Lauren.

• Downtown goes uptown, with young-at-heart designers such as Todd Oldham and Anna Sui leading the fun.

• Jewelry accessory looks (mostly fashion jewelry) include antique gold, brass, silver and metal mesh. Tortoise, amber, carnelian, topaz and intaglios are important, just as in fine jewelry. Also look for cubic zirconia, 1950s-style bracelets, button earrings, charms, sweater clips, pearls and Bakelite. Chatelaines, scatter and hat pins worn in multiples and techno and scarab bracelets and watches are important.

• Handbags vary from mini to maxi, with frame and Kelly bags, train case/hatbox looks, clutches and structured backpacks. Look for matte nylon, high-glaze lizard, crocodile, pigskin, antique leathers, nubuck, suede, boiled wool, satin, corduroy and mohair. New looks for handbags include quilting, lock closures and chain straps.

• Belts continue skinny and contoured; new are wide hip belts. Look for details such as chatelaine chains, covered or roller buckles, D-rings, ID-logos, top stitching and leather, patent leather, chain, rubber, mesh and mirror looks.

• Scarves are new in argyle knits, also textural silks. Gloves are ladylike in wrist lengths.

• For the head, look for knit watch caps, crushers, barrettes, English caps, thin headbands, barrettes and bobby pins, and clips in tortoise, gold and antique metals.