Toronto Fashion Week Day 4 - David Dixon and the bird ladies

Unfortunately, on Day 4 of TFW, I had a crazy busy day at school and missed all but one show. After class I biked home (like a wild person), showered, did my hair, figured out a last minute outfit, and ran out the door. I made it to the tent five minutes before the David Dixon show started. On my way in I was stylestreet snapped by Sweetspot. Here's what I wore.

Vera Moda blouse, vintage brown leather belt, H&M pleated skirt, H&M suede and neon shoes
photo: Bruno Wong of Sweetspot.ca

The David Dixon runway show was super entertaining. The show, entitled "The Birds", opened with a montage from Alfred Hitchcock's 1960s horror film of the same name. David Dixon's feathered feminine collection was very much 60s inspired. The collection consisted of elegant, form-fitting silhouettes in the shape of knee-length pencil skirts in black and white houndstooth, black petal chiffon, black feathers, and black sequins. There was also a lot of peplum action, mostly shown on white silk pencil dresses. Dixon also did the boxy 60s jacket in white wool over cigarette pants and pencil skirts. Since the show was called Birds, it did include a number of feathered garments. Dixon used a lot of dark feathers this season (much like our haute couture friend Lucian Matis) on long evening gowns, skirts, jackets, cocktail dresses and even showed a full feathered coat. There was also a hint of shiny teal (maybe even turquoise) in the collection to channel the shine effect of bird feathers. Ever actually looked at black feather closely? Well, normally there's hints of green or blue-green somewhere in there. Clever, David, clever.

Hint: feathers are good for F/W2012. Just saying.

Houndstooth pencil skirt
photo: Elayne

Feather pencil skirt with silk peplum top
photo: Elayne

Feather evening gown
photo: Elayne

Black evening gown with teal accent
photo: Elayne

Black sequin and feather skirt
photo: Elayne

White wool cape with houndstooth cigarette pants
photo: Elayne

Boxy 60s jacket in white wool
photo: Elayne

Black petal chiffon skirt
photo: Elayne

 White silk dress with peplum waist

photo: Elayne

Feather coat
photo: Elayne

Feather pencil skirt
photo: Elayne

Release the hounds - Houndstooth for F/W 2011

Houndstooth is this winter’s biggest pattern. The oversized check, which was big in the 70s and can probably still be found in the back of your grandmother’s closet, has made a major come back. The classic pattern had been seen on the Fall 2011 runways of Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Moschino, and more. The best pieces to buy in houndstooth are shift dresses, pencil skirts, cropped blazers, peacoats, and trousers - both flared and straight legged. Oh, and it’s perfect for this winter’s super trendy mod look. I recently bought a houndstooth shift dress from H&M and I love it. I went in today to inquire about the Versace for H&M collection (in Toronto stores November 19th) and noticed that almost all the houndstooth pieces were gone. There was only one dress left and it was in a size 14... So get it before it gone people! These puppies are in high demand.

Asos cropped trousers
asos.com

Ralph Lauren houndstooth blazer
stylebop.com 

Lady Gaga in Salvatore Ferragamo dress with matching hat,
glasses, nails, clutch, stocking, and pumps
hollywoodlife.com

Stella McCartney
vogue.co.uk

Alexander McQueen
vogue.co.uk