Ones to watch: Two local designers make their Toronto Fashion Week debut for Spring 2014
In the age of pop culture fashion, we’ve all become hyper aware of the fashion competition. Whether on screen or IRL, Project Runway concepts promise a knockout throw down between up and coming designers vying for fame, fortune or just a little financial boost. The fashion competition is real exciting for those on the outside, but it can often be insurmountable pressure for all designers involved—especially those who don’t win anything. Thus became Threshold, a Toronto Fashion Week showcase of burgeoning designers who can launch their collections sans struggle.
“I have worked with many designers who have participated in competitions in the past and although I do think there are many benefits from being part of them, I also feel the disappointment of not winning can be very demotivating and hard on a new designer,” says Dwayne Kennedy, The Collections fashion director and one of the brains behind this showcase. “We want Threshold to be a positive experience from beginning to end and to equip designers with the tools to succeed season after season.”
This Wednesday at World MasterCard Fashion Week, Threshold will premiere with Paria Shirvani and Axel Kohler, two Toronto-based designers with skills to spare. Here’s a little preview of what’s expected for Spring 2014.
Designer: Paria Shirvani
Bio: This Toronto-based designer explores a minimalist yet organic approach to pattern making and draping with her eponymous line. Previously, Shirvani worked with Joe Fresh, Joeffer Caoc, Arthur Mendonca and Costello Tagliapietra.
Aesthetic: Polished and clean minimalism
What to expect: The collection began from taking inspiration from Buddhist monks, and stripping down the elements to create a clean and cool downtown girl aesthetic.
Designer: Axel Kohler
Bio: Starting with an apprenticeship alongside a bespoke tailor, this designer has since been commissioned to create sculptures, custom garments, and wardrobe for film. This will be the debut of his new self titled menswear line.
Aesthetic: Experimenting with new techniques and materials to create a tailored, masculine and contemporary approach to menswear.
What to expect: An unexpected combination of fabric & construction creating a distinct new style.
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://fashionmagazine.com/style/ones-to-watch-toronto-fashion-week-spring-2014/&title=Ones to watch: Two local designers make their Toronto Fashion Week debut for Spring 2014&picture=https://fashionmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ones-to-watch-toronto-fashion-week-spring-2014.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_158806" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photographed by Sean Merritt Penhall. Fashion direction, Dwayne Kennedy. Hair by Taca/REDKEN. Makeup Janine Holmes/Maybelline. Models, Kaitlin/Elmer Olsen and Nikita/Push Model Management[/caption]
In the age of pop culture fashion, we’ve all become hyper aware of the fashion competition. Whether on screen or IRL, Project Runway concepts promise a knockout throw down between up and coming designers vying for fame, fortune or just a little financial boost. The fashion competition is real exciting for those on the outside, but it can often be insurmountable pressure for all designers involved---especially those who don’t win anything. Thus became Threshold, a Toronto Fashion Week showcase of burgeoning designers who can launch their collections sans struggle.
“I have worked with many designers who have participated in competitions in the past and although I do think there are many benefits from being part of them, I also feel the disappointment of not winning can be very demotivating and hard on a new designer,” says Dwayne Kennedy, The Collections fashion director and one of the brains behind this showcase. “We want Threshold to be a positive experience from beginning to end and to equip designers with the tools to succeed season after season.”
This Wednesday at World MasterCard Fashion Week, Threshold will premiere with Paria Shirvani and Axel Kohler, two Toronto-based designers with skills to spare. Here’s a little preview of what’s expected for Spring 2014.
[caption id="attachment_158802" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photographed by Sean Merritt Penhall. Fashion direction, Dwayne Kennedy. Hair by Taca/REDKEN. Makeup Janine Holmes/Maybelline. Model, Kaitlin/Elmer Olsen[/caption]
Designer: Paria Shirvani
Bio: This Toronto-based designer explores a minimalist yet organic approach to pattern making and draping with her eponymous line. Previously, Shirvani worked with Joe Fresh, Joeffer Caoc, Arthur Mendonca and Costello Tagliapietra.
Aesthetic: Polished and clean minimalism
What to expect: The collection began from taking inspiration from Buddhist monks, and stripping down the elements to create a clean and cool downtown girl aesthetic.
[caption id="attachment_158803" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photographed by Sean Merritt Penhall. Fashion direction, Dwayne Kennedy. Hair by Taca/REDKEN. Makeup Janine Holmes/Maybelline. Model, Nikita/Push Model Management[/caption]
Designer: Axel Kohler
Bio: Starting with an apprenticeship alongside a bespoke tailor, this designer has since been commissioned to create sculptures, custom garments, and wardrobe for film. This will be the debut of his new self titled menswear line.
Aesthetic: Experimenting with new techniques and materials to create a tailored, masculine and contemporary approach to menswear.
What to expect: An unexpected combination of fabric & construction creating a distinct new style.){kind=link}