With Toronto’s MasterCard Fashion Week wrapping up, we were thrilled to see the shows (and show a little Canadian fashion pride!). With that said, runway shows don’t always have to be major productions for us to thoroughly enjoy them and fashion itself shouldn’t seem or feel too fussy or formal.
Case in point: Montreal designer, Travis Taddeo’s beautifully androgynous Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Slouchy, sporty and completely unencumbered, the collection was inspired by what he determined to be a real need within our nature to be more relaxed and effortless.
Known for his forward-thinking and edgy designs, Travis did not disappoint with a tone-on-tone, laid-back collection rife with unique cuts and airy draping. In a muted palette of white, black, grey and powder blue, each look was a cool mix of high and low textiles with a hard and soft appeal. Loose fitting tees, long sleeved shirts and ankle-grazing jumpers looked right at home next to (or combined with) sexy, figure-hugging jersey dresses, sheer netting and peek-a-boo cut-outs. Travis’ excellent fabric manipulation was further illustrated through quilting, sheer panelling and ruching. Complete with a backwards cap and a calm and collected demeanor, the models gave off an effortlessly chic and definitely-too-cool-for-school vibe.
Overall, Travis’ comfy collection of layered silk, leather and jersey made us all seriously reconsider our usual weekend attire of sweats and a T-shirt. While his unconventional cuts and striking details were toned down against basic pieces and easy styling, the effect was not any less outstanding. After all, Travis Taddeo never strays too far from his ultimate mission, which is to craft “a bold marriage of luxury and sportswear”.
Story by Dayana Cadet, KA MAGAZINE