Rogue fashion week: Jeremy Laing & Sid Neigum

This past week was an interesting reflection on Toronto's fashion reality. While conjecture flew around what to expect at World MasterCard Fashion Week now that IMG Worldwide is our new big fashion daddy, two very different groups set up camp for a series of offsite shows. 

The shOws featured four international designers with a Canadian connection including Tanya Taylor, Jean Pierre Braganza, Antonio Azzuolo and Jeremy Laing. Laing has long been a darling of Canada's fashion media. Dividing his time between Toronto and New York, he typically eschews a Toronto showcase for presentations in New York. (It's nothing personal, Toronto. It's business, baby.) And while I always find Laing's work interesting, I don't always relate to it personally. Not this time. Loved loved loved. 

Jeremy Laing spring 2013

Jeremy Laing at the shOws

On the opposite side of town (and on the same days) were The Collections, produced by the Fashion Collective, which featured up and coming designers like Chloe Comme Parris, Klaxon Howl and Sid Neigum. Neigum is the winner of Toronto Fashion Incubator's 2012 New Labels competition. Having watched him progress over five months while developing his winning fall/winter 2012 collection, it was a treat to see what he'd do with spring 2013.

Sid's unisex approach to design has always set him apart from his Toronto design peers, and it seems he's found a beautiful balance of unisex features and feminine fit. (Praise must be given to TFI New Labels for mentoring him to a stronger, better place.) I found this collection incredibly wearable, while still maintaining that unique aesthetic that's all Sid. Here's hoping we can find it in stores six months from now. And may you be our next Jeremy Laing.

Sid Neigum spring 2013 

Sid Neigum spring 2013

Sid Neigum spring 2013

Sid Neigum at the Burroughes Building