TORONTO FASHION WEEK: BUSTLE S/S 2013

Personality has always been better expressed in the fall collections—leather, fur, weapon-like accessories. Hence the appeal of Bustle's Spring/Summer 2013 collection, with prints that practically shouted from its fabrics and a fully realised aesthetic—right down to the props, popped collars and diamond ear studs. That said, this will not everyone's cup of tea; in fact you'd be hard-pressed to find a mere mortal content to be decked out in such a look. But fashion is spectacle, and there is beauty in juxtaposition: a perfectly cut suit out of a playful metallic fabric, or a muted army green trench paired with a bright orange. Pollock-inspired prints, contrast panels and stripes, and cartoonish hibiscus florals in coral and lavender were dizzying but fun to see together; rolled-up sleeves and unbuttoned jackets kept it appropriately casual. The models, who likely cracked open a couple bottles backstage, turned it out. Parts of Bustle's spring collection may leave wearability to be desired, but in the context of this fashion show—easily the most entertaining of them all—who cared? - writing by Caroline Leung


    • Springlike floral bottoms, paired with a deep grey metallic trench and light grey shirt.


    • A busy ensemble of stripes and bright florals.


    • A cool grey shirt contrasts nicely with the deep olive green.


    • A printed suit in varying shades of purple.


    • The dark palette makes the metallic suit sophisticated.


    • The rich olive green and statement accessories makes for a casual but thought-out ensemble.


    • A shorter length and a popped, structured collar is a fresh, seasonal update on the classic trench.


    • The shorts suit done right with a casual t-shirt and boat shoes.


    • The white pants remain classic and crisp, despite its pairing with stripes and florals.


    • The oversized fit and and cuffed bottoms is a classic case of wardrobe thievery by girlfriend.


    • More holiday wear: this time with coral floral print, metallic shorts and blue boat shoes.


    • Purple florals and cognac-coloured loafers brighten up an otherwise dull striped suit.


    • Printed pants paired with a white jacket and a casual black t-shirt.


    • Contrast buttons and a double-breasted cut makes this suit jacket a covetable piece. The floral print, in small doses, makes for fresh rather than gaudy detail.


    • Purple floral prevents this beige metallic suit from taking itself too seriously.


    • Black and white polka dot socks and a metallic fabric adds fun to a classic suit.


    • A mismatched combo of striped blazer and black pants lacks depth.


    • Another fabulously detailed jacket, made casual with rolled up sleeves.


    • The juxtaposition of a rounded collar with the trench's angular striping demonstrates Bustle's eye for detail.


    • The floral print makes an otherwise androgynous ensemble fresh and feminine. (Leopard booties are print overkill, though.)


    • A springtime, statement trench coat with colour blocking; paired with striped shorts and green boat shoes.


    • Short sleeves, a wide collar and head-to-toe print makes for a happy marriage of tropicalia and sleepwear.


    • Head to toe prints in bright orange, green and purple is near impossible to wear, but fun nevertheless.


    • Orange trousers are more fun than garish when paired with a t-shirt and colour-block blazer, but don't try this at home.


    • A shirt-pants combo, maxed out on the colour blocking.


    • A double-breasted printed jacket is paired with a coral-navy-white striped shirt; made casual with shorts and boat shoes.


    • Overt splatter-print makes this suit practically camouflage appropriate.


    • Zebras, printed shorts and a seasonally appropriate hat add depth and colour to a beige blazer.


    • Condensed, low-contrast striping on the pants with blue boat shoes freshen up the otherwise dull olive green.


    • Zebras, rolled up sleeves and sneakers provide casual but fun detail to a neutral ensemble.


    • Khaki with a bright green floral shirt and orange boat shoes is your uncle's vacation wear done chic.


    • A zippered white jacket paired without a shirt adds slickness to lavender floral-print shorts.


    • Spring is taken to literal heights with a coral-floral print, a structured fisherman hat with a wide brim and green boat shoes.

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