TORONTO FASHION WEEK: MELISSA NEPTON S/S 2013

Stripes were the thing for Quebecois designer Mélissa Nepton. Her collection for Spring/Summer 2013 rarely strayed from the pattern, initially centering on a breezy palette and silhouette that obviously reflected something seaside and summery. Sheer fabrics, tie-fronts and variations of blue/coral recalled an all-too-familiar aesthetic, but it amplified considerably towards the second half. Daytime whites were contrasted with black, navy and red; depicted in sheer, deconstructed takes on the old shirts-pants combination that were far from businesslike (and fabulous for it). Beyond the stripes, black motifs added edge to an otherwise twee and tiresome coral-white floral. Closing the show was a low-cut, sheer white jumpsuit with floral detailing that was an easy standout, alongside the other solid pieces that worked far better than the stripes. Despite a slight lack in consistency and depth, Nepton deserves props for a collection that manages to be sexy without resorting to the clichéd girlishness or vamp. - writing by Caroline Leung


    • Floral detailing on the hem of a sheer white jumpsuit adds a seasonally appropriate freshness to an otherwise edgy ensemble.


    • Black contrast lining and emphasis on the hips—rather than waist—makes this floral-print ensemble almost androgynous.


    • Sheer fabric provides the sex in this deconstructed tuxedo-esque ensemble.


    • The black, red and white striped detail is better saved for the top half of this dress-and-pants ensemble.


    • Black and white stripes provide detail—though not much depth—in this sheer black chiffon ensemble.


    • Sheer bottoms make an otherwise businesslike ensemble evening appropriate.


    • Seasonal schizophrenia depicted in an oversized knit paired with sheer bottoms.


    • A structured, multicolour top is made appropriate for daytime when paired with casual black pants.


    • The black wrap dress is modernised with white contrast lining, a sheer bottom and a low neckline.












    • The shirtdress gets an update with looser, lower-cut silhouette, sheer fabric and contrast stripes.


    • A coral and navy striped sundress with spaghetti straps that's vaguely 90s.


    • Sheer white blouse with opaque panels, paired with a coral and navy striped skirt with a tie-belt.


    • White trousers makes a taupe-striped tube top look crisp.


    • A sheer white chiffon robe over a taupe-white striped top.


    • A sheer white top with taupe striping, paired with low-rise pleated grey shorts.


    • Grey suede and nude chiffon makes for an interesting yet inoffensive take on colour blocking.


    • Contrast stripes in orange, taupe, seafoam and grey adds colour to an all white outfit.


    • A lack of details combined with an overt tie-front and a hood veers this casual ensemble to domestic appropriation.


    • Contrast stripes makes this sheer white dress more sportif than ethereal.

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