Colour pops, hemlines rise and affordable chic reigns on Day 3 of Fashion Week

TORONTO - It was a study in contrasts on Day 3 of LG Fashion Week as Wednesday saw rising hemlines, bright and brassy colours and luxe lines sharing the runway with floor-skimming creations, neutral and nude tones and affordable chic.

Joe Fresh Style: What evolved from a sketch of envisioning a nude look to his creations blossomed into a collection of separates Joseph Mimran calls the "Dutch girl goes sexy goes charming."

Mimran brought his latest offerings of affordable ready-to-wear to the runway with barely-there creations awash in neutral tones infusing sweetness and innocence into designs balanced with a hint of naughtiness.

Whites and tans were the dominant colour story in the collection, effectively contrasting the soft hues with delicate fabrics showcased in an array of organza shirts, tunics and silk onesies. Underwear doubled as outerwear with gathered bras sported over shirtdresses and sheer Ts.

Gingham prints added playfulness to blazers and bloomers.

Amid the more pared-down colour palette there were pops of colours in rosette coats and skirts bathed in pale rose and sunshine yellow hues.

The collection featured a wide array of accessories to complement the look with leather clog sandals, towering straw hats, a colourful array of knee highs and geeky chic oversized tortoise shell glasses.

The look for men was classic and neutral, with polos, chinos and slim cut pants accessorized with leather brogues.

Backstage following the show Wednesday, Mimran said in the midst of a tough economy, his affordable line has gained recognition and provides a great alternative in terms of pricing and convenience. All the pieces featured are slated to retail for under $60 apiece.

The trend of affordable chic is one he said that will endure for the forseeable future.

"Nothing is forever in fashion that's for sure because you can see what changes in fashion," Mimran said. "But I think from a macro retail perspective I think this is a long-term trend and I think we're just at the beginning stages of it."

Keeping in the tradition of showcasing a star model in their designs, Joe Fresh recruited Theodora Richards, daughter of model Patti Hansen and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, who opened the show - and lost a shoe - while walking the runway. Keeping with the flow, she simply kicked off her other heel and continue to strut the catwalk.

Toronto Raptor Chris Bosh, ex-NHLer and current "Battle of the Blades" contestant Tie Domi and "Nip/Tuck" star Kelly Carlson sat side-by-side front row among a packed audience of stylewatchers closing out Day 3.

Pink Tartan: Kimberley Newport-Mimran's latest offerings from her upscale womenswear label offered a succession of slick trenches, sleek dresses, sky-high minis and blousy separates from body-contouring to breezy, free-form creations.

Black and white striping was effectively used on a loose-fitting off-shoulder sequined top and a wrap-front tie three-quarter sleeve dress. But designs were infused with colour beyond the monochromatic blacks, whites and greys with cobalt blue and earthier tones like forest green, rust and coffee brown.

Body-hugging separates had hemlines and trouser lengths on the rise, with snug-fitting leather minis, bustier dresses and bicycle shorts.