Photos by Christian Allaire
Immediately following the Arthur Mendonça show, supermodel/diva extraordinaire Stacey McKenzie runs backstage from her front row seat, embraces the designer, and says “best fucking collection of Toronto Fashion Week!”

Although McKenzie probably says so to every single one of her designer friends, because she has to, it was unusual to see such an enthusiastic reaction from a woman who’s, frankly, seen it all in terms of fashion. Lots of other women went crazy for the collection, as well, emphatically spewing a never-ending clamour of I DIEs and G-YORGG-EOUSs – and it’s understandable why. The collection is every girl’s dream; a princess collection of sorts. For his fall collection Mendonça was inspired by the 1960s (naturally!), as well as photography and sadistic dystopic novels/movies (?). Who knew beauty hid in the deep dark shadows? 

Photos by Christian Allaire
“This season I was looking at a lot of black and white photographs, Helmut Newton specifically,” said Mendonça, “so that’s where a lot of the inspiration came from. And also ‘A Clockwork Orange,’ and a little bit of a ’60s suburban naughty housewife.” 

Photo by Christian Allaire
Bowler hats, white satin, and black eye makeup (on both eyes, not just one!) pointed to the cult classic film ‘A Clockwork Orange,’ while fur shawls in a variety of colours, boxy leather dresses, and cigarette-cut and flared trousers transported us back to the Mod era. “There was a lot of leather and lace, which was the main bulk of the collection. A lot of ’60s colours, like the roses and burgundies,” said Mendonça. The collection also played with a variety of texture, including lace dresses, skirts, and tops, a pink patent leather trench coat, and pleated wool trousers (done in subtle plaid or paisley patterns). Finishing details included leather pockets, fur circle scarves, tailored side seams, and exposed backs. 

Photo by Christian Allaore
Mendonça always tries to keep his collection accessible to a wide range of women, which may explain all the excitement he received from the hyperventilating female crowd. “I’ve always tried to make it very wearable. I’m not really targeting one specific woman — I have friends in their 20s and friends in their 50s and 60s. I cater to everyone,” said Mendonça. 

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