Day 3 of Fashion Week is always a mixed bag of emotions. After a few days, the long lines, uncomfortable shoes and uncooperative weather starts to get to you. On the other hand, Wednesday's collections were the strongest so far this week and thankfully, there's something going around other than the sniffles - genuine creative energy.

The Scene

The moment that a runway show's lights come up and the music starts pounding through the speakers creates a sensation like no other - that is, if you're a fashion addict (don't worry, you're in good company.) It's a feeling of anticipation and potential, and the majority of designers lived up to that promise today. All of the presentations that we've chosen to be a part of our daily round up this evening showed a great deal of thought, detail and eccentricity - a necessary part of any successful collection.

Sid Neigum



This collection from young Canada-bred, NYC-based Neigum was all of the hype that we hoped it would be, and then some. The presentation had a Japanese vibe to it, and while the garments still reflected Neigum's soulful, almost brooding approach to fashion, some surprising pops of muted rusts and turquoise polka dots were, for this usually all-noir designer, a welcome refreshment. The spring collection was a departure in the sense that it reflected a more mature, put together and thorough Sid Neigum than in his Fall/Winter 2011 collection, but the designer stayed true to his roots by peppering the collection with leather and sheer fabrics. Models' hair was pulled into tight, thick top knots and faux angry eyebrows were painted on. Perhaps not a look for the masses, but that's not always the goal, and Neigum showed a striking collection in its own right.

Klaxon Howl



Klaxon Howl was another collection that drew inspiration from its roots to move forward into the next season. Designer and owner of the men's collection, Matt Robinson, stayed true to his army surplus beginnings with military-esque detailing and olive greens, but also dared to venture into new territory with bright hues (coral truly is the colour of the week), smatterings of gingham, white denim and more polished threads. Cuffed khakis, suit-inspired vests and crisp, tucked shirts created elements of class and thoroughness, but beaten-up canvas Converse ("oh, these old things?") kept the collection grounded and relatable.

Label



Designers Robinson and Sydoruk took their audience on a veritable voyage with this presentation. From head to toe, the team committed to a vision of cohesion, playfulness and intelligence that made for an overall outstanding presentation. The outfits were comfortable but sexy (sheer maxi skirts, bright fitted tunics, jersey miniskirts, oh my!), basic but fresh (cuffed t-shirts), and 100% wearable - which is the point, no? We had the pleasure of interviewing the designers behind Label for our Cool Kid LG Toronto Fashion Week special, but after seeing for ourselves how lovely the designs are, there's one more question we have to ask: how much for all of it?

Pink Tartan



The last couple shows of the night were two of the most anticipated, historically celebrated and hyped in the tents this week. First up came Kimberly Newport-Mimran's Pink Tartan, which was full of pleasant surprises and clever twists. Newport-Mimran's stripes and pleated A-line shirt dresses may not be something new, per se, but they were executed in a manner that was inarguably fresh (updated hemlines and wide pleats, respectively). Plus, Newport-Mimran went in a direction that few designers this week have dared: red. And it was fabulous. One of the strongest looks came via a pair of iridescent, fire-engine red cropped tight pants. The designer kept it from veering into sleazy territory by pairing it with a modest, full-sleeved top and simple but pristine make up. Still, perhaps not for the faint of heart, but fashion outside the box rarely is.

Joe Fresh



The closing collection of the evening was Joe Fresh, and the sheer exclusivity of this highly coveted show created a buzz that was heard through the tents for days leading up to it. It didn't matter that the show kept the audience waiting for half an hour; being there felt like being a part of something exciting (and some of the overheard conversations between fashionites were totally worth it.) In a phrase, Mimran went above and beyond. The hues were stunning, the details, immaculate and the overall vibe was fashion-forward, smart, bubbly and modern. Favourite looks included an accordion-esque sky blue dress, a paneled banker shirt tucked into printed pants in the same hues and a crew neck sweatshirt paired with a flowing maxi skirt - notably, both in Joe's emblematic tangerine. Mimran's flawless production, divine styling and fresh beauty worked together to compliment his all-around best collection yet.