Toronto Fashion Week: Mercedes-Benz Start Up Finale

The judges explained to those of us in the audience how difficult it was to choose between the eight Mercedes-Benz Start Up participating designers—themselves narrowed down during a Canada-wide search. In the end, it was a tie, between Matiére Noire, from Montreal, and Malorie Urbanovitch, from Edmonton. Both winners showed that they were more than capable of carrying a collection. Matiére Noire designer Cécile Raizonville presented sculptural, boxy jackets and tops, wide sleeves, slimmed waists and hips all in nubby, neutral fabrics. Urbanovich, on the other hand, showed a collection that brought together two ‘90s mainstays—with minimalist Calvin Klein-esque silk dresses paired with grungy sweaters and cardigans. Congratulations to both winners!