Toronto Fashion Week: Whitney Linen Brings Effortless Elegance

Whitney Linen designers Whitney Westwood and Franciska Veress dazzled show-goers in unexpected ways with their magnificently tailored suits and extravagant floor-length dresses at their Spring 2014 studio presentation. The designers played with different textures and patterns, giving their typically simplistic line a refreshingly modern twist. Bold, cheerful yellow prints adorned some dresses and skirts, while exaggerated pleated collars and bows paired with chunky accessories made for a whimsically contemporary aesthetic. The tailored linen suits—staple pieces in the Whitney Linen collection—ranged in various neutral colours and truly captured the essence of the brand: effortless elegance easily achieved with a fabric as simple as linen. The beauty of the collection? Separates and suits alike are perfect for almost any summer occasion, whether it's a gala or garden party. Beyond the triumphant, accessible designs, the show's highlight was decidedly lusty when the audience cheered as a male model sauntered down the runway in a slinky bathrobe.