TORONTO - Fashionistas who missed Pat McDonagh's show at Toronto Fashion Week will likely get another chance to view her collection of elegant, nostalgic dresses - on the red carpet at the Gemini Awards.
"I think Pat could probably dress everybody on the red carpet for the Gemini Awards," said stylist Linda Gaylard. "It was just beautiful." Gaylard, who'll again provide sartorial counsel to the stars for Canadian television's big night out, has been a permanent fixture at this week's shows - searching for gowns. "Pat understands the importance of colour and texture," she said following Wednesday's show. "She understands glamour more than any other Canadian designer."

McDonagh - who added a touch of whimsy to the show by attaching licorice candy to some of the dresses and lips of the models - drew from a variety of expressive, fun colours for spring/summer 2005. "I think it was nostalgia, looking back through your memories at the things you really enjoyed," said McDonagh of her inspiration. "You can be lethal," said the Toronto-based designer, perhaps in reference to some of her sheer tops. One print in particular, comprising browns and tangerines on burnout silks, was the picture of groovy high society. "But sometimes, I think, every woman wants to feel like a pretty, silly girl." That Gaylard would likely come calling was welcome news to McDonagh, who in a career spanning more than three decades has dressed Cher, Ella Fitzgerald, and Diana, Princess of Wales.


BACK