Review and photos by Helen Fylactou
Toronto’s David Dixon was the it-designer to catch this past Tuesday night, and he didn’t disappoint, delighting his audience with impeccable craftsmanship and deceptively simple designs. With back-to-back runway shows and a showcase display for his Barbie collection, Dixon’s romantic collection was reminiscent of old Hollywood.
Dixon’s 2010 Spring collection was the first to hit the runway. Inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Dixon incorporated a colour scheme and fluidity seen in nature. The collection included a wide array of skirts, jackets and dresses that ranged from business-casual to red-carpet ready. The majority of Dixon’s dresses kept to a form-fitting silhouette with clean lines and aesthetically pleasing textures, including a tailored floor-length sheath dress with spirograph prints and asymmetrical intersecting lines. The dress was strapless with a ruffle top and black tulle layer over a white satin skirt — draped, embroidered material was a running theme, creating a flower-like feel. His most dramatic piece was a silver spaghetti strap dress with a metal fringe that fluttered in the light. During the short break following the first runway show, waiters wearing Ken and Barbie shirts came out to serve the audience beer and wine.
Dixon’s second runway show launched with an explosion of pink, inspired by the fashion of the iconic Barbie, but meant for real women. The designs flirted with classic and modern Barbie, opening with a fuchsia a-line, 60s-inspired dress with a boat neck, top darts and a pleated skirt, paired with a black purse and black shoes.
Mastery was evident with Dixon’s white pea coat. The jacket was double-breasted with broad lapel and dark buttons. The coat was paired with brown knee-length shorts, ankle high brown socks, and heart-shaped peep-toe shoes.
Keeping with his signature feminine designs, Dixon’s collection is clean, simple and elegant.
