For us, Toronto Fashion Week is not Toronto Fashion Week without the Spring/Summer 2020 runway show from the incredibly talented Lesley Hampton. Year after year, Lesley creates beautiful designs that have a decidedly ethereal quality and that was certainly the case with this latest collection. The other reason we’re always hella excited for Lesley’s show is her commitment to having models in her runway shows who are from marginalized communities and who are underrepresented in media.
This year’s show took place in the Royal Ontario Museum and it was a fitting location given that each piece of Hampton’s collection was indeed a work of art.
Lesley’s spring/summer collection had several design themes that we noted, one shoulder looks, two-piece sets, beautifully caped designs, embroidery, feathered detailing and pleats.
There were feathered jumpsuits in black or white that were to die for and were our personal favourites. The black straight leg one seen here is one shouldered with a sheer bodice. The other jumpsuit in white features a cape that billowed ever so softly as the model sashayed down the run way.
Next were the embroidered creations in the form of a romper with cape, a floor length gown with plunging neckline and a one shoulder asymmetrical dress. The detailing on each piece was meticulous in its construction. Both the skirt portions of the floor length gown and the dress with the asymmetrical hemline where slightly sheer.
Lesley expertly worked lace creations also delighted those in attendance. The two-piece pants set featured a sleeveless lace vest with a burst of orange peeking from beneath. Another gorgeous design was a one shouldered knee length dress with a ruffle which began from the waist falling across the skirt.
Pleats Please – 3 beautifully pleated designs floated down the runway. We especially loved the caped design with thigh high slits and plunging neckline- this number had us shouting YES MA’AM!!
Finally, the piece de resistance was a copper coloured mid-thigh length dress that was a wearable piece of art. According to Hampton the dress features, “Hand cut and hand embossed flower and petal details made from real copper plating.” To say that this piece was showstopping would be an understatement.
Clearly, Lesley Hampton is a talented design who’s star will continue to shine bright! Congratulations Lesley, on another magnificent show!
And that’s the long and short of it!
Photography credit: George Pimental