Whitney Linen Couture debuted Day 3 of World MasterCard Fashion Week (WMFCF) in Toronto, Canada, with a spectacular Spring/Summer 2013 collection.  The impressive tailoring and structured pieces literally gave me shivers of excitement. Everyone was abuzz about the “All Raw Linen” couture collection from designer Whitney Westwood. Whitney Linen’s collections for men, women and for home accessories has exploded onto the fashion scene in the short year since the launch of Whitney Linen Couture. This is a designer to watch with an impressive story!

Despite raw linen’s historically “eco friendly” nature and durable qualities, linen can be tricky and designers often produce linen garments that are boxy or shapeless. Imagine my surprise when the runway began and I gazed upon Westwood’s show stopping gown; a one shoulder, pale aqua mermaid gown with pleating and a darling little bow. I had to do a double take just to make sure I was really seeing a couture linen gown. 

Westwood has pushed her everyday resort wear into the higher end fashion world by enlisting the help of Franciska Veress, an experienced accessories designer. The result is simplistic, sweet, pearl-like detailing in place of belts, epaulettes, shoulders, and cuffs completed with sweet bracelets and accessories.

Whitney Linen’s palette of light violets, muted aquas and creams was spot-on with the spring trends we were seeing all over the Fashion Week runways. There were an unexpected variety of silhouettes. Everyday looks for the office featured high waisted, pencil skirts and blouses complemented with the WL signature neck bow. Resort Wear featured updated wrap dresses with a floor length twist and palazzo pants with tuxedo jackets. This extended into the evening wear culminating with a totally romantic, dazzling, violet, floor length gown that swooped along the floor. ‘Unforgettable’ was the name of the game when a sexy, one piece jumpsuit with plunging neckline with mini cape sweeping to the floor, came floating down the runway. We also had a hard time forgetting that “peek-a-boo” robe dress that finished the show.