here are thirty-three fashion shows happening in the next six days. Considering that there are only 24 hours in a day it would be nearly impossible to attend each and every one. Instead we’ve decided to cover a shortlist of the best and boldest designers on the roster. Expect international brands like J. Lindeberg and Michael Kors along with local heroes like Preloved and Pink Cobra. Get the scoop pre-show so your insults aren’t entirely unfounded.



Andy The-Anh

Andy aims to dress the woman instead of the girl. That is to say you won’t find him designing fancy hoodies or fingerless gloves anytime soon. His spring show, which debuted at Toronto Fashion Week Spring 2007, was a luxe line of sex-laden satin in jewel tones that knocked the socks off his mainly cotton competition. Flirty dresses with bed-head hair got the point across. Everyone is curious to see what kind of womanly garments Andy has up his sleeve this time around. Will he continue with his ultra-feminine wave or will he give it an edge this time around? Only time will tell.



Bustle

In a town where everyone is hustling like mad just to make a living, Bustle clothing line offers a sweet repose. The label’s designers, Shawn Hewson and Ruth Promislow, who are Toronto natives themselves, pump out sexy leisure clothes with attitude. They are best known for launching the first ever line of Vespa clothing at Toronto Fashion Week last year. It was touted by many in the industry to be the best show of the week. Such a successful track record can be tough to live up to. We’ll see on Tuesday night whether they have retained their momentum.



Christian Audigier

Madonna is in love with this man’s clothing. It seems as if every other day Madge steps out in one of Christian’s gemmed-out trucker hats. I’m not going to go so far as to say that I support her fashion choice since it does seem a bit young for her, but Madonna always has been one to take risks, hasn’t she? Hell, she’s still parading her naughty bits around on the front of album covers. Audigier does sporty rock wear that looks like it’s been thrown up on by a fantastic tattoo artist. Hoodies, sneakers, even gold lamé pants are on the menu at Audigier for both men and women. If Madonna wears it, it must be cool.



Evan & Dean

Evan & Dean join the ranks of Dean and Dan of dSquared2 and Dolce and Gabbana in terms of hot, talented, gay fashionista couples. The dynamic duo are working hard to establish themselves as high-end designers of ladieswear and their hard work is paying off indefinately. Their designs are based on structure and voluminous shapes. A cinched waist can often be seen at the top of a billowing pleated skirt and an oversized structured collar on a banana trench has women swooning. The look is professional, risky and endearing at once which is a difficult balance to pull off. Grab some Evan & Dean gear now before a dress costs $1500.



Gsus

It has been said by many for thousands of years that if you follow the word of Jesus you will live an enlightened life. Giving away all one’s possessions to the poor and living selflessly are two keys to following in Jesus’ footsteps. We all know where Jesus ended up (stapled to the cross and all) and who wants that kind of luck? If enlightenment means innocent suffering, who’s going to go for that? No wonder the churches are empty these days. Gsus, on the other hand, is a brand straight out of the Netherlands that doesn’t give a damn thing away for free and wants you to acquire more meaningless material shit. They sell artsy, functional, colourful clothes that make a strong statement, Jesus friendly or not.



J. Lindeberg

J.Lindeberg, who was once the ultimate thin men’s silhouette connoisseur – skinny jeans and all - threw everybody for a loop last season when he broke out of his comfort zone and showed a voluminous line. The pants were baggy and high-waisted, a trend seen all over the ladies’ runways, and the overall shape was a new one. Let’s hope that Lindberg is still on an inspirational roll because we love surprises and trust J.L. with whatever he sees fit to offer. Older gents with undeniably suave auras and preppy young rebels should be shivering in anticipation.



Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Cole is an innovative guerrilla advertiser who finds inspiration and raison d’être in world issues. His current campaign shows two women (in fantastic shoes) with a baby at their feet. The ad reads, “We all walk in different shoes. Gay married couple Joanna and Nicoletta Tessler, with their daughter, Ruthie. 25 years of non-uniform thinking.” Cole has a line of tee-shirts that raise money for his AIDS charity on top of all the awareness he generates. This tried-and-true artist also designs wonderful clothes and accessories. But that just seems like side venture at this point.



Lacoste

“The Alligator” was René Lacoste’s nickname on the tennis court. The moniker came about on account of a bet that awarded an alligator skin suitcase to Rene if he won a crucial match for his team. The expert tennis player did win, of course, and the bet gave birth to Lacoste’s love for fashion and the finer things as well as the infamous alligator logo. The brand now caters to upper middle class soccer moms despite its marketing attempts at wooing younger generations. Expect more bright whites, pastels and sweater vests.



Lewd

It’s badass to be wanted for lewd behavior and, dressed in these garments, you might just get busted. Lewd is a strictly Montreal export, which could explain the brand’s edge if you’re looking for a cause. The printed long-sleeved tees, pleather spandex tights, detailed low-rise skinny jeans and collared spring mini dresses are Edie Sedgewick meets Avril Lavigne. The Lewd girl is a rockstar rebel who takes ballet classes and rides a skateboard as a means of transportation. Warhol would be pleased.



Mellinda-Mae Harlingten

Mellinda is one of those girls you simply love to hate as you bask in the light of her success. Young and fresh out of the London College of fashion, Mellinda has already debuted a spring and a fall collection for 2007. Wide-leg, high-waisted pants with low-set thin belts are Mellinda’s specialty, but she does create outfits for the casual young thing and the high-powered business woman alike. It doesn’t hurt that Mellinda could be a model herself with her nymph-ish good looks. Some people just have it all.



Miss Rowe

Ashley Rowe is a young Toronto designer who already has positions at Flare Magazine and Holt Renfrew under her belt. She debuted her first collection for Spring ’08 much to the glee of fashionistas in the city looking for some fresh blood. Rowe used fine silks and Egyptian cotton to construct her all-white line. The silhouette was slender and sophisticated with a touch of rebel rock star. Her craftsmanship is of the highest quality and she cuts clothes like a seasoned pro. I look forward to see what she has up her sleeve this time around.



Preloved

Preloved has been a favourite among Canadian women since its debut back in 1995. The entire line is made up of reconstructed vintage clothes. The high-quality fabrics of yore are cut along the seams and given streamlined new shapes to suit the modern girl and guy. Keep in mind that the flagship Preloved store burnt to the ground just recently in the Queen West fire which incidentally hasn’t been too bad for business. Their fashion show is still scheduled as planned along with the launch of two new offsets of the Preloved brand, Handcut and Bloved. Out of disaster comes success.



Pink Cobra

Pink Cobra has had their finger on the pulse of what every woman wants to wear since 2002. It’s hard to go wrong with sex-laden rock ‘n’ roll chic. Partners Daniel Augustino and Tania Martins dress their ladies and men up in outfits that will get people’s attention. Heavy black leather meets lace and silks are fitted with studs. Thigh-high mini skirts, zebra patterned skinny jeans and vintage heels make up a version of Angelina Jolie in Gia. This show is not to be missed.



Rudsak

The Montreal-based leather label was birthed by designer Evik Asatoorian. In the city of a thousand snows (or something along those lines) Evik’s stylish, classic, well-made outerwear and accessories for men and women became a quick local favourite. With a new store on Queen West at the corner of John, RUDSAK is now available to the English speaking half. If you look around on any winter day in Toronto or Montreal chances are you’d be able to admire one of Evik’s creations in action. There is something to be said for a designer who only makes staple garments, void of any frivolous trend. RUDSAK’s wallets, bags and shoes are also coveted among leather loving Canucks. PETA can suck it.