TORONTO -- Opulence reigned on the runway as Farley Chatto introduced sumptuous fur designs fit for royalty.
The longtime Toronto-based designer debuted his Czar Nicholas collection at World MasterCard Fashion Week on Thursday. The fall-winter line was influenced by the luxurious lifestyle of Russia's last emperor.
Chatto recalled going to the closing sale of Toronto's famed World's Biggest Bookstore where he discovered a book on czar and czarina costuming and wardrobing.
"I read the book cover to cover and I was mesmerized," he said in an interview backstage.
Chatto stayed true to his source material with his interpretation of lavish Russian regal styles.
Silver fox furs were used to craft a double breasted, circle-skirted swing coat, cozy muffs and towering Cossack hats featured in the collection.
Russian broadtail, sable and mink were among the lush luxury furs showcased, with a military banded coat and stoles, shrugs and scarves among the garments on display.
A mink and leather reversible bomber jacket with detachable hood offered a contemporary take on the classic inspiration.
Chatto closed out the presentation with a pair of showstopping princess dresses, notably a hand-beaded, diagonal-banded wedding gown with fur built right into the bodice.
