New blood and cutting-edge trends sparked genuine excitement this week in Toronto, as fashion reporters from around the world convened to cover the Fall-Winter collections at World MasterCard Fashion Week.

"Fashion Television" host Jeanne Beker was among those who kept their eyes glued to the runway.

What most impressed this veteran reporter was the number of Canadian designers on hand who are now gaining reputations around the world.

"If you want to compete on the global stage you just can't stay in your own backyard," Beker said on Friday on CTV's Canada AM.

Toronto's luxury label Greta Constantine was just one example of homegrown talent that is pushing beyond Canada's boundaries.

For Fall-Winter 2012, designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong took the little black dress to new limits, creating a strong, ready-to-wear collection of sleek, architectural pieces that translated well off the runway for ordinary women.

"I'm a big fan of Greta Constantine," said Beker.

"They're just masters at what they do. They know how to make great dresses," she said.

Beker caught up with this design team in Paris recently, where they rented an apartment to show their latest collection to international buyers.

"The response was fantastic," said Beker.

"They're going to start going to Paris each season. They're finally starting to push beyond our borders," she said.

Jeremy Laing is another Canadian taking his design vision to the world.

Laing was one of several designers included in Holt Renfrew's launch show for Toronto Fashion Week.

Laing's avant-garde jackets and use of disparate textures such as velvet, silk, mohair and high-tech faux suede made a strong statement. That message is one that Laing is also taking to New York.

The fashion school grad from Toronto's Ryerson University has shown in Manhattan for 10 seasons.

"He's really building a reputation for himself outside of Canada, which is just so important," said Beker.

Lida Baday and Smythe, two other participants in Holt Renfrew's opener, also earned top marks with Beker for their sleek sophistication and craftsmanship.

Baday has long been known in Canada and abroad for her elegant womenswear.

Smythe designers Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe have seen their beautifully-tailored jackets worn by such celebrities as Anne Hathaway and Blake Lively.

The Toronto label also gained international notoriety in 2011 when they created a jacket worn by Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge during her first official visit to Canada after her marriage to Prince William.

Vawk, from designer Sunny Fong, was another Beker favourite.

The line's perfect melding of samurai and sci-fi influences translated well into kimono-like dresses and precision-cut coats.

"Sunny's pushing himself in wonderful ways," said Beker.

"He did some very glamorous stuff and some beautiful coasts with incredible fur detailing. It's very chic day and evening wear," she said.

Joe Fresh and Pink Tartan, two well-established Canadian lines, also impressed Beker with their focus on sleek, clean lines and strong colours.

The knitwear label Line, from designers John Muscat and Jennifer Wells, was another favourite for its simplicity and international appeal.

Created in 2000, this Canadian collection delivers feminine, comfortable knit pieces that marry luxury with simple elegance.

"Line is a wonderful label that's doing so well outside of Canada," said Beker.

"They do great sweaters in a wide variety of shapes. They're practical, wearable things with a wow factor to them," she said.