Kelly Freemand and Rory Lindo are designers for the label Damzels in this Dress. Based out of Toronto, they hold headquarters on Queen Street in the fashion district. Damzels had not shown at Toronto Fashion Week for the past two years, so their return to the runway to launch their “Doll Factory” collection was a much anticipated event. In addition, Damzels paired up with the Play Dead Cult label in a double feature show to create fashion fusion with a brand that complements their style.

Damzels and Play Dead each prepared a short 5 minute film to familiarize the audience with their themes and to launch their respective shows. The Damzel’s movie was a cute yet slightly dark story of two dolls that come to life and bust out into the world after their owner, a sweet old lady, dies of a pin prick while sewing their doll clothes. As if they were an extension of the dolls in the film, models appeared on the catwalk in robot/doll-like poses before marching down the runway like life-size Barbie’s.

The selection of songs by heavy metal greats, such as Twisted Sister and Gun’s n’ Roses, indicated a strong rock ‘n roll vibe that united both the Damzel collection and the Play Dead collections and contributed to their individual themes.

The Damzel’s collection was comprised solely of dresses with fierce above-the-knee hem lines, accenting the girlie-ness they were aiming to achieve. The dominant silhouette of the dresses was straight, although some did have slightly flaring skirts. Heavier fabrics created a certain stiffness of the garments, perhaps to emulate the stiffness of a doll’s movement. Bold colours, such as you would find on doll’s clothing, dominated the colour palette. Pink was a main feature, accented by red, black and blue. Additionally, prints were used both on the dresses and on accent pieces, such as argyle socks.

Further to trims in the form of bows, ribbons, ruffles, flowers, belts and buttons on the garments, accessories played a dominant role in achieving the Doll Factory look. The models carried larger than life props, such as umbrellas, fans and even a chainsaw. This interesting element seemed to evoke the idea of accessories that might come along with your Barbie doll, but again with a darker twist.

Damzels in this Dress is credited with an excellent display of showmanship and clothes that exhibit a unique and interesting point of view.