Kendra Francis, head designer of Franke (www.iamfranke.com), is Toronto fashion’s comeback queen. She established her chic and modern après-five cocktail style in 2002 with her much-loved Franke Boutique in Queen West. Forced to shut down in 2005 — was it a coincidence that she forecasted the hip strip’s ready-to-wear possibilities? — the designer re-emerged last year as a Project Runway Canada contestant. Granted, Episode 8’s Marie Antoinette–inspired swimwear drowned, but who says it’s all about winning? The show brought the public up to speed on a designer who had already outfitted Sarah Polley for Cannes and is now meeting with New York buyers for her Fall/Winter collection.
MUSE: Sylvia, NEXT-represented model/U of T economics student recently seen in Franke’s fall/winter installation at Toronto Fashion Week last month.
THE LOOK: Classic white suits, skimpy metallic swimsuits and sleek, silk jersey dresses in petal pink and lemon yellow. “I love throwing on a dress with flip-flops or heels, because they’re so light and easy,” Francis says of her breezy style. “[The dress hemlines] are really short, so cream those legs.”
THE CLOTHES: On Kendra: vintage blue Yves Saint Laurent blazer from Gadabout (1300 Queen E., www.gadabout.ca; $75), yellow short-sleeved Franke shirt ($160), white metallic linen high-waisted Franke trousers with pleated front ($390), yellow Franke snakeskin belt ($110), white nautical charm bracelet from SOOS (www.soosrocks.com; $45). On Sylvia: yellow Franke shift with detachable back drape ($710), silver stretch cuff bracelet from SOOS ($24), silver and white chain charm bracelet ($45), silver knee-high socks (stylist’s own), vintage silver platforms from Foxy Boutique (251 Gerrard E., 416-925-3252; $30).