The clothes on display at Canadian Jeremy Laing’s spring/summer presentation were in a word, stunning. Architectural and futuristic, bold yet delicate, the Toronto-based designer’s garments brought to mind Grecian goddesses, Japanese origami and even traces of cult-fave film Blade Runner. And yet for all its diverse influences, the collection was surprisingly cohesive, with each look blending in seamlessly thanks to its rich use of textures and stark palette of soft blacks, whites and grays.

Laing’s materials were almost as inventive as his designs, with coats in white stucco jacquard and dresses in silk and crinkle gauze with hand-sewn leather tiles. Tulle tights and blocked skinny pants in perforated leather and suede set the tone, with loose, flowing dresses layered on top. When the models broke from their stationary lines to start walking — one by one — for the cameras, you really saw how well the pieces moved. And while they looked pristine and almost gallery-perfect standing still, the beautiful dresses and jackets looked — dare we say — pretty comfortable to wear as well. Inventive AND wearable? That’s perhaps the best compliment of all.

- TC