The idea of crossing esthetic – and neighbourhood – lines was brilliantly shown by Zoran Dobric, who reworked his art-school, and occasionally Gothic looks into uptown hits. Playing on the elegance and timelessness of opera legend Maria Callas, Dobric cut rigorously feminine separates and dresses out of his trademarked crinkled nylon and hand-dyed silks that spoke of womanly confidence and quiet optimism, despite the overwhelming use of black. Tightly belted waists and a variety of skirt styles (A-line, bubble, tulip) were elegantly cut, and oftentimes draped and folded for interest, and looked ultra-modern when paired with exaggerated rolled up-hair dos. The designer still has an edge, however – the models also sported patent-look tattoos and some models strolled the runway with a corseted street urchin.

The sea, not the street, was the inspiration for Nada, who turned her models into mermaids with long, flowing dresses (such as the yellow number which opened the show), and voluminous hair extensions. Wrap dresses in near-abstract floral prints hinted at the dappling of sun underwater, while a distressed, iridescent fabric hinted at waves, and an opalescent “sea dollar” shift was a literal connection to the seaside. It may not have been the most innovative collection, but it was certainly wearable – and saleable.

Speaking of saleable, outerwear label Rudsak was banking on the trench as the key to success for its ever-expanding roster of retail outlets. Rendered in desert tones of khaki, chocolate, sage, black and mustard, the beautiful basic appeared in many variations, the most intriguing having a built-in cowl neckline to compliment the existing lapels. This look, as well as other tweaks to the trench (bracelet sleeves, hidden-button or asymmetric closures) redefined its go-anywhere purpose without sacrificing its stylistic safety.

Seven Eighty chose to style its more downtown pieces in an uptown way – an interesting decision for a denim label. Rather than go the rock and roll route, darker denim and striped suits were paired with pretty heels and understated jewelry. The label was long on short suits, and tipped its hat to nautical looks via navy denim, anchor detailing, and seaside linen stripes.

It was a similar story with Aqua di Lara, a Montreal swimwear label that went for all out glamor in its suits in retro, yet practical, molded cups and lounging-only monokinis with rhinestone details.