Memorable voluminous white pants billowed on the runway at the Mélissa Nepton spring/summer 2014 show. A love letter to reigning transparency trends and classic colours, Nepton’s latest collection is an exercise in vibrant sophistication.

To complement the collection’s wispy looks, were heavier quilted sweatshirts, juxtaposed with light navy and red polka dot sheers. Favourites included sheer floor-length skirts and pants that skimmed the ground, paired with longer tunics, that together exuded a sense of Zen-like charm.

Continuing with the Eastern influence, Nepton’s beauty look pulled inspiration from the Chinese opera. Models walked the runway with temples coloured in dramatic streaks of rose eye shadow and hair partially pulled back and slicked into a black plastic casing in the fashion of a samurai.

The designer’s preferred transparency for SS14, took a sport turn with grey track pants and grid-like semi see-through tops, a standout design which also appeared in the form of a floor-length dress. Though black, white and grey ensembles dominated, splashes of blue and sequins enlivened the collection. The looks were accessorized with clunky sandals, classic loafers and sneakers with red soles, adding to the sporty-swagger of the looks.

A collection designed for style savvy sport-types (i.e: a woman who likes a good skort), it might seem odd that we decided to invite someone who admits to being “not the sportiest girl,” but impeccable taste trumps athletic ability when it comes to the runway, so sitting beside us at Mélissa Nepton’s World MasterCard Fashion Week show was Toronto-based stylist Alicia Simpson. Below Simpson takes our Fashion Week questionnaire and shed lights on the new sports trend and why Nepton does it best.

RATE THE IMPORTANCE OF FASHION IN YOUR LIFE.

Probably an 8 or a 9 because it’s my career and it’s in my life everyday.

BASED ON WHAT YOU’VE SEEN TONIGHT. WHAT DO YOU PREDICT TO BE THE BIGGEST TREND TO HIT THE STREETS NEXT SEASON?

Based on this show, this really touched on the sport trend for next spring. The elements like that nylon mesh on the tank top, the zippers and one dress had a drawstring hoodie on it.

DO YOU THINK YOU’LL INCORPORATE THESE TRENDS INTO YOUR OWN WARDROBE?

Probably not, I am probably not the sportiest girl.

ARE YOU MORE OF A TREND PERSON OR A STAPLES PERSON?

I would say both. I have a lot of staples, but I do incorporate trends each season.

WHAT IS THE MOST GLAMOROUS PIECE IN YOUR CLOSET AND WHAT’S THE COZIEST?

Probably the most extravagant would be a floor-length beaded Halston wrap dress or my metallic Pierre Hardy shoes. Coziest…probably some sweaters I have from LINE Knitwear.

IF YOU COULD TAKE ONE PIECE FROM THE RUNWAY WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I liked all the little shorts…they looked like voluminous skirts, but they were actually little shorts. They were really cute.

IF YOU COULD WATCH TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH ANY CELEBRITY, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Sarah Jessica Parker.

WHAT SONG WOULD YOU CHOOSE AS THE RUNWAY SOUNDTRACK TO THIS COLLECTION?

I don’t pretend to know a ton about music, so I don’t think I would be the best person to pick the music… (Laughing.)

WHO IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON TO IMPRESS AT FASHION WEEK?

I think you kind of have to dress how you feel, I don’t think should be there to impress anyone else. I mean, people do try to impress the photographers to get themselves on the street style blogs.

WHAT WAS THE SINGLE ELEMENT ABOUT THIS FASHION WEEK THAT IMPRESSED YOU MOST, ON OR OFF RUNWAY?

I love how everyone puts more thought and effort into their outfits [at Fashion Week]. I wish there was more that every day on the streets! I love checking out everyone’s personal style.

Mélissa Nepton Spring/Summer 2014

Published October 29, 2013