Matt Robinson likes to tell stories. The Klaxon Howl owner and man behind its workwear and military-inspired line of menswear is one of a few Toronto designers who understands the impact that a well-researched, creatively-articulated theme can offer the presentation of a collection.

What can you say about Montreal’s Denis Gagnon? The designer is a catwalk triple threat, able to stay true to his contemporary aesthetic, constantly push forward the way he crafts clothes and translate his look to budget-friendly collaborations with ALDO and BEDO.

It is 10 days before VAWK’s Fall 2011 show and there are just four finished pieces hanging on the rack in Sunny Fong’s white-washed Church and Wellesley studio. The designer doesn’t seem worried.

Lolitta Dandoy, beauty writer and blogger (modederue.ca)

Arta Ghanbari, Editor of Défilé online magazine and from The Avenue, and student!