![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0729/3838/9780/files/Jewelry-on-the-Runway-Feature.jpg?v=1681321878)
Even though the record-breaking heat and humidity altered my planned attire for the evening, the weather didn’t dampen my excitement. On September 5, I attended my first fashion show. But that’s not the exciting part. From my front row seat, I was thrilled to see my jewelry on the runway, debuting at the Christopher Paunil show at Toronto Fashion Week. Vintage necklaces, earrings, and bracelets from the TruFaux Jewels collection were selected by the designer and showcased with his exquisite bridal and evening wear. Let me tell you about the experience and my favorite bridal gowns.
Behind the Scenes
When you see a fashion show on TV, you don’t get a sense of the flurry of activity that precedes each event. The evening of Christopher’s show, his was one of eight scheduled from 4:00pm to 10:00pm that day – one each hour. The models had their hair and makeup done in a centralized area away from the show space. Each designer had to wait until the previous group vacated the backstage before gaining access to unload and get the models ready for their runway walk.
Front of House
Out front, volunteers scrambled to usher out the attendees, clean up, and get the space ready for the next crowd. When I and the other audience members and press were allowed to enter the long and narrow runway space, we saw three rows of 50 seats on each side. Each chair had the name of the person assigned to sit in it as well as sponsor gifts and promotional material. The wall at the front of the room was lit with Christopher’s name. Guests and press were hurrying to find their seats.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0729/3838/9780/files/Front-of-House.jpg)
Bridal Wear
We saw 13 bridal gowns, which included one jumpsuit. The silhouettes, sleeve styles, necklines, and fabrics reflected the designer’s “return to elegance with current sensibilities” (from his press release). This post will discuss two of my favorites.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0729/3838/9780/files/Bridal.jpg)
The gown on the left, according to the printed card with a sketch and description of each design, is “a strapless ball gown in floral organza jacquard with swag sleeves”. As you can see, it has side seam pockets. The bridal jumpsuit on the right is described as having long sleeves “with floral-embroidered shimmer lace bodice, high neck, and Spanish stretch mikado cigarette pants”. (Mikado is a blend of silks that result in a slightly shiny fabric that lends structure to a garment.) The removable overskirt is done in “flowing layers of satin organza”.
Bridal Jewels
Although I remembered which jewels Christopher had selected, I didn’t know which pieces would actually make the show and how he would pair them with the gowns and the models. As each one stepped out, I remember quietly gasping as I recognized the particular jewelry she was wearing.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0729/3838/9780/files/Bridal-Earrings.jpg)
I wasn’t surprised when he mixed decades on a model, as he did to accessorize the gown with swag sleeves (photo on the left). He chose 1950s diamanté chandelier ear clips by Pennino Brothers as well as an Art Deco aquamarine line bracelet from the 1920s (both sold). I, myself, often mix Art Deco pieces with jewelry from the 1940s and 1950s in my own attire and in my styling tips. Jewelry from this era is so classic that it harmonizes well with many other styles.
But I confess that I was surprised – and inspired – by his choice for the model in the jumpsuit (photo on the right). Here she is wearing late-1940s ear clips designed by Frank Hess for Miriam Haskell. They feature three vertical rows of opaque, white-glass beads and diamanté set in gold-tone metal. This pair has a Machine-Age-look as well as lots of sparkle and movement. I think they are a perfect, yet unexpected accessory for this extraordinary look.
Post-show Thoughts
In one of his Instagram posts, Christopher kindly wrote: “Thank you for your beautiful jewels – they brought everything to life on the runway!”. I want to thank him for choosing TruFaux Jewels to add a twist of vintage to his exquisite modern creations.
13 comments
Thanks, Patricia. The backdrop was mesmerizing! I’d never seen anything like it before.
Thanks so much, Mary Jane! It was an exciting experience!
Beautiful shots! Congratulations on having your exquisite jewelry chosen to compliment his designs!
Congratulations, Barbara!
The Versailles backdrop was a dramatic & fitting image for the beautiful bridal gowns and your jewellery!
Thanks so much for your compliments, Linda! Those Haskell earrings are a knockout! I never would have thought about them for a bride, but Christopher really inspired me!
Leave a comment