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Farley Chatto’s collection channels regal Russian opulence

Toronto Fashion Week
A model walks the runway for the Farley Chatto collection during Toronto fashion week in Toronto on Thursday, March 26, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

TORONTO – Opulence reigned on the runway as Farley Chatto introduced sumptuous fur designs fit for royalty.

The longtime Toronto-based designer debuted his Czar Nicholas collection at World MasterCard Fashion Week on Thursday. The fall-winter line was influenced by the luxurious lifestyle of Russia’s last emperor.

Chatto recalled going to the closing sale of Toronto’s famed World’s Biggest Bookstore where he discovered a book on czar and czarina costuming and wardrobing.

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“I read the book cover to cover and I was mesmerized,” he said in an interview backstage.

Chatto stayed true to his source material with his interpretation of lavish Russian regal styles.

Silver fox furs were used to craft a double breasted, circle-skirted swing coat, cozy muffs and towering Cossack hats featured in the collection.

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Russian broadtail, sable and mink were among the lush luxury furs showcased, with a military banded coat and stoles, shrugs and scarves among the garments on display.

A mink and leather reversible bomber jacket with detachable hood offered a contemporary take on the classic inspiration.

Chatto closed out the presentation with a pair of showstopping princess dresses, notably a hand-beaded, diagonal-banded wedding gown with fur built right into the bodice.

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