On what seemed to be the hottest day of this summer yet, we - Christian, Jeff and I - were hit with waves of fuchsias, purples and sprinkles of gold. Inside a spacious studio in Leslieville, Nada Shephard and her crew carefully pored over the photos of her upcoming Spring/Summer '09 collection while the photographer snapped away. It briefly made me wonder how we survived without the instant satisfaction of digital cameras.

As this was the first photo shoot I tagged along with Fashion Television, I was doubly fascinated to meet Nada Shephard, whose name I have heard on the lips of my friends, and to preview her new pieces before any of the said friends. Oh, to be an insider!

The overall collection was elegant, graceful and approachable - echoing my first impression of the designer. I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to give away, but there were two pieces that definitely stood out - an airy, silk dress with gradation of fuchsia, and a stunning cape-dress with roping details. A collection truly as beautiful as the designer.