Throughout T3 Bayside, Fashion Art Toronto’s home base, there were whispers that this was going to be one of the best shows by Mayer that Toronto has seen so far. People were anticipating what the contemporary menswear label would bring to the runway, and were later highly rewarded with A Love Letter to Summer, a collection that transformed traditional menswear into something playful, expressive, and full of fun personality.

Mayer approaches modern dressing through precision, strong construction, and a refined understanding of classic menswear. The collection explored what happens when structure meets freedom — when suits, jackets, and traditional masculine silhouettes are combined with unexpected colours, prints, and styling choices. Inspired by the desire to explore the world through real experiences and individuality, A Love Letter to Summer transported the audience from disco nights in Paris to the relaxed elegance of the Italian Riviera. The collection captured the feeling of travelling somewhere new, where your wardrobe becomes part of the memory. We expect resort wear, but this was elevated — polished enough for luxury destinations while still feeling fun and effortless.

One of the strongest aspects of the collection was how MAYER played with masculinity. The brand proved that menswear does not need to be restricted to dark suits and traditional silhouettes. And yes, we need to talk about the short shorts. Short shorts were everywhere throughout the collection, and there better be not one complaint about it! It was one of the most refreshing styling choices of the show. It was inspiring to see them paired with suit jackets and tailored styles, helping to create a balance between sophistication and confidence. A blue-and-white striped look paired with bold red sailor-inspired shorts perfectly captured the nautical summer feeling while still feeling fashion-forward.

Another standout look featured a pinstriped shirt, a black diagonal striped tie, and then suddenly — bright green short shorts. The unexpected colour brought the outfit to life, while the oversized chunky brown boots created an even bigger contrast. The shoes could have felt disconnected from the rest of the collection, but that risk is exactly what made the look successful. They added a different energy and prevented the collection from becoming predictable.

The colour story throughout the runway was undeniable. Mayer created multiple smaller worlds within the larger collection, almost like themes within themes, no matter what colours you took from it. Soft pastels appeared alongside earthy tones, such as brown paired with butter yellow and matcha green, while saturated reds and royal blues brought stronger moments of energy. Rather than competing with one another, each colour group felt intentional and connected to the overall summer fantasy.

The collection also embraced texture and experimentation through textiles like sequins, lace, mesh, sparkles, and playful prints. Zebra patterns added a bold statement, while dramatic trains flowed behind models like moving capes, taking over the runway space. These details elevated the collection beyond classic resort wear and created moments that felt theatrical.

Although MAYER is primarily known for menswear, one of the women’s looks became one of the most memorable moments of the show. An all-black lace suit paired with a high halter neckline and a long, flowing scarf detail was effortlessly elegant. The subtle blush tone underneath the lace added softness and dimension, proving that the collection’s design language extended beyond traditional menswear.

The accessories were a huge eye catcher throughout the show. Models were styled with sunglasses, printed scarves, floral-filled totes, and statement pieces that completed the vacation fantasy. The return of chunky sunglasses was especially exciting after years of minimal, barely-there frames dominating fashion. These oversized styles brought a vintage 1970s glamour that perfectly matched the collection’s confident energy.

Every detail felt intentional, from the colour combinations to the styling choices. Mayer created a collection that was refined without becoming predictable, proving that modern menswear can be sophisticated while still allowing room for fun, experimentation, and individuality, the feeling of being somewhere warm, dressed perfectly, and being completely yourself.

Photographer: @cosplay @mio_mak | FAT