Runway Photos by Peter Jensen
Second Denim Photos courtesy of Montreal Fashion Week Photo Gallery
Day 2 of Montreal Fashion Week opened with an exhibition and alternative style fashion show in the large lounge area - Second Clothing and Kollontai - followed by 4 unique designers who presented on the main runway. Below is a short recap of all the shows along with a sampling of photos. Want to see more? Videos of individual shows are available for viewing. You'll find the links on the SMMTV page at - http://montrealfashionweek.ca/smmtv/index.php?lang=en.
Second Clothing Denim Clinic
Second Clothing featured their line of Yoga Jeans at a "Dr. Denim Clinic" where they had denim "...doctors and nurses to help diagnose the best jeans cuts for different figures." There were sample racks on display to peruse as well as several experts available to answer any of your questions. Overall, my impression was that they were as stretchy as a jegging, but the fabric felt a bit thicker. The samples actually looked more like a very tight jean. Two models created an impressive display of how flexible the fabric actually is by performing acrobatics while wearing a pair. As you can see in the press photo from Montreal Fashion Week above, they come in some bright, appealing colours - white, red, mint and peach - in addition to the standard black.
Kollontai
Next was Kollontai by designer Gabrielle Tousignant. Again held in the lounge, three pedestals replaced the normal runway. The show opened with three dancers in leotards and then models came out wearing varying looks from the collection and posed on one of the pedestals, turning regularly so all attendees could see the look from both front and back. At regular intervals a new model would come out and change places with one that had already been seen. The beauty of this style of show is that you get more time to view individual garments as well as a closer look. Unique fabrics from French lacemaker Noyon were combined with innovative trims to create a line of easy to wear, fresh garments in colours and prints that are sure to appeal to a young market. Mid-length dresses definitely dominated. With such a comfortable look, I was surprised to read in the designer's bio that corsetry techniques were used in the construction of each garment. The palette included prints, solids, vibrant hues and of course the deeper tones so necessary for fall. Overall feminine and versatile.
The first show on the runway this evening was Martin Lim. Over the next few days, echos of the popularity of this collection continued to be heard. Martin Lim is the brainchild of designers Danielle Martin and Pao Lim. A fusion of 2 cultures, it has been the recipient of several international awards. The description in the designers' bios best relates their inspiration. "For Fall 2012, references to the sixties along with the influence of contemporary artists evokes a modernist and effortless style. Femininity and graphic art reach depths unexplored in their original concept." Long, narrow rectangular strips in varying length, geometric colour blocking, sheer multi-seamed leggings and uneven hemlines were just some of the themes to be found. Enticing colours such as Aqua, Fuschia and Red were interspersed with Gray and Black. Generally garments had a softly tailored fit that showed off the figure but left room for comfort and movement. Skirts fitted at the waist flared out full enough to give them movement on the runway without being bulky. There were also several draped pieces. One personal favourite was a dusty purple draped halter. Great silhouettes and proportions as well as excellent construction were seen through out.
Annie 50
Annie 50, by designers Annie Chagnon and Amelie Gingras-Rioux, took the evening in a whole new direction. Inspired by the 50's, the collection had a flirty vintage feel, but with enough modern twist to make them appealing in today's market. I loved the description in their bio - "Neo-Retro Fashions" - as I think that nails their aesthetic perfectly. Called Rococo Feast of Candies and Cakes, these figure flattering garments in both woven and knit moved from fitted to flowing with ease. Skirts narrow at the waist flared out smoothly to a volume that allowed for a sexy swing as the models walked. They were paired beautifully with fitted, soft tops. Then there were slimmer cuts from head to toe that gently hugged the body. Colours included white, grey, dusty rose, rust, teal, navy and black in both prints and solids. One woven in gold and navy was particularly striking. Small florals can be a downfall, but overall their choice of prints for this collection fit well with the silhouettes and aesthetic of the line. Best description? Feminine, chic and young.
Dinh Ba Design
Designer Dinh Ba was one of the few whose collection included a full range of both mens and womens garments. This collection, his 17th, featured a selection of chic pieces for women as well as edgier looks for men. For the women's line there were a mix of prints and solids in predominantly black and bronze. Several of the solid fabrics had an interesting texture which created depth and trims of either fur or leather were used thoughtfully. Included were a few metallics to carry you through the holiday season. One piece I would like to own was a textured black wrap that was a slightly longer knee length in front and styled with an obi belt. I also loved the print used in several designs that had a black background with a large design in white and gray. The mens wear was much edgier. Lots of black with white and gray additions. Individual pieces included drop crotch pants, coats, jackets, shirts and tees, creating a great selection of looks. The designers choice of print fabrics for men was for the most part bang on. I particularly liked the use of pinstripe fabric to fashion a long tunic with the stripes creating geometric shapes at the torso and on the sleeves. The graphic tees were also great. The only look I felt a bit over the top was the full suit in a statement making white and black print. That said, it was a hit with the camera man sitting next to me.
Eve Gravel
Closing the evening was designer Eve Gravel. From start to finish it was clear this designer had a strong, loyal following in the audience. You could hear the buzz. The designer described this collection as cozy, sexy and sassy, "...a fashion forward take on a woodsman style..." The line of short dresses and separates moved easily back and forth from tomboy to woman. Wools, knits, fur accents and a feather print in both black and white were used to create casual garments that were both fashionable and comfortable. Models were styled in fur hats and warm winter boots, and layers were created with sweaters, ponchos, vests and over-sized coats. The palette was a cool cream, silver gray, ochre, navy blue and black. Lengths for the dresses and skirts went from mini to mid-calf and there were a few pairs of very short shorts in the mix. The surprise for me came with the addition of two gold and black sequins dresses. Still great pieces in their own right, but a little unusual given the fashion forward woodsman theme of the rest of the collection.
I've been wearing skinny Second Yoga Jeans for years! Plum in Vancouver carries them. They are definitely jeans, not jeggings, but they do fit very close to the body -- and really stretch.
ReplyDeleteSorry for two comments, but I just wanted to add that these collections are stunning, perhaps all the more so because they look so wearable. Wish I had been there for day 2 at least!
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