Day 2: Drama, drama, drama
Montreal fashion designers have a definite flair for the theatrical so it’s appropriate that its bi-annul fashion week is now held under the gorgeous gilt ceiling of the Imperial Theatre in the city’s Places Des Arts ‘hood. That dramatic edge reared its hyper coiffed head during Monday’s opening day shows.
Marissa Minicucci’s M Siamo presentation was a blur of flash bulbs as four models twirled through the theatre’s reception space vamping for shutter-happy photographers. A set of rolling racks (which I initially mistook for coat check) laid out behind the models’ posing spot was full of an extensive collection of cropped, high collared jackets in brown tweed, lightweight wools and crayola red and yellow plaid.
Fashion week might be kicking off on the heels of the city’s lushy St. Patty’s Day parade but its Scot-style tartans that are making multiple appearances on the catwalk. Christian Chenail bias cut the pattern into bold, cozy coats for his Muse collection.
Muse’s more costumey style was nicely complimented by Claudette Floyd’s Rush Couture line. An opening lineup of stylishly simple coats in thick, dove grey felt and balloon shaped black wool are perfect for Toronto’s coat coveting shoppers. A savvy local retailer would be smart to scout the line. Floyd also showed off some design gusto with a series of voluminous dresses and blouses in iridescent royal blue taffeta.
When it comes to drama, no one executes it more perfectly than Montreal’s hometown fashion hero Marie Saint Pierre. Her mostly black collection of ruffled and knotted dresses was accented with ethereal whites, thin jailbird stripes and coral knits. Tailored silk coats and oversized envelope pockets added more structural elements to the line but a pleated and folded parachute dress that inflated as the model charged down the runway proved MSP is best when she works a softer angle.
M Siamo available at Finishing Touches, 3281 Yonge, 416-482-9034.
Muse available (in Montreal only) at Boutique Muse/Christian Chenail, 4467 St. Denis, 514-848-9493.
Rush Couture available (in Montreal only) at Rush Couture, 3963 & 3971 St. Laurent, 514-985-1196.
Marie Saint Pierre available at Boutique Le Trou, 940 Queen West, 416-516-7122.
On today: Fall coat chopping at Soia & Kyo and Envers does it for the boys.
