Accidental Treasure

I find it extremely difficult to take pictures at fashion shows from anywhere but the photographers pit (see my earlier post on Willow for more on my pit experience). Whether its a speedy model, poor lighting, a seat too close, or one too far, I always manage to end up with an album that is 95% blurry, crooked, and downright bad.

I took the photo above during the packed Joe Fresh show at LGFW last month. It captures nothing I hoped it would. Right away however I could tell that it was one of the exceptions. A photo so bad its good. Something about the blurry audience and the model's fire red hair against the white fur coat made me fall in love with this shot.

Boys R Us

I have been to many menswear shows and I have to admit that I often find them boring, repetitive and unimaginative. Lets just say that in the past two years at NYFW I have seen too many bowties, too many rolled cuffs, and too often find myself staring everywhere but the runway. The bottom line is that it takes a great deal of originality and attention to detail for a menswear designer to stand out in my mind.

This is precisely why I was so excited after Montreal designer Dimitri-Chris’s show at LG Fashion Week. His collection titled ‘Master of the Foxhounds’, was tailored without being stuffy and combined both classic and modern elements. My favorite had to be the way designer Dimitri-Chris Alexiou played with footwear introducing the boys to clogs (a ladies favorite this season after Chanel). The clogs were perfectly simple, fashioned out of brown leather, and I can totally see them taking over the whole loafer without socks/Sperry Top-Siders genre of footwear in coming seasons. Dimitri-Chris styled them with suiting and socks but I can totally see them looking great on bare feet.

In a word, the collection was dapper. Crisp suiting with fuzzy bowties, cozy knitted cloaks in warm yellows and charcoal grey, and two-toned (leather and suede or leather and mink) polo riding boots that I hope they make in my size.

I could have lived without the man corsets that were half cummerbund half man-girdle, and I doubt they’ll ever make it beyond the pages of a magazine editorial, but once again, they were a detail that kept my eyes on the garments.

Overall, I loved the entire collection. If every men’s show took notes from Dimitri-Chris I think I’d spend a lot less time looking at the pretty boys and a lot more time paying attention to what we’re really there for. 

The Maximalist Revolution is Coming

One of the best shows that I went to this year at Toronto’s LG fashion week was Romanian designer Lucian Matis. He got his start as the runner up on Project Runway Canada, but after the show he put on, he’s a winner in my books.

The collection was prominently grand evening gowns in black with touches of grays, blues and warm gold’s. We also saw ruffles, massive hair bows, puffy shoulders and lace accents, most topped off with full-length Spanish tango gloves. Only Matis could pull off such huge statements while maintaining a look that was both elegant and glamorous. 

Another showstopper was the exquisite jewelry designed by Karen McFarlane. Made of beads, metal, wood, Tiger’s eye, and onyx, the necklaces and bracelets made a maximalist statement. 

I had the chance to meet both designers backstage after the show. Here are 5 Questions For Lucian Matis and Karen Mcfarlane:

1. Describe the collection in 3 words:

          “Intricate, Glamorous, Eclectic”

2. What was the biggest inspiration when designing the collection?

          “Romanian literature and folklore”

3. Who is your Design Hero?

          Matis: "Gaudi"

          McFarlane: "Delacroix"

4. The collection had amazing prints so I asked Matis to tell me a little bit about them. His response:

          “The prints have been inspired by Byzantine art. It’s very rich, lush and intricate and its got a lot of texture. It’s quite mad."

5. What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

          Matis: “I’m lazy at times. I hate it but I am!”

          McFarlane: “I’m a very devoted grandmother”

On the Street.....CNE Grounds, Toronto

My Fashion Magazine street style moment during LG Fashion Week in Toronto. 

Clothing and Shoes from Zara, Balenciaga City Bag
To read the whole article and see other street style shots click here.

*image via Angela Y. Martin, Fashion Magazine