Festival Mode et Design Highlights

Transe/ Paraître, Rush Couture & Bollywood

One of my favorite shows was Transe / Paraître, a glimpse into the upcoming MFW23’s trends for 2012-2013 Fall – winter collections. Transparency is the recurrent theme but presented in various shapes, colors and tissues. The group of several designers — Ça va de soi, Lyn par Jocelyn Picard, Travis Taddeo and Rush Couture—left no doubt that stylish souls won’t shrink back even during frosty weather. Gliding on the runway, Melissa Nepton’s usual modern touch became apparent in the combination of comfortable knitted fabrics and transparent baggy pants. Asymmetric shapes on the volatile chiffon blouses and basic pastel colors also peeked through. Basically, a reminder that cold temperatures are no impediment to comfort and good taste. Staying true to her feminine philosophy, Nepton showed the customary fluidity and sensual touch in a cozy collection of neutral gray tones.

Rush Couture on the other hand took the direction of elegance. Fitted dresses emphasized the fabulous silhouettes combining velvet and chiffon. Playing with lengths by juxtaposing the gauzy delicate fabrics over solid color—predominately black—created an optical illusion of sober elegance with a light touch of wing-like layers. Exquisite femininity translated into night gowns, wearable yet edgy. Travis Taddeo conversely, presented a rocker look, bringing to mind the Harley Davidson flair combining in one attire, leather, chiffon and fur. From leather miniskirts to fur sleeves jackets, solely black and white could be seen. Granted, this is but a sneak preview of the entire collection to be presented during the 23nd installment of the Montreal Fashion Week. Furthermore, Lyn by Jocelyn Picard stirred a reaction in more than one spectator while showcasing the vibrantly mysterious display of dark knits and sweaters. Like a blend between a provocative Bedouin princess and a medieval chainmail warrior, the models oozed sensuality. The runway itself was set to a dreamy soundtrack featuring a narrated melody of “Love story” in Parisian French, delightful, indeed.

Yves Martin – Men Underwear
The Canadian label Yves Martin, who presented its latest collection of men’s underwear proved its genius not only in the creative areas but also in clever marketing. Carefully selected male models with heavenly shapes swayed the audience that wearing those boxers would land you that body. Although unconceivable in a rational mind, the flirty walks and winks to LMFAO’s “Sexy and I know it” threw the female public into a frenetic orchestra of screams. From tank tops to tangas, boxers, striped pajamas, seamless shorts, needless to say the collection would make great bedroom wear. Despite my obvious struggle to concentrate, the collection itself—though in basic black, gray and white tones—had a few vivid colors like punchy red, purple, indigo and turquoise. Approved.

Bollywood
A total clash of colors, sizzling dances and the essence of Indian cinema reunited in one podium. The closing performance was far more than a show, it was a rhapsody turned into a mega festivity. The colorful collection of dresses, ensembles and flashy jewelry inspired in the opulence of Indian glitter revealed an entire palette of shades. From busy prints and overlapping accessories to more simple pieces of Indian flare, this production felt like eye candy. The dances performed by the ensemble “Bollywood Blast” lifted the audience to ecstatic heights. From Indian modern remixes to the familiar soundtrack of “Slumdog Millionaire” movie, it was a purely feel-good experience. The final moments of the festival had all the models, dancers and staff move across the podium—as in a dance floor. A totally memorable atmosphere, to say the least.

Bollywood

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