FASHION Magazine

See the top 10 moments from Montreal Fashion Week Spring 2014 »

Montreal Fashion Week has wrapped its 25^th season with Spring 2014. On the heels of an official statement announcing major structural changes (read: budget cuts) to the biannual event as soon as February 2014, there was a wistful “end of an era” wind in the air. Will we say goodbye to Arsenal as our MFW headquarters? Will there be runway presentations next year? Only time will tell. But before we look ahead and contemplate the future, let’s look back at spring 2014 top 10 moments. Be ready for the return of black and white and sheer fabrics next spring and summer.

By Ashley Joseph

Montreal Fashion Week opened with an off-site event at MFW veteran Marie Saint Pierre’s St-Henri studio, where editors, bloggers, photogs and fans filed in for a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens. The ever so classic collection, punctuated by Saint Pierre’s signature ruffled and crinkled fabrics, was presented showroom-style as seamstresses continued to work in the back room.

Next, the crowds shuffled to restaurant-turned-runway Vallier to take in Eve Gravel. Buyers from across the globe sat front row to take in Gravel’s girlie looks (Galeries Lafayette’s Berlin rep happened to be perched next to me), which echoed with a retro nautical aesthetic that was punctuated by pretty florals.

Montreal Fashion Week wrapped up on Thursday with Denis Gagnon’s double show (the highlight of the week). You can check out our review of his collection, plus our coverage of Andy Thê-Anh and Philippe Dubuc in our Montreal Fashion Week coverage. Other collections worth checking out: Marie Saint Pierre’s body conscious pieces, Helmer’s rainbow couture […]

The post More of our favourite shows at Montreal Fashion Week appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

My first fashion intake at Le Marché Bonsecours – the main stage venue for Montreal Fashion Week – was local lady Marie Saint Pierre’s futuristic collection of body conscious jersey dresses. Other highlights that ensued included Helmer’s rainbow couture patchwork, Barilà’s rock band divas, and J.U.D.E.’s modern take on the 1960s—a show designer Judith Desjardins dedicated to the late Alexander McQueen.

By fashion week’s finale, it was back to the future with Denis Gagnon. After his impromptu second show last season (added last minute due to overwhelming attendance), it was a surprise to no one that the city’s fetish designer had two consecutive slots planned this time around: one at 8 p.m. for media and friends and a second at 9 p.m. that was open to the public.

With all the shows running behind schedule, come 9 p.m. on Denis Day, show number one was still waiting in the wings as Gagnon groupies lined up outside in a fidgety, albeit stylish, tizzy. Eventually, the Fashion Week police opened the floodgates and the masses poured in to take their places by the runway.

The Marché Bonsecours overflowed with Montreal’s fashion crowd who teetered in high-heels over St-Paul Street’s cobblestones to take in three days of Montreal Fashion Week.

On day one, Andy Thê-Anh’s “cocktail” presentation unraveled more like a schmoozy happy hour social than a spring and summer preview. Latecomers tiptoed to catch glimpses of the central stage that doubled as a mini-runway while P&G Beauty reps (in coral mini-togas) served skincare samples on trays like canapés. Known for his sophistication and architectural details, Thê-Anh’s show sparkled (even from a distance) with various shades and intensities of blue paired with neutral white and black.

Blame it on the recession or the freezing temperatures, but the mood at Montreal Fashion Week was at once festive and dark. Crowds braved the icy sidewalks in their shiny stilettos and lightweight coats to flock to the illuminated Marché Bonsecours, where there were few shows but a good dose of fun parties.

The hell with cold! I’m putting on my four-inch heels, my chapka and my fringe skirt for Montreal Fashion Week (March 2 to 5, semainemodemontreal.ca), returning to Marché Bonsecours with a line-up that’s more daring and exciting than ever.