FASHION Magazine

Not that I would have expected a simple camel coat from the likes of Lucian Matis, but after a week–or really, two months–of restrained, neutral taste, Matis’ no-holds-barred embellishment was something of a breath of fresh air. To be sure, Matis’ more-is-more-is-more style isn’t for everyone–certainly not for shrinking violets–and the dress-filled show (Matis saves separates for his Daphne by Lucian Matis line, sold on The Shopping Channel) leaves the over-the-top party-goer with plenty of options.

For his fall collection, Matis took a dip into his Romanian heritage and came out with high necklines, peasant tops and vests and folkloric detailing. Best were pieces done in Matis-designed prints that looked like the interior of a treasure chest, especially a short, one-shoulder number that featured an exaggerated pouf. A column gown done in the same print, laid out in a way that brought to mind–distantly–the alien patterns at Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2010 show, would have been better without an overpowering black shoulder bow. A crinkled leather jacket with embellished sleeves will be easier to wear day to day, paired up with a T-shirt and one of the show’s necklaces, created with Matis by jewellery designer Karen McFarlane and replete with fur and glittering balls and chains and gleaming black beads.

See the full collection after the jump.

Toronto’s LG Fashion Week has found a new home. After living in tents at Nathan Phillips Square (a few short blocks from our office), then last season at King and Shaw, the show is moving to an indoor spot with 40-foot ceilings in nearby Liberty Village. FDCC prez Robin Kay told The Toronto Star that the runway will be inside the building, which will also have a tent erected outside.

The FDCC has also released a roughed in schedule with a start date of Sunday, March 28. (The shows close Thursday, April 1.)

A music box played a delicate, haunting tune fit for a twirling plastic ballerina and immediately the tone was set—circus-meets-Roman warrior princess—at Lucian Matis’ Spring 2010 show. With the models’ heads encased in stud-embellished gear, an eerie ambience of bondage was piled on top of a feminine colour palette of soft blush pink, cream, and slate. The collection remained cohesive while juggling textures (sequins, mesh, and satin) and asymmetrical cuts for a raw feminine appeal. Our favourite details? The metal armour-inspired necklaces and pink netting that played peekaboo from skirt hemlines. Save for a couple printed fabrics that were borderline tacky, Matis’ finely-draped gowns were executed in the most elegant manner.

Check out our gallery after the jump.

Lucian Matis has been named the winner of the first FDCC Designer Development Fund award. The fund will be awarded annually in support of Canadian fashion designers who demonstrate potential for growth. A business mentorship with FDCC prez Robin Kay is part of the prize. “We want to extend the potential to build their brand and assist the designers with the necessary tools to help them emerge nationally and internationally in this new economy,” says Kay. [LGFW]

Georgia May Jagger will join Coco Rocha as the two new faces of Rimmel London’s campaign starting in 2010. [The Cut]

This week’s New York Magazine has named Anna Wintour one of the 12 most powerful New Yorkers. This news didn’t come as too shocking, but more confusing is the fact that the Vogue powerhouse is the sole woman to make the list. [The Cut]

Vancouver

Nifty for Fifty: Samples, new and vintage items from Adhesif Clothing, Milt, Julie Hebb, Sassy Vintage, Three Stone, MotherTrucker, Toddlebunny, and Patina on sale for under $50. (April 19 and 20, 12 to 6 p.m., Pacific Palisades Hotel, 1277 Robson St.)

Style Finds and The Conveyor Belt:  Vintage clothing, shoes, accessories and jewellery, plus pieces from designer Terri Potratz’s Larry line. (April 18, 12 to 5 p.m., Grace Gallery, 1898 Main St.)

Miss Rowe: Up to 75% off samples and new merch from Spring 2008, Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 (April 16 and 17, 6 to 8 p.m., 285 Manitoba Dr., missrowe.com) Lucian Matis: Up to 80% off. (April 18 and 19, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 300 Campbell Ave., Suite 201, lucianmatis.com)

The post Sample sale alert: Miss Rowe and Lucian Matis appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

We all have fond memories of coloured denim, right? Evan Biddell hopes so. Of all the rock-steady looks he rolled down the runway–where ”styling” equalled ”more studded leather!” and the soundtrack was a deafening jam–what stood out most were streetwise separates in plum, teal and chartreuse.

Lucian Matis’ fall collection is sober and contemplative–but still full of his trademark romance.   View the collection: LUCIAN MATIS

The post Slideshow: Lucian Matis Fall 2009 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

{FASHION WEEK SPRING 2009 TORONTO}

By Sarah Nicole Prickett

Vancouver’s Mellinda-Mae Harlingten just showed her sixth season of cute ultra-basics, so someone must be buying them. They’re certainly wearable.

Shown: JOEFFER CAOC Fall 2008. Photography by Sarah Casselman.

Today’s raindrops made shoe options tricky for the style set.  Seen at the tents: Burberry rainboots, metallic silver Rubber Duck booties and one fabulous pair of YSL Tribute platforms.  Hey, when you’re standing that high off the ground nothing can touch you, not even the rain.