FASHION Magazine

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By Jessica Borchiver

For her Spring 2012 jewellery collection show, Micalla designer Camilla Jorgensen brought on the glitz and glamour. The larger-than-life pieces sparkled with Swarovski crystals, which had obvious undertones of: “Look at me!” The oversized, chunky, and bedazzling pieces may not be your everyday jewellery, yet the models could have easily persuaded us otherwise. However, there was one notable concern—I had to constantly remind myself that these pieces were designed for spring, not for winter. A heavy necklace embellished with frost-like crystals seemed fit for a snow queen, and the lack of bright colours left me confused. These winterized pieces seemed better suited for women accessorizing for the Christmas holidays or a New Year’s bash.

The lineup for the outdoor extravaganza Festival Mode & Design Montreal, starting today and running through August 6th, is sure to be a circus of amazing events. And while tonight’s big fashion buzz surrounds Jean Paul Gaultier‘s ready-to-wear show, I’m also in a tizzy over all the local talent.

To really discover the backbone of Montreal street style, here are my five must-see shows that highlight local talent.

1. Montreal Fashion Week highlights
August 3 at 9 p.m.

In case you missed Semaine de la Mode last February, you can see all the fall and winter 2011/12 looks on one stage–and then go shop their looks, which should all be in-store by now. The models are some of Quebec’s most beloved stars, including Francisco Randez, who is the face of JPG’s fragrance, Le Male. Look for my coups de coeur: the sexy femme style of Barilà, avant-garde Denis Gagnon, glittery baubles by Micalla, and Mulcair’s tailored tomboy chic. Also part of the show is the dress by Kwantlen University student Earl Mabaquiao that won the Télio contest. I had the honour of wearing his dress to a posh event this past spring. (Thank you, Earl!)

See more of our festival picks! »

By Corinne Perez-Abergel

Montreal based jewelry designer Camilla Jorgensen said, “we are thinking about our future and our past” when describing her latest Micalla collection. Seventies Hollywood glamour set the stage for Jorgensen’s collection as models strutted down the runway to Jazz music in sexy LBDs with their hair tousled in short blonde bobs pinned at the side.  The perfect palette for the jewelry to shine, and did it ever.  The models were draped in jewels, everything from bold statement necklaces to Swarovski encrusted chokers with chains oozing from them. The most memorable by far were the fringe-like crystal harnesses. I was inspired by Camilla’s ability to make the jewellery the entire focus of the outfit, at times resembling actual pieces of clothing. And really, who doesn’t want to be draped crystals?

Montreal fashion week is strutting an eager new February time slot (sayonara March!) that puts the city’s Semaine de la mode literally at the forefront of fashion ⎯ starting the 2011 fashion cycle ahead of New York. From a packed schedule of shows, presentations and parties, I’ve distilled my top moments. Here are the highlights.