FASHION Magazine

By Renee Reardin

As soon as my gaze fell upon the first model at the Rudsak fall 2011 show, I instantly thought of the ultimate city-chic icon Andy Sachs of The Devil Wears Prada hailing cabs in one coveted outdoor look after another while and breezing through the brisk streets of New York City. Like Rudsak designer Evik Asatoorian’s collections from seasons past, the look is one of metropolis-inspired style, with sleek leather jackets, shoes, and handbags, touches of fur, wool and down-filling, paired with long flowing hair. Favoured must-have items include the black minimalist leather jacket with a tie cinching the waist, the cognac leather jacket with endless trim of caramel-coloured fur lining the jacket and hood and one of the neon-bright motorcycle helmets that will get no more use from me than it did on the runway, it’ll merely act as my handbag!

View the Rudsak photo gallery »

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.

If you’re on the hunt for a biker jacket, city tote or belted dress (and you have a love affair with leather), look no further than Montreal label Rudsak. Designer Evik Asatoorian’s spring 2010 collection for the brand was heavy on the aforementioned pieces, ranging in shades of mushroom, bone and vanilla. But amidst all of these neutrals came a knockout chili-pepper red dress (in leather, bien sur) and a rich purple foldover clutch. Rudsak’s success lies in its’ simplicity. Think pared-down classic pieces that have been reworked – ruched coat dresses, techno-fabric trench coats and leather dresses with pintucked fronts. FASHION‘s final thought: Sometimes less is more.

See a gallery of looks after the jump.

{FASHION WEEK SPRING 2009 TORONTO}

By Sarah Casselman

This season, everything is coming up roses for designer Renata Morales who sent models down the runway in an array of ethereal, candyfloss frocks.

Shown: Pink Tartan Fall 2008.

L’Oréal Fashion Week is coming to a close, and FASHION still has eighty-five dollars worth of fresh dry cleaning eagerly hanging in the closet.  Hmm…mental note: Set up date with tall, handsome drink of water and wear one of these fabulous frocks.  Trends spotted: Colourblocking, opaque tights, brights and a very chic trilby hat.

Looking to spot some gems today, I was armed and ready with my Fashion Week essentials: Starbucks, a cellphone and sunglasses. After popping in at the Tevrow + Chase showroom to view the fall lineup (watch for print blouses, adorable bubble skirts and fab egg-shaped coats—j’adore!), I raced back to the Liberty Grand to join the fashion pack for today’s runway roster.