FASHION Magazine

Staying warm during winter without sacrificing style is a veritable art for cold-weather warriors in Montreal. What’s on my outerwear radar this month? Local lines Mackage, Soïa & Kyo, Moose Knuckles (think chic puffers) and Rud, the new collection by Rudsak (rudbyrudsak.com).

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.

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.

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.