FASHION Magazine

By Ashley Joseph

It seems the Toronto imports are giving Montreal designers a run for their money this week. Wednesday evening’s shows began with Montreal-born rookie label Serum by Marta M and suffice it to say, we were off to a slow start. So when Toronto label Lovas Wesley Badanjak burst onto the runway with wearable, well thought out womenswear, the crowd couldn’t help but swoon.

A five-months-pregnant Miranda Kerr walked in the Balenciaga Spring 2011 show in Paris this morning. Designer Nicholas Ghesquière also cast Stella Tennant, Amber Valetta and some unknown streeters.  [Styleite]

Giles Deacon has opted to skip the runway in favour of a daisy-shaped podium to present his first collection for Emanuel Ungaro. Also ix-nayed for the presentation: “brash” colours. [WWD]

The Paris spring 2011 collections opened with Dries Van Noten showing en plein air alongside the Seine with the gentle breeze giving life to his orchid-print chiffons and long white shirts. Two inspirations were cited: Chinese ceramics and Belgian painter Jef Verheyen. Fabulous tuxes, sheer ponchos and holographic bombers here, too.

Gareth Pugh forsook the standard runway show in favour of staging a video presentation for Paris Fashion Week. The video, produced by ShowStudio contributor Ruth Hogben–she’s also created pieces for Pugh’s past collections–features Kristen McMenamy from every angle. Is a Runway Show Really Necessary? [IHT] Read our full coverage of the Spring 2011 collections»

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By Ashley Joseph

A little rain–or rather, a torrential downpour–couldn’t dampen the spirits of the fashion flock on the second day of Montreal Fashion Week. Many a pair of four-inch heels was broken on St-Paul’s slippery cobblestone streets as the stiletto-clad crowd rushed in to catch Coccolily by Naana Tennachie Yankey.

David Dixon presented his new diffusion line to Montreal Fashion Week on Monday night. In this video he talks to Ashley Joseph about his inspiration and presenting his first MFW show. See looks more video from Montreal Fashion Week» See our full coverage of Montreal Fashion Week»

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1. Colour-blocking 2. Chains and studs on boots and bags in Paris stores 3. Leather T-shirts 4. YSL tributes (the shows, not the shoes) 5. Head-to-toe grey flannel 6. Long and slouchy silk chiffon 7. Snoopy sneakers and tees at Colette 8. Camel hues 9. Flat-ironed hair with a centre part 10. Casual cargo mixed […]

The post The hot list: Snoopy tees, studded accessories and more of today’s favourite things appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

This streeter may have pointed us to a solution to dressing for the current weather weirdness (freezing mornings, humid afternoons…). A big belted sweater looks toasty, but bare legs provide air conditioning.

See the full look after the jump.

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.

We’re suckers for a good pair of pants. Case in point: These slouchy, shimmery trousers need little more that a plain white tank (though her top notch accessories certainly don’t detract).

See the full look after the jump.

It’s the last day of Milan Fashion Week. Am I blue? Not at all, but Giorgio Armani certainly is as he closed the week with a calm, serene show full of dark, inky hues. The collection mixed a new silhouette of short cropped jackets layered over long skirts and dresses, or, sometimes, over shorter skirts and narrow pants. With sheer fabrics, turban hats, flat sandals, a ruffle here and sequins there, Mr. Armani had his audience enraptured. (George Clooney in the front row didn’t hurt.)

Calm seemed to be the word of the day.

1. Leather T-shirts

2. Colour-blocking