Photos by Christina Pal
Rudsak, a Montreal leather fashion brand, shows a limited and wearable collection in, what else, leather. Monster Elvis Presley belts (circa fat and drug addicted), and a splash of hot cherry save the collection from depressing conservatism. Still, the sprayed on leather pants are a great wardrobe staple, and worth checking out at their 315 Queen St. West location. LZ
Morales Spring 2009
Montrealer Renata Morales trips out on contemporary Tokyo style with sculptural organza and chiffon printed with Yoshitomo Nara’s ubiquitous nasty children. Butter yellows, electric orange and robin egg blue dominate this collection that takes 50′s cupcake prom dresses to Harajuku heights. Top it all off with headgear that makes Elsa Schiaparelli look conservative. This is the kind of show that makes you cover your mouth to keep from screaming like a soccer fan! LZ
Christina and I go back stage to talk with Avender and play dress up with the only interesting jewellery on the runway so far. The brass is electroplated with enamel which makes it as durable as it looks.
Avender’s line is available around the world, but only at Distill (in the Distillery, 55 Mill Street) in Toronto.
Photos by Christina Pal
I always anticipate an Andy The-Ahn show – blaring music, skyhigh models and curvaceous clothing. So waiting for the spectacle, I wondered where on earth The-Ahn would put flounces and ruffles this time around.
Pleasantly surprising, draped, layered (form-fitting) dresses, lean jersey jumpers and leggings – all tied at the ankles – were executed in calm, gorgeous monotones. The dramatics were reserved for hyper-pleats on chiffon dresses and skirts; glass beaded straps on Versace-esque runway gowns; and laminated coats accessorized with spectacular silver shining brooches and necklaces. RS
**
What would heavy metal music sound like if it was arranged for classical instruments? A lot like how this collection looks – edgy and innovative, but harmonized with classic grace. Trying to follow The-Ahn’s lines of pleats and folds is like getting lost in an Escher print – its mesmerizing! Fifties-style crystal brooches hug hips and bottoms, and chiffon is accordion pleated into starburst florals. When asked why the models looked so gloomy, they responded the clothes are so beautiful they were almost in tears! Andy The Ahn’s sensual collection ends with a standing ovation as fashionphiles leap to their feet to applaud the humble designer (most of the fashion editors stay seated, as usual). LZ
In Toronto, 83 Yorkville Avenue
www.andytheanh.com
Photos by Christina Pal
After playing a round of golf with his 2008 fall collection, Le returns to evening wear for spring (thank-you!). The collection is dynamic and eclectic, each piece revolving in its own universe of style. Fabrics run the gamut from Chiri (japanese paper) inspired printed silk, to galactic chiffon, and a Rajasthani riot of colour and gold. Bet your bottom dollar that Le was involved in the design of each unique piece of hand-painted fabric. As if the gowns themselves are not enough, the artist answers our prayers with a dynamic line of gorgeous handbags! Le’s prolific virtuosity is inspiring, and clients from around the globe fly to Toronto to visit his downtown studio for a chance to own a piece from this red carpet designer. LZ
Photos by Christina Pal
