Christian L'Enfant Roi F/W 2012

Christian L'Enfant Roi Fall/Winter 2012 Fashion Instillation communicated a bleak cold where models became the statuesque definitions of nature and the great northern outdoors. 

On entry to the cedar scented studio a snow blinding white light shone across a panel of models against a white background, while wafts of echoing forest musak filled the space in an engaging and dramatic way.

This was the little boys storybook tale of indigenous forest peoples.   The models were frozen to their stance intertwined in a ravage thicket of a barren winter forest.   Original outfits of Birch Tree graphics developed by Montreal Photographer Mathieu Fortin and Berlin Artist Alexandra Sebag.

 

As always the designer Christian Deslauriers forever carries a Whimsical boyish romance throughout his collections.   His secret is subtlety, usually you can find it in the fine detailing.  Be it nomadic hair necklaces or sophisticated dried butterflies.

Dulcedo Model, Philippe Durocher stole the corner with a dramatic icelandic pose under a taxidermy bird, dawning a cashmere collared top. 

The Designer Christian Deslauriers shyly posing for a press pic.

 Beyond the models where a monochromatic palette of thick knits, lambs wool, quilted jersey knit, animal print and check.

A trait in his collections that I look forward to each season would be the consistent display of 1 piece garments or a pairing top/bottom of the same fabric, very cute.

'Inspired by the great north the collection translates teh cold, ice and wind of this region into the textilles and textures:   Transposing 'L'Enfant Roi" into the context of an indigenous people.   Using the nature of this land to inspire the colour palette.   F/W 12 brings solid beige, brown rusts, and grey tones, as well as prints developed by Montreal Photographer MAthieu Fortin and Berlin Artist Alexandra Sebag.   Staying true to his previous collections, L'Enfant Roi is a luxury and comfort in core fabrics such as wool, cashmere, cotton and silk. ' (program)

The most enjoyable element of hte evening would have to be the intimate setting and buzzing vibe that passed between guests.  

The forward trendsetting guests were a display of their own, the street style was fierce.

Some braved the blizzard with their spring fever of contrasting brights.

 

Sheer was definately a #trending detail, down to the lacey thigh highs (left: look close)

Love these guys and their modern mule heels.

A Care Package to a Special Person across the Pond

I spent 4 years at University in England, one of the best friends I made there now lives across the ocean (with me back in Canada.)   I actually miss this person every single day, so this is how I let Charlie (http://lottie-lightfoot.tumblr.com/) know:

• A guide to our next travel destination
• Last year's un-delivered Christmas Card.
• Good old Canadian Birch Bark.
•  A personal note on a floral background with a hair profile that weirdly looks exactly like her.
• Old-lady antique pink clip-ons. (So her, I know she is wearing them as we speak.)
  

 Above is a little Teaser for her anticipated visit to Canada.   (Hopefully it worked.)

I have been dying to post this, but couldn't before she received it.   I was happy to finally this facebook update, my mail didn't get lost this time:

Just got your Mail! It made me cry!! Love it soooo much!  Love you lots xxx

Street Style from the Penfield Fall Collection Launch, at OTH Shop, Montreal.

Magasin General: Bruxe Design Store Launch

La Grande Ouverture du Magasin General, took place last night curated by twins Mer and Oli Van Roost, brain-children behind Bruxe Design and Tiny Little Chairs.   Situated on Sherbrooke street in NDG,  the reason why they targeted this spot  "It's where we grew up, I live up near Monkland, you can't get the real Mom & Pop vibe that you find down here."

The gentlemen have created a strong lifestyle image throughout the shop: a cross between heritage branding, urban streetwear, skate culture and contemporary design. 'Bravo,We love it!'

The store was filled with so many quirky details and hidden pleasures, note: miniature tea set (below right.)

The mannequin really made himself at home, by taking off his socks and shoes (above right.)   The vintage spats below are a personal favorite.

Store owners' own: Bruxe Design - The Felt Mo-tie! (Get ready for Movember!)

 Lolitta Dandoy, Clin D'Oeil Blogger looked amazing (as usual) in her whirlwind of earth-toned patterns.

Unexpected pleasure: I bumped into a fellow LaSalle College Veteran, now Montreal Stylist Tatiana Cinquino (left, right: myself.)

What's a party without pussy bows and Pendleton?

 

I just had to grab a snap of this guy: Fish tail parka, chinos, plaid, baller cap, lace belt which turns out to be one of his own designs. Check-out:  

http://krugerknockemdead.com/ you can also follow on Tumblr

Rings: Cease and Desist are Montreal Designs.

After expressing how heritage brand styled these kids were, they claimed to have not have dressed for the occasion.   They just naturally ooze 'cool.'   I choose to believe the story, as the guy with the authentic Moccasins slippers told me he was just to lazy to put proper shoes on.   (I hope he lives close by!)Merci, Bonsoir! ...I'll definitely be back on a regular basis. Follow Magasin General on Facebook.

Crisp Air and Pumpkin Pie

 
The Season has changed: The air is crisp, the leaves are falling and Geese have flown over.  The transition from a summer to fall wardrobe is not easy.   Suddenly you can't remember what you loved to wear before short shorts and Toms.

Thanks Giving Weekend: I'm wearing worn brown saddle booties, rust socks, and a belted in Navajo inspired pashmina shawl... and so the Autumn Fashion Story goes.

 

Montreal Fashion Week Friday: Favourite Street Style Looks!

Danik Yopp Blogger: Montreal Street Fashion.

Accentuates DIY studding on the shoulder, collar, boots and even down his fly front. Nice block colouring.

!Nu.I Press Cocktail brought out the best outfits of the week!

This outfit is amazing, the detailing, the play on volumes, and the jewelry!

Niapsou Di of Montreal Urban Code Blog.

A Fashion Week model in civilian: 

combats, black extended slinger, worn skinnies, oversized headphones and tote pack with Navajo detailing by Obey. 

Designer of La Duchesse wearing her own.

Urban Menswear: Matching camel brogue boots, belt and pocket detail.   Pocket-chief print matches the shirt print.

Part of the team from L'Aristocrate (menswear blog,) give us their Summer prep looks:

Chino shorts - cravats - bowlers - loafers and facial hair

Les Chats Perches Designers: European worn vintage look.

Well put together

Miss SLY in a bright peach batwing dress, and signature her red locks.

Stèv Yaël Julien Romani-Soccoro of blog Monsieur/Madomoiselle

Is wearing a very unique outfit by BCALLA LOOKS PROJECT.   A Brooklyn designer who uploads 1 look per month to a tumblr blog where people are invited to place made to fit orders.

Last but not least a sneaky picture of an awesome menswear up-do!

Shaved sides and high bun.

by Kelly Cochrane of High Five Worthy blog.

From Montreal Fashion Week Blog for Sensation Mode, by me.

Samuel Mercure S/S12 in the back streets of St. Henri.

Unique and interactive, Samuel Mercure S/S Collection presentation took place Wednesday September 14th 2011 at L’Atelier Jean Brillant, an abandoned garage in the St. Henri area of Montreal.   An up and coming artistic area, which I could see being compared to the 'Brick Lane' of London in coming years.   On entrance guests were ushered into a dark room, being told only 'Three rooms, three time brackets.'

I felt like it was Halloween and I was about to walk through a haunted house.

 

Room 1: After guests eyes' adjusted to the darkness they could appreciate to monochrome projections on either side of the room, where clothed male forms shifted bleakly to the background noise of an industrial echoing sounds.   The pinging of a pipe, a breeze, a damp builiding or a distant motor.  

Room 2: Flat images of the collection pieces were tacked along the wall including an accommodating paper with garment description, style numbers and fabric numbers.

Viewers are left to visualise the piece: by taking the fabric number and continuing to a section of 6 black fabric samples of different construction, weight, drape, content etc... Where they can touch and feel the raw pieces.

Further into the room two select pieces were displayed on black hangers, hanging from black string, singularly strung from the ceiling.   On the floor black wooden rectangles that the shape shifting figures from the first room had been standing on in the videos.

All of the Samuel Mercure hosts were head to toe in Samuel, and that's where I  really think the label came to life, from greeter, to usher, to host, to barman, to doorman and to Samuel himself.   I felt like I was immersed in a mini Samuel Mercure cult society.   It's phenomenal how the collection is based entirely on a play of shades, tones, weights and cuts of black fabric.   A minimalistic, futuristic menswear collection of cuts, zippers, raw feel, kilt aspects, para-detailing, urban uniform.

 

One of the Samuel hosts.

Final room:   There was a large empty garage space with an array of avant-garge fusions, brochettes de poulet with courgettes. Cream of cabbage shots with a green gel on the surface and stuffed appricots.   Along with the choice of water, perrier or sparkling pamplemousse. 

Then you were out on the street and done the tour of the 'haunted house.' Wunderbar! A successful collection launch definately worth talking about.

by Kelly Cochrane of High Five Worthy blog.

                             From Montreal Fashion Week Blog for Sensation Mode, by me.