Fall 2013 with Rudsak / Preview Event #Stardust

A couple of days ago I had the unique privilege of experiencing Rudsak, one of Canada's premiere and most sought-after Design Houses, present their Fall 2013 Preview here in Toronto at the beautiful Templar Hotel; uniquely titled Stardust. Before I start ranting about the beauty of design and how incredible it all is, I should speak first about the impact Rudsak carries with it, and why that in itself is cause for celebration enough.

Hailing from Montréal, and ruling it, Rudsak has been an inspirationally powerful brand since it's inception almost two decades ago. Possessing an aesthetic that bases itself on rich, luxurious materials; Rudsak often manages to balances the fine line of Canadian rustic-heritage with inner-city, youthful polish. Clean lines, brilliant palettes, and an urban edge balance out a traditionally strong aesthetic of functional luggage-wear and seasonally practical outerwear. The quality of their leather, being known for the way they use it, is unmatched in our market - and you honestly can't appreciate it (which is something I quickly learned) until you see it.

The Fall 2013 Preview event I attended was guided by Matt, a representative of the iconic brand, who carefully, methodically, and passionately guided us through a variety of staple looks for Rudsak's Autumn. From the get-go I was immediately smitten by the quality of the leather. I saw Rudsak present this season at World MasterCard Fashion Week but I had no idea how incredible the pieces actually were until I saw them up close. The Moto-Jackets were fiercely cut, inky black, and detailed in a Gold Lamé-esque fabric and Faux-Pony in the most brilliantly rich Oxblood. The structured boning, clasps, and zips were an embrace of a past era - 70's disco meets 90's grunge, as Matt would say, in tandem with the line's name; Stardust. And also, quite clearly, in tandem with the 90's elements we've been seeing trend enormously in Fashion this Season.

Despite the awesome aesthetic of the Collection, I was more impressed by the amount of design intelligence. Every piece in Rudsak's arsenal of leather and coats were multi-functional and incredibly detailed - from the fabric choice to the piping to the way it's worn. They are extremely high quality and you can easily get two, even three looks from almost every one of their classic Winter pieces. Many coats were multi-layered; featuring unique button closures, texturally diverse leather, nylon, and fur; and the option of removing, adding on, or altering at least one part of the coat as you wear it. Brilliant design composition - both functional and beautiful; quality meets grace, it's really quite awesome!

One of my favourite pieces of the entire presentation was a beautifully striped, cowl-necked Winter dress. It was textured in intricately lined strips of leather with black mesh in between, but it cut and curled around the curves of the body in bold triangles and shapes, creating form through it's texture. It was a beautifully detailed pieces that you could easily dress up or down in the richest black, which was a huge palette theme for the entire Rudsak showcase. Love!

Some of the best pieces of the entire showcase were the accessories. Boasting a brilliant mix of fur lined hats, chic, iPhone sensitive leather gloves, and both wax-coated and chalkboard-finished leather satchels in the richest colours. Like we've said before, Rudsak is famous for their luggage-wear, and this season's Collection is no exception. The quality of the bags are bar-none, and yet they remain totally affordable in a high designer market. Finished cleanly or distressed, the wax-coated leathers are luxurious to the touch as well as the sight. I highly recommend investing in some of their luggage if you're being introduced to Rudsak for the first time; it will give you a sense of the quality of the leather without the price tag of a full Winter coat. But, chances are, if you love the bag as much as I know you will, you will probably get the coat to partner!

Rounding out the entire showcase was a diverse mix of new Rudsak Menswear. Matt was quick to point out that Rudsak is interested in investing more time in Menswear, which, as a person who is an advocate for the evolution of Men's Design, was thrilling for me. He presented us with more brilliant black knitwear, some of which were wax-coated in glossy finishes that mirrored their brilliant coats; as well as a unique and quality collection of powerful bubble coats and classic Moto-cuts. We were smitten from beginning to end.

Rudsak continues to be an International leader in leather design hailing from a Canadian market. I couldn't be more proud nor impressed with the aesthetic, incredible quality, and amazing functionality of their Fall 2013 Collection that continue to keep Rudsak at the forefront of amazing fashion. It was an absolute pleasure!

Visit Rudsak in Downtown Toronto at the corner of Queen & John and invest in some fantastic Winter wear today. Show your support for Canadian Fashion and Canadian talent!

315 Queen Street West

Toronto, Ontario

M52 2A4

▲D

Fall 2013 with HUDSON Jeans / Collection Preview

No stranger to vibrant attitude, HUDSON Jeans presented an unforgettably on-point and vivid Collection of fantastic denim at their Fall 2013 Preview here in Toronto. And when I say vivid, I don’t necessarily mean in colour – I’m talking attitude. We’re seeing 90’s-era grunge blend with Moto-inspired leather, patchwork textural denim on denim, and some of the sexiest, slickest washes from HUDSON as a brand yet.

I was beyond smitten from the get-go when I started seeing that 90’s element peek through. Claudia presented us with a nostalgic return to the prestige of true denim - classic blue washed, both distressed and richly inky, lined with bright yellow stitching or accented with faded tones and ripped fabric. They were two different looks from one great era; clean denim vs. destroyed denim. “Destroy & Repair” (coined by HUDSON) was something I absolutely loved for Spring; and was a major precursor to all the grunge elements we’re seeing in Fashion right now. HUDSON has taken this same idea, destroying Jeans only to wear them again, to a crisper level with darker washes and richer tones – something indicative of what Fall Fashion means. Adore.

But what’s 90’s denim without a little rock star? One of the biggest trends of the year makes a re-appearance in HUDSON’s fall lineup to an aesthetic that echoes the unabashed, biker-glam of urban London. Zipped, richly made dark denim, both shiny and matte, solidify HUDSON as a sexy, youthful legwear design house with wicked leather elements. We were absolutely taken with the gold, zipped pieces, the textural patchwork of denim on denim, and especially the rich inkiness of some of HUDSON’s most beautiful blackest-of-black pieces. This 90’s-era trend goes beyond the youthful liberation of blue denim, but instead delves far into the sexy, dark, brooding identity of punk with a chic edge – studs, patchwork fabric, and glossy textures in chestnut brown, deep black, charcoal grey, and brilliant oxblood. The wax-coated denim added to this aesthetic, and was our absolute favourite look for the entire showing! The matte yet shiny texture of the wax is not quite as powerful as leather, but not quite as understated and effortless as a pair of classic denim pants either. It’s edgy but easy, which seems to be in perfect tandem with what HUDSON is all about to begin with. Fantastic! I think I speak for everyone who was at the preview in saying that I wish every showing rack in the room was with me at home. A wonderful preview for a fierce Season ahead.

HUDSON has continued to be a remarkable source for great denim since its inception, and I can speak volumes about how tasteful each Season of HUDSON is – but I want to try and explain it in a better way. HUDSON is a company that continues to design with significance, and what I mean by that is the ability to take fresh inspiration from classic elements, all the while re-creating and re-imagining current, evolving trends. They never forget their history, pulling elements from London consistently in each Season, and always utilize creative and artistic outlets to showcase their aesthetic. Whether through insta-campaigns, performance art, or just fantastic urban street photography; HUDSON presents an identity each Season. And it’s an identity that permeates – youthful, fierce, neoteric, individual, easy. HUDSON, I think I love you.

Hilary MacMillan at The Glass Factory / Fall 2013

Spring is creeping closer and closer - it's time for some serious Fashion! Just last week here in Toronto I had the privilege to attend the Runway debut of local designer Hilary MacMillian for her Fall 2013 Collection.

Premiering at The Glassy Factory just off the Queen West strip, MacMillan boasted an aesthetic that played with glistening gold textures and damask opulence in wearable, urban forms. Creamy, off-whites and rich blacks were dotted with bright, blood reds and cool beiges (a perfectly balanced palette of what Fall neutrals should be) in classic pencils skirts, tailored 50's-era coats, and light-weight trenches. We absolutely loved seeing gold take centre stage as it beamed forward from all that neutrality; and especially the intricacy of the gold, patterned in finely detailed textural sequins in trim and even full-body forms; adding glamour, richness, and a glitzy, 80's touch to a generally clean-cut aesthetic.

Accented with the lightest fabrics (what looked like it could've been soft Chiffon) and classic Fall textures like Fur and Leather; Hilary's showcase was strong, concise, and well executed. Congratulations on your Runway debut Hilary! Hope to see all you have to offer Toronto in the future.

All Images Courtesy Magnet Creative

▲D

Monochromatic Fantasy at One King West / Lucian Matis Fall 2013

We were enamoured from the moment we walked through the entrance. The opulence of one of Toronto's most iconic buildings, One King West, evoked a grandeur and a prestige only a Collection by Lucian Matis could rightfully equal. Huge columns arched by massive bay windows and stunning gold crown moulding throughout. I'm sure you all remember Matis' majestic and jaw-dropping Collection during Fashion Week last year at the Fairmont Royal York; we thought it was the best of the year. This year, one of Toronto's most celebrated Designers took us in an entirely new direction.

A private showing to an invite-only crowd (thanks for inviting me Lucian!), Monochromatic Fantasy took place in the Grand Ballroom of One King to a packed house of industry professionals, celebrities, designer guests, and media. We were treated to hors d'oeuvres, Bailey's cocktails, and delicious treats pre-show. Once runway began, in an unexpected twist, Matis presented an exclusive Bailey's creation gown to start the show as almost, I can only imagine, a nod to the prestige of his last showing. Featuring the same, repeated aesthetic of incredibly detailed, hand-cut patterns and a brilliant gown; this starting dress was a glimpse of nostalgia; and it, like it was in the past, was quite epic. 

Monochromatic Fantasy was everything the name suggested; a stark, clean palette presented with an air of regal majesty. Huge gowns in the crispest, angel white were dramatic and powerful in shape but simple in essence. Minimalist forms and minimalist colours evoked an aesthetic that was a total departure form the over-detailed, over-worked, and over-shiny that we are often accustomed to with a man of Matis' talent. Instead we are treated with something a little unexpected but equally great; it almost acts like the energy of the Collection as opposed to the grandeur of the material or the aesthetic itself. The clothes acted like images, and the Collection, like all Fashion Shows, existed perfectly in that moment. The white was flowing and bright, the cool greys were sharp and architectural, and the blacks were rich and chic. Dotted with textural elements of over-sized fur and the occasional matte leather, Monochromatic Fantasy was a nod to the greatness of true simplicity; something that it is uniquely difficult to do. Something like this requires the best trained hand and perhaps an even greater eye; without the option of bedazzlement or intersecting lines to create balance - the balance, the harmony of the form, becomes entirely dependent on the form itself. No line can be sewn out of place and no shoulder can be shaped differently; it calls for absolute control and absolute grace in execution. That is true craftsmanship, and simplicity of this caliber can be achieved be no one less than a masterful technician.

All incredible images Copyright 2013 to Michael Ho (Michael Ho Photography)

A brilliant, bright, powerfully soft presentation. Thank you again Lucian.

▲D

Day 3 at World MasterCard Fashion Week / KORHANI Home

Magic is the best word to describe KORHANI's exhibition at this year's World MasterCard Fashion Week.  Easily one of the most anticipated Collections of the Season, KORHANI is a favourite because of their unique and whimsical use of their Home Collection fabric - that is, carpets! Yes, that's right, KORHANI is so brilliant that they create brilliant outfits out of their brilliant carpets. It's that simple - creativity + function = style, and KORHANI is at the helm of quality style.

Creating a journey through 4 different energies, moods, and aesthetics, and perhaps even eras; KORHANI this let us travel with them from the dark, gothica depths of fantastic, glittering violets rugs, dotted with raven embellishments, Frankenstein hair, and witchery; to the revolution of Pop Art in blocked, 60's forms and unique, portraiture motifs! Yes, this was a fun show, a true performance! We absolutely loved the graphical elements of KORHANI's new Collection of carpets - from the orthogonals and shapes of the Art-Deco era to the Neoteric glam of a 60's Tokyo. It was a Collection full of adventure and visual brilliance; and it's amazing to see it come from a brand that specializes in Home Decor. True creativity at its best, with the most fantastic Designers behind it - KORHANI delivered one of the most magical shows of Fashion Week as a whole. It was charming, innovative, completely new, and wonderful to watch. I, for one, dream of having a KORHANI carpet in my apartment one day; I must! Nobody does it better! Congratulations KORHANI.

All fantastic images Copyright 2013 ZoomerMedia Limited

▲D

Day 2 at World MasterCard Fashion Week / LINE Knitwear

Day 2 at World MasterCard Fashion Week featured Line Knitwear as it's second-last showing, behind the incomparable Sid Neigum to close the night. A fantastic presentation of long sweaters, over-sized knitted forms, and fantastic gold elements; Line was masterfully composed. One of our favourites of the entire day; Line was unique in the sense that it presented a Collection that was simultaneously wearable, marketable, modern, consistently on-point in terms of trend; yet remained interesting and new. Hugely draped forms were accented with eye-catching textures of leather and metallic while sharper cut pieces were grounded with cinched waists, laser-cut skirts, and fantastic ankle boots.

We especially loved the leather skirt details. Such a simple shape and form; yet the glossy black, flowing material makes it seem that much richer, that much more expensive, and chicer as a result. It turns up the knitwear as a whole, which is the foundation of Line, and takes from casual to refined. Sweaters were worn almost like trench coats, with a refinement and poise, taking the aesthetic of Line as a whole to a much more prestigious, rich level. A fantastic presentation full of diverse shapes, awesome forms, but finished with a sharp and beautiful simplicity - I'd love to own any one of these great pieces!

All credit to the amazing photos goes to Jenna Marie Wakani and Fashion Magazine

▲D