Day 2 at World MasterCard Fashion Week / Mercedes-Benz Start Up: DUY

I couldn't wait to review this Collection and you're about to see why. DUY, a Montréal-raised and trained powerhouse Design-phenom, presented his Winter 2013 Collection last night at World MasterCard Fashion Week to significant praise! We were in absolute awe - at least I was - to the majesty, structure, power, and brilliance of this Collection. Victorian in essence and energy, DUY's Winter 2013 showcase was presented with an unyielding grandeur. Opulent forms in exaggerated, dramatic shapes slowly glided down the runway in Slate Greys, glittering Blacks, crisp Whites, and Olive leathers. Accented with bold, textural knits and hints of brilliant Silver, the entire Collection looked extremely expensive and impeccably constructed - from the laser-cut lines on some of those incredible cropped jackets to the floral motifs seemingly cut-out by hand. Jarring to see, in a beautiful way, and a stand-out presentation from the entire week.

There are very few Designers that I see present a Collection of this type of visual magnitude. Not to say that so many of the other Designers showing this week aren't as equally incredibly talented; but to say that it is definitely rare to see such a showstopper. It wouldn't surprise me if DUY's presentation launched a following here at a Fashion Week; something to be highly anticipated each and every Season should the iconic Designer choose to continue showing in Toronto. The forms, the gowns, the brilliant shapes, and the ultra-rich fabrics are a testament to a super-luxury that I am desperate to see more out of Canada. It's a beauty that is eternally significant, and designs like these won't be forgotten easily. Congratulations DUY!

All Credit to these amazing photos go to Jesse Milns and BlogTo

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Denis Gagnon Fall/Winter 2012-2013

It's almost impossible for me to speak about Denis Gagnon, and I mean that wholeheartedly, though it might sound a bit odd. But I'm completely serious - to attempt to summarize the majesty of his work is like trying to explain the thought-process behind Michelangelo's sculptural work - it's too great. And forgive me if that's too powerful to say.

I simply cannot get over Gagnon's Fall/Winter 2012-2013 Collection - and you shouldn't either, since the season for this incredible work is fast-approaching! And what better time than in preparation for Toronto Fashion Week? The black on black on black is ultimately divine, and the leather work (Gagnon's medium!) + knitwear is astoundingly beautiful. The shapes, the new silhouettes, the pants! Did you see those incredible pants?! Everything is pristinely on-point for the season but carries a raw edge that is so purely Denis. It's industrial, it's chic, it's urban, it's brooding, and it's so sharp. This is an example of that rare moment where fashion transcends fashion itself - when it becomes greater than the looks and the trends of the season that surround it.

Denis Gagnon is one of Canada's greatest designers and is one of the most talented and imaginative minds out of the modern era of Fashion in North America. I can say no more than that. Give me Denis and call it life <3

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