All posts filed under: Canadian Designers

DANIER x Greta Constantine SKIN Launch Party

Published by

DANIER x Greta Constantine collection is so good. I had no inside access to these designs this time around.  So, the debut of the collection at the Neubacher Shor Contemporary gallery was a complete surprise. The gallery is a beautiful space with adjustable white walls, a huge window and exposed brick. It’s a great space for hanging artwork with the high ceilings. The six look collection ranges in price from $399 for a sleeveless bolero with exaggerated lapel to $999 for an asymmetrical, draped coat with rounded back. Key colour motifs include black, slate, eggplant, walnut, and lava, in a variety of fabrics ranging from Italian lamb leather to silky suede. As part of the capsule, Kirk and Stephen designed a contemporary take on the obi belt, a welcome addition to each look. “We sought to find a happy medium between fashion and function; to offer silhouettes that were appealing to the eye and still flattering on a variety of different body types,” explain Kirk and Stephen. The collection features several jacket types in leather …

Stacey Zhang Toronto Boutique Launch Party

Published by

Montreal based designer, Stacey Zhang has opened a boutique in Toronto. She’s chosen a strip of Queen Street West that was independent boutique friendly until the corporations moved in many years ago. It’s a brave move to  complete for foot traffic with Zara, H&M and the Gap. Stacey Zhang aims to provide stylish women with affordable,ready-to-wear collections that are ethically produced and limited in quantity, maximizing the time and care spent in creating each garment. Known for highly detailed and structurally unique clothing, Stacey Zhang features styles ranging from fun, flirty dresses to sharp business attire to feminine, chic casual wear. With organic cottons, relaxed linens, luxurious silks, wool and sustainable bamboo as staples of past collections, the designer is also known for her impeccable selection of fabric. She is continually researching practical ways to replace fabrics with more ecologically sound and sustainable threads. Both Montreal and Toronto boutiques feature a wide variety of unique accessories handpicked by Stacey on her travels throughout Europe and Asia. Stacey plans to make the shopping experience at the Toronto …

Primer by Greta Constantine Spring Summer 2011

Published by

Collaborations are the news in Canadian fashion so it’s good to see something that isn’t about one. Greta Constantine has created a capsule collection called Primer which consists t-shirts done Greta Constantine style. Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong of Greta Constantine are bringing their master drapery and attention to fit to a whole new audience. The capsule collection, aptly named Primer, serves as the base coat for a woman’s wardrobe and is to consist of both separates and dresses. But don’t expect basics. Every piece in the collection features a subtle feminine twist like leather straps on a tank top to allow for easy belting or draped t-shirt dresses with exaggerated pocket detailings. This is all part of Stephen and Kirk’s desire to re-imagine contemporary staples. As Stephen elaborates, “designing the collection demanded that we consider what makes a t-shirt so perfect. Fabrication, lengths, colours. While a woman may be willing to suffer through a pair of heels, comfort without looking comfortable is what we sought to achieve with Primer.” The line, with prices ranging …

Boutique Denis Gagnon

Published by

Denis Gagnon celebrated the opening of his new boutique in Montreal last week. I was invited to attend the opening but I was stuck in Toronto. Thankfully, Denis’s PR sent out some great shots of this beautiful store. It will be one of my first stops when I hit up Montreal this summer. Boutique Denis Gagnon 170B rue Saint-Paul Ouest Montreal, Quebec # 514.935.6360

Denis Gagnon x Lancôme Fall 2011 Makeup

Published by

Here is my last bit of Denis Gagnon related fashion news today, a new makeup collaboration with Lancôme for Fall 2011. The collaboration will become available in Mid August at select Lancôme counters. To reflect the brand’s philosophy of partnerships between arts and beauty, Lancôme pursues its mission to promote excellence by associating with talented Canadian fashion designer Denis Gagnon. This artistic collaboration between Lancôme and Denis Gagnon started in 2010 with the celebrations surrounding the designer’s 10th anniversary and the related exhibition of his work organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. For this occasion, Lancôme had created makeup looks to complement the Spring-Summer 2011 collection of Maison Denis Gagnon. In the fall of 2011, Lancôme will continue this association by launching a limited edition, exclusive makeup collection created in collaboration with the fashion designer. These beauty looks, created by makeup artist Lora Spiga in collaboration with Denis Gagnon, feature smoky and sophisticated eyes that ooze self-confidence, combined with a seductive mouth in shades of nude to intense purple. “I wanted to create …

Garden of Roses: Denis Gagnon Interprets Alice at Luminato – June 10 – 19, 2011

Published by

I love that Luminato and Lancôme bring Canadian designers to create beautiful art installations. Last season it was Mark Fast and this season it’s Denis Gagnon who is going gangbusters with good news this year. Garden of Roses: Denis Gagnon Interprets Alice is the name of the piece that will be on display during the Luminato festival in June. Inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, one of Canada’s iconic fashion designers creates a world of wearable fantasy. One of the most acclaimed Canadian designers of his generation, Denis Gagnon is noted for his bold traversal of the boundaries between the fashion industry and art. For over a decade, his concept of clothing as “moving sculpture” has informed his innovative collections for fashion lovers across Canada while also finding expression in the realms of pure creativity.  As a result, Gagnon, who began his career designing theatrical costumes, recently became the first Canadian in his field to have his work exhibited at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. In this installation, a one-of-a-kind dress surrounded by a …

Je m’appelle Denis Gagnon, A Documentary

Published by

It’s Denis Gagnon news day at I want – I got. He has a documentary called Je m’appelle Denis Gagnon. It should be very interesting. Denis Gagnon, fashion designer, is putting the final touch on his latest collection. Confined in his basement, turned atelier, he instinctively assembles materials (glitters, Jersey, leather and silk). Denis returns to his home town of Alma (Lake Saint-Jean) where he meets up with family and old friends. During this visit home he shares his concerns, inspirations and perceptions as a creator. The “enfant terrible” of Canadian fashion is the subject of this new cinematic picture. Rather than solely focusing on the clothing, “My name is Denis Gagnon” is an intimate portrait of a complex character. Denis Gagnon presents himself as the artist behind enormous dark glasses. There is a trailer out too image: imdb.com

Philippe Dubuc pour ICÔNE Simons Spring Summer 2011

Published by

In other collaboration news, Quebec retailers Simons paired up with designer Philippe Dubuc for a womenswear line. Philippe Dubuc pour ICÔNE is available online and in stores now. The Philippe Dubuc for Icone Ad Campaign stars | Irina Lazareanu and was shot by Martin Rondeau. Check out Fashion Gone Rogue for more photos. image: fashiongonerogue.com