Susan Kelly continues her coverage from Montréal Fashion Week, answering the question: what makes Montréal fashion different?

continued from Part One

O FAR I’m impressed by many of the designers here,’ said Elizabeth Kanfer. We buttonholed the junior market editor for Saks Fifth Avenue on Day Two, at the Luc Laroche show. She was taking copious notes on his black-and-white, rugby-inspired sportswear for men and women. It was her first time in the city, first time seeing many of the designers. Previously the only local brands she was familiar with were Marisa Minicucci and Mackage, both of which Saks carries. What about that Montréal look, so oft described as European? ‘Designers here are not European, definitely not American—but definitely very individualistic,’ she said.
   Jamal Parirokh, up from Grand Rapids, Mich. on a buying mission for an exclusive boutique, echoed her sentiments. His discerning eye found much to appreciate at the Tavan & Mitto show. Held in an art gallery on trendy St Laurent Boulevard, the mural-sized paintings of Emilia Metrovillia provided a backdrop for floating, sinuous creations in silk jersey and chiffon. In shades of black, cream and peach, they managed to be fresh and modern with just a hint of retro glamour. ‘But I’m not sure my customers are really ready for some of this,’ he said, preferring the fashions of one of the city’s grand old masters, Muse by Christian Chenail, whose Rose de Sables show at the Salle du Gèsu was a sell-out.

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