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‘Is fashion different here? Among North American cities, people-watchers consistently vote Montréal at the top for the sheer number of stylish women’

   Is fashion different here? Among North American cities, people-watchers consistently vote Montréal at the top for the sheer number of stylish women. And their ranks are not limited to the socialite or celebrity. With an economy driven by high-tech new media, the city attracts and employs droves of the young, hip, and increasingly more affluent. They tend to encourage and wear the creations of youthful, edgy, dynamic designers.
   Among whom can be counted Denis Gagnon. His début collection for most was the absolute high point of the week. A packed house at Hangar 16 in the Old Port emitted appreciative Ahs as one after another of his creations for women, mostly of wispy silks played against crisp cotton twill, hit the catwalk. Predominant colours were black and white, a major theme in most collections for spring 2003, it seems. But this was a collection apart, as witnessed by an audience that leapt as one to its feet to give the designer an unbridled and prolonged ovation.

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