|
And Andy Thé Anh, the final show on the
roster, has signed on with Mondor hosiery company, which also produces
dance, ice-skating and yoga wear. He provided an avant gout
of what’s to come, ending his show with a parade of models in pantyhose
of his design. Featured were a good dozen fashion colours from hot
pink and chartreuse to shades of blue and grey, all aglitter with
crystals from the ankle up. Look for some truly original takes on
jewel accents and racing stripes once the line is fully developed.
As for what preceded, Thé Anh’s show blazed
new trails, if only for originality of concept. ‘“Cholo Chic”
was inspired by cholo culture, which originated in East Los
Angeles’ mean streets among alienated Hispanics,’ the designer says.
Cholo is now infiltrating pop culture and, Thé Anh is betting,
fashion as well. Flamenco flounces against hip-hop-gangstah influences
against a quasi-military leather vest? Perhaps not all looks are
for everyone. But  there
were also some quite wearable items, with his signature pinstripe
suiting and sharp-styled shirts given extra latin edge. And more
than one long red dress that could bring out the siren in just about
anyone.
The constantly surprising, consistently outstanding
Denis Gagnon gave us yet another collection that garnered
a standing ovation. It marked a dramatic departure from spring’s
lightness and whiteness, shirring and shredding, Although we saw
a few fencing-fashion statements last time around, for fall it’s
all about athletic wear in a darkly futuristic arena. Prevailing
colours are black and midnight navy, highlighted by flashes of luminous
yellow or pale blue. Figure-hugging silhouettes are accented by
zippered pockets, panels and side vents. Being Gagnon, they’re placed
to both enhance and surprise. There were several sci-fi military
looks for men, with an especially wonderful and deft interpretation
of the trenchcoat. Imaginative touches abounded, such as a jacket
that looks standard from the front, with a bustle-like pouch at
the back with zipper pocket.
CONTINUED
|
The constantly surprising,
consistently outstanding Denis Gagnon gave us yet another collection
that garnered a standing ovation
   
 
TOP AND INSET:
Denis Gagnon. ABOVE AND LEFT: Nadya
Toto.
|
@