Having last been in Casino Nova Scotia’s Harbourfront Lounge for a depressing night where I found myself being stared down by an old boss before the night devolved into me trying to be the biggest bitch I possibly could be (pretty big), I welcomed a chance to cleanse that horrible night from my memory with fire. Fierce fashion fire would be ideal.
Atlantic Fashion Week’s New & Emerging Designers showcase was packed with really attractive looking folks, talented designers and a ton of Centre for Arts and Technology students.
Tucking my ill-chosen rabbit fur cat ring into my bag, I took a seat under a very unflattering bright light to be soothed by pretty clothes.
First up was designer Rebecca Pike’s BEC FASHIONS. Pike designs as she sews, and it works for her. Her collection included a lot of cool ice cream colours, neons, revealing cut outs, the most cropped of crop tops, hot pants, high-low hemlines, lace, florals, mixed fabrics, bustiers. It was a real mixed bag, but the overarching theme seemed to be “youth”. The clothes were attractive and wearable (if you are moderately hot, that is).
Blue Ladybug Designs was next, with the eco-friendly idea of using repurposed fabric to create fresh new designs. The collection had a flowy, hippie feel, incorporating 70s graphic prints and saris. The finished product was completely new, simple looking but with unique details. A single mini strap going from hem to shoulder, Grecian-esque looks, multiple layers in a single garment. It’s like every Value Village big idea you’ve ever had (“I’m going to take this dress shirt and make a skirt AND a tank top!”) but Blue Ladybug actually follows through—and follows through well—instead of collecting ill-fitting button ups in a bag on her closet floor.
CBrido brought a collection of gauzy, floral party dresses. Whisper thin shawls with ruching, a skirt and pant with mesh panels, cool pastels, more high-low hemlines and a fresh and accessible vibe.
Centre for Arts and Technology’s fashion design program students made the most of their slogan “where passion meets reality”. The students to put forth a collection that might be better suited for a new slogan—“skirts you’d punch a puppy for” maybe? Seriously out of control. High waists, nautical details, insane construction, a structured jacket and a saucy as hell red satin dress. I perished.
What the heck is going on at that fashion design program? What insane teacher is keeping these kids in rad detention, forcing them to create piece after piece of clothing taken from my dreams? Not exaggerating even a tiny bit. Eman Mustafa was next and her mid and maxi skirts revolved around “majestic pleats”. The looked just as good in cream as they did in acid jewel tones. Mustafa’s colour choices were fresh and exciting, it was like neon fall in there.
Mitchell Stuart Gilroy’s NOADDEDMSG pushed the envelope the furthest of all, unisex mesh sweatshirts? Hoodies with formal tuxedo tails? Why yes! What the items lacked in wearability (any outfit requiring pasties probably won’t make it into my regular rotation) was more than made up for in high fashion appeal. It was a truly enjoyable collection, and it was nice to see some menswear up there. Read a little more about Gilroy here.
Overman’s body adornments schooled us in new places to put jewellery. Shoulders, thighs were fair game. Delicate chain vests in muted golds and brilliant silver kicked off a cool daydream about how our Khaleesi would love these.
Sueno Swimwear reminded us all of the looming bikini season in the cutest way possible. Snakeskin one pieces, polka dot bikinis, nautical looks, strappy electric greens and blues, fuchsias, and that gorgeous coral colour that everyone loves now. Maybe I could sew three of them together and hit the beach.
Cadence Macmichael for Pretty Things Boutique closed the show with some universally flattering pieces that blended Hollywood glamour with modern floral fabrics and animal prints. The model that looked like Joan Holloway really rocked her look, understandably. It was a great note to end on, and I can’t wait to see what tonight’s Designer showcase has in store.
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This article appears in Jun 7-13, 2012.
I like that these models look healthy! And a couple of the dresses were cute!