A Canadian in Paris
Joe Fresh’s looks embrace effortlessly chic attitude
For his fall Joe Fresh collection, Joe Mimran hit the chic boulevards of Paris — specifically the City of Lights in the 1990s.
His models were effortlessly chic. The show opened with a model wearing a fitted black shirt, trim black jeans and a wide crystal belt.
As Joe Fresh shops open in the U.S. in more than 600 J.C. Penney stores, Mimran will prove to American consumers that no one does affordable chic better than Canada.
There were knit sweaters in traditional French sailor black-and-white horizontal stripes, trim trousers sometimes embellished with dense crystals, and a tuxedo pant with a faux patent stripe down the outside seam. A degraded nighttime skyline print appeared on dresses. The collection was also tough, with black motocross jackets.
CHRISTOPHER BATES
It was a fashion show presented in the fine traditions of 1950s couture — for men. With dashing Toronto designer Christopher Bates dressed impeccably in a sharp tuxedo, right out of a 007 movie, standing on the runway with mike in hand, a stream of male models walked the square presentation space. Bates showed no sign of being self conscious as he introduced his collection, naming the model and explaining their outfit. “Ben has a deep blue rain coat with a nice black trim.” Each model was announced and their garments itemized.
The presentation was inspiring and Bates’s deadpan delivery made it both surprising and charming.
Bates pointed out details like the exterior metal collar stays on a white shirt and rich blue leather gloves — a fitted white shirt with waxed denim jeans or a wool sports jacket with leather elbow patches.
ASHTIANI BY GOLNAZ ASHTIANI
For her fall label, Ashtiani designer Golnaz Ashtiani took her cues directly from the fabrics, specifically what she calls “historical materials” like traditional velvets, mohair and silk organza. Often, she says, a single garment is constructed with three different materials.
The collection hit on one of biggest fall trends — combining sometimes disparate materials all in one piece. Her program notes revealed the complexity of her work; the show opened with a stretch knit dress brought to life with Persian lamb black velvet and “shredded silk panels.”
But the designer, who splits her time between London and Toronto, is clear this season that her modern silhouette has moved the collection forward.
The shapes were revealed in simple cuts for the “modern city girl” — with an undercurrent of the exotic.