Ottawa fashion insiders flocked to experience a fashion-filled soiree of jumpsuits, sequins and a plastic bubble for the opening night of Ottawa Fashion Week Sept. 29 at the new Ottawa Convention Centre.
Seven designers presented their collections on a 100-foot (30 metres) runway in one of the centre’s large halls. Among them was Simon Ekrelius, who has lived every designer’s dream by having Lady Gaga wear one of his outfits.
Ekrelius, who traveled from the United Kingdom for the event, showed a cohesive collection of pieces featuring silk-screened arrow, maxi dresses, and a plastic bubble dress. Ekrelius’ choice of pylon orange, florescent yellow, and traffic light red made his collection reminiscent of a construction site — construction site chic. He called his collection “industrial” and said he was inspired by the Bauhaus, the famous German design school.
The jumpsuit was a piece included in many collections, which means it’s certainly a key trend for Spring/Summer 2012.
Montreal designer Valérie Dumaine’s jumpsuit in a graphic print of ropes on a black background was very chic. She showed her namesake line in her Ottawa Fashion Week debut which included sweet, racer-back dresses in earthy tones of blues and whites.
The forerunners of Anomal’s collection were a gold-sequined kimono and a purple jumpsuit with an leather obi-belt. Anomal is known for its avant-garde, gothic looks and designer Sonia Leclair’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection proved to be no different.
A Japanese influence was evident in the collection’s waist-cinching, obi-belts and dramatic kimono sleeves. A black, lace bodysuit played to Anomal’s gothic roots and this lace motif was repeated in a stunning gown.
The overall quality of the event improved drastically from last season. Gourmet food was available for purchase, comfortable lounge chairs were placed for mingling and there was a “fashion marketplace” to peruse. In between shows, the event’s interns even scrubbed the runway with Mr. Clean Magic Erasers to keep it looking pristine.
Anomal's collection included black lace maxi dresses as well as gold sequined kimonos like the one pictured above.
Jumpsuits were popping up in each of the collections for Ottawa Fashion Week. Montreal designer Valérie Dumaine's collection was no exception.