Ottawa Fashion Week kicked off its eighth season with a brand new venue on Oct. 12. This year’s Spring/Summer 2013 collections were shown at the Sala San Marco hall in Little Italy. Preston Street was transformed into a high-fashion avenue for the weekend.
The runway setup was different this year, with a seating section in the middle of the runway, giving more people a chance to get close up views of the clothes. The dim lighting, crystal chandeliers and clear chairs added a neat visual appeal.
Ottawa-based label Lococina, led by designer Elena Jones, presented the first show of the evening. Coats in earthy tones were highlights in the collection, even though they may not have brought to mind the sunny weather. The silhouettes were interesting and different while still being wearable.
Another highlight of the evening was Yola Couture, designed by Yolande Deschenes. Her collection featured a feminine 1950s-style silhouette that was oh-so-Betty Draper. Bright maxi skirts also added a playful volume and pop of colour to the presentation. Adding to the feminine flair, was a remixed version of Madonna’s “Vogue” blasting through the speakers, encouraging the crowd to bop along in their seats.
Genevieve Lima’s palm printed dresses definitely brought the summer season to the runway. They also brought to mind Jennifer Lopez’s iconic ultra-deep-V Versace number made famous at the 42nd annual Grammy Awards. Whether intentional or not, the prints were definitely fun. As my Capital Oh co-blogger Sarah put it, palm prints are “like camo for the tropics!” Lima also showed more subdued pieces as well, like a flowing black maxi dress with crystal detailed armbands. It was a simple dress with a welcome touch of bling.
During the Korto Momolu presentation, models strutted down the catwalk in a palette of burnt oranges, sunny yellows and rainbow prints. The outfits themselves were wearable and fun, but the accessories (his take on Prada’s Baroque-esque sunnies) put some of the looks over the edge, adding just a little too much. Sometimes, less is definitely more.
In between the different sets of shows, guests were invited to check out the marketplace, set up across the street. RetroFuture and StillNative provided live entertainment as the guests mingled and shopped at vendor booths.
Muse par Christian Chenail, Alfred-Marcel and Vivi par Genevieve Couture also presented shows during the evening.
In general, the weekend got off on a good start. However, Ottawa’s fashion crowd was not out in full swing – many of the regular OFW personalities seemed to be absent. Perhaps they couldn’t decide what to wear. Whatever the reason, I’m sure they’ll arrive fashionably late for day two. So here’s to a new season – I hope you’re dressed for it!
