Montreal Fashion Week, Day 3

Annie 50’s new collection at Montreal Fashion Week. Photo by Kat Sark.

Day three of Montreal Fashion Week continued with some stunning designs and spectacular shows.

Annie Chagnon and Amélie Gingras-Rioux are the two designers behind the label Annie 50. Inspired by the 1950s and based on ethical production principles, their ready-to-wear line is simultaneously contemporary and classically retro. Their show was skillfully orchestrated, with all the models striking pin-up poses for photographers. The music ranged from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack to popular 1950s songs, giving everyone in the audience something to sing along to.

Designer Betina Lou attended the show, and, asked about the influence of Wes Anderson on her own collection presented the day before, she stated, “I’m glad you were able to pick that up from the collection. I love his aesthetic. I’ve seen all his films, and especially Moonrise Kingdom was an inspiration. Two of the songs I used in my show are from his films.”

In contrast to the soft and elegant retro aesthetics of Annie 50 and Betina Lou, Hip and Bone presented a rough, hard-edged street look. Their show featured spectacular visuals, ranging from images of Martin Luther King projected on the big screen, to the face of Mao Zedong prints, and even a German shepherd as catwalk companion.

The RUDSAK collection for next summer is once again classically stylish and elegant for both men and women. Emphasizing classic colours and cuts, designer Evik Asatoorian knows how to dress both men and women in casual, formal, and outer wear and equip them with accented accessories. ■

Montreal Fashion Week continues to Sept. 8. Most events take place at the Arsenal Contemporary Art Complex (2020 William). See the festival’s program for details.

Kat Sark is a fashion and culture blogger at Suites Culturelles, and the co-author of Berliner Chic: A Locational History of Berlin Fashion (2011) and the upcoming Montreal Chic.

Check out Kat’s photos from the event last night, including looks from new collections by Rudsak, Hip and Bone and Annie 50.
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