Last week, Lucian Matis took his Fall 2013 collection outside the tents and presented a “monochromatic wonderland” at the lavish One King West Hotel. The venue was luxurious and gilded, just like Matis’ creations, but the collection that walked down the runway was unexpected.
Drawing influence from simplicity and modernism, Matis’ pieces incorporated texture and strong silhouettes, accented with contrasting monochromatic colours, and luxurious fur.
“This season I wanted to focus on the simplicity of the silhouette rather than the details,”explains Matis. “Working with a monochromatic theme, I could emphasis the shape of the garments from an architectural methodology with boxy geometric shapes.”
The first dress to walk out was reminiscent of last Fall’s collection with black embroidered lace and a full skirt. The dress was a collaboration with Baileys Irish Cream, and on the skirt were actual pieces of broken up Bailey’s bottles, creating a glimmering and shattering effect.
Baileys being a sponsor for the event, guests sipped on exclusive cocktails featuring the delicious creamy liqueur.
The collection had many looks that were more architectural in all white, but as the collection went on, more wearable looks combined rich fabrics and fur details.
The above look was my favourite from the collection. I love the turtleneck with a contrasting black tie, and the rich fur skirt.
Models wore their hair in sleek ponies, created by The Alcorn salon. The makeup was simple, but the nails were stunning. Both by Revlon, the nails were nude with graphic dark stripes and geometric additions.
Photo by Alessia Lamonaca
Graphic manis have been popping up all over the runways at WMCFW, and the sets for Matis definitely echoed the modern aesthetic of his collection.
Lucian Matis is in a place in his career where he can afford to experiment and present a collection that is a complete departure from his signature evening gowns and intricate crocheted lace. It’s also wonderful that in the highly commercial Toronto fashion market, a designer has the opportunity to present something that you would see on the runways of Milan.
All runway images by Jenna Marie Wakani courtesy of Lucian Matis and Magnet Creative.