MONTREAL, Mar 1, 2010 / FW/ — This afternoon, Montreal-native Philippe Dubuc kicked off Montreal Fashion Week in an offbeat manner – he held his presentation aboard a 730-foot ship docked at Old Port’s Alexandria quay.
Fashionistas climbed aboard the ship the same way that the crew of the ship board, via a steel ladder that though it looked sturdy was not for the faint of heart. The climb might give an acrophobic vertigo, but to the fashionistas who braved it, the collection shown was all worth it.
Entitled Northern Sailor, Philippe Dubuc created naval inspired collection that brought about a modernized pea coat, knitted pullover sweaters, windbreaker and toggle jacket. The naval officer dress uniform had been updated to become a tuxedo coat or a double breasted suit jacket. Trousers are cut straight but loose fitting adhering to the naval tradition wherein comfortable and functional go hand and hand.
Dubuc did not break new grounds when it came to silhouettes, but he introduced new materials like the light, coated boiled wool, nylon, shiny taffeta, faded jersey and ribbed knits that were specially chosen because of their lightness.
And because the materials are coarse, they also gave the feeling of being raw and thus they contrasted with the sharp tailoring and structured silhouettes.
On a personal note, it was actually nice finding Philippe Dubuc again. Having followed him in Paris during the first part of the 2000s, he left the City of Light to show in his hometown and without saying so affirmed his belief that Montreal can indeed be a fashion capital.
Montreal Fashion Week Fall 2010
[MARI DAVIS]
Photos by Mari Davis
