Denis Gagnon
Denis Gagnon

MONTREAL, Oct 1, 2010 / FW/ — Celebrating his 10th anniversary this year, Montreal-based designer Denis Gagnon was feted by Fashion Television with a cocktail hosted by Glen Baxter on Thursday, Sep 30, during Montreal Fashion Week.

With Montreal’s fashion and art who’s who in attendance, Glen Baxter together with Nathalie
Bondil, Director of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) formally announced the “Denis Gagnon Shows All” exhibition at the Contemporary Art Square of MMFA.

Open to the public free of charge, the “Denis Gagnon Shows All” exhibit will be held from October 19, 2010 to February 13, 2011.This will be the first time that the work of a Quebec designer will be the subject of an exhibition at the MMFA.

“Denis Gagnon is a designer of rare integrity,” said Nathalie Bondil, Museum Director. “This installation at the Museum, following the Yves Saint Laurent show and preceding the Jean Paul Gaultier one, reveals the same high standards with regard to the discipline. His unfettered talent makes him an icon of Canada’s fashion world.”

Accepting the kudos from both the fashion and art world, Denis Gagnon thanked everyone for the support of the fashion community for the past 10 years and the MMFA for giving him the honor of being the focal point of an exhibition in the museum.

And in an interview before the private cocktail event, Denis Gagnon revealed to FashionWindows how “Denis Gagnon Shows All” exhibition became a reality.

“I think it was providence,” said Denis Gagnon. “I ran into Nathalie Bondil in a party. And the discussion naturally gravitated towards fashion. We talked about the Yves Saint Laurent exhibition that was held in 2008 and the upcoming Jean-Paul Gaultier exhibition in 2011.”

“We talked about the possibility of holding a fashion exhibition in-between the two. We did not make any plans that day, but I knew that something had happened. And here we are,” concluded a smiling Denis Gagnon.

The exhibition at the MMFA is just one of the three things happening with Denis Gagnon in 2010. The Montreal-based designer has also collaborated with Bedo for a one-off collection which is currently in stores.

According to reports, the Denis Gagnon for Bedo collection is flying off the shelves so fast that the whole collection might sell out long before the holiday selling season begins.

Also, Denis is making a return to Toronto after being absent for several years. “It seems like a good time to show again in Toronto,” explained Denis. “I’m skipping Montreal Fashion Week this season because of the gala opening of the exhibition on October 18th wherein I will also unveil my Spring 2011 collection to a very intimate group.”

“On Friday, October 22nd, I will present my collection to the press and buyers in Toronto at LG Fashion Week,” Denis Gagnon revealed.

With a whirlwind year, FashionWindows asked Denis Gagnon what we can expect from him in 2011.

“New York! Here I come,” Denis Gagnon said emphatically.

[MARI DAVIS]
Photos by Mari Davis

Montreal Fashion Week Spring 2011