Montreal Fashion

Although...it just ended...are you anxious for the next Fashion Week in New York City. If so,, a great addition to your cravings next year is the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival. A few weeks ago, Montreal’s famous McGill College Avenue was lit up with boutiques and fashion savvy individuals as the 11th edition of the event looks to live up to its previous ones with over 80 labels making appearances.The opening day of the festival included a wild and electric high-heel race that will feature participants of two competing as each set gave a $100 donation. Proceeds from the race benefited the Canadian Cancer Society. Also during the opening day was the Rock the Runway event that showcased models giving their best catwalks across the stage in fabrics from local designers.The following night was an opera collaboration of the creative minds of Christian Pronovost and Michel Beaulac. The show had music selections from Etienne Dupuis, Caroline Bleau, and Antoine Belanger. A live art performance by Zilon was also featured in the show along with costume designs by Yso and Dominique Guindon.One of the main attractions during the week was the viewing of Jean Paul Gaultier’s fall-winter prêt-à-porter collection. He was included in 30 looks from the men’s and women’s lines Bourgeoises Sans Âge and Muse Tanel Bedrossiantz. The women’s aspect featured models in wigs designed as grey beehives for an eccentric feel, while classic Gaultier designs was on hand also.A new addition to the festival this year was the public bench design competition. Five benches were chosen to be installed this year based upon the creativeness and artistic value of the benches designed by contestants. While a lot of the talent during the festival was due to local up and coming artists, major retailers such Tristan, Le Chateau, Aldo, Dynamite, and Reitmans were a part of the show as well.The festival wrapped up with a lingerie show on the final day, as attendees are sure to be fully satisfied from the culmination of events that occurred. If looking for your first taste of Fashion Week next year, the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival is your destination.