Berlinde de Bruyckere Exhibition at Gallery DHC in Montreal

Judging by the GoogleStats on my art writing entries on this blog, seems like y'all are already hip to the fact that I am the Canadian Columnist for PBS' Art21 Blog. I cover contemporary art in Canada on the critical cultural site, exploring the face of art practice and process, curatorial mandate and audience reception. My latest piece is on Flemish sculptor Berlinde de Bruyckere's exhibit at Gallery DHC in Montreal. Read full article here.

Raf Simons SS07

When fashion photography is at its best, it can show off how silhouette is the most important tenant of style. It goes beyond the pale of the embedded and implied details. Refinery is no doubt an important aspect of actually dressing oneself, but in photography; silhoutte, shape and proportion are king. No one knows this like Raf Simons. In the above Simons' SS07 spread, darkened outlines of vagabonds on a river bank evokes the undeniable power of youthdom. Boys, guys, bros, young men in the making. Shadows at night, near water. These bodies are not about fashion; they're about desire, making trouble, recklessness.

The same effect is achieved (mais, sans vetements içi!) in photos by photographer Alex deBrabant for a new shop/collaborative space in Montréal run in part by my dear friend Andrew Ly. Here, stoic model Keir Knight (formerly a professional ballet dancer), speaks volumes with his silhouette alone, quietly harnessing the energy of a wild horse in wait.

Le Jardin Botanique/Fashion Nurtures Nature

As I strolled through the Insectarium in Montréal's Botanical Gardens recently, I was drawn to recall how much of what is considered beautiful in our lives derives its inspiration from our natural environment. Each crawly bug on display looked like a jewel, or wait, is it that lustry jewels should remind us of nature? These bugs made me think of a different designer's collections in a specific season.














These looks from Matthew Williamson's Fall 2007 collection fit right in with the bugs; shiny and metallic textures, and rich jewel-tones. Fittingly, with my scaling up of my insect photographs, the models waists' look tinier than ever!

Click on this fragile, luxurious-looking butterfly below to see how it resembles the outfit from Chanel's Fall 2009 Couture line.

Marie Saint Pierre Fall 07 Collection

Last night Québecois designer, Marie Saint Pierre, presented her Fall 2007 collection at Montréal Fashion Week. Saint-Pierre's labour shows in the details - draping, ruching, delicate layers. Known for signature sophistication and unique and flattering designs, Saint-Pierre's show was surprisingly a bit more trendy than usual. Horse hooves shoes reminiscent of the silhouette recently re-popularized by Balenciaga, and slim-fitting body-con, cobalt trousers hit some of the season's most important notes. My favorite was the snug balaclavas that hugged the models' heads, pronouncing their lithe frames and making their faces shine like happy moons in front of all the flashing cameras.

White Label - Fashion Minute Video

Too bad you can't touch these images! Reason being that my friend Evelyne Dupuis, the designer behind Montreal's White Label, works with the softest, most buttery Italian leather to create these luxurious, zipperless, hardwear-free handbags, as well as street-chic cocktail gloves - available at boutiques in Old Montreal.

Click on the video below for a 'Fashion Minute' I did with Evelyne.