MTL Fashion Week: Pedram Karimi & Christian Chenail

Like any other art, fashion is designed to communicate a message to us. Designers fashion their clothing in order to convey a message to their audience, that demonstrates their vision. Ultimately, fashion is up to interpretation, similar in essence to other forms of self-expression. What I see on the runway may not be what you see or what the designer envisioned. As you read my articles, I am taking you on a journey into a world created by others, but seen through my eyes. So, sit back, relax and enjoy Montreal Fashion Week.

Before Pedram Karimi’s runway show, people were chatting and grabbing drinks

On my way to studio L’Arsenal, I was convinced that I was going the wrong way, for the surrounding area (William St.) seemed so run down, an unlikely location for a trendy venue and fashionable event. Once inside, I obtained my media pass and tickets, and ventured into the room where all the posh people were either grabbing drinks by the bar, perusing the CoverGirl and Pantene Pro-V stands, or simply discussing fashionable matters with fellow acquaintances and colleagues. It goes without saying that I felt quite under-dressed in my Aztec printed cardigan, white tank-top and dark blue jeans, as almost all the women were in heels and dresses, or an all together trendy ensemble that you would see at a cocktail party.

I got my tickets late, so I guess that’s why ended up in the before last row. Thankfully, I was able to move down two rows and get a much better view of the runway for both shows. Pedram Karimi kicked off Montreal Fashion Week with a video showcasing the sensual faces of a woman and a man, followed by his models walking in all directions, which was followed by a pause and the start of his catwalk. Staying true to the neutral and simple, any added texture or  type of sequins stood out in the smock-like clothing he introduced. Unlike his runway show at the Festival Mode et Design, Karimi paired his structured smocks with shorts,  and even introduced a similarly structured crop tops with colourful human face features. It was interesting because the models bore African inspired necklaces, which gave some of the outfits a tribal feel, while others gave off a futuristic “back-to-school” look with black, pocket-less school bags. It’s always intriguing to see what Karimi has to offer; the simplicity of this clothing can lead many to interpret his fashion in different ways.

Model for Christian Chenail’s “Muse”

Karimi was followed by Christian Chenail’s “Muse”,  a 60’s inspired runway where polka dots (and many of them) and snake-skin print were at the fore-front. I liked how he fused the snake-skin print into his retro dresses. It is almost like the fusion of several eras, as the polka dots remind us of the 60’s and the snake-skin print is reminiscent of recent fashion trends. His eccentric outlook was seen in a cylindrical black and white clutch and in the sunflowers some of the models wore around their necks. Chenail wasn’t afraid to combine patterns and push the boundaries of fashion with his combinations. All in all, Karimi and Chenail demonstrated their unique style to this very fashionable crowd of people.

Montreal Fashion Week runs from September 3rd to September 6th, so stay tuned!

Photos will be posted soon.

For the schedule and more information, visit http://montrealfashionweek.ca/index.php?lang=en