DENIS GAGNON FASHION SHOW AT BIRKS

Posted by

So many things I love under one roof: bubbly, bling and beautiful clothes. My friends, Montreal Fashion Week doesn’t get much better than this. When I heard that fashion designer Denis Gagnon was going to present his Spring and Summer 2012 collection at Birks jewellery store, I couldn’t click send on that RSVP email fast enough…

First up at the Denis Gagnon fashion show, the Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne was ever-flowing. And then, lucky girl I am, Birks decked me out in more that $35,000 dollars of jewellery – Vianna collection earrings, a 1.3 carat cocktail ring and a glittery tennis bracelet. Gagnon, himself, wore an award-winning yellow gold and diamond brooch designed and produced in Montreal, La plume de Cyrano.

The lively upbeat show directed by Dick Walsh sent flat-shoed models fluttering around the Birks store. In sync with Gagnon’s “Denise in the Garden” theme, the largely black and white collection was softened by tiny floral prints. The overall look retained much of the designer’s signature forward-looking approach, however, in a much more “accessible” style. In other words, when broken down, individual pieces could be worn by real people and in everyday situations. Fashionable situations, of course.

Being in constant contact with his buyers has surely been an influence on Gagnon. Of his new eponymous boutique, he admits, “It changed my life.” Next time you’re strolling along Rue St-Paul in Old Montreal, be sure to stop by his “luxury basement” (it’s one level below ground) to see the clothes – and maybe even meet the designer himself. Attention romantics: If you were inspired by the Gagnon’s bride and groom at the end of his show, or by all the diamonds mentioned above, I highly suggest you ask the nice people at Birks or Hotel Place d’Armes about their joint “Dazzling Wedding Proposal” package – the ultimate romance getaway.

(P.S. For the Gagnon’s show, I was wearing an haute couture number by another Montreal designer, Renata Morales. Besides specializing in made-to-measure confections, she also dresses a little musical group called Arcade Fire.)

A

THE DETAILS

Denis Gagnon, 170B St-Paul St. West, (514) 935-6360

Birks, 1240 Phillips Square, (514) 397-2511

Top