We’ve long loved Phoebe Philo for the way she transformed Paris fashion house Celine – and our wardrobes – with her all-conquering minimalist aesthetic. But with the greatest love and respect, this season we’re telling her to take a hike. Pared back, discreet, simple and austere are not parts of our fall/winter fashion lexicon.
Instead, we’re embracing excess. Our favourite runway pieces were gaudy, glittery, big and bold – think over the top bejewelled jackets, tinsel-like trim on coats, and shoulders so puffed we’ll need to go sideways through doorways.
We salivated at Prada’s gilded silk dresses, topped with enormous leather belts and worn with trekking boots. And we had raptures over Valentino’s gorgeous floor-length velvet dress in mustardy yellow.
Alas, we’re aware these out-there looks won’t fly in Vancouver, but we’ll certainly be heading to high-street stores like Zara, Topshop and H&M to buy the more wearable elements.
We’ll be adopting colour (blue, yellow and pink), texture (velvet, faux fur and leather), playfulness (pouffy skirts), enormous jewellery, and the joyful knowledge that fashion is finally fun again.
Models: Amanda, Vienna and Will of Key Model Management
Hair and makeup: Red Carpet Ready by Christina, RedCarpetReadyByChristina.ca
Styling: Steven Schelling for THEYRep, TheyRep.com
Photography: Dan Toulgoet
Venue: Juniper Kitchen & Bar, 185 Keefer
On Vienna: Jason Matlo gold dot halter dress, $890, made to measure at Jason Matlo atelier (call 604-682-0726). Cedric Lam 10 Crosbie faux fur jacket, $2,870 from Holt Renfrew (373 Dunsmuir). Elsa Corsi greige and black diamond choker, $200, from Jeweliette Jewellery (1090 Hornby). Sterling silver and cubic zirconia knuckle ring, $160 from Jeweliette Jewellery. Dan Toulgoet photo
On Amanda: J Js Lee floral jumpsuit, $1,530, from Wardrobe Apparel (67 East Cordova). Cedric Charlier moto jacket, $2,950, from Holt Renfrew (373 Dunsmuir). Bekkie strappy ankle boot, $399 from Fluevog (65 Water). Love Light Yoga black onyx and agate necklace, $360, from Jeweliette Jewellery (1090 Hornby). Irit Sorokin lapis necklace, $280 from Jeweliette Jewellery. Imogen Belfield ring, $510 from Wardrobe Apparel. Imogen Belfield knuckle ring, $308, from Wardrobe Apparel. Imogen Belfield cuff bracelet, $1,300, from Wardrobe Apparel. Dan Toulgoet photo
On Will: Palm Angels T-shirt, $320, from Holt Renfrew (373 Dunsmuir). Haider Ackerman Madame Blue jacket, $2,175 from Holt Renfrew. Topman pants, $109, from Topshop (674 Granville). 837 Granville brogues, $399, from Fluevog. Socks, $10, from Express (701 West Georgia).
On Vienna: Fyodor Golan minidress $1,620, from Wardrobe Apparel (67 East Cordova). Terry de Havilland pumps, $495, from Wardrobe Apparel. LUXYZ “XO” necklace, $83 from Wardrobe Apparel. Alan Anderson floral cuff, $1,600, from Wardrobe Apparel. Dan Toulgoet photo
