Montreal fashion week diary: Day 2 with Barilà and Anastasia Lomonova
View the photo gallery »
I really can’t think of a better way to start Day 2 of Montreal Fashion Week than at a cocktail. This year, instead of a traditional runway show, design sisters Claudia and Sabrina Barilà showcased their Spring 2012 collection by inviting media peeps to watch their look book photo shoot, styled by Cary Tauben. Models posed at each side of a triangular backdrop, flipping their crimped bouffantes from time to time. Each year, Sabrina, the design half of the duo, seems to venture into new territory, and this time around the look was sultry-preppy princess. The shirt dress was key, with the same cut appearing in different fabrics and patterns such as silk, chambray, Laura Ashley-like floral, and multi-hued pinstripes; as well as variations including a bare-shoulder cut-out style and a loose tunic version with a Mao collar.
Next up, Anastasia Lomonova. You may remember her red, wrapped-mummy models from the Mercedes-Benz Start Up competition last month. Lomonova ushered in spring with sculptured red-carpet-ready gowns and cocktail dresses pieced together in sophisticated knots and delicate mini-pleats. Waves of draped jersey and ripples of chiffon cascaded down the runway in an earthy palette of sand and smoke; some pieces in subtle ombré inviting a second, closer look. The handiwork in Lomonova’s pieces was obvious, particularly in the bodice of a dress that incorporated an artistic patchwork of pleated panels. In a complete 180, one model glided down the runway in a cotton bodysuit, draped with a simple sheer maxi overlay. Breathtaking.
Get the FASHION newsletter
Sign up and never miss fashion and beauty news, product drops and trends. Plus, the occasional promotional message from our partners.
