We should keep our lips zipped after being given an exclusive sneak peak at the spring-summer 2010 collection of Denis Gagnon.
But who would have thought that the critically acclaimed Montreal-based designer would open up on how he's using the humble zipper in so many artistic ways?
"This season it's all about the zip, everywhere," says Gagnon, set to reveal all tomorrow night as the closing act on the catwalk of 17th edition of Montreal Fashion Week at the historic Bonsecour Market in the old part of city. "It's zip, zip, zip, zip, zip."
From top to bottom, and everywhere in between, the exposed zipper is being used in many artistic ways. (Gagnon has even rounded out his look by deconstructing and reconstructing his sponsor Aldo's footwear to feature the embellishment.)
Despite its humble tradition role of holding up pants and keeping coats closed, the teeth of Gagnon's multiple stacked, layered and tiered zippers glisten like diamonds, creating quite a glamourous effect on this latest line.
Sixteen model will strut out 32 outfits, quite the opposite of the voluminous garments the veteran designer played up in his last spring-summer collection.
This time it's "all about the body," says Gagnon. "It drapes really tight around the hips, waist and legs."
Fashion followers can expect to see familiar fabrics: leather, jersey, silk and chiffon silk.
But, in addition to usual black, Gagnon is dipping his brush into a new palette of soft green, cozy caramel and lush grey.
"It's spring-summer, so I need colour," he explains from his city home/studio, which is remarkably organized considering the looming deadline.
Inspiration came from the street, but also from other designers.
"I wake up early in the morning and I look at (magazines) and websites to see what Milan did, and Paris did, and London did each season. It's very important to me. I don't want to do the same, but they give me inspiration."
Gagnon is known for his leather creations, as well as his sophisticated tailoring and his fascination for the unconventional. This collection reflects all three elements.
"It's me," says Gagnon of this latest line. "I think if I was a woman, I would want to wear my clothes, for sure."
No doubt, many will once again covet the designer's latest leather looks since that medium is back in vogue again -- and he's been the renowned master of it for more than a decade.
Gagnon was working right up until the last minute on his final garment, another take on his famed leather jacket, and he's calling it his favourite item in the collection.
But he says he's proud of the entire line.
"It's perfect this season, I think so -- but you're going to see it on the runway and judge for yourself."
