MONTREAL - It's no New York or Milan, but for Montrealers, the 18th edition of Montreal Fashion Week, that kicked off this week, is huge.
Between now and Thursday, Marche Bonsecours will welcome 50 designers, including Denis Gagnon, Eve Gravel, Myco Anna and Marie Saint Pierre.
"We're expecting about 20,000 visitors and 300 national and international buyers," said Chantal Durivage, co-president of Sensation Mode. "It's like nothing we've seen before."
Promising designer and finalist for the Reality TV show, The Collection, Melissa Nepton, is making her first appearance at Fashion Week and was given the opportunity to hold the week's first show.
Her ready-to-wear line for women for Fall 2010 is everything that is charming and accessible. Finally, designer duds that we can wear, though they may be a little bit too accessible for the runway.
The line features a lot of blacks, flattering lines and silver chains, making the collection a little bit daring but even more simple.
Some will without a doubt look to get their hands on one of these creations in a store, without necessarily checking them out in another fashion show.
With the much-hyped participation of Nadya Toto - a local designer who is taking off on the international scene - the excitement was palpable during the first night of Montreal Fashion Week even before the show started.
After a three-year absence from the event, expectations were high for Toto. She delivered, putting on a magical display during a show that had been listed by many on the week's must-see list.
Toto is known for her powerful style and the femininity of her designs, where dresses and lace dominate. The designer presented a 100% monochromatic collection, predominately in black,grays and vivid pinks.
The result was explosive and one that has come to be expected from Nadya Toto.
The Marche Bonsecours runway then featured models for Muse by Christian Chenail and Marie Saint Pierre.
Helmer Joseph's show to benefit Handicap International was also featured on opening night.
