FAJO’s designers to watch

April 12, 2013

By Jill Adams

Photography by Robin Gartner, Aleyah Solomon and Adam Dietrich

Following fashion weeks in Toronto, Montréal and Ottawa, FAJO Magazine sought out the most innovative and emerging design talents, and those who made a lasting impression with their runway collections.

Take a look at what we think makes them stand apart from others, and why we think their design careers will be promising.

Caitlin Power

Born and raised in Calgary, Caitlin Power studied fashion design at Lethbridge College and established her self-titled line of contemporary womenswear in 2008. She debuted at Western Canada Fashion Week, where she was recognized in an emerging-designer competition. Power is known for transforming classic silhouettes with youthful details, architectural tailoring and edgy innovations, especially through unexpected placement of leather detailing. A year ago, she moved to Toronto and continues to impress with her designs.

Caitlin Power’s fall/winter 2013 runway presentation in Toronto. Photo: Robin Gartner, FAJO Magazine.

Power’s presentation at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto infused asymmetrical lines, geometric blocking and structured silhouettes in red, plum, royal blue and black. The inspiration for her fall/winter 2013 collection, which was ready to be worn right off the runway, came from the blend of modern and classical architecture seen in Paris. Metallics, leather and mock turtlenecks were used unsparingly in the mix of separates, which included elegant blouses, high-waist pants, form-fitting skirts and tailored jackets, ideal for day or evening.

Luko Marion

Montréal designer Luko Marion, who is often inspired by the world and various cultures, has won several design competitions with his minimalist aesthetic. His designs range from wearable to avant-garde and frequently have an edgy influence.

Luko Marion (left) poses with a model at the end of his fall/winter 2013 show in Montréal. Photo: Aleyah Solomon, FAJO Magazine.

At Montréal Fashion Week, Marion showed a flair for the dramatic, as male and female models — sporting military-inspired hats, structured jackets and warrior-like pieces in black, white and grey — took to the runway. There were also fitted dresses of various lengths in similar muted tones. His fall/winter 2013 collection, called Urban Underground Winter, combined an array of risqué elements, with some wearable pieces in a range of wool, imitation leather and mesh.

Bernice & Barclay

When naming their line — Bernice & Barclay — design duo Lorianne Hawdur and Jamieson Nesbitt combined their middle names to reflect the line’s classic appeal and signature quirkiness.

One of the looks from Bernice & Barclay’s latest collection. Photo: Adam Dietrich, FAJO Magazine.

New on the fashion scene, the line unites two very different aesthetics: Hawdur, who graduated LaSalle College in Montréal before working as a designer for Mexx Canada, brings femininity and simplicity, while Nesbitt, who studied couture and merchandising and worked as a stylist, adds an ‘80s-inspired, punk-rock edge.

Hawdur and Nesbitt showcased their first collection, Rock and Royalty, at Ottawa Fashion Week, garnering attention for an excellent ready-to-wear line of refined jersey dresses. The line centred around chic, simple silhouettes, dropped shoulders and a palette of red, neutrals and deep turquoise. Short and full-length dresses also appeared in eye-catching prints.


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