Nuit Nouvelles

NUITS NOUVELLES from John Londono on Vimeo.
The final slot at this past season's LGFW belonged to Montreal's very own Denis Gagnon. Prior to the runway, Gagnon debuted a fashion film titled Nuit Nouvelles (above). It was moody, mysterious, hazy and edgy. Models frolicked in a forested area, floated in water and danced around fireworks. It felt a little bit like The Virgin Suicides, which I very much enjoyed. My followers should know by now that Gagnon is my absolute favourite Canadian designer and based on who I saw front row, it is clear that the top taste-makers of  the Canadian fashion scene adore him too.

Fashion Television's Jeanne Beker and Greta Constantine designers Stephen Wong and Kirk Pickersgill.

Contrary to the video's moodiness, the runway was actually very light-hearted, romantic and very French. Models skipped down the runway in florals, gingham, satin and pleats with fresh, simple make-up and loose, dishevelled hair styles to the sound of C'est Si Bon playing above.

Gagnon's trademarks were present in black, white and leather goods but the champagne shade was something new. The looks were fully accessorized from head to toe, featuring belts, watches and bags. The floral backpack was the biggest hit (not pictured). There was a juxtaposition of de-construction and tailoring offered with femininity and a laid-back sexy cool. Seeing the floral pattern layered on top of itself in different garments was interesting and pulled me into a lavish, over-indulgent feeling.

To give the audience even more cheer, Gagnon gave us two wedding looks and a playful makeshift ceremony. The beautiful model wearing a springy take on the tuxedo wed another model wearing a lovely, lady-like satin trench coat. The nuptials were officiated by the camera pit, and the models shared a kiss while church bells rung in the background.

This past summer I visited the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to see The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, where I picked up the table top book and saw an interview with Denis about how JPG has influenced him as a designer. He said "I adored his energy, I even dressed like him. I followed everything he was doing closely and tried to interpret the designs he showed on the runway." Gagnon reminded me a lot about what I had learned about Gaultier this past summer and it was evident that what inspires me about him still inspires Denis too. If you read my post about the experience you would see the similarities.

It was all there: the energy, the humour, the effervescence. And I loved it.