Maybe it’s not what the duo behind Ezra Constantine (the brother of womens wear line Greta Constantine) were thinking but as soon as their models sauntered onto the runway my first thought was “Futuristic S&M”. I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it. There was a whip for god’s sake.
Showing in the immaculate white studio space at David Pecaut Square Thursday afternoon, the collection was a stark contrast of black and white with a few cream pieces infused as well as leather face masks, oversized copper saftey pins and stomping Doc Martens boots.
Designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong continuously implemented the theme of ‘protection’ while describing their latest mens wear collection and they brought it to life in more than one way. The Toronto-based label, developed in 2009, kept things minimalistic with no look overstyled. Every now and then a surprising, unconventional detail would appear like sequin embellished sleeves or gun holster shaped pockets.
“You see masculine images but in a playful way so it’s not too serious,” Wong explained after the show. “We’re showing protection from the elements and protection from society.”
While discussing the elements, Pickersgill admitted that Canadian weathers inspired the wide range of fabrics used. “You can almost have three seasons in one day, we go through so many climates. That’s why we have heavy hand-knit pieces along with soft, light sheer fabrics.”
The designers executed protective presence in the form of shiny silver pants (imitating armour) and raised collars but kept the shapes fluid and less constricting than one would expect to see on a knight in shining armour.
Regardless of the theme, Kirk and Stephen still just wanted to put out something that was masculine without being too hard.
“Kirk and I are from a time when fashion used to be fun; when fashion SHOWS used to be fun. Now they’re just so serious,” Wong told me. “Even though it’s a heavy theme of protection and being aware of everything gone bad in the world, we wanted it to be light.”
Images: Photos taken by Bianca Teixeira____
Bianca Teixeira writes about style for Toronto Standard. Exclusive coverage for Toronto Fashion Week continues. Follow her on Twitter at @BeeIsTheNewBlog.
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