A showcase of aristocratic decadence

Last night found me outside beautiful Marché Bonsecours, teetering on uncomfortably high heels as I tried to navigate old Montreal’s cobblestone streets, preparing to take in Dimitri Chris’ fall/winter 2011 collection.

Entitled Master of the Foxhounds, it was easy to see from the get-go that this largely British-inspired menswear collection was going to have all the stark edginess, clean lines and buttoned-up sexiness of an English countryside dandy. Looking like they were ready to take part in an actual fox hunt, the male models strutted down the runway dressed in wool jackets, knee-high equestrian boots, form-fitting suits and trousers, leather gloves and immaculately-cut reversible coats.

The packed crowd took in the collection while the British invasion continued via the speakers pumping the appropriately themed, floor-vibrating music compliments of Christian R. Pronovost. Producer Patrick de Grâce and artistic director Gibran Ramos certainly lent their quirky, uber-stylized fashion sense to the evening.

With his elegant creations, attention to detail and obvious flair for bringing sexy back to the classic suit, Dimitri Chris has been receiving a fair amount of attention from Montreal’s fashion media; some even dubbing him the next Philippe Dubuc, for his extremely well-tailored designs.

It’s only a matter of time before this Montrealer makes his mark elsewhere. Slated to make his fashion debut at Toronto’s Fashion Week at the end of the month, his time might be coming sooner than anyone thinks. For more on Dimitri Chris, you can log on to his website: www.urimij.com

Yesterday was also an opportunity for designer Sabrina Barilà to showcase her sexy, sultry collection for women as only she knows how to do. I absolutely adore her designs. For more on Barila check out www.barilaclothing.com