BCFW SS 2010 Day 2: Malene Grotrian



Fresh on the heels of her NYFW triumph, Malene Grotrian presented another elegantly beautiful collection at Wednesday night's show in Circa Resto Lounge. As with her other collections, the clothes featured beautiful textiles and textures--no surprise considering that Malene sources her fabrics from Italy and Montreal. What is different this time, though, is that Malene turned to nature instead of classic glamour for inspiration. "This collection was inspired by sand," she said to me after the show. "The way it looks when it's wet or dry, the way it moves, the different shades of gray on pebbles and stone at the beach."



Following inspiration closely, then, this season's clothes drew on a neutral colour palette of beiges, white, and black with the occasional jolt of vibrant crimson. Models sashayed down the "runway" (really a path earmarked to circulate throughout Circa's lower level) to the sounds of a violinist playing over a pounding backbeat. High-waisted pencil skirts in luxurious fabrics and dresses with black leather tie belts put all emphasis on the waist. The dresses themselves were either loose and flowing (a draped jersey number, a lingerie-inspired slip dress with an asymmetrical hem) or structured.




Although this collection featured the trademark bustiers and open bolero jackets that Malene does so well, it also seemed to take a page from tailored menswear. I spied shirtdresses, crisp button-down blouses, and even an embroidered tuxedo jacket with satiny lapels. But the menswear influences were transmogrified by femininity in the form of seams that complement curves, or oversized ruffles spilling down the front of a satiny shirtdress.




The closing look--a strapless black-and-white embroidered gown with a flowing train--earned gasps of admiration and applause from the audience. For me, it also recalled the high drama of the tulle-lined ballgown skirts at last season's VFW show.



Malene with the violinist

Malene and her models pose in front of Circa after the show.


All photos by Yvonne Chew. This post also appears on Stylefinds.

10 comments

  1. Great collection and it was even more fabulous to finally meet you at the show Lisa! Always a pleasure and too bad we didn't have more of a chance to speak with one another but I figure there will be alot more opportunities to come! xo

    www.thestarvingstylist.com

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  2. hey lady, so great meeting you the other night! wonderful post - i linked it on my blog if you don't mind!
    xo

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  3. Wow, thanks for sharing, I positively adore it!!

    My brother made cranberry sauce with them, it was delicious!

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  4. Great coverage of the show as always! I was sad to have missed it but reading your review definitely makes up for it! It's almost as if I was there :)

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  5. my favorite is the red dress is so nice and lovely :)

    have a great sunday!!

    big kiss

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  6. Those last few looks are so gorgeous! What a beautiful collection. Hope you're having a lovely weekend dear :)

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  7. I love that nude dress. She is indeed a very talented designer:)
    Can't wait for Toronto Fashion Week, hehe

    xoxo
    Mimi

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  8. Thank you Lisa for covering my show!I noticed you got a great spot up front at the show!
    And thank you all for your comments here on her blog!
    To view more of the line, take a look here: www.malenegrotrian.com

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