#melissanepton

(images via front row mag)

okay, kids, so even as slowly as i've been slogging through the shows of toronto fashion week, we've somehow all the same managed to come to the end, and that delicious treat for which we've all been waiting the whole time; the designer that is, at least if her collections (see s/s 2012 & a/w 2012) we've been lucky enough to review on opt continue to hold, my absolute hands-down favourite of canada, mélissa nepton.  and, at least, for the s/s 2013, the montréal-based designer was still the reigning queen, with one of those rare presentations in which practically every look was good enough to be a hit.

anyway, filler magazine declared that "(i)t was more than just the models’ bobs at Mélissa Nepton...that lent the catwalk its 1920s charm. Loose waistlines abound, the luxurious fluidity of the designer’s SS13 collection as it made its way down the runway,  suggested each piece was tailored with the modern day Daisy Buchanan’s cruise plans in mind. Embracing the boyish femininity of the 1920s, the collection’s long dresses loosely belted low at the hip, nod at the era’s preference for low-waisted looks, while the heavy use of sheer fabrics showcase the signature sensuality of Nepton’s designs."

chatting with the designer about her inspiration for spring, she explained that "(a)n urban and sophisticated woman who enjoy distinguishing herself with unique and supple designs. For the SS13 collection, I was inspired by a free-spirited woman, wandering on a peaceful and deserted beach. Her sun-kissed skin still humming, enchanted by the magic of the night. In this spirit, the collection is one of seaside luxury, teaming practical chic with audacious comfort and greatly inspired by movements and colors."

"With a succession of sheer separates encompassing delicate short-sleeved blouses, jumpsuits, ethereal dresses and tie-front coverups, there was an effortless elegance to the looks from the Montreal-based designer," declared the spec. "The collection was steeped largely in a palette of black and white with hits of red, pink and orange among the colour accents, with ample doses of colourfully-crafted prints reminiscent of watercolour paintings. The line showcased silk garments featured atop structured tunics, with full-skirted dresses and palazzo pants also featured in the new collection."

meanwhile, the blog it's all style to me chimed in that "(r)evisiting the fashion staple that is the cruise collection, Nepton went for light flowing fabrics for the first part of the show and stylish silk garments and structured tunics in the later. The designer has invested heavily in fabrics for SS13 and kept to her typical to earth tones and monochrome with the odd pop of colour by way of pale tangerine, turquoise and lilac. Exploring asymmetric lines and structured couture, Nepton’s SS13 collection is very chic and sensual. Loved the plunging necklines and home-crafted prints."

and finally, we heard from front row mag, opining that "(s)leek and comfortable, Melissa Nepton presented her Spring 2013 collection beginning with the deep hues of the summer dawn and leading to the opulent colours brought to light by the afternoon sun. With Nepton’s impeccable attention to detail, each pieces radiates visual drama with her precision and careful eye. Not only do the pieces flow and move easily, but they drape in such a way so as to continually highlight perfect angles and complement the natural shape of the clothes."

"The looks screamed comfort yet in a sophisticated and innovative manner, invoking a sunny getaway. With regard to her fabric choices, Nepton, 'came up with noble and colourful fabrics to heighten the fullness of her designs, which for a first time include palazzo pants, full-skirt dresses as well as her signature tunics.' With the small but exciting changes that Nepton has made since her last collection, we’re sure there’ll be even more interesting work coming from this Montrealer," they concluded.

in the end, it's really just the kind of slow fashion i want from a label, the type that embraces the aesthetic they've set forth in prior seasons, and yet remembers to encapsulate little hints that give us a nod and a wink that they're aware of the current fashion trends, and wanting to gently, subtly steer us into their version of those trends, without venturing too far forth, away from the pieces we might have bought just a season prior, suddenly rendering them obsolete (and yeah, i'm looking at you, prada and balenciaga). and besides, i just can't stop loving the designer's delicate materials, her light hand, and the ethereal quality she somehow manages to combine with a sort of urban-cool in her every look.  it's just such an odd and awesome combination (see additional runway images at slp fashion).