There are a few things in life that are better served chilled – a Martini, for example, or the fifth annual Montreal Fashion Show. Instead of using vixeny models who strut the catwalk, the show displays Canada’s hottest new designs for the winter 2001 season on skaters from the Ice Theatre of New York Ensemble, a troupe of top pro skaters based at Chelsea Piers that tours with its own shows.
Forgoing stilettos for ice skates, these performers will turn the ice rink at Rockefeller Center into a runway, starting tomorrow, featuring men’s, women’s and children’s fashions and accessories.
The brainchild of Denise Bijo, who works as a commercial representative for the Quebec government in New York, this event is the ideal showcase for fashions from Canada, which is known for its colder climates.
“People in Quebec have learned how to dress warmly without having to sacrifice style,” says Bijo. “So it occurred to me that Quebec fashion on ice at Rockefeller Center was a great idea.”
Created in 1996 as a means to help Quebec designers attain greater visibility in the American market, the event was originally conceived to show winter coats. “But as it has grown over the years, other companies have asked to be part of the show,” she says.
This year’s event, which is held tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 1 p.m., will showcase eveningwear, sportswear and outerwear, and is free. Innovative designs and craftsmanship will be on display.
“We’ve developed a new technology,” says Arsem Svazian, a designer for Oscar Leopold. “Shearlings used to be very heavy before. What we’re doing now, the shearlings are so light they’re a quarter of the weight.”
In eveningwear, Huey Waltzer, a designer for En Francais, presents his line of full-length gowns and separates. The highlight of the collection will be the red, strapless number, but the goal is to achieve versatility with their pieces.
“Our forte have always been eveningwear,” says Waltzer. “But they’re young, almost sportswear-like fashion. They can be used in other ways in the wardrobe. You can wear them to parties, to any evening occasion, and here they are on the ice. It’s a forward way of thinking about eveningwear.”
Choreographed by Moria North, founder of Ice Theatre of New York (which has featured such high-profile guest stars as Nancy Kerrigan), each design house will have the opportunity to show off its creations in a two-minute skating routine. The entire ice dance lasts 30 minutes.
Fashions represented in the show will hit department stores and boutiques in the fall.
