The 1,600 guests who crammed into the Design Exchange for designer Andrew Majtenyi's fall/winter fashion show got more than they expected. Instead of a traditional catwalk parade, Majtenyi opted for a multimedia production that included film footage shown on screens from CCR Solutions flanking the runway. Paratroopers—both the image of these airborne warriors descending from the sky and their distinct perspective on events on the ground—figured prominently in the production. Even the invitation from Print Pod was die-cut in the shape of a paratrooper. So it was fitting that the program culminated with a performance by a Zero Gravity Circus aerialist, who appeared suddenly above the runway, suspended by a rope from the ceiling.Majtenyi said he wanted to offer something different than a typical pageant of fashion models. "The fashion media are very critical of this type of thing, of straying from the norm of the runway, but I wanted to create an experience to promote the Majtenyi brand." The designer has plans to expand his product line beyond clothing to include accessories and other items. "The show was intended to prepare people to expect more from Majtenyi," he added. Josie Genua, Majtenyi's event director, produced the event in collaboration with several key suppliers, including David Hopley, director of Media Lab, Jann Coppen, cofounder of theideashop, and art director John Carter of Creative Design Form.
The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring appetizers from Kindred Spirits. The fashion show opened with Flying Man, a short film by director Elvis Podvorac about a dying paratrooper and his grandson. At a crucial point in the story, the lights went up and models from Elmer Olsen, Next Models, NAM, and Stylus Canada, among other model suppliers, flooded the runway. Majtenyi showcased 26 original outfits, complemented by jewelry from Rita Tesolin, bags from Guy Latulippe, footwear from Town Shoes, and hair and make-up by Salon Daniel and M.A.C. Cosmetics.
Following the show, Ki Restaurant & Lounge hosted an after-party.
Photos by: Derek Lang
The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring appetizers from Kindred Spirits. The fashion show opened with Flying Man, a short film by director Elvis Podvorac about a dying paratrooper and his grandson. At a crucial point in the story, the lights went up and models from Elmer Olsen, Next Models, NAM, and Stylus Canada, among other model suppliers, flooded the runway. Majtenyi showcased 26 original outfits, complemented by jewelry from Rita Tesolin, bags from Guy Latulippe, footwear from Town Shoes, and hair and make-up by Salon Daniel and M.A.C. Cosmetics.
Following the show, Ki Restaurant & Lounge hosted an after-party.
Photos by: Derek Lang