by Kortney L. Shapiro

As Montreal Fashion Week approaches, I can only think of one thing: subdued opulence with a hint of haughty French charm and a dollop of continental cool. Although only celebrating its 17th edition, in collaboration with P&G Beauty, Montreal Fashion Week will bring a little more zing to the Old Port this fall. Beginning on October 13th through the 15th, a number of shows, press junkets, cocktail parties and one-of-a-kind events will be held at the eponymous Marché amid the romantic cobblestone streets of Old Montreal.

The setting, evocative of a palatial retreat in old Versailles-meets-loft-chic has been constructed inside with lacquered finishes amid a sleek design scale. After having attended past shows I am looking forward once again to seeing what distinguished designers have in store for the culture club of journalists, editrixes and photographers, and yes, the masses of fashion junkies who line up for hours to set their eyes on even just one MUSE by Christian Chenail show.

I anticipate to once again be blown away by the artful construction of Yves Jean Lacasse, and the structured separates from Andy Thê-Anh. Bloggers, don’t fuss; there will be plenty of Denis Gagnon and Soia & Kyo–I recall wanting to snatch a magnificent trench coat that came down the runway last season.

Among the wonderful goodies to be expected, Le Showroom has become one of the most coveted features of Montreal Fashion Week. Designers this year will once again have the chance to showcase their goods to brazen buyers. Last year I was called out for trying on “too many” pillbox hats and Blair Waldorf inspired bows at one of the booths–my utmost apologies.

In a time when the economy needs a boost, the perfect pick-me-up is by creating a unique exchange-based relationship between designers and the buyers, within a creatively-charged and cool setting. I look forward to sipping on bubbly while receiving complementary makeup touch-ups provided by P&G, as well as noting whom from the last season of Canada’s Next Top Model will be sitting in my row. You watched it. Don’t lie.

Montreal Fashion Week would not be made possible without the fabulous team at Sensation Mode, who have secured a name for themselves within the fashion world, and more importantly, within the Montreal design hub. Now all I need are higher shoes so I don’t have to look up 4 ft. while interviewing Mr. Baxter.

To quote a super-svelte blonde and bronzed LA-based badass stylist, “bananas” is really the best way to describe the onslaught of style glitterati and snotty–dare I utter the word– scenesters, at this year’s Montreal Fashion Week. And I still have to find something to wear to the Dress To Kill Magazine launch party…I smell a sundry of distressed denim, premium leather, and badass hardware…