Black, Grey, White and Baileys Irish Cream at Lucian Matis

Lucian Matis presented his “main” collection off-site at the gorgeous One King West Hotel and Residence on March 22. The event, which was sponsored in part by Baileys Irish Cream, kicked off with cocktails where guests mingled while sipping three drinks made from the product and nibbled on appetizers such as mini cheesecakes before being seated for the show.

Lucian Matis on his Baileys dress

Opening with a gown Matis especially created for Baileys (made of old bottles – see video above on the creation of the dress), the show featured looks of black, grey and white combinations of geometric and straight tops, dresses, skirts and pants. The only items that did not fall into said colour categories were the furs.

This season’s collection is definitely a bit of a change from the past. The Lucian Matis “main” collection, has, for the past few seasons, leaned more towards evening and formal wear. However, the Fall-Winter 2013 pieces, while much more avant-garde than the Matis by Lucian Matis line, definitely has less “evening” vibe. In fact, some of the pieces would not be out of place at an office or luncheon. In other words, it’s more “wearable,” even though it isn’t for the “every day” woman like the Matis line is.

Delicious mini cheesecakes

Styling for the collection was also very interesting. Every single model wore a turtleneck top with the pieces, which in a way detracted from white/cream coloured pieces. White on white, even at a different shade just didn’t Fit-wise, however, the “poofier” looks would definitely be disproportionate on small figures, making them look like bowling balls no matter how thin. In other words, you would NOT be seeing people the size of Nicole Ritchie or Mary-Kate Olsen in any of these. It was nice to look at, but I often wish that I could see what looks like these would be like on a shorter figure.

Baileys Cool Raspberry (above) was one of three cocktails available at the show

The vibe at One King West was definitely very different from the main Fashion Week venue. The change of environment, especially in a room with an old world feel was a great way to end a long, but exciting week.

All fashion show photos courtesy of Magnet Creative/Jenna Marie Wakani. Refreshment photos by Cynthia Cheng Mintz. Video via Baileys Canada

About Cynthia Cheng Mintz

Cynthia Cheng Mintz is the founder and webitor-in-chief of this site and the petite-focused site, Shorty Stories. She has also written for other publications including the Toronto Star and has blogged for The Huffington Post. Her first novel, Aspirations, was published in 2007. Outside of writing, Cynthia researches and advises philanthropic ideas for family funds and foundations and also volunteers.