Bright Colours and Wearability at Lucian Matis

For the first time, Lucian Matis showed both his “signature” (Lucian Matis) and “contemporary” (Matis by Lucian Matis) lines at World MasterCard Fashion Week. The past few seasons saw Matis show his couture line outside of “main” Fashion Week. Last season, for example was presented on the first day outside of the main World MasterCard Fashion Week venue while Matis by Lucian Matis was presented on the main runway.

Matis:

The first show of the day and presented at the studio space, this collection was, according to a press release, called “The Shield.” Sleek dresses and pencil skirts as well as blazers and flowy tops, the collection, consisting of bold pattern as well as solids, consist of pieces that will work on most every day women, no matter the day or lifestyle. There are pieces that would work paired with jeans as well as looks that are appropriate for a more formal office setting or even dinner out at a nice restaurant. Floral patterns are definitely must-haves once again for the warmer months. However, the coral coloured suits probably work best on the runway and in real life, styled as separates.

Lucian Matis:

This line has traditionally been works of art – handcrafted, almost sculpture-like pieces. However, there seems to be a change this time around, with many more looks that look “wearable” and like his “Matis” line, filled with gorgeous, colourful patterns. While the move could be a turn off for some (there might be many who don’t want what is basically a more expensive version of Matis by Lucian Matis), it is a welcome change for others. After all, seeing season after season of art means that the audience knows what to expect each time. It is, after all, good to see surprises. That said, the more “traditional” looking Lucian Matis pieces look like they were inspired by fairy tales – particularly that of the Evil Queen from Snow White and Alice in Wonderland’s Queen of Hearts – lots of geometric shapes and in blacks and reds. Definitely more modern look than his last collection, which was was very baroque.

Images by Deborah Lawrence Photography

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.