Last season, for the first time ever, two winners were crowned winners of the Mercedes-Benz Start-up competition, a Canada-wide program which gives young, up-and-coming designers a chance to elevate their brand through networking, working with “industry insiders” and more. Each year, finalists are invited to present in October for the chance to show a fuller collection in March. The two designers chosen to present yesterday were Matière Noire and Malorie Urbanovitch.
These two brands’s shows, which were immediately after each other, could NOT be more different. Matière Noire, who presented first, definitely lived up to its name – “black matter” – with a very sci-fi, space-like show that was a mix of an installation and full runway presentation. It was fairly strange at first – two models were already standing on a platform when attendees were being seated – with very experimental music playing. The presentation soon morphed into a runway show where models, walked and then posed on platforms. The looks were consistent with the “space-y” vibe, full of blacks and blues The collection was fairly relaxed-looking, though a bit bulky (rather than loose-fitting) at times. Some of the models looked like Michelin Men!
Contrasting Matière Noire was Malorie Urbanovitch. Winter can be very dismal and our wardrobes often consist of nothing but dark hues. This collection was different, with more sleek cuts. While the pieces were definitely cold weather friendly, full of sweaters, woolen skirts and other heavier materials, the light, though neutral shades definitely offered the “pop” the form of golds, creams and blues that is desperately needed in dark, cold months. Sure, there were pops of black here and there, but these lady-like, office-friendly, very classical and chic looks are definitely something to look forward to next season. Now one just needs to know when/if they hit stores!
While the designs and colours were complete opposites, both collections are, compared to many of the other designers, more “size-friendly,” with looks that can be worn by many body types. Both brands seem to target “regular” women, rather than creating hybrids that are neither art nor “wearable” for many women, judging by the skirt lengths and cuts. The cardinal rule is if you can see the clothes on people of varying heights (this is often MORE important than size ranges), in addition to sizes, where major reconstruction (rather than minor alterations) isn’t necessary, then you’re good to go.
After the presentations, it was announced that Mercedes-Benz had just signed on to continue the program for another three years and that Mercedes-Benz Startup competition for 2014-2015 will begin shortly. Finalists will present their mini-collections at World MasterCard Fashion Week in October, with the winner showing in March 2015.
All images by author
