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Very eclectic, inspiration-wise; what Renata Morales’ collection adds up to are unique silhouettes

   Isabelle Elie, the Laurier Street designer whose début collection so entranced us last season was back. This time it was all about fresh, youthful spirit with an undercurrent of sexuality. Her signature flirty skirts were there, as well as some asymmetrical straight ones. Her colour range was sometimes restrained and made more sophisticated in black and white, at others let loose in lollipop shades of blue, orange and pink.
   Calling herself ‘self taught, and therefore free from the shackles of convention,’ the free-wheeling show by Mexican-born Renata Morales was another highlight of the Week. This rising star is based in her own Morales boutique, which she now shares with another up-and-coming design team, Tavan & Mitto, in the heart of Old Montréal. Very eclectic, inspiration-wise; what it adds up to are unique silhouettes. Pants balloon out wildly then are nipped in at the ankles. Skirts are super-mini or mid-thigh, pleated in ragged-finish chiffon. Jackets take on edges and are cropped where you’d least expect. Colours mostly white softened to a pale cream colour, grey, olive drab, Insets of vibrant colour, sometimes in an artificial carpet-like texture.

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TOP ROW: Isabelle Elie. LEFT: Renata Morales.