Marking its 15th anniversary at Toronto Fashion Week, Montréal’s Rudsak showed why it has been a long-standing fixture on the Canadian fashion scene with its fittingly titled On the Roll collection for spring 2010. Designer Evik Asatoorian’s offering was generous and comprehensive, providing full outfitting of both a women’s and men’s line, the latter especially overlooked from other designers that showed this week.
   Inspired by ‘the breezy summer days of the 1960s’, this collection has three distinct palettes that lent themselves to Asatoorian’s creations: earthy stones, pistol greys and mauves; nautical reds, whites and blues; and classic chic blacks and creams. All provide flexibility and options, but also was reflective of the different clientèle Rudsak caters to. In general, the collection had a very city-style overtone; however, with colour and accessories, it’s clear the label is expanding its reach. Faithful urbanites still have the majority of options with the more fashion-forward silhouettes and detailing on sleek pencil skirts and biker jackets, but a slice of yacht club-meets-downtown is served alongside with their high-necked breaker jackets in leather and suede, preppy shirtdresses, flat-front walking shorts and deck shoes.
   While Rudsak is world-renowned for its leather outerwear, its collections have always encouraged fashionistas to think of leather beyond jackets and pants. This collection boasted skirts, shorts, dresses and vests in soft, buttery leathers for spring, all while giving the impression of different fabrication. The swapping out of traditional fabrics has made Asatoorian’s creative use of leather outstanding. Of note were the leather men’s Bermudas and slacks as well as several grey coatdresses—one with a dramatic high cowl neck—that flowed as freely as it would had it been made of silk. The manipulation of the medium shows the attention to detail and the desire Asatoorian has for style, quality and function.
   To complement the collection, Rudsak also offers to-die-for accessories: glamorous totes, masculine messengers and duffles and sophisticated clutches make up the handbag set while the footwear collection includes both casual and dress options with the aforementioned deck shoes, simple men’s loafers, super-sexy high-heeled criss-cross sandals (with ankle-wrap straps that are more summer in Capri than Roman gladiator) and trendy open-toed boots. Other accessories included skinny belts and sheer cotton scarves coordinating in solids, stripes and even plaids.
   Available in spring 2010 at Rudsak locations in Canada and at select retail in the US; for more information, check out rudsak.com.—Samantha Potes

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