Having spent Friday morning at Lucian Matis’ studio just hours before his Spring 2010 runway collection was to show at LG Fashion Week, we got a brief glimpse of what was to come that evening (more on our studio visit later this week!).  We spotted a few pieces of tulle, a watercolor clown print or two, a studded harness (as seen on the models above) and the most gorgeous cotton candy pink dress that was lovingly being hand stitched throughout the duration of our visit.  And even though we had an idea of the theme for the night (the circus!!), it wasn’t until the lights dimmed, the carnival music started and the first model hit the catwalk did we truly understand that Lucian Matis is the ringmaster of style for Spring 2010.

Using a muted color palette of dusty pinks, pale greys and off-whites, Lucian presented a collection that could rival any international runway (do we suppose we’ll see him at New York Fashion Week next season?).  The dresses were long, draped, silky smooth and oh so precious.  Some with studs, some without.  The seperates had volume in all the right places and were belted with studded belts that were anything but cliché.  The pastel platform shoes were wrapped in bondage-like ribbon all the way to the ankles and the harness headgear fashioned out of seatbelt-like material served to tie the whole theme together (and got us thinking about a great alternative to the headband).  The statement-making jewelry was a mixed metal medley of chains, cuffs and pendant necklaces designed by Karen McFarlane that had us wanting to walk onto the runway and take a piece home with us! And the airbrushed cloud-like closing dress modeled by Monika Schnarre left us speechless. Oh Lucian Matis, we bow down to your design greatness and only wish we could keep you in Canada forever!