EVAN CLAYTON FIRED UP LIKE HELL AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

EVAN CLAYTON PRESENTS 

LIKEHELL

I spent the first 5 minutes writing this post trying replicate that specific red for the headline (and I probably chose wrong) that Evan Clayton sent down the runway at Vancouver Fashion Week. Most importantly, Red is one of those colors that has such intense emotions attached to it. For one thing red is energizing. Above all, red excites the emotions and motivates us to take action. It exudes a strength and power. Significantly red is the color of blood and fire, is it associated with meanings of love, passion, desire, heat, longing, lust, and sexuality. However red is also the color of revenge and anger. Significantly, it is the color of revolution, of cardinals and jezebels, horror films and high art.

In my opinion it takes a talented designer to tackle red successfully. Certainly few have had a talent more suited to work with red than Valentino. In fact a shade of red is called Valentino red . However, I use Valentino only as an example and do not intend any comparison to the designer, except for the skills it takes to harness the power of red. However other designers have shone using red McQueen, Givenchy, Dolce and Gabbana, to name only a few. In this case, Evan Clayton handles red with the best of them.

WHO IS EVAN CLAYTON ?

This excerpt is taken from Vancouver Fashion Week website.

EVAN CLAYTON is an exciting Vancouver based brand that is ideal for the fashion-conscious, professional woman who desires clothing with international appeal because of its high quality, theatrical appeal, and integrity. A fashion company that marries art and fashion in such way as to create political, personal, and artistic expression, we create an experience surrounding our clothing.

A graduate from the Blanche MacDonald design program, EVAN CLAYTON has grown an international presence from shows in Canada, Austria, and Japan. His work has been featured in Vogue UK, Vogue China, Vogue Korea, WWD Japan, Nylon, and many more.

Certainly, I have meet Evan only briefly , however I had heard of Evan Clayton long before that. In fact his countless followers have told tales of his outlandish productions at Vancouver Fashion Week. Futhermore, he mentored Peter Zuk of Haus Zuk (who showed after Clayton) who’s Vancouver Fashion Week debut, made a lasting impression on me. Moreover I anticipated this show all week and I certainly was not disappointed.

LIKEHELL

The anticipation of Evan Clayton was well worth the wait. Certainly the show brought energy and adrenaline to the hall. To open the show was a video presentation, as smoke wafted out onto the runway. The music was loud, intense and created an atmosphere that had me on the edge of my seat. Since the entire production that followed was a theatrical performance , it certainly appealed to the audience. Furthermore the show was part fantasy, part raw sexuality and part fabulous fashion. In fact, the models ate up the catwalk with strong fierce strides and exaggerated movements. For these reasons, Clayton was able to create an entire room of contagious vitality.

EVAN CLAYTON -LIKEHELL-THE CLOTHES 

The colors for this runway collection were crimson, merlot, black and silver and this limited palette worked well with the strong silhouettes. First to hit the runway is a beautifully cut red skater dress , flirtatious and short, suitable for when hell freezes over and devils wear ice skates. This dress partnered with a square cut bolero jacket, with a zip closing. This dress is only slightly dangerous, and daring and the perfect appetizer for what’s to follow. Here, we jump directly into the fire with an amazing crimson ruffled flowing blouse coupled with some Evan Clayton signature trousers, that are in fact chaps. A cheeky bit of ass is always a crowd pleaser.

photo Dale Rollings
photography Dale Rollings

 EVAN CLAYTON

Evan Clayton draws on references that are strong and bold. In the first place Clayton’s references are not by innuendo they are fierce and in your face, medieval armor and combat gear are juxtaposed to feminine frills and ruffles. In fact the image of a ruffle clad dominatrix with a Star Wars like sword astounds me. We are witness to a breast plate of high gloss black gives way to full on ostrich feathers disguising the model and for me implying an anonymous sexuality. Whatever inspirations or interpretations imbue this collection, one thing stands out is that Clayton can make beautiful, sophisticated clothing.

How many designers have gotten bogged down by producing incredible runway shows, but having no clothing to market. Equally important as the amazing runway is that within the scandalous catwalk presentation exists a collection of well designed and beautifully crafted clothing. This is indeed the case with LIKEHELL by Evan Clayton.

photography Dale Rollings
photo Dale Rollings
photography Dale Rollings
photo Dale Rollings
photography Daie Rollings
photo by Dale Rollings
photos Dale Rollings
photo Dale Rollings
Photography Dale Rollings

EVAN CLAYTON-LIVINGHELL

In conclusion, creating a collection that wins on the runway and commercially is not always successful. However, in this case I can see many pieces on the catwalk that Evan’s upmarket, fashion-conscious, professional woman would add to her wardrobe. From shimmering black palazzo pants to choices of several drop-dead cocktails dresses and more, this collection lives up to Evans own commitment to his customers.

Vancouver Fashion Week brings us a huge diversity of designers, Evan Clayton has shown at Vancouver Fashion Week multiple times. Clayton as a home grown designer who is achieving success is again a strength of Vancouver Fashion Week’s commitment to the future of fashion, and the opportunities of young designers in Vancouver.

Website: www.evanclayton.ca

IG: @evanclayton

FB: facebook.com/evan.clayton

photo Dale Rollings

 

What’s Hot…?

Since, I was inspired by Evan Clayton’s use of RED, I am thinking is red always a fall/winter color? In this case, the truth lies somewhere in between, usually we see red in winter fashion, however nothing looks hotter that a red one piece swimsuit, or cherry red espadrilles . Therefore darlings follow my thought wave, and let’s see what great red items are available for Spring and Summer. Furthermore, if you see something you just must have, click on the image.

Solid & Striped

Re/done The Malibu Checked Swimsuit – Red

Michael Kors

Michael Kors Collection – Floral-print Cady Skirt – Red

Marysia Swim

Palm Springs Scalloped Stretch-crepe Bikini Top – Red

 

 

Gucci

 Jordaan Horsebit-detailed Leather-trimmed Logo-printed Canvas Loafers – Red

Zac Posen

Eartha Iconic Mini Top Handle Bag

Ganni

 Women’s Printed Georgette Ruffle Front Blouse

Alexis

 Women’s Atlan Shirred Blouse

Eugenia Kim

Annabelle Grosgrain-trimmed Straw Hat – Red

Image result for color names of red

“I tend to look at the world through my own shade of rose colored glasses, it certainly beats the alternative”

CIAO FOR NOW J.ANDREW 

 

 

 

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