Minimidimaxi Magazine

Andy The-Ânh bucks the trend currents with a brilliant take on the life of Frida Kahlo, early twentieth-century Mexican painter and inspiration to many. The gender-defying approach to fashion adopted by Kahlo (some say pioneered) is the terrain that The-Ânh uses to bring his couture vision to a stunning level of maturity.

P.O.W. stands for Power Of Women, and it shows. The Lion D’Or, with all the charm of turn-of-the-century Bohemia, was host to this standout event sponsored in part by Hélèna Rubinstein. One of his most famous customers, Quebec singer Mitsou, was there to liven the festivities.

The-Ânh tells Minimidimaxi about the collection.

“I wanted to introduce men’s clothes in a feminine way. To explore androgyny is to make use of opportunities. We see Mexican clothes, the ethnic urban.”

The collection is a bright one, with burnt orange, cream, chocolate, sepia, russet and sand appearing as the central cast in a multitude of squares and stripes. An off-the-shoulder dolman top criss-crossing the chest in earthy tones, along with a red pagoda-sleeved blouse and draping sash with a paisley perforated skirt demonstrates an experimental attitude to silhouette. The-Ânh focuses on body curves, accentuating height without negating the importance of beautifully pivoting hips. The tailoring is immaculate and the accessorizing seamless, successfully incorporating straps as a key design element. The highlight, however, is the monochromatic halter-top branching into a neck-tie, worn with grey pinstriped pants and matching shirt.

To pull off a collection of such fused complexity is a remarkable achievement. The-Ânh has an unwavering vision and his Fall/Winter 2002-03 collection does a masterful job of articulating that. Perhaps one of Canada’s sharpest ready-to-wear couture designers is simply ready to move on to the next step.

Daniel Cox, Fashion Editor
Marek Wlazlo, Photographer