Minimidimaxi Magazine

In a collection that seems to be more concerned with dancing around creative ideas rather than dwelling on them, Paul Hardy spins a fashion story with a cinematic edge for Spring 2005.

The mauve and pink dimpled pants are simply irresistible, and other separates exhibiting this motif are equally zesty. This may be owing to the fact that their otherwise flawless design is delightfully marred by frayed edges. The rosette brocade skirt is a dangerous walk on the romantic side for the normally sober label, and sequins up the ante a little further.

If you thought that we’d see another Paul Hardy collection without a concentrated stab at skewing our linear vision, guess again. The salmon skirts and pants in crinkled silk scream a rebel anthem that defies any semblance of order that the rest of the mature collection achieves. A polka-dot chiffon gown in the clapper style of the Clara Bow roaring twenties does the same thing in a more sophisticated way.

The graded, dyed skirts are among the ready-to-wear pieces that make mixing and matching really easy for today’s fashion consumer. If there is a coup in this collection, it is the leap of faith that there is a market for Paul Hardy staples in a lower price point. There is bound to be a signature element in even these simplest of separates, such as the capri pants that the designer has down to a science.

It comes as no surprise that the cozy shrugs Paul Hardy is famous for sprinkle this spring line-up. Even the London catwalk has embraced this aesthetic in the broader arena of scanty sweater chic this season. Being a trendsetter looks great on Canada’s fashion resumé!

Daniel Cox, Fashion Editor
Marek Wlazlo, Photographer