Minimidimaxi Magazine

Whoever said that men’s fashion was dead, obviously spoke before seeing new Montreal label Zaze’s artsy presentation for spring 2005.

There’s something riveting about seeing black priest collars on young, full-lipped men. These shirts and their matching pants have an unfinished, sombre quality to them that is immediately striking. Exaggerated french cuffs (a veritable Montreal tradition) erase the sobriety just a little bit by making the outfits look cartoonish, but that’s the extent of my beef with an otherwise stellar men’s collection. The suits are tailored to look like anything but suits, and a trench coat or two reminds us that Zaze devotes at least a little thought to the total package.

For women, Zaze has some renegade swimwear, in sinister black of course, as well as delectable black half-length dresses with hoop necks. Toss in some crisp linen business casual wear, and you have a pretty good debut.

I can’t wait to see how Zaze expands this vision next season. What will the tolling of autumn bells signal for this already moody label?

Daniel Cox, Fashion Editor
Marek Wlazlo, Photographer