Minimidimaxi Magazine

If anyone knows that power lurks in the darkest places, it’s Canadian design sensation Paul Hardy. As spring/summer 2007 shows, he knows how to skillfully unravel mystery as his designs take shape.Hardy might not be the only Canadian designer to draw collection inspiration from the Japanese geisha this season, but he’s the only one who uses it to reach for minimalism, using silks and cottons of various weights and textures to do so.

The kimono jackets are a perfect opportunity for Hardy to show off his wrapping and belting skills, and these play harmonious counterpoint to satin/cotton skinny pants you’d be hard-pressed to find in Kyoto. In the bamboo embroidered tent dress, Hardy relies on his knowledge of how to cut silk to achieve silhouette, the natural way. Saturated with detail, from structural threads to hand-painting, this collection is definitely one to be appreciated up close.It’s no wonder that Hardy has dressed the fieriest personalities in Hollywood, from Bette Midler to Sandra Oh. There is a restless ferocity in these hybrid period pieces, devoid of the romanticism that others have adopted this season. The metallic organza sheath dress exudes sexual power, and the wrap vest looks more like a swimsuit for its dangerously plunging neckline.

Let’s just hope that Sandra Oh keeps these ditties out of the Grey’s Anatomy operating room!

Daniel Cox, Fashion Editor
Marek Wlazlo, Photographer