Helmer - spring/summer 2008
In Helmer’s debut collection a few seasons back, they captured our attention with long, graceful elegance that paid tribute to classic eveningwear.
Short shorts and tie tops, breezy gingham blouses and capris—this collection appears to jump straight out of a Beach Boys song. The ensembles are cloyingly cute, being versatile enough—and having just enough fabric—to be worn anywhere the summer sun may take you.
This versatility is often impressive. The red and white candy-striped cotton body suit that ties around the neck like a biberon could just as soon be Helmer’s debut foray into après-swim, or even a costume remainder from the movie Faster Pussycat Kill Kill. It’s official. Spring/summer 2008 is fun!
The orange skirt and paired with a tawny, short-sleeved bolero and midsection chiffon belt. These pieces nail silhouette down sumptuously, as do the high-waist white pants with bias-cut hems. The flounce dress does with movement what some of the other pieces do with sharpness: impress the pants off us.
The patchwork dresses are the true highlights of this collection, showing off laser-cut décolleté that is visually and texturally rich, evoking the architecture of the Spanish master Gaudi. The black wedding dress is just the icing on the cake.
Do we need more evidence that Helmer is emerging as one of the fiercest designers on the Canadian Fashion Stage?
Daniel Cox, Fashion Editor
Marek Wlazlo, Photographer
