Funny how TCM aired Dr. Zhivago yesterday afternoon as I was getting dressed and ready to head out to Greta Constantine’s Fall/Winter 2011 fashion show. The sleigh ride scene in the snow inspired me to rock out my vintage fox fur coat (gifted to me years ago by my aunt). It was only when the crowd hushed and snow began to fall on the runway that my thoughts trailed back to a Russian winter during the Revolution. And then it began.

So MIA replaced Lara’s Theme on the soundtrack, but the clothing was right on point. Cozy wool capes, skirts and pants were paired with velvet scarves, vests and coats. There was no skimping out on material. Sleeves were full and flowing – a constant in the Greta aesthetic – and layering was more often than not the rule of thumb. Ivory black, charcoal grey and beige formed what could be called the base coat – most of the wools were restricted to the base coat palette. But what really completed the looks were the pops of neon and opulent velvets. As you can see in the fuzzy photo above, the girls were pinned with neon pom-pom broaches. The velvets hollered back to the tapestry you’d find on the Orient Express: rich burgundies, deep purples and the sexiest emeralds and indigo blues. My favourite was the indigo blue velvet vest, tied at the waist. Other winning looks included a loose, wide leg wool pant in apple red with an oversized black cape, hood on and the 4-tiered floor length skirt, which (pardon my naivete’) looked like a fluffy duvet – but i LIKED it!

Menswear was a disappointment. The palette, black and grey, was void of accents. The lines were too similar to Thomas, which is at times too similar to Rick Owens: once revolutionary has now become formulary. Some of the pieces, albeit part of the aesthetic, looked a little too unfinished from the front row. It really is disconcerting when the thought: “I could make this same piece at home by wrapping a bunch of fabric around me” crosses your mind. The only piece that impressed me was the floor-length, sleeveless wool coat, colour blocked in black and dark grey. I mean, it wasn’t god awful, but it had the potential to be much, much more.

And then more womenswear hit the floor – literally. Jersey evening dresses were paired with gorgeous floor-length coats, some complete with train. Crisp collars and bright purple velvet scarves went hand-in-hand. The most unique pieces of the entire collection were the “demi-tutu” belts and tassel detailing on coats and waists. The final look, a floor length, deep purple gown with plunging V-neckline underneath a light grey, floor-length coat complete with oversized fur collar; closed the show, sweetly.

It almost made up for the 2 hour wait, dry bar, and timbuktu venue. I still have one lingering question, though: WHERE WERE THE HORS D’OEUVRES?

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