Vancouverites Raymond Boutet and Lyle Rimer, the creative partners behind the Evan & Dean label, are hometown favourites that are set to dominate the world stage with their high-end collections. I couldn’t think of a better team to represent BC talent. The media were out in full force for this show, anxiously waiting to view the Fall 08 collection that was so well received at Toronto’s L’Oreal Fashion Week just a few weeks back.

Here are our notes…

Pariya: Evan & Dean blew me away…I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but they delivered, true to form. After the show I heard feedback from other members of the media, and as happy as they were with the collection they remarked on similarities between E&D’s Fall ’07 and Fall ’08 collections, particularly with regards to the big bows and sleeve styles. What can I say? A designer is supposed define themselves within their line. That’s what happened tonight: the designers owned their product.

A couple of dresses in particular were discussed. One was what I called “The Garbage Bag Dress” (GBD) and the other looked like what I would refer to as “Beaten Fur,” but was described by E&D as “featheresque.” I loved this dress for it’s “wow” factor, as it certainly possessed both character and presence. The GBD was crafted out of nylon and was a hit-or-miss piece within the collection…I found it to be a bit of a miss with the crowd tonight, but it was definitely appreciated by me! It was an expression of unlimited creativity, as if E&D were just casually shouting, “we do what we want.” No apologies.

I could see many of these styles on the red carpet. The more casual items could easily be staples in the wardrobes of Hollywood glitterati – fashion forward icons such as Mary-Kate Olsen, or a striking beauty like Nicole Kidman. My personal favorite was the black bias wool crepe gown with silk detail. It was absolutely stunning. A style I could see an Audry Hepburn personality absolutely radiant in – very clean and classic, with a hint of attitude. Overall, tonight’s styles were quite favorable and the show was produced to the nines.

I’m curious as to how Carleen and Terri found things, hair and make-up especially!

Terri: The first thing I noted was a clear departure from the exaggerated boxy silhouettes from Evan & Dean’s Spring 08 collection. The pieces were impeccable, yet many were surprisingly ready-to-wear. What really impressed me was the styling – genius colour combinations of mauve, bright coral, pink, red and tan were prevalent, and seriously enhanced by accessories. Socks were layered upon bold tights, and ankles adorned with scarves and brooches. I have to emphasize the tights, because all the models were wearing tights no matter what the outfit. This inspired a “have-no-fear” attitude towards dressing in winter for me – too often I slink into the boring jeans/big comfy sweater trap, and I could be a lot more creative during the Fall/Winter months if I simply threw more tights, comfy layered knits, and vintage accessories into the mix.

larry. definitely appreciated the knit dress, scarf and baby alpaca sweater within the collection, and I really liked the quilted jackets and belted paperbag skirts…though I struggled to differentiate between the lacquered lambskin and glossy nylon pieces. Indeed, the two materials were harmonious enough that E&D paired a lambskin corset with a nylon skirt and I didn’t bat an eye until I read the collection sheet. I don’t suppose I’m really bothered by it, but it did occur to me that if lambskin could be confused with nylon it might be a potential issue for buyers.

One thing I was glad to see carried though from the Spring 08 collection was the panel detailing. While we saw fabric panels accentuate hips in Spring, for Fall they were reinvented as more minute details; shoulder adornments, ruffled collar blouses, and the cascade dress which was absolutely stunning. Last season I described E&D’s line as “boxy,” and I want to take it back. Now I would use descriptors like “bulbous” and “full,” as I noted more round elements than boxy or square in this collection – and in retrospect, within the Spring 08 line as well. Big round buttons, tulip shapes…even the batwing “garbage bag dress” had a full, round silhouette. I guess that’s thinking outside of the box.

See the Evan & Dean Fall 08 Collection at BC Fashion Week here, images courtesy of our amazing photographer Kris Krug.