For fall, Greta Constantine designer Kirk Pickersgill shot his new designs at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto—and it was a fitting location for his new statement assortment of evening gowns, which double as their own pieces of art. “I’ve been going to the museum since I was in grade two,” he said. “When you go there, it’s a reason to be out—and to look great. That led into the collection itself.”
Pickersgill’s evening attire is certainly meant to get you noticed. “I’m obsessed with when a woman enters a room; I always pinpoint the woman that looks the best in the room,” he said. “I have the same concept when it comes to designing; I want her to walk into a room and feel great.” This season the designer experimented with bold finishings that put emphasis on textures and colors—but they were all grounded in sleek black foundations. “Black is never going anywhere, but I added accent colors and fabrics to make it look more opulent and treasured,” he said.
There was, of course, tons of silk faille to be had, which felt like a subtle nod to the glamorous clothes found in Ryan Murphy’s recent series, Capote vs. The Swans. A bright magenta gown came with a matching ruffled shoulder cap, which is removable. “Our client has been requesting capes,” said Pickersgill. “They want something to cover themselves over the shoulders, for weddings or church.” A gold sequin column gown also had black ruffles wrapped around it, like a fabulous snake. For Pickersgill, ruffles are considered neutral. “Ruffles are my thing—I just adore a good ruffle,” he said.
The designer also attempted to innovate on expected evening textiles. He developed a new gold sequin that resembles chain mail—“it’s a flat sequin,” he said. It felt particularly fresh on the streamlined tee and trouser pairing. Pickersgill also created a sleeveless hybrid gown, which had a black lace appliqué over sequins. You can always count on the brand to serve up glamour—even if it’s a little too much. “It’s a continuation of a conversation that I never want to end,” said Pickersgill.
