Layers
by Jennifer Dares
fall/winter 2004
Mauve, purple, charcoal and
smoky-mountain blue are the conspirators that work together to create
Layers' sober fall 2004 collection. Streamlined two-piece suits consisting
of slim pants and suit jackets offer different looks, each with the
same commitment to slenderness. On the straight-cut jackets there is
enough sleeve and shoulder movement to keep an athletic edge.
The off-centre tulip neck
is very de rigeur right now, and Layers does it with class, departing
from the V-neck but maintaining the same neat cut. The label offers
more than racy business-casual-a batwing-sleeved sheer chiffon dress
makes that point rather clearly, with the added luxury of a fur shrug.
The stretch-cotton dress with wool sleeve cuffs is a winner for the
diverse textures it brings together.
There are other details that
rock the collection, such as the surprisingly unobtrusive harness straps
that serve to cordon off the outfits in a rather medieval way. Other
additions, such as the belt-loop motif, weren't so successful. While
a major feature of the collection, they did more to distract than to
harmonize.
Daniel
Cox
Fashion Editor
Marek
Wlazlo
Photographer
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The Canadian Fashion Stage
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