Dear Eva !!!

Within the Ralph Leroy lair, it is never a dull moment. The music is always on loud, conversations grow with intensity, voices try to beat one another in volume and anything that is caffeinated or medium to high in sugar content comes in just as quickly as it is ingested. (Don't underestimate the fashionistas. The rumors about them starving themselves are false. Who can work on an empty stomach? Not me.) As songs shuffle from the Glee soundtrack to Celine Dion, the RL team chain smokes and works long and hard as day turns into night, back into day once more. Digging for inspiration for the Fall/Winter 2011 collection, the music lands on the designer's favorite. He knows every word to the movie and can bellow out the song like it's nobody's business. "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" begins to play and a smile is painted across Ralph's face. He has light the match that will inspire him for this entire collection. Let the magic begin!

Eva Perón (or Evita as her Spanish name) was married to President Juan Perón of Argentina in the early 1950's. Evita was Argentina's First Lady who originally did not come from much. She grew up with little possessions and some may call her a "Middleton". Evita died from cancer at the young age of 33 but has been eternally been remembered as combative and passionate. She spoke primarily about labor rights and championed women's suffrage in Argentina. We may credit her today as giving women in Argentina the right to vote. You go, girl! Evita adored fashion and jewels. She believed it distinguished us. By dressing and accessorizing, it presented a particular image to he world. The "Eva" jacket in Ralph Leroy's Fall/Winter 2011 collection is as elegant and graceful as Evita. The tweed construction is geometric and has a beautiful large collar that is able to be worn flat down the neck and on the shoulders or worn up, adding drama and mystery like a 1950's film on the silver screen. The lining is done in a red silk and sizes 4-16 are available.

When designers are at a loss for inspiration or insight, lack of creativity or maybe just burnt out from the previous season, they look back. We see it as consumers. Every 10 years or so, trends return revamped. Flipping through archives of fashion, music, literature, and even politics is largely useful. After all, we all had our start somewhere. Whether it was meaningful, embarrassing, triumphant, you can be sure wearing the Eva jacket today, you will feel nothing less than powerful and hopeful for the future. Without the past to reminisce about, who are we today?  

Available in various colors.
Sizes 4-18 available.

Jacket Eva:  450.00$

Skirt Sharon: 224.00$ 

by Blame_coco

Collection Element'Air
Photo lookbook: Vincent Chine
Model lookbook: Sophia

   Photo Fashion show: Jimmy Hammelin
   Model fashion show Karine S. @ Montage
   Photos Evita Peron: Google 

Seductive "Ralphy"

Version Française

Once again, I am late. I get in, change right away and grab a chic constructed jacket for...to be quite honest, I have no idea the exact event of where I am headed. As I make a run for an available taxi, I notice some friendly strangers shooting me a smile here and there. "People are so nice" I think to myself. Once getting in to my taxi, I reach the location I hope is the correct one and walk up the stairs braving myself for what is to come. The crowd is dressed in somber tones all looking well put-together sipping their flutes of champagne. This looks so familiar. What time of the year is it again? I look to the obvious of signage in the room that reads "Montreal Fashion Week 2011".

My instinct never fails me. Thanks to it, my outfit is appropriate for the event that calls for trendy  attire with edge. I place my hair that continues to fall out of place and catch the eyes of some lovely ladies. One smile here, another smile I catch at the corner of my eye...camera flashes flicker. The red leather of my Ralph Leroy jacket seems to be catching every one's attention!

My Ralph Leroy "Ralphy" jacket is designed to seductively stand out and get more than one look. If he were still around today, James Dean would be wearing the Ralphy to an exclusive party in Hollywood. Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp for a modern take would fit perfectly as well. This jacket is for the confidant, stylish gentleman who may be known to the female population as a heart breaker. You have been warned!

I did receive many looks with the Ralphy by Ralph Leroy jacket at Fashion Week and I am sure The King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson would have been proud and confidant in it as well.

Ralphy is without a doubt a statement jacket. It has a European cut, well-adjusted fit and has zippers down the front of the sleeves and chest for that extra edge Ralph Leroy brings to his pieces.

Available in several colors except black.

"Ralphy"
Sizes 36 to 50

and is sensibly priced at: 1200.00$

By Nicolas_Bg

Collection Element'Air

Photo: Vincent Chine

Model: Jean Philippe D.@ Orange Model

La séduction de "Ralphy"

English Version

Je suis à la dernière minute. J’arrive du boulot, je me change et  prends une veste chic mais décontractée puisqu’on m’a invité et je ne sais toujours pas l’endroit où  nous allons. Je cours, on me sourit. Embarque dans un taxi et me voilà en route. On me dépose devant un immeuble, je monte les marches et brave une foule bondée. Je n’arrive à peine à me faufiler. Ils ont tous un verre à la main et semble décontractés. Tous vêtus de couleurs sombres, je me demande où m’a-t-on apporté. Voilà qu’une bannière m’annonce que je suis à la Semaine de la Mode.

Mon instinct me trompe presque jamais. Mon choix vestimentaire est équilibré pour l’événement: Edgy et Trendy.  Je replace une mèche et me voilà encerclé de jolies demoiselles. Un sourire, deux sourires..Les flashs vont d’un côté et de l’autre et le rouge vif de ma veste de cuir transperce l’objectif.

D’un côté ce rouge a un aspect d’attraction, de séduction et de l’autre, il attire les regards. Je ne vous mentirai pas que dans cette même veste, je verrais les célèbres James Dean, Johnny Depp et Brad Pitt la porter. Cette veste en cuir nommée "Ralphy"  est sans aucun doute pour le tombeur confiant, décontracté et gentlemen. Attention mesdames, cet homme se trouve peut-être à votre porte !

Vous savez.. mon entrée dans la pièce m’a valu bien des regards..S’il était encore en vie, Michael Jackson aurait probablement arboré cette veste avec fierté et détermination (lui qui n’a jamais eu froid aux yeux!)

Ralphy est sans aucun doute éclectique! Cette veste de cuir de coupe Européenne est assez ajustée et elle est ornée de fermetures éclair le long des manches et à l’avant, lui donnant son look moderne et décontracté.  

 

"Ralphy"

Couleurs: marine, cognac, blanc sauf le noir.
Grandeurs: 36 à 50.
Prix:1200.00$

par Nicolas_bg



 

Collection Element'Air

Photo: Vincent Chine

Model: Jean Philippe D.@ Orange Model

Yes, this is "Michelle"

As I write this blog entry, my eyes are tempted to watch the random Monday night movie playing in my living room. "Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle" is one of those empowering girl movies that when after the credits finish rolling, you move a little differently in your daily activities. Simply climbing up the stairs turns in to lunging. Taking out the garbage involves some karate moves and cooking dinner becomes a circus performance. A movie where you truly believe you can take on the world. If film can make you feel this invincible, why not the “Michelle” coat by Ralph Leroy?

Inspired by the wife of the 44th incumbent President of the United States, Michelle Obama is truly the First Lady of fashion. She is able to take risks which is uncommon for ladies in the White House and distinguishes herself beyond a somber pant and jacket. Not only is she always optimistically chic, a wonderful Mother and supportive wife, she has begun a program to put an end against the American Plague of childhood obesity. Talk about a productive day! It is no wonder the "Michelle" coat from Ralph Leroy's Fall/Winter 2011 collection is properly named. It is for the woman-er, lady on the move who holds a full agenda every day. She has no need to stop and smell the roses when she is the one having them specially flown in from the English Gardens for her Fall Social the upcoming weekend. The "Michelle" wool coat will keep you warm without a doubt! It's interior is lined in a gorgeous silk and will have you feeling elegant all day long.

Michelle Obama is well on her way to leaving a stylish legacy on par with other White House arbiters such as Jacqueline Kennedy. It is no coincidence two First Lady's have been mentioned in representing Ralph Leroy's Fall/Winter 2011 collection. These ladies are powerful and have not been called iconic for just any reason. The "Michelle" coat will have you feeling strong and reminiscent of all the accomplishments and footprints you will leave in history. However, even if by day you are fighting bad guys because Charlie says so and by night you are attending a cocktail party in Old Montreal, your Michelle coat will be most ideal. 

After all, you don't need to be a First Lady to feel like a lady.

by Blame_coco

Available in various colors.
Sizes 4-18 available.

sensibly priced at 775.00$
 

Collection Element'Air

Photo: Vincent Chine

Model: Sophia 

Photos Michelle Obama: Googles

the LADY is Ready!!!

The make up for Ralph Leroy's  Fall/Winter 2011 "Element Air" collection was inspired by the geometric and futuristic lines of the clothes. 

We wanted a strong make up to match the powerful women who has inspired this collection from runway to her glamorous look.

Red is the color of power, energy, passion and seduction.  

The red triangle eye shadow attracts attention to the eyes and says: SEE ME.   She applies with confidence that she will not go unnoticed.  

The black cherry glossy lipstick says: Listen to what I say.  This is necessary in tying her look together boldly.

We were thrilled to see that our seductive make up inspired others throughout the country and the world!

by Vincent Chine

Photos: Jimmy Hamelin

Models: Agence Montage

Our friend/supporter, Balanço Doublexl Senzala who blog about it, is not afraid to give it a try... GREAT JOB.  check it out: queensizedflava.blogspot.com

You can't go wrong with Oli & Elvi

A double-breasted blazer and just below the knee pencil skirt have got to be the two pieces of clothing with the strongest stereotype. You always see the two together on that bland, bald, dusty, white mannequin at Banana Republic or more bluntly put at "Femme de Carriere" and think "working girl" instantly. The pair is trendy every other season but will always remain a must-have outfit to have in any gal's wardrobe at any age. Ralph Leroy has roughed up this stereotype and has brought the stuffy skirt and blazer idea up in between where your vivacious weekend skirt and vintage designer jacket hang.                                          

From this season's Air Element collection, Ralph Leroy presents us with the Oli, a well adjusted, geometric inspired mid waist blazer. With it's 3/4 sleeve, it will not be weighing you down in the office or have you feel uncomfortable extending your arm for the many handshakes at Fashion Week.The Elvi skirt is it's sidekick. The modern skirt hits above the knee and has an unexpected upwards dive that shows just enough. We had a bit of a blond moment when pondering who will do the Elvi the most justice. Scarlett Johansson posing on the red carpet for pictures, Kelly Osbourne adding a touch of her punk-flair with red 7" pumps and someone a little more close to home. Robyn Chalmers of Fashionista 514 having the most fun with this piece bringing her sense of style and elegance to it.


Don't begin to think your Ralph Leroy Oli and Elvi are meant to stay together as one in holy matrimony for all eternity.(Come on, we know 2 out of 3 marriages end in divorce anyway) The Oli blazer will go beautifully with your favorite pair of dark blue wash jeans, a cotton-linen chemise with hair pulled back. These pieces are meant to showcase your beauty and style distinction. Do so by accessorizing with chandelier earrings. You cannot go wrong with the Oli and Elvi pair this season because no one will ever do wrong in assuming you are a contained stuffy office girl again.

Sizes range from 4-12 and is sensibly priced at: Jacket Oli: 410.00$

Skirt Elvi:  214.00$

 

 By Blame Coco

Collection Element'Air

Photo: Vincent Chine

Model: Sophia

Plaidoirie pour la mode Québécoise

Ralph Leroy

Éditorial du 6 septembre 2011

En ce premier jour de la 21ème édition de la Semaine de Mode de Montréal, j’aborde un sujet qui peut paraître banal pour certains mais qui est fondamental pour les designers de chez nous: pourquoi acheter les vêtements de nos designers Québécois ?

1) Respect

C’est tout d’abord une question de respecter le travail "Faits au Québec’’. De la création à la fabrication en atelier à la main,pour aboutir à celle de la production. Un vêtement est bien plus que l’assemblage de plusieurs morceaux de tissus, c’est la passion, la création, une vision à transcender.

 

2) Encouragement

Encourager les designers québécois, c’est aussi s’unifier afin de faire valoir le patrimoine culturel du Québec, le supporter et de le faire briller par la même occasion.  Un patrimoine  riche et diversifié!

3) Fierté

Porter une pièce signé "Faits au Québec", c’est aussi la fierté montréalaise. En arborant des vêtements des designers locaux, cela favorise la diffusion de leur travail auprès d’un public plus large et potentiellement acheteur.

4) Roulement économique

Acheter les vêtements des designers Québécois signifie aussi développer le marché économique Québécois et ainsi créer une circulation dans l’économie locale. Plus nous achetons des produits d’un peu partout dans le monde,  plus les designers d’ici s’appauvrissent ou manquent de débouchés. C’est tuer le rêve ou la vision des créateurs Québécois.

5) Accroître la créativité d’ici

Ouvrez les yeux, regardez autour de vous. Qu’est-ce que vous voyez ? Beaucoup de potentiel inexploité mais aussi, des artistes essayant de faire valoir leur travail mais en vain, puisque personne n’achète leur art.  Il ne faut pas aller bien loin pour se rendre compte ô combien ici, au Québec, on a de talent et de créativité! Unissons nous et diffusons notre art, notre patrimoine culturel et notre histoire. 

RL;)