Canadian Designer Denis Gagnon creates strangely alluring minimalist and androgynous clothing for women. For his 09 collection we see a mix of geometric sharp leather shoulders and padded quilted jackets and grecian panel drapery, a dystopia of  modern functionality with the gentle romanticism of flowy silk material and the embellishments of crystal and lego jewellery of designer Harakari. It is for the dark modern rocker chick with sequinned pants, fur, sleek yet textured dresses, and hooded jackets; all elegance with a touch of distanced chic menace. I spoke to Denis Gagnon about his inspirations and also, about his newest additions of bags and accessories.

EM: Occupation and Position
Designer for Women Fashion and also, now accessories Bag Designer

EM: Can you tell us a little more about DENIS GAGNON’s concept?

Well, when I make each collection I use one technique such as pleating.  For the accesories line we wanted to make a old bag, a bag like Louis Vuitton where we would have many pieces of material within one bag and there would be alot of stiching inside. We wanted everything in black, everything in black since it is for fall. Spring will be a season of colour.  We want it to appeal to men too, like a men’s bag with a uniquenes, not so much a feminine taste.

EM: What inspires you?

I get inspired by women, by men. By fashion, since fashion loves fashion.  For the bag line I wanted to create modern bags, comfortable and mobile.  I wanted it to be usable, to be basically three bags in one and to have versatility.  We also used alot of zippers.

EM: What neighborhood do you closely identify with? What makes your community unique?

I currently live in La Plateau. It is Montreal that I love.  It is the people.  There is alot of culture here; there are Italian people, Greek people, Jewish people.  There isn’t a classism here and it’s a quiet city.  It’s nice to live in a not so expensive city, a little cheaper with a good night life.  I came here from Northern quebec, about 6 hours away from car and I have lived here for 27 years.  I want to live here until I die.

EM: What bands are at the top of your playlist at this very moment?
All classics. I listen a lot to Klaus Nomi, Trisomique 21 and some Depeche Mode.
But if I would have to choose only one, is to Grace Jones that goes my heart

EM:What is your favorite find from a vintage market/ garage sale?

Good shoes.

EM: What is your favorite bedside read?

I don’t have time to read, so I look at gorgeous images.  I like the Vogue
Paris, Numéro, ID, and all that Jazz.

EM: Favorite Restaurants?

L’Express Restaurant on St. Denis and many more.  Good french, parisan food.

EM: What is your favorite place to visit when you travel abroad?

Paris. It’s classic.  I have friends who live there and I love to visit places where I know the people so it is not so touristy and things are faster, easier, and more interesting. My old partner now lives in Paris and works for Rick Owens. I love big cities; Barcelona too.

EM: Lastly, what kind of projects do you have coming up?

I am currently in production for the fall/winter collection.  I also start designing the new collection in two weeks. I want everything to be well done so I have to be there all the time.

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http://www.denisgagnon.ca/

via Jen Tse, 13 May 2009 9:45am | 1 |