Montreal Fashion Week: Melissa Nepton

Sep 5

Hello Darlings, Following a relaxing long birthday weekend in beautiful Montreal, I was refreshed and ready to get back into my most fashionable high heels. Yesterday, fashion industry and enthusiasts flocked to L'Arsenal event space on William Street for the opening of the 23rd edition of Montreal Fashion Week. For the spring/summer 2013 season, over 30 Montreal, Canadian and international designers are showing their new collections.

Montreal Fashion Week is on the rise, and the huge new event space is a good indication. For this season, the event produced by Groupe Sensation Mode in partnership with P&G Beauty has relocated to an impressive 40,000 square-foot shipyard turned contemporary art center in the up-and-coming Griffintown neighborhood, which is located less than a $10 cab ride from downtown Montreal.

Without having to say so, I was glad to be attending my second Montreal Fashion Week, and also to be hosting another Front Row Experience with Melissa Nepton for one lucky WithLoveGabrielle.com reader!

Among the many stars of the Canadian fashion scene, Melissa Nepton is surely my personal favorite! I am equally impressed by her dedication to perfection and details, as well as her charming yet shy demeanor. Regardless of the season, Melissa Nepton's designs clearly reflect the incredible woman and talented designer that she is. As a graduate of L'École Nationale supériere des Arts Décorafits de Paris, Melissa is both talented and well educated in the arts of fashion designs. To say that I admire her is an understatement!

I AM WEARING: Autumn Cashmere Cashmere Sweater // BCBG Max Azria Sabrina Lace Skirt // Tory Burch Beverly Pumps // Pandora Leather Charm Bracelet // Coach Madison Lindsey Satchel

In the past, Melissa and I have co-hosted a Fabulous Girls Night Out during Toronto Fashion Week and hosted a Front Row Experience during fall/winter 2012 season. This season, with the help of the amazing Caroline Dube, we did it again! Our guest was the lovely Silvana Barone, who had an opportunity to go backstage to experience the behind-the-scenes action and to also meet Melissa. Following our tête-à-tête, Silvana and I enjoyed Melissa's spring/summer 2013 show from amazing seats in the front row.

Melissa's collection was impressive as always, and uniquely her new collection includes splashes of color. I am sure the delicate watercolor like prints were inspired by the little bundle of joy that Melissa is expecting (she is four months pregnant - congrats Melissa!) Set in the concept of an enchanted summer morning, the collection explores asymmetric lines in earth-tones with unexpected splashes of delicate colors. With flowing silks, the collection was sensual and feminine but of course, without losing the modern and urban touch.