The Fifty Shading of Fashion

First there was the book. You know the one. Next came rumours of a lingerie line inspired by the book. Then we heard that sales of men's ties had increased - along with calls to 911 for handcuff-related emergencies. (Oh, you crazy Brits.)

Now it seems the Fifty Shades of Grey effect has crept beyond the foyer and is standing squarely in the house of fashion and pop culture.  Leather - always a major look for fall - is popping up in more intimate, bondage-inspired scenarios.  Buckle your seat belts, Mom and Dad.  Bondage fashion has gone mainstream.

The Broadway sensation, Venus in Fur, pre-empted Fifty Shades by a year, but its current run at Canadian Stage is right on trend.  The main character, Vanda Jordan, breaks out her best leather corset, stockings, thigh high boots, along with some fabulous acting, to nail the role of a lifetime.  (Aside: this is one of the most captivating plays I've ever seen. The Toronto production is fantastic, but only on through October 27.)

photo by David Hou | courtesy Canadian Stage

Madonna shows up in the October issue of Harper's Bazaar sporting gilded glamour and little else.  The spread - no pun intended - is shot by shock fashion photographer Terry Richardson.  Of course, it's one thing for the Queen of Pop to get away with leather and chains, but when major designers weave a bit of bondage into their spring 2014 collections, well, I am officially calling it a trend.  

Will Canadian designers will follow suit?  Stay tuned to World MasterCard Fashion Week to find out!

Madonna in Harper's Bazaar

photo Harper's Bazaar

Versace spring 2014 | photo by Yannis Viamos | Style.com

Alexander McQueen spring 2014 | photo by Marcus Tondo| Style.com

Libertine spring 2014 | photo by Umberto Fratini | Style.com

ABSOLUT MODE models Canadian style

Doesn't it seem like every brand is into fashion these days? In fairness ABSOLUT^® VODKA has been collaborating with the fashion set since the 1990's. (Remember the bottles designed by Tom Ford, Versace, Stella McCartney or Gaultier, anyone?)

The 2011 ABSOLUT^® MODE EDITION is another redesign of the iconic bottle, reflecting the world of fashion through twelve facets, or "flat faces on geometric shapes" to you. The glass facets are designed to catch reflections of light, and the bottle is wrapped in a midnight blue silk cloth band with text embroidery. 

The limited-edition bottle launched last week in Canada with a gala fashion event at Malaparte in the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Fashion Television's Jeanne Beker curated the one-night only, museum-style exhibit. Guests sipped ABSOLUT cocktails while perusing personal items of clothing and accessories from Canadian style icons including Beker, Suzanne Rogers, Stacey Kimel, Krystyne Griffin, Heather Gotlieb, Mary Symons, FASHION magazine's Bernadette Morra, FLARE magazine's Lisa Tant and Don Cherry. 

Each garment was accompanied by a personal story from the owner, sharing memories of its origin or an experience wearing the item. One of the more poignant notes came from Stacey Kimel who actually wore her Alexander McQueen outfit to his funeral. After the service Sarah Burton approached her, sharing her own memories of finishing the coat late at night with Lee (McQueen).

Jeanne Beker's Andy Warhol soup can evening bag by Phillip Treacy, a gift from the designer

Flare magazine editor Lisa Tant's custom gown by Lida Baday

Stacey Kimel's Alexander McQueen outfit, with card from Lee McQueen's memorial service

Suzanne Rogers' dress by Mary Katrantzou, Fall 2011

Note: I was unable to personally attend the event, special thanks to Kevin at All Access with Kevin for the photos.