Photography by Natalie Castellino
Jay Manuel is the man that needs no introduction. It seems the Scarborough-native with the platinum hair has held every position in the fashion industry at least once. From photographer to makeup artist to creative director, Manuel has covered every base. In his present incarnation as the head of design behind ATTITUDEJay Manuel for Sears, he presented a sophomore collection that took us on an urban safari.
The show began with clouds of smoke on a shiny patterned runway reminiscent of a Missoni print (the combination proved catastrophic for supermodel Yasmin Warsame who took an elegant tumble on the runway). The collection itself was perfect for the jet-set crowd whose safari adventures are spent in luxurious lodges rather than out on the savannah. Models marched out wearing glamorized safari wear in earth tones and vibrant corals, whites and fuchsias, all accessorized with straw fedoras, patterned headscarves, straw bangles and gigantic movie star sunglasses. Prints took center stage and included abstract zebra prints, textured tie-dye and graphic prints inspired by the 1930s.
Jay Manuel knows his customer base and designed easy-to-wear separates that are fashion forward enough to add a little excitement to otherwise staid wardrobes. Standout pieces include simple yet luxurious striped knitwear skirts and dresses, a black sleeveless pintuck shirt and an olive green silk jumpsuit worn by Herieth Paul.
The models did their final walk beneath an imposing portrait of the man of the hour reminding everyone why they should shop at Sears.
