The lingering December chill in the spring air as of late has been so we all long for the moment our layers might be shed to welcome sunnier days. Eager though we are for warmer weather, the show of outerwear on the Mackage runway at World MasterCard Fashion Week inspired anticipation for the fall season and the brand’s new collection.
This season, Mackage finds its edge and embraces Fall 2013’s favoured grunge trend. A cropped tartan print women’s coat is a standout with its sleek leather detailing, while the men’s line reinvents the classic motorcycle jacket for suave gentlemen accustomed to camel-toned pea coats.
The collection’s more formal offerings were a show highlight including a military-inspired men’s coat, cut just below the hip and done with dramatic leather sleeves, accented by exaggerated shoulder flap detailing and metallic snaps; and a luxurious, slim, ankle grazing women’s trench with leather trimmed pockets.
A collection marked by its attention to detail found in subtle style features, it only made sense we invite a guest who is himself all about understated fashion.
Professional beach volleyball player and 2012 Team Canada Olympian Martin Reader has the effortless style of a man in the know, with seemingly no consciousness of the fact that he is in fact stylish.
“I honestly rarely know what is trending, I just go with essentials that make me feel good.”
Below, the B.C. native shares his struggle to find a wardrobe that fits and his thoughts on the runway in our Toronto Fashion Week Questionnaire.
RATE THE IMPORTANCE OF FASHION IN YOUR LIFE.
I would give fashion a strong 7 in terms of its importance in my life. I am definitely not consumed by it, however, I am constantly searching for items that fit my frame, since I am a bit limited in terms of selection. I am constantly switching between athletic, business and evening social looks, so I enjoy combining those three elements to define my personal style.
BASED ON WHAT YOU’VE SEEN TONIGHT. WHAT DO YOU PREDICT TO BE THE BIGGEST TREND TO HIT THE STREETS NEXT SEASON?
Honestly, I’m completely unqualified to answer that question! That being said, I really enjoyed the leather sleeves on the Mackage jackets as well as a few of their high collars.
DO YOU THINK YOU’LL INCORPORATE THIS TREND INTO YOUR OWN WARDROBE?
I will definitely rock the high collar more next season, and try to add a few more leather elements to my day to day life. I saw a lot of red, but I have never really rocked that color well.
ARE YOU MORE OF A TREND PERSON OR A STAPLES PERSON?
I am more a staples guy for sure, but do my best to define myself with a few pieces that could be considered trendy.
WHAT IS THE MOST GLAMOROUS PIECE IN YOUR CLOSET AND WHAT IS THE MOST COZY?
I have been a starving athlete for a long time, but I had to buy a leather SuperDry motorcycle jacket after trying it on. It was the first piece that has ever fit me perfectly (I’m a slim 6’7), and it has definitely been a vital component to my personal expression since. In terms of comfy, I’m a minimalist at home and chill out in my Olympic cotton sweats.
IF YOU COULD TAKE ONE PIECE FROM THE RUNWAY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Definitely the Mackage jacket with the fur inside the hood and collar. It was a stunning item, and I just wanted to burrow inside the fur hood!
IF YOU COULD WATCH TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH ANY CELEBRITY, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?
I have always admired David Beckham for his style, composure and athletic prowess, so I would have enjoyed chatting with him over an evening of fashion.
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU CHOOSE AS THE RUNWAY SOUNDTRACK TO THIS COLLECTION?
Ghosts Loft’s “Seconds” would have been a nice moody addition.
WHO IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON TO IMPRESS AT FASHION WEEK?
The fashion police? I would have to say the serious fashion authorities sitting on the front row, they were all focused!
WHAT WAS THE SINGLE ELEMENT ABOUT THIS FASHION WEEK THAT IMPRESSED YOU MOST, ON OR OFF RUNWAY?
I would say the energy and buzz in the tent both before and after the shows. This was my third fashion week experience, and I always leave inspired from the great conversations I have with people in the industry. I also enjoy the way designers curate the music for their shows and usually leave with a few new choice tracks.
