Gearing up for its 20th anniversary celebrations next year, Montreal’s Rudsak label unveiled a statement Fall 2013 collection at World MasterCard Fashion Week to set the stage for its upcoming landmark year.
For its latest collection, the brand imagines the perfect blend between Bladerunner and motor cross, materialized in bold ribbed leather dresses and thigh hugging skirts for women, shown alongside sleek variations on the classic leather biker jacket for men.
In a nod to its roots, designer Evik Asatoorian makes a dramatic show of the line’s parkas — a staple for the brand that had its beginning in the industry as a outerwear and accessories company before moving into ready-to-wear. Studded and cinched — the silhouette of the elongated fur trimmed hoods detailing the bulk of jackets, were a beautiful declaration of Northern style.
With plans of expansion set for its milestone year, all eyes are on Rudsak in anticipation of what the brand has in store for us next.
A woman with her hand in the fashion retail business herself, Janice Liu, founder of Shoppalu — an online store offering both curated vintage clothing, as well as new items — always has her eye on local labels, anniversary or not.
We invited the Liu out to the runway, and picked her brain about the must-haves from Rudsak’s new collection and chatted about her own personal style quirks.
RATE THE IMPORTANCE OF FASHION IN YOUR LIFE?
I would rate fashion as an 8.5 in my life. It’s like nourishment. It’s good to fast once in a while, but it’s also great when you indulge.
BASED ON WHAT YOU’VE SEEN TONIGHT. WHAT DO YOU PREDICT TO BE THE BIGGEST TREND TO HIT THE STREETS NEXT SEASON?
I would say the leather skirt will be one of the biggest trends for next season. I think banded leather skirt will hit big. We’ve seen leather become a major player in regards to material and the skirt is where it’ll strike next!
DO YOU THINK YOU’LL INCORPORATE THIS TREND INTO YOUR OWN WARDROBE?
Definitely! It’s a great piece for work or play! Those are the best.
ARE YOU MORE OF A TREND PERSON OR A STAPLES PERSON?
I would definitely pick staples for myself!. I live for vintage pieces! But trends are always fun. They’re kind of like candy. There I go with the food analogy again.
IF YOU COULD TAKE ONE PIECE FROM THE RUNWAY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I think I would take one of those amazing leather, parka coats with the mixed textures within the piece home for sure. They had leather sleeves, ribbed shoulders, parka-esque bodies!
IF YOU COULD WATCH TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH ANY CELEBRITY, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?
This is random, but I think I would’ve liked to have come to the show with Lil Wayne. My friend told me he recently got hospitalized? I think this would’ve helped him take his mind off of his health. It also would be super amusing to watch it with him. He’d probably be pretty insightful and funny too.
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU CHOOSE AS THE RUNWAY SOUNDTRACK TO THIS COLLECTION?
I think the music selection was great! Rock with a bit of pop to appeal to everyone. I think the tone was perfect. If I had to change the music, I think something like classical remixed with something modern…it would’ve really surprised the viewers.
WHO IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON TO IMPRESS AT FASHION WEEK?
I think fashion weeks bring out some fierce personalities. The most important person to impress is you. You have to be comfortable and confidant in what you wear in order to get any form of attention from others.
WHAT WAS THE SINGLE ELEMENT ABOUT THIS FASHION WEEK THAT IMPRESSED YOU MOST, ON OR OFF RUNWAY?
The strong bonds within the fashion community always impress me. After opening night on Monday, a few bloggers, photographers, editors, all friends, just hopped over to Big Daddy’s across the street. We got voodoo hour apps and drinks and talked, discussed, laughed and bonded. Fashion wasn’t even the main topic! These people are the most impressive to me.
Rudsak Fall/Winter 2013-14
