Timeless elegance took to the runway for David Dixon’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Demur feminine silhouettes dominated the show, while a cool black and white colour palette infused the collection with cinematic charm.

Inspired by the children’s book, On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman, Dixon’s collection marries the whimsical world of storytelling with a modern vision of womenswear. Soft-flowing white dresses of laser cut taffeta find their edge in black leather belts, while peek-a-boo layers and voluminous-bottom gowns are playfully girly in their allure.

With silk chiffon, lace and sequins spread throughout the collection, old Hollywood glamour is its ultimate theme. And whom better to comment on a collection marked by sophisticated grace, as Dixon’s is, than one who has made a career of being graceful. A principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, Heather Ogden is as light on her feet as she is effortlessly stylish. Preparing for her role as Odette/Odile in the company’s upcoming production of Swan Lake — the opening performance of the 2013/14 season — Ogden took a break from rehearsals to join us at the David Dixon show, and share her thoughts on his new collection and fashion in general.

RATE THE IMPORTANCE OF FASHION IN YOUR LIFE.

Ummm…7 or 8…I’d say 8. I love fashion and I love experimenting with new trends, but at the same time I have a practical side. I like to be comfortable, and with my job I have to take care of myself in that way. I can’t wear stilletoes every night. (Laughing.) So, I enjoy it…but it’s not my everything.

BASED ON WHAT YOU’VE SEEN TONIGHT. WHAT DO YOU PREDICT TO BE THE BIGGEST TREND TO HIT THE STREETS NEXT SEASON?

With a few hints from you (laughing), I’d say black and white for sure — the whole show was black and white, a mixture of the softer lace with harder leather details, a lot of things seemed quite flowy and less structured…things that I would look forward to actually, I like that kind of a look.

DO YOU THINK YOU’LL INCORPORATE THESE TRENDS INTO YOUR OWN WARDROBE?

Definitely the leather accents, and I mean I love black and white… I liked the white lace with the black contrast.

ARE YOU MORE OF A TREND PERSON OR A STAPLES PERSON?

I like to have my good staple pieces, those things that are just me. And, then I like to add a little bit of flair with the trends that are in…I don’t always follow them all, but if I find one that suits me than it’s kind of fun for a season to try something new.

WHAT IS THE MOST GLAMOROUS PIECE IN YOUR CLOSET?

I have a new leather jacket that I love. Ummm…I have a few extravagant shoes, one of them is Jimmy Choo…and I can’t remember the other ones, maybe you better take my ranking down from 8! (Laughing.)

IF YOU COULD TAKE ONE PIECE FROM THE RUNWAY WHAT WOULD IT BE?

That long black and white outfit that closed. Is that what you thought?

IF YOU COULD WATCH TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH ANY CELEBRITY, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?

You know who I like? Blake Lively. She fun and she’s kind of normal, and she looks like she likes to have fun with fashion.

WHAT SONG WOULD YOU CHOOSE AS THE RUNWAY SOUNDTRACK TO THIS COLLECTION?

Ummm…”It Doesn’t Matter If You’re Black or White.” (Laughing.)

WHO IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON TO IMPRESS AT FASHION WEEK?

Who is the most important person to impress? Like when I’m dressing up? I always want to impress my husband.When he thinks I look good, then I feel good.

WHAT WAS THE SINGLE ELEMENT ABOUT THIS FASHION WEEK THAT IMPRESSED YOU MOST, ON OR OFF RUNWAY?

Well, I really loved all the hype, it’s really exciting in here. It’s my first time here and it’s a great buzz and energy. I love seeing all the pieces up close; my first thought after was that you can really see how much work they put into their collection, and you don’t always think of that when you see a piece in the store…whereas here, where you see the person that has designed it — who has spent their days and night planning these works of art. It’s really nice to appreciate it in this setting.

 DAVID DIXON SPRING/SUMMER 2014