Crocodile and python commanded the runway at Rudsak’s spring/summer 2014 show. The embossed leathers were neutral shades of brown, with a sprinkling of mustard-toned looks that added pop to the collection’s colour palette.
I couldn’t help but absorb every piece of clothing that made it down the runway, owing in part to the constant back and forth about the collection between myself and our guest that evening, actor Jonathan Keltz (21 & Over). Sporadically, Keltz would break from our exchange regarding which looks we each would wear, to turn back to his girlfriend sitting a few rows behind us and declare, “My girlfriend would love that!”
So what did we love? To start with, the music (Keltz tried to Shazam songs), then there were the coattail tops that stretched beyond the length of the leather shorts (another favourite of ours) they were paired with and finally, the gorgeous tailored pants with a leather stripe down the side.
Jackets and vests were standouts in the collection, as is to expected of the label. Contrasting leather sleeves crossed over into spring 2014 from last season, while leather vests were newly imagined in statement crocodile and python patterns.
Metallics were plentiful, seen in the form of overalls, skirts and handbags — the latter being a strong option for those looking to add a subtle touch of luxe glimmer to their wardrobe.
Having recently come off the set of CW’s Reign (catch him in tonight’s episode at 9/8 C), Keltz is more than familiar with luxury fashion, sharing with us what a fan he is of the show’s modern take on its period’s historic dress. Previous to the robes of Reign, Keltz was all about looking L.A. dapper for his Jake Steinberg character in HBO’s Entourage. And, while personal style may not be of critical importance to all his characters — such as one of his most recent characters, the dubious Grayson Mann from CBC’s Republic of Doyle — below, Keltz shares how important fashion is to him personally and his take on the runway trends at Rudsak’s spring/summer show.
RATE THE IMPORTANCE OF FASHION IN YOUR LIFE.
10. I would say 10 for sure. I enjoy looking good…I enjoy wearing a suit. Fashion is very important.
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 leather sleeves and alligator skin.
DO YOU THINK YOU’LL INCORPORATE THESE TRENDS INTO YOUR OWN WARDROBE?
Absolutely not (laughing). Skins…alligator skins…it isn’t really my thing. I am a fan of leather stuff, but I don’t have anything of the two-toned leather sleeve variety. I can appreciate it, but it’s not my personal style.
ARE YOU MORE OF A TREND PERSON OR A STAPLES PERSON?
I have got my staples. I certainly let it evolve and change, but I am certainly about my staples.
WHAT IS THE MOST GLAMOROUS PIECE IN YOUR CLOSET AND WHAT IS THE COZIEST?
A lavender tie… and [the coziest is] Lululemon sweat pants, they were a Christmas present from my girlfriend.
IF YOU COULD TAKE ONE PIECE FROM THE RUNWAY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
There was this sort of navy jacket with a bit of a shine to it. It was gorgeous. It had buttons all the way up the side and right up to the neck.
WHAT CELEBRITY, DEAD OR ALIVE, WOULD YOU HAVE LIKED TO WATCHED THE SHOW WITH TONIGHT?
Paul Newman. Just because any moment of conversation I could take with him would be great.
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU CHOOSE AS THE RUNWAY SOUNDTRACK TO THIS COLLECTION?
The music was pretty good. I was even trying to Shazam the songs that were playing, so I am going to stick with what they got!
WHO IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON TO IMPRESS AT FASHION WEEK?
My girlfriend four rows behind.
WHAT WAS THE SINGLE ELEMENT ABOUT THIS FASHION WEEK EXPERIENCE THAT IMPRESSED YOU MOST, ON OR OFF THE RUNWAY?
I would say the Mercedes-Benz…I tried to steal it, but that was frowned upon.
Rudsak Spring/Summer 2013
