"... we feel when a woman wears one of our pieces, a sense of confidence comes out."-Kirk Pickersgill
In 2005 a label was born. Greta Constantine became the name fronting stylist Kirk Pickersgill, and one-time Project Runway Canada contestant, Stephen Wong, who before PRC, was a costume designer for films. This duo first stepped out onto the proverbial runway with the beautifully draped, Grecian Goddess inspired frocks that caught attention of the Canadian fashion elite and fashion bloggers alike, with their 2006 Spring/Summer Collection. They then received world wide spotlight when Nelly Furtado wore one of their designs to the 49th annual Grammy Awards in 2007.
The Grecian Dresses from their debut S/S '06 collection
Their designs have been seen on celebs such as model Coco Rocha, singers Kreesha Turner, Jully Black and Kelly Clarkson, exclusively designing the costumes for "Fritz Helder and the Phantoms" PLATINUM Show and dressing the aspiring models-to-be of Canada's Next Top Model for an issue of Fashion Magazine.
The brand's '09 season is continuing to get attention and praise. When I asked Kirk what was the collection's current inspiration, he said, "Our inspiration for the Fall/Winter 09 campaign was that even though we are in a recession it's still nice to dream, have a fantasy and look great."
For me, their stand out pieces are, the creative and widely talked about "seat belt" jacket and an emerald green dress that would undoubtedly be worn by another Greta, the late Ms. Garbo, Hollywood film actress of the 20's and 30's.
Green Garbo dress, Nylon seat belt jacket
A GoogleSearch will result in 20,100 results (and counting!) about this label. From when they made their mark in Canadian fashion to where they are going, Greta Constantine is one to watch from here on out. You can find the collection exclusively at Holt Renfrew.
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(All photos used with permission by Greta Constantine)
