As Christie and I ventured through the glamorous week of clothes and accessories, we stumbled upon a relatively new design house, Lizares. Both Christie and I had not seen their runway show before, but were excited to see what this Men’s Ready to Wear collection would entail. Sudbury born designer Brian Maristela is known for the re-invention of the bold male. Typically, men’s collections are business focused with a sexual edge; think Gucci when Tom Ford was creative director. However, this time around the look for men could be described as combustion of ‘Edgy Sailor meets Corporate Rocker’ fused with a throwback to Grecian styles.

Sounds interesting, no?

Christie and I were surprised to see the looks strutting down the runway. The men were adorned in sheer linen button downs mixed with skin tight Bermuda shorts, paired with classic wingtip leather shoes. Of course, one could not ignore the chained accessories worn around the shoulder, alike a boy scouts badge collection. Fur and hard metallics juxtaposed the crisp whites and pastels. The only colours in the collection besides shades of white and black were lilac and pale yellow; a unique choice for a menswear collection.

Ironically those colour choices actually made the collection less sterile.

Every menswear collection showcases models that employ a signature look to enhance the storyline the designer is attempting to express. This case it was taught, muscular men with ripped abs and pecks. The heads were shaved, and the eyes were brooding. Lizares has a personal definition of masculinity, and this showcased it completely.

We loved the looks, albeit it not as realistic for the casual men in our life, we both appreciated the fantasy that Lizares inspired. Our favourite moment was the last model- typically intended to be the showstopper-who wore a tight set of rhinestone briefs and a Gladiator inspired cape. He walked down the runway with authority, and ended the show by raising his arms warrior style to fully express the intensity that is Lizares.

For more pictures of this amazing runway show, please check out:
http://lgfashionweek.ca/Designer.aspx?id=96

Tags: beauty, christie ressel, fashion, lg fashion week, lizares, men's fashion, stephanie churma, toronto fashion week