Photography: Ryan Emberley
Canadian womenswear label, elan+castor premiered their Fall/Winter 2014 collection on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Parlour at 270 Adelaide Street West in Toronto.
Now in its third season, the line – formerly known as Moose&Beaver – is exploring the concept of the union of “unintentional style icons” for Fall/Winter 2014. The initial concept from Creative Director Leah Antoinette began by imagining 1960’s famed actress/singers Jane Birkin and Françoise Hardy raiding author Ernest Hemingway's closet. The abstract idea grew into a collection which shows strong masculine influences with classic mod silhouettes. Hemingway's infamous roll top sweaters are showcased in chunky ribbed knits and layered over sharp tailored dresses and trousers.
“I'd like to believe that elan+castor women are themselves unintentional style icons,” says Leah Antoinette, “Those women who walk out of their homes looking amazing without even trying; these are women with a liquid style. Having travelling so much throughout Europe, I find I am very much influenced by women who are eclectically stylish – they may pair my mini dress with a man's overcoat and slouchy boots to go to the office or to brunch.”
With extensive training in knitwear and textile printing and having worked for the likes of DuChamp in London, England, Leah Antoinette pulls inspiration from her interest and knowledge of the history of fashion, the arts and literature to create a story within each collection. This new season bring a new story to her brand by re-introducing her label as elan+castor.
“While I loved the cheekiness of Moose&Beaver, I found the name wasn't fitting properly with the type of designs I was creating,” explains the designer, “Elan, while the French translation for Moose, is also a term for great style and vigour; and Castor, the French term for Beaver is also named for overcoat fabric and haberdashery which collectively fits my brand through these strong historical fashion influences.”
The Canadian-designed and created collection consists of Italian-spun merino wool, silk/wool blended trousers and skirts, with light layers of chiffon and touches of fine leather.
The collection is available through custom order at elancastor.com with prices ranging from $200 - $800 Canadian.
For interviews, look books, sample requests or event images, please contact Gail McInnes, Magnet Creative Management at gail@magnetcreative.ca or 647-283-1931.