Oh-so-sophisticated! A RETURN TO classic elegance

Refined, elegant, sophisticated… That’s Kajoo Kamal’s take on the new fashion trends for Spring/ Summer 2017.

For 35 years, Kamal has presided over Saskatoon’s fashion scene as the founder of Klassique Designs in Scotia Centre. She couldn’t be more excited about the current fashion season.

“Fashion is more streamlined, more polished, more lady-like for spring. I’m so pleased. For a whole generation of women, this is a brand new look — the sophistication of a dress with a coat, the return to three- or even fourpiece suiting,” says Kamal.

“I think it’s a lovely time in fashion. I feel like there are a lot of choices and ways for women to express their individuality.”

She says two strong colour trends have emerged for Spring/Summer 2017. “There’s tone-on-tone-on-tone with colours like oyster, pale pink, blush, beige, champagne and taupe,” says Kamal. “On the other end of the spectrum are loud, vibrant shades of orange, fuchsia, royal blue and lime. There’s lots and lots of colour in both solids and prints.”

In recent years, black-andwhite combinations have dominated spring and summer dressing. “This year, there’s hardly any,” says Kamal.

Navy is the new black, especially in evening wear, she adds. “Navy is also a great accent to the off-white, beige and pink tones.”

Silhouettes are slimmer and trimmer for spring and summer, says Kamal. “The suiting is very tailored, very sleek. The lines are clean and classic. It’s not something you can wear a loose, flowy top over.”

Epitomizing that trend is Montreal designer Iris Setlakwe, whose new collection Kamal is particularly passionate about. Setlakwe’s sophisticated statement jackets, dresses, skirts and pants stand out for their exceptional fit, superior fabrics and feminine details.

Matching coat/dress combinations have definitely captured Kamal’s interest. “It’s my dream outfit; I just latch on to it. There’s nothing more classic. I’ve been able to find a lot of matching pieces this season for the store,” she says.

“I find women have an appetite this season for fashions that are more structured and tailored. There’s a collection of suiting by Barbara LeBek that I brought in from Germany in sizes two to 18. I didn’t even have a chance to merchandise them and we only have three left.”

Another fashion line that Kamal is excited to share with

Saskatoon fashionistas is by Nadya Toto. Acclaimed for her pure, elegant designs, the Montrealer has made incredible fabrics the stars of her collection. “She’s created superb signature dresses from the most amazing four-way stretch fabric. It’s so stunning on the body. It just creates the most gorgeous form. It’s nice to see that some of the designers are not afraid to use some of the more expensive fabrics, because with those fabrics you’re going to get a better look. Always.”

A growing number of designers are turning fashion inside out, literally. “There are lots of reversible garments this season — tops, dresses, pants. We have quite a few reversible pieces this season. They’re ideal when you’re travelling because they really maximize your wardrobe choices,” says Kamal.

Italian fashion brand Eroke has gained a strong following for its reversible dresses. Simply turn the dress inside out and a totally different pattern is revealed. Who can resist two dresses for the price of one?

Canadian fashion icon Simon Chang, as well as the Italian fashion line Ecla, have both shown their versatility by including designs in their collections which can be worn front-to-back and back-tofront.

Klassique Designs continues to dominate the evening wear market, attracting clients from across western Canada.

For red carpet events, weddings, proms and graduation, a gown from Klassique is sure to create a sensation.

“Evening wear is moving back to a really romantic look. There are so many beautiful laces and fine detailing like beads, jewels and sequins. The silhouettes of the dresses are simpler and sleeker. It’s all about the shape,” says Kamal.

“The colours are very sophisticated — a lot of neutral tones, including white, champagne, blush, pale pink, grey and navy.”

Klassique’s evening wear collection is curated from the fashion capitals of the world, with labels that include Alyce Paris and award-winning American designer Tony Bowls.

Each grad season, Klassique dresses over 300 young women in amazing gowns. Kamal keeps a computerized spread sheet to ensure that no dress will show up twice at the same grad festivities.

“We have a lot of experience at this. We know how to fit the girls and help them find that perfect dress they’ve been dreaming about,” says Kamal.