Ralph Leroy’s Montreal Fashion Week Show, Kenscoff was more than a fashion show it was a cultural expedition. Leroy took his audience on an adventure high in emotion, audio-visual stimulation and of a rare beauty.  [See backstage pictures and more on our Facebook Page]
Leroy has become known for delivering fashion shows high in style and personal meaning. Last year he dedicated his collection to his mother who had recently passed away and this year he chose to put the Queen Mother on the forefront: Haiti. In fact, the designer who is of Haitian descent entertains a deep connection with is native Haiti which transcends understanding. It’s his essence!
The richness of Haiti in terms of culture, colors and sound were all made evident in a yet contemporary collection. Leroy exhibited fine tailoring in his menswear: three-piece suits, rich suede trench coats, leather jackets and bow ties. You know how we love bow ties!
Photo credits: Jimmy Hamelin
For his womenswear collection Leroy sent gorgeous black models down the  runway many of which of Haitian roots as well. “Ladies from Haiti are very strong, beautiful and they know how to work it!†said Leroy. In fact Sarodj Bertin (pictured above in the middle), Miss Haiti Universe 2010 and Reina Hispano-Americana 2012, closed the show in a revealing studded high-low hem dress. Also in the collection: suede capes, pantsuits, suede jackets and skinny leather pants. Some of his designs left us wondering but we loved the color story which was rich in earth tones: olive, red, tan, menswear gray, black and burgundy.
Leroy was very well surrounded: beauty queens, international models, dancers and did I mention Will Smith was also in attendance. Yes Will Smith, as in Hollywood super star Will Smith. On the subject Leroy didn’t have much to say except: “we know people who know people who know people!”
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