DENIS GAGNON

Known for his “couture” approach to leather, precise cuts and talent to create airy and spectacular silk pieces, Denis Gagnon is one of the most renowned Canadian designers of his generation. In 1988, Gagnon began developing his passion for fashion at College LaSalle and soon discovered his hidden talent. He began working for designer Yso in 1999 and launched his solo career in 2000. In 2004, Denis Gagnon’s collection became available at Holt Renfrew and has received national acclaim ever since. 2010 marked the 10 years in the career of Denis Gagnon. To celebrate this anniversary, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts gave the designer the opportunity to make a special contemporary exhibition featuring his S/S 2011 collection. In addition, Khoa Lê, a young Montreal film maker, presented a movie featuring the designer called “Je m'appelle Denis Gagnon” a portrait of the human being behind the character, at the Festival International des Films sur l'Art. In 2011, Lancôme partnered with Gagnon to create a makeup collection in limited edition which was available from August to early October 2011, exclusively at The Bay and selected Sears. Luminato Toronto festival of art and creativity in collaboration with Lancôme commissioned Denis Gagnon to produce an amazing interpretation of Alice from the famous movie Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. This exhibition, showcasing the dress created by Denis, was presented from June 10th to 19th 2011 within the Wintergarden Lobby. With the opening of his flagship store in Old Montreal, also promoting up and coming young local designers, Denis Gagnon is set to put a permanent footprint in the Canadian fashion history. His Spring/Summer 2012 collection, Denise au Jardin, is presented in the famous Montreal jeweller Birks, and he surprises people with a fresh and bold line. The show is directed by Dick Walsh. At the beginning of 2012, Denis Gagnon launches his 2012-2013 Fall/Winter collection, with men pieces, which marks a big come back and success for his masculine clientele. In September 2012, he shows his 2013 Spring/Summer collection for Montreal Fashion Week. He organizes the event with friends and people from Montreal nightlife, in order to show the differences and go beyond prejudices. Men wear heels for example. The models are all very different, with his friends Yso, Vyara, Azamit, Fritz, but also Mado, Plastik Patrick or Tracy Trash. The collection plays on ambiguity between women and men; and the fine line between genders. Denis Gagnon also puts the focus on his origins with an old photograph of his mother printed on fabrics. The colours are black, white, grey and a touch of red. The show is a big success, not only in Montreal, but more generally in Canada.