Andrew Majtenyi F/W 2010

Andrew Majtenyi’s designs are well known in Eastern Canada and across Europe. Majtenyi has also shown in London, Toronto and Paris, and more than once in the past talked about his affinity for the European way of fashion. The funny thing about this is, as Mr. Majtenyi first few pieces hit the runway, there was a distinctive western feel.

Light, flowing sun dresses with colorful patterns and prints. Cut with full sleeves, and box collars,  Majtenyi evoked an effortless allure of a depression era farm girl. His first few designs catered elegance in simplicity, and for a man known for more extravagant traditional pieces, their was a candid beauty that came with the change.

Soon following the opening, Majtenyi returned to his roots. Shying away from colour with dark, understated pieces, that relied on details to draw in only the most observant of eyes. He followed this, with a slightly more brash set. Monochromatic greys or blacks of sheer nylon, overlaid with stark, simple patterns.

It was the two last pieces though, that struck the biggest impression on the room. Having trained in costume design with the National Ballet of Canada, it came as no surprise that Majtenyi had a few theatrical pieces in store. His second to last, a sheer nylon body suit, was a strong- futuristic piece that alone could have ended the show successfully. But Majtenyi had one more trick up his sleeve. Returning back to the colourful splash from the beginning of the show, the audience was treated to a light weight, spring formal dress. Smeared with pink, white and black, streaks the number managed to be elegant, traditional and modern all at once.

Majtenyi’s first visit, not only to Calgary, but to Western Canada, and when he climbed on stage, he expressed his belief that times had gotten better. A statement that was obviously influential on his work, and perhaps part of the reason he decided on a mid- west twinge as an ode to that romanticized time of the great depression.

At any rate Mr.Majtenyi reminded us all, that while sensational colours and pluming fabrics are wonderful, the beauty that can be achieved through simplicity is sometimes the most stunning.