Untainted F/W 2010

Untainted marks a collaboration between two local designers. Remarkably, Sarah Cameron and Elizabeth Hood could not have come from more contrasting origins. From California to the jungles of New Guinea, the two found a common goal to ” bring awareness through fashion.” A tall order for any designer, so it’s heartening to see two newcomers pull it off with such success.

This collection started things off with a bang! Untainted unveiled a female naval inspired piece, consisting of a dark blue pea-coat, embroidered with naval insignia on the shoulder, and khaki cullates. The ensemble spoke volumes about the two designers nationalism, and would attest to what the rest of the line was about.

What started out with the enlisted quickly turned the spotlight on the girls back home, making use of deep coloured cocktail dresses, ornate adornments, and a figure flattering vintage yellow bathing costume. The spoils of war were on display, putting a fanciful spin on our own “depression” and perhaps signalling a turn for the better. and turning an eye towards the lavish in place of the squalid.

The designers of Untainted had their start designing hoodies, a skill that has now branched out into a great love for all things outer wear. Coats and jackets with dramatic appeal exhibited great gasps of delight and admiration from the crowd. Along with the aforementioned pea coat, the pair branched out into a not so simple rain coat, a gun metal short trench coat, and ended with one of the most exquisite piece thus far at the show: An all white female overcoat, hemmed with large sable trim.

The splendour didn’t end there for Untainted, the final piece was steeped in grandeur as an elegant black gown adorned with red roses was unveiled to the pleasure of all.

Untainted is new, and deserves credit where credit is obviously due. These novice designers have come out swinging and roaring with grandiose designs. Sarah and Elizabeth are hoping to make there mark on Calgary, and they’ve already managed to go on the prowl with their sights set high. Let’s hope we are so privileged as to enjoy many more seasons of lavish fashion from these designers.

Levi Meaden

Photos by Isabelle Jackson