missjacquelineryan

To say that I am a fan of Malene Grotrian would be an understatement of epic proportion.

To spend any length of time with Malene, is to experience a brightness of passion, spirit, and engagement that you don’t come across too often in a lifetime. If ever. Sure, it’s easy for me to say because I am fortunate enough to call her my friend. But it’s really much, much more than that.

The clothes, the woman, the experience, is an all-inclusive visit into the realm and vision of someone who over the past four years has become one of Vancouver’s brightest stars and most sought-after designers. She was the little girl from Denmark who knew from the start that her dream was to be a fashion designer. That girl grew up turning her vision into a reality. She continues to follow her heart, and it shows.

Never one to disappoint, especially to those of us who know Malene likes to treat her audiences to surprises, we’ve come to anticipate a WOW Factor every season!

Fast forward to Malene’s “New Heights” Fall/Winter 2012 Collection Launch Event and Runway Show at Performance Works on Granville Island September 5th. And, what a show!

Timeless Ready to Wear? Check. Sumptuous Couture Collection? Check. What? A brand new custom line perfectly named “Made To Measure?” Check.

Okay, but, wait! What’s that sitting on my and every seat? Why, it’s Malene Grotrian The Magazine. And why not? After all, with so much achievement under her dupioni silk belt, it’s a perfectly natural next step. It was a stunner to all, and the magazine is every bit as elegant and timeless as anything you would expect from Malene.

The magazine is a meeting place of all things Malene Grotrian, where her substantial and diverse talents are beautifully illustrated on thick, stylish pages. From stunning images of her one-of-a-kind pieces draping and hugging striking model Beatrice King in all the right places, to glimpses into the world of Malene’s conceptions, hard work, and glamourous events, this magazine is no rag, it’s filled with riches.

The show itself was full of surprises. My favorite moment was model Allison’s brand new husband shearing the flowy ruffled skirt right off of her ethereal white chiffon dress… We didn’t see it coming, and all were utterly delighted by it.

The ultimate serenade by violinist Rosemary Siemens, wrapped in a Malene Grotrian couture black and red corseted gown, was a hypnotic lead-in to the introduction of Malene’s latest endeavor, her newest line, “Made To Measure.”

This custom design line means a true collaboration between client and designer. Malene is fundamentally all about the connection that she makes with the woman she is designing for. It brings her ultimate satisfaction to create an exquisite, one-of-a-kind piece that truly captures the essence of the wearer.

That Malene Grotrain designs can at once be described as sculptural and free-flowing, architectural and versatile, seems impossible. But Malene’s pieces are just that.

This season’s must-have jackets are structured and fitted, the draping silk seperates fold in beautiful and surprising ways that can take you from day to night, and tops and gowns layer and float down the runway like a dream. Malene Grotrian pieces always have a sense of purpose and movement. A juxtaposition that she can do like no other.

Her attention to detail on her staple pieces offer that extra little edge, like an angled pocket on a jacket or an extra wide collar to roll up for a different look. Peplum is all the rage, but Malene took this trend one step further, by making a piece that is removable, keeping it fun and flirty, while her signature bustier and pencil skirt maintain their timelessness and versatility.

Classic cuts on blazers, skirts and trousers, paired with beautiful sheer feminine blouses added a sense of richness and femininity to the clean lines that you can take to the office.

Knit jersey trousers and tops sashayed down the runway as well, proving that comfort can be elegant and sexy.

Malene impresses even further by inviting models of all ages, shapes and sizes to strut down her catwalk. While her clothes are stuff that fashionistas are made of, these are real women wearing clothes that everyone can relate to.

Her imaginative designs can be worn in ways that are surprising and transformational. The sheer geometrically patterned silk overlay falls beautifully over an essential slip dress, but can be twisted and draped into an asymmetrical shawl or a scarf for added volume, effect and versatility.