Richard Robinson Fashion Exhibit
Fashion sketches by Ottawa designer Richard Robinson are on display at the AF Art Gallery until February 6, 2007. The AF (Alliance Francaise) Art Gallery is located at 352 MacLaren Street in downtown Ottawa. The gallery is open from Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Fridays 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Admission is free.
The exhibit features dozens of Richard Robinson fashion sketches; glamorous gowns and timeless treasures that need to be seen to be appreciated. Over the years, designs exclusively produced for famous client Marlen Cowpland have brought Richard Robinson considerable media attention, however this exhibit does not include the famous leather catsuit or anything that remotely suggests a diamond nipple accoutrement. This collection, I would suggest, is more classic than cutting edge.
I found many of the sketches to be almost wistful, the whimsical fantasies of a virtuoso who had few plans to ripen the fruit of his imagination.
The sketches on exhibit have never evolved into clothing. In fact, most weren't even drawn with a real person in mind, Robinson explained.
The runway-thin charcoal pop-star models looked like they would be more comfortable in army fatigues but are instead destined to perpetually adorn themselves in red-carpet regalia.
I can't imagine myself wearing any of these, but then that's not the purpose. The purpose of the exhibit is to showcase the creative talents of Ottawa's fashion prodigy and in that respect, it is an undisputed success.
