Daleio Wearables S/S 2010

Kyle Nylund, a recent Alberta College of Art and Design graduate and Daleio’s creative director, was able to weave an intricate story into his runway show revealed day four of Alberta Fashion Week. The young designer invited the audience to enter his world of rich fabrics and dynamic colour, sewn and draped on characters from a quirky, baroque circus tale.

Nylund’s Spring/Summer collection was heavily invested in a couture/costume aesthetic rather than ready-to-wear; his elaborately layered, corseted dresses of tulle, silk, and crushed velvet can only be worn by the brave and would definitely prove difficult to wear while grocery shopping.

Daleio was beautiful to look at and despite the abundant folds, gathering of fabric and quirky elements, Nylund was able to inspire.

Memorable pieces of Nylund’s show was a strapless, flared dress with a ruche hem and feather detail at the bust; the dress was paired with a small, lime, top hat, and a feather shrug. The designer also brought Alberta Fashion Week’s first mens wear to the runway. Cuffed breeches and striped, low-rise pants were paired with feathered shrugs, an asymmetrical vest and Nylund’s signature eccentric hats.

Nylund mixed patterns and complimentary colours maturely, showing his innate sense of style. The show ended with a floor-length, strapless, lime and blue striped, flared dress paired with an intricate, ruched shrug that paid homage to the mad-hatter. The show would not have been complete without Nylund’s own outfit; a navy tulle skirt with a lime-yellow blazer with elaborate shoulder and gold sequin boots.

Overall, the collection used an array of fabrics not yet seen on the Alberta Fashion Week runway. Nylund’s skill is apparent and his well-executed pieces were seamlessly finished and fit well to the body.

We can only imagine what new, quirky, story he will tell next season.

Words by Melissa Wusaty