The metamorphosis between Jimi Hendrix of vintage rock & roll and the classic Hollywood beauty icon, Marilyn Monroe, delivered us the Toronto-based “glamorous rocker couture” label of Hendrixroe; where innovation meets expert tailoring and a definite side of wild. Always packed full of high-energy and an ever untamed attitude, the rebellious Canadian designer Jordan Erin Mckay of Hendrixroe allured us with two amazing collections during both Toronto Men’s Fashion Week(TOM*) and Toronto Women’s Fashion Week (TWFW). Despite how perfectly assembled the two shows were, their journey was quite an emotional whirlwind full of beautiful eclectic chaos.
Hendrixroe’s aesthetic has always been to not follow trends and just allow her creativity to flow freely. As according to Mckay, “one is sexiest when they are [most] comfortable in their own skin” instead of letting trends be a distraction from their individuality, and we couldn’t agree more; that’s the exact definition of fashion. Hendrixroe showcased a wide variety of cool and edgy Ready-to-Wear pieces in her collection; such as neon leather motorcycle jackets that I am dying to get my hands on, metallic-colored suits, and sexy evening gowns, along with updated classics like metallic tweed dresses, gold lame jumpsuit, and various forms of coat-tail jackets.
Mckay definitely followed her aesthetic and gave her clients an ample array of options to choose from. Her main focus this season is to use this as an opportunity and platform to celebrate women, all women, where her pieces are transferable across all categories of women instead of catering to a specific group of clientele. Mckay also wanted to raise awareness of an important issue regarding women’s rights which are basic human rights where she provided a powerful and artistic performance of the Ellen girls dancing without missing a single beat mid-runway show. They all wore metallic pink motorcycle jacket with the phrase “property of no one” patched across their backs to convey a sense of uprising and basically declare a message of don’t mess with us, with women, young and old, our rights, our bodies, our decisions; a highly commendable action!
So what is next for Hendrixroe aside from finally catching back on some sleep? Mckay will be starting a young women’s mentorship program called “Property of No One,” using 15% of the proceeds sold from each coat showcased on the Hendrixroe runway. Mcjay confirms that Hendrixroe is also expanding to a children’s line launching this Spring 2017, an ecommerce shop, and wholesale opportunities. Which is exciting, so that I may finally be able to get my much desired metallic leather jacket!
A big congratulations to Jordan Erin Mckay of Hendrixroe for the many new and exciting projects! Don’t forget to share your shots from the runway side and tag us @SwaggerMag for a chance to be featured.
