Page 9 - Real Style February 2018

at one time, Canadian fashionistas who were looking for quality couture had to turn their eyes to the international runways. However, proudly homegrown eveningwear is quickly turning into a rising market here in the True North. As the eyes of the sartorial world turn to awards season, Valentine’s Day festivities and Fashion Weeks, local couture is certainly on the minds of many.
Leading the surge is Toronto- based label Christopher Paunil, which was launched in 2010
by designer Paunil and his business partner Chalo Hancock. Recognized for his use of pastel shades and silk wool fabric, Paunil creates ready-to-wear and bridal collections.
The design talent admits to working in the fashion industry since the age of 14. Paunil trained at George Brown College in Toronto, where he later worked as a Fashion Studies instructor. Inspired by fashion greats such
as Oscar de la Renta and Dior, Paunil favours voluminous skirts, jewel tones and ruched detail, of which have become the brand’s
signatures.
While the formal frocks
may bring images of vintage ballgowns to mind, Paunil is quickly earning a star-studded reputation among contemporary Canadian celebs. Former Real Style cover girl Laura Vandervoort, supermodel Stacey McKenzie and actress Pamela Anderson have all been spotted wearing Christopher Paunil on the red carpets. Away from home, various Hollywood stars are also gravitating toward Paunil’s creations. This past autumn, rapper Gucci Mane and model Keyshia Ka’Oir tied the knot at a lavish Miami wedding, which featured bridesmaids in white lace Christopher Paunil dresses.
We’re sure 2018 will bring many more moments in the international spotlight for this local label, and we’ll be there, watching.
Fashion News
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