Greta Constantine Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Fashion’s biggest night and one of the most-watched events in existence, the Met Gala has a mystique all its own. The theme of this year’s corresponding exhibition centers on America and its fashion lexicon. Still, all the way up in Toronto, the party was a subject of fascination for Greta Constantine designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong as they crafted their version of gala gear.

“I love seeing those behind-the-scenes photos of the atmosphere and the candid snapshots that happen in the hallways or outside the bathroom,” shared Pickersgill via Zoom. “This time, our girl is there at the Met, and she’s doing her own thing, having fun while enjoying life.”

That buoyant spirit comes through in the clothing. Pickersgill and Wong enjoy bold color and voluminous shapes, “look at me” fashion laden with ruffled embellishments or tiers of tulle. Each of those elements is present here, but they turned up the intensity to 11. In the market for a frilly dress? How about one with a decorative ruff that stretches down the spine in a wave of silk. Like tulle? Have it in neon with a hint of iridescence or gathered into a frothy pink puffball that would put Carrie Bradshaw’s tutus to shame. For Pickersgill, the exuberant details reflect the mood they were trying to convey. “We wanted to play with proportion but have a bit of transparency because it’s spring,” he said. “With the bright tulles, we’re able to have volume while accentuating the lightness and playfulness; it shouldn’t be so serious”

Frivolity and joy as responses to troubled times are nothing new, but the choice allows the brand to fill a void in the retail space while tightening its grip on the celebrity market. For the moment, vibrant, unapologetically pretty fashions are what the Greta girl wants. “We listened to our clients and our customers,” says Pickersgill. “Even when the world stopped, we didn’t stop making fashion.”