Canadian Model & Designer Takes Over Japan

Romanian-born, Montreal-raised model/muse Irina Lazareanu's eponymous fashion label, Irina L., recently debuted in fashion-forward Japan.

If it's at all possible, Irina L. as a label proves by far to be the closest embodiment of its designer I have yet to come across. Edgy yet simple, it's an elegant, sort of tomboy-chic collection featuring denim overalls, structured blazers, leather, and menswear-inspired shirts that have been slimmed down to fit a more petite frame.

Since 17, Lazareanu's career has been on a trajectory to understated greatness. A striking beauty with big brown eyes and enviable locks, it's no wonder her looks had her walking big-name runways early on.

The Lagerfeld muse's transition from model to designer comes as a natural progression for the innately creative Lazareanu, who has had her hand in a number of artistic endeavours – like playing folksy ingénue/musician. In 2008 she let the news drop that a much anticipated album collaboration with Sean Lennon would finally be released, while it's also been reported that she assisted friend and one-time-fiance Pete Doherty of Babyshambles fame in writing “La Belle et La Bete” for the band's debut album,  Down In Albion.
 
Even from what little we have to go on of the collection, it's obvious that she has drawn from her eclectic, authentically 'rock 'n' roll experiences to produce pieces that are surprisingly unpretentious and uniquely Lazareanu.

“My own style has no rules and no particular theme,” Lazareanu has explained of Irina L. “It all comes from old movies, vintage clothes and music that I listen to and like, and each time I portray and coordinate myself as a heroine.

“At times it has been a semblance of rock 'n' roll, and at times I'm a glamourous, sexy girl. Girly style is also my favourite. But in essence, a simple t-shirt and jeans suits me the most...”

Irina L. debuted as a pre-collection, but a full spring/summer offering will be hitting stores in Japan only this month, and – unfortunately for us - is expected to remain a Japanese venture for the time being.

Hilary Lauren Fox
		About the author:
		Sometimes she's a redhead, sometimes she's a blonde. Some days it's H&M, and on other days, it's Chanel. What ever the mood, she is a woman who is passionate about the arts, fashion and social media. Born in Toronto, Hilary Lauren Fox is an only child to artist parents - mom was an illustrator and pattern maker, dad was a painter.  Rather then studying the arts as her parents hoped for, Hilary opted for a degree in psychology with dreams of working in a clinical setting. But after graduating she realized that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and that the arts was in her blood, applying her education within the art and fashion world.
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