It used to be that every good fashion collection finished off with a bridal gown, but at Pavoni, almost every single dress could have been a bridal gown. Pavoni’s Spring 2013 collection – titled Le Chateau de Versailles — was fit for a modern-day Marie Antoinette, with plenty of gowns that looked like frosted vanilla cupcakes. Even the name ‘Pavoni’ brings to mind the ornate details of a Fabergé egg.

While the mood was all opulence and glamour, the clothing itself was a cross between bridal wear and clubbing gear, with lots of ruching and bare skin. Nearly every garment was covered (at least partially) in sequins, pearls and rhinestones. Jewel-encrusted minidresses with epaulets dripping with pearls were reminiscent of Balmain during its heavy metal magpie heyday, exemplified by the F/W 2009 collection.

The goal seemed to be making women look as close to chandeliers as possible; dresses of resplendent metallics tripped the light fantastic, reflecting on every light surface in the room. The dresses were accessorized with crystalline drop earrings and rhinestone-studded pumps.

Despite all this shine, I was not blinded to the fact that the Rorschach splotches of sequins and lace were nearly identical to the skeletal details of Givenchy’s Fall 2010 Couture collection. But while Givenchy’s frothy lace skeletons were elegant and tragic, Pavoni’s were executed for a quick moment of flash. The Pavoni girl craves attention, and so her clothes must outshine, outclass and outdo that of her peers. We might ooh and ahh for a moment over smoke and mirrors, but they are merely a distraction, a cheap alternative to true brilliance.

Overall, the dresses at Pavoni would be most appropriate at high school prom or perhaps a Black Swan costume party. Good thing Hallowe’en is only a week away.

This post was sponsored by Stoneleigh wines. Please enjoy our products responsibly. 

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Isabel Slone is a Toronto-based fashion blogger and writer. Follow her on Twitter at @isabelslone.

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