A simple trunk show morphed into a mini-fashion show event last week as UPC Boutique saw the launch of Brethren, Evan Biddell's new fall 2011 capsule line.

Biddell--who has moved back west for the time being--made a triumphant return to the big city to show off his new baby. Sick of fast fashion, Biddell says he wants to encourage a return to Canadian design and sourcing your style at independent boutiques instead of high-street stores with his new accessible, budget-friendly line.

A la Tom Ford's intimate launch of his womens line (where only a handful of editors attended a tiny presentation modeled by his famous actress and model muses), the designer asked a cadre of his most fashionable friends to model the pieces from the line throughout the event. How appropriate for a collection that aims to offer something for every woman, no matter her age or style--each pal styled the pieces in their own way, proving that Biddell's signature outrageousness can be toned down into everyday-appropriate, versatile staples that are way chic without being too over-the-top.

Take, for example, a pair of day-dresses, one in embroidered black cotton with a low-cut bust, and the other a high-necked silk-blend minidress with an asymmetrical circle skirt (in dove grey or mustard). Or the range of simple tank dresses, whether it's an A-line knee-length knit mesh number or a shimmering maxi-length shift. Mesh-trimmed tees and satin pencil-skirts also make for excellent evening separates, while those looking for a little more Biddell-style drama could go for one of the rust-red stretchy numbers or a pair of lace short-shorts.

Biddell has faced criticism in the past for not being "wearable" enough, but Brethren proves that he has what it takes to make clothes that pretty much everyone can wear. And they are already--there's only a handful of pieces left at UPC.

Additional photos

Photos by Dennis Marciniak