MontREAL, Quebec. — As much a fixture of the Montreal fashion scene as tight black leggings, hipster-tight jeans, and Quebec flags worn as capes on St Jean Baptiste; the Montreal Police Pants have become a leading fashion trend since they burst out onto the scene 2 years ago.
These cargo-styly military pants, fashionably worn under navy blue SPVM shirts and black bullet proof vests, are a symbol of Montreal’s place among the world’s fashion elite.
“There’s no better way to show you’re an authority of fashion than by making authorities fashionable,” explains Domenico Dolce, 1/2 the namesake of Dolce & Gabbana.
Guy LaForce, head of the fashion department at the SPVM stated: “It’s important that our police uniforms represent what the city stands for: unique style, uncompromising beauty, and authority… on fashion.”
When these fashion-forward police pants were first unveiled to the public, there was confusion and controversy. “I didn’t know if I was being pulled over for speeding or because my shoes didn’t match my belt that day” says a Montreal citizen who prefers to remain anonymous.
But the fad caught on and these pants have become something to be proud of in this city.
“I think it’s great that our police force is, by far, the most stylish in the world. No city in the world compares! I think it says a lot about who we are as a city and shows the world that we’re still one of the greatest cities in the world.”
The scenography, of course, is prologue. Several hundred guests gathered at the Palais de Congres for the unveiling of the Fall 2015 Police Pants Collection. Musical guest Eric Lapointe was joined by Elton John for the opening ceremonies.
They came — celebrities, customers and fashionistas from far and wide — not to see a new collection, but to be part of a fashion revolution.
According to Nicholas Lebeausque, Dolce & Gabbana’s artistic director, it’s only a matter of time before other major cities follow suit. “When I was here, I saw the police-people looking so elegant,” he said. “I thought, ‘Wow, it’s incredible. There is no choice now for cities like Paris and Milan and New York to do the same, because those who don’t will simply be left behind. These pants are the future of law enforcement.’