YouTube - The Creation Of Toronto’s Mille Femmes by Maraval

Making Of - Co-produced by Luminato and Lancôme, Toronto’s Mille Femmes by Maraval will capture the inner-beauty and unique personalities of the inspirational women who embody the passion, heritage and inspiration behind Toronto’s artistic community.

Toronto’s Mille Femmes is a tribute to 1,000 artistic, creative and inspiring women from Toronto and their protégés, who embody the passion and heritage of the city. Architects, actors, dancers, designers, journalists, musicians and others have been chosen in recognition of their achievements and leadership in their field. Joined together, the 1,000 portraits will become a visual network, a chain of recognition that celebrates not only an extraordinary community of women, but also the creative character and diversity of Toronto.

Video Directed By Stephane Cocke

Jesus, I’m gonna associated with freaking Daria people.

I love the ROM and I’m so lucky to be on the receiving end of their hospitality.

The Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles & Costume presents highlights from the ROM’s renowned collection of over 50,000 textile and costume artifacts, in a display of approximately 200 pieces dating from the 1st millennium BC to the 21st century AD. Outstanding examples include Chinese imperial costume, late Antique and early Islamic textiles from Egypt, western fashion from the Baroque period to the present day and early Canadian coverlets. These illustrate the extensive transformations in the design and technology of textiles and clothing throughout the past three millennia. Due to conservation considerations, the artifacts are to be changed on a regular basis.

The Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles & Costume is located on the 4th floor of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal and it is the final gallery to be added to the space. The gallery will feature highlights from their massive collection of over 50,000 artifacts. The current exhibit features 200 artifacts dating from 200 BC. Patricia was a 50 year volunteer for the museum and the gallery was a surprise Christmas gift from her husband, William, in 1999.

The gallery features the uses of paint, ink and dye in textiles, weaving, some of the worlds oldest living textiles, needlework, Chinese textiles, art of tailoring from 18th century present day and luxury silk textile designs from Europe from 15th to 18th century. There was a good mix of textiles and costumes. It was a bonus to be able to get a 360 degree view of the artifacts, so you could inspect all the details. I’m always amazed at how small people were in 15th century. MJ jokingly suggested that I could fit into some of the more beautiful pieces like this (click to see larger image)

Formal overdress - Egyptian silk tabby brocaded in gold and silver filé

I only wish I could fit into it. Actually strike that, I don’t want to be thin enough to wear it. Visit the exhibit, you’ll understand what I mean.

Woman’s toga dress printed with Henri Matisse’s Femmes et singes - Designed by Vivienne Westwood (b.1941). This simple T-shaped dress is from Westwood’s first collection under her own name.

This dress was worn by Kate Moss out and about one night years ago. I tried to track the picture down but I can’t find it.

Two-piece day suit - Designed by Azzedine Alaïa (b.1940) Textile produced in Japan for Alaïa, Paris

This suit is to die for, this picture doesn’t give you an idea of how perfect it is.

Two piece day suit - Designed by Hubert de Givenchy (b.1927) France (Paris) Spring/summer 1956

Cocktail dress called Delphine - Designed by Christian Dior (1905 – 1957) Silk extended tabby (gros de tours) France (Paris) Fall/winter 1956 – 1957

Canadian Spirit and Johnny Yiu Designer Sale
May 9 - 10, 2008

130 Commander Blvd
Scarborough
416 754 1455

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The best day in Vegas was Friday by far. The weather was to die for and we walked to the strip so I could see what this whole Vegas thing is about. Outside of the strip, Vegas is like a giant strip mall with cacti and palm trees. All the roads are 6 or 8 lanes across. The people drive like maniacs. Men in cars honk at you constantly when you walk down the street, it was very strange. Not if you are with a guy though. I had 5 people actually whistle at me out of their cars and on the street.
Yes, this whistle

The ridiculous size of Las Vegas struck me as we walked past the Convention Centre. It’s was massive. We then took the monorail to the Mandalay Bay/Luxor side of the strip. I kept on singing the Monorail song from The Simpsons.

We decided to hit up Luxor for some free drinks. The drinks were cheap and not really free. You had to be gambling, so Marija and I sat ourselves down at some penny slots. I actually was winning, I put in 2 bucks thinking I’ll get a drink and then jet. Lady Luck was on my side and I ended up walking away with 10 bucks.

We continued down the strip. The one thing I love about Vegas is drinking on the street. Marija and I drank large bottles of Red Stripe walking back to her place earlier. I hit sensory overload pretty quickly and some hotels we didn’t even visit like the MGM Grand (which is extremely tacky with that giant gold lion out front).

We ran into a Michael Jackson impersonator at the Bellagio fountains, only in Vegas. The Venetian is crazy, it’s like daylight in there. The canal was so cool and we chatted up the dude that was singing and driving the boat. It’s also where I got my new Adidas kicks. I couldn’t goto Vegas without getting a souvenir. I cut the tags off put my gladiators in a bag and walked out the door. They got lots of compliments. So boo to ye of little taste who gave them a thumbs down.

We continued along the strip and looked at flashing lights.

The night ended off at a bar called Aruba. In Aruba this is a back room called Club Aruba where all kinds of people showed up in fairy costume. There were girls getting body painted. A really great band that played funk and soul got everyone in the place moving. When the band stopped a drum circle started (ya, I know, a fucking drum circle). Percussion instruments were handed to people and they joined in while dancing. Only in Vegas. It got a little wiccan when the Tree God started dancing in the middle of the circle. The best thing of the night was the Unicorn Girl. I love you Unicorn Girl.

Some personal observations I made on this trip:

1. American men think the Canadian accent is sexy or they think it’s strange with about and out and all that.
2. American men are amazed at how hot Canadian girls are.
3. American men aren’t afraid to talk me, even with the worst “don’t fuck with me” scowl on.
4. Most American men have a connection to the military somehow. It seems that everyone we met were ex-military.
5. There are a lot of overweight people in America.
6. The short Mexicans handing out prostitute flyers are creepy.
7. I think people who take their kids to Vegas have some issues.
8. The tart look is very big in Vegas. The tourist look is second.
9. Even if you are old and busted as long as you got those 36FFs you are the perfect waitress.
10. I saw no panhandlers on the strip.
11. Toronto is like the haven of recycling and environmentalism compared to Vegas. The waste was unbearable.
12. Food portions are much, much to be for me.
13. Buffets rule the roost in Vegas.
14. Crazy shit happens in Vegas.
15. I won’t stand in line to attend a club that Paris Hilton frequents.

I’m feeling indifferent to Las Vegas and I’m not sure I would go back. The strip at night is unbearable with people and I was very frustrated. Anyone who has ever walked with me will be laughing at this comment. I felt this lingering malaise hanging over the place; maybe most people don’t notice it. I had a fantastically, strange and surreal time. It was a blast to visit my friend Marija the biologist /world traveller friend and party like it was ‘94 again.

Stella McCartney Beaded strappy sandals

Perfect for summer and much more manageable than these ones. I’ve seen them in person at Holt’s in a different colour combo. I don’t know how you are suppose to deal with the heel, they are built like fetish shoes. I tried them on, way to damn high.

She was super cute with serious stage presence, too bad you can’t tell from my pictures.

Next Door’s 1st Anniversary Sale
May 10 - 11, 2008

Next Door
433 Queen Street West
Toronto

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Christian Louboutin Yasmine cork wedges

Christian Louboutin is a shoe god, however I was rarely swept up in shoe love with any of his shoes until now. This is perfection.

Christian Louboutin Rodita zip platforms

This are amazing too; very punk. I can see the girls in Satan’s Candy in them. I can see myself in these.

Rodan Menswear Sample Sale
May 8 - 9, 2008

We dropped in to review the sale and discovered leather jackets imported from Germany, sportshirts, suits and fine English socks. Normally priced at $30/pair, on sale for five pairs/$25. Brands include Velux sportshirts that regularly sell for $250 to $300 and are now $75 each. Normally these items sell in very high end men’s shops, so these prices offer real value. Cash or cheques only.

543 Richmond St. W.
Toronto
416-504-9377

10 to 6 a.m.

Fendi Embroidered halter dress

Click the thumbnail for a close up of the embroidery