Another beautiful collection from the mind of Jeremy Laing for fall winter 2011 – 2012. I tell you every season that I love you work because it’s true. You are marvelous and the improvement season to season is a joy to watch.
In this video, Jeremy talks about the inspiration for the fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection
Here is a video of the presentation in New York
images: eastnews.ru
This NADA Nuff dress has two things I’m looking for this summer: Maxi length and colour blocking. You can get NADA Nuff at the NADA store in the Bayview Village Shops, 2901 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
images:Â courtesy of NADA
I love this drapey silk chiffon top by Complexgeometries. Light enough to wear in the summer with a tank and leggings or shorts.
images: complexgeometries.com
I attended some exhibits during Toronto Design Week from January 24-30, 2011. Toronto Design Week culminates with the Interior Design Show but many local designers showcase their exhibits at this time. It’s taken me some time to get my photos all together and organized. There is a lot of sorting, tagging, cataloging and purging of photos going on. It’s often a nightmare task I hate performing. It feels hella good when it’s done though.
MADE at Home is the new Radiant Dark in a way. Julie Nicholson and Shaun Moore have moved on from that project to new pastures with the MADE at Home show. I loved the presentation of this show because it felt so familiar. Turns out, I’ve attended creative exhibitions at this apartment on Dundas West before. This was the former apartment of Siya Chen, who is an artist and held installations in her home.
There is an accelerating culture of craftsmanship and creative labour which lives here. Julie Nicholson
and Shaun Moore of MADE will introduce 28 new Canadian designs highlighting this culture through their
2011 exhibition MADE at Home. MADE at Home is a counterpoint to MADE’s previous Radiant Dark series of shows.The designs of thirty three individuals, forming twenty six design studios and collaborations, are gathered together in a downtown Toronto apartment. Their display in the kind of environment for which they are ultimately intended becomes an inventory of the sorts of things we might use for home.
MADE at Home, in its rather ordinary apartment setting on Dundas Street West, speaks to the personalized and intimate details of the things people choose to live with through their choice of functional objects for the home. The works both stand out from, and transform their temporary, rough-around-the-edges home.
See all my photos from MADE at Home
I attended some exhibits during Toronto Design Week from January 24-30, 2011. Toronto Design Week culminates with the Interior Design Show but many local designers showcase their exhibits at this time. It’s taken me some time to get my photos all together and organized. There is a lot of sorting, tagging, cataloging and purging of photos going on. It’s often a nightmare task I hate performing. It feels hella good when it’s done though.
Capacity is a group design show that had it’s debut during Toronto Design Week.
What is your capacity to understand? To withstand? To produce? To learn? To love? Is your cup half full or is it half empty? How much of who you are is what you collect? Is infinity possible? Ten of Toronto’s top industrial, graphic, textile and product designers– Maiwenn Castellan, Joy Charbonneau, Michelle Ivankovic, Arounna Khounnoraj, Erin McCutcheon, Katherine Morley, Nathalie Nahas, Ayla Newhouse, Ange-line Tetrault, and Kirsten White– grapple with the concept of ‘CAPACITY’ and how it applies to who we are and what we do.(s0urce)
There were a lot of interesting visual exhibits at Capacity. There was a lot of diversity in the works with wall fixtures, lighting, furniture and egg cups making an appearance.
My favourite pieces included the alphabet wall fixtures and the hydrological map of Canada.
See all my photos from Capacity.
Chao-Hsien Kuo, half of the design duo of CHAO & EERO saw my United Nude Spring Summer 2011 post on facebook. She then emailed me to let me know about their collection as she thought the aesthetic fit the kinds of things that catch my eye and end up on I want – I got. She was absolutely right.
Chao & Eero Jewel is an independent Finnish jewelry design brand created in 2005 by a husband and wife team, Eero Hintsanen and Chao-Hsien Kuo. Both Chao and Eero are Finnish Master Goldsmiths with background of design education. The company is based in Lahti, a small city surrounded by forests and lakes. All the products are made and hand-finished with care and attention to the details in their studio in Lahti.
I normally not one for heart shaped jewellery but CHAO & EERO makes the overdone and lame heart motive very, very cool. It’s different and a bit edgy. The smiley face ring is just brilliant.
CHAO & EERO can be found at Enflux in Vancouver, BC. It’s the only retailer in Canada at the moment, but you can find them with some online retailers.
images: courtesy of CHAO & EERO
I know what you are thinking. Thom Browne, really Anita! If you take away the show (the styling, makeup and presentation) from this collection there are a lot of amazing separates to be found, especially the jackets. I personally found the show visually interesting. The huge fake eyelashes on the models were distracting though.
Some of the more showy pieces were based on the egg and cages. From a show perspective they were interesting but nothing you would wear.
Style.com has some video from the show that will give you an idea of how the presentation played out. I wish I attended.
Andrew and Andrew from Paper Magazine have a great little video too
The plaid outfits were my favourites. Thom Browne isn’t for everyone at first glance, you really need to push past the visual presentation to see the gems in this collection.
Here is another video from stylerumour.com.
images: thefashionspot.com
Vancouver Sunday morning. Where the hell am I? Feels like back home
Hello my dear readers,
I’m on vacation. I’m in beautiful British Columbia right now hanging out with friends in Vancouver. Tomorrow I’m heading up to Whistler for some fun ski times. I’ll be keeping you up to date on my adventures. I’ll be trying to keep an almost regular schedule here on the blog with my travel updates in between.
Things will return to normal when I get back on March 9.
Cheers
Anita
I attended some exhibits during Toronto Design Week from January 24-30, 2011. Toronto Design Week culminates with the Interior Design Show but many local designers showcase their exhibits at this time. It’s taken me some time to get my photos all together and organized. There is a lot of sorting, tagging, cataloging and purging of photos going on. It’s often a nightmare task I hate performing. It feels hella good when it’s done though.
Come Up To My Room is an event I thoroughly enjoyed covering when I wrote for BlogTO. The 2011 edition would be my first CUTMR event since 2009. This also the first CUTMR post for I want – I got. The photos look so amazing because my friend Paul Bailk was around to snap away.
Come Up To My Room (CUTMR) is the Gladstone Hotel’s annual alternative design event. This year’s show, curated by Jeremy Vandermeij and Deborah Wang, invites artists and designers to show us what goes on inside their heads. Coming together in dialogue and collaboration, participants are limited only by their imaginations, making CUTMR one of the most exciting shows in Toronto. The four-day exhibition is in its 8th year at the Gladstone Hotel, featuring 11 rooms and 14 public space installations, design talks and curatorial tours.(source)
CUTMR is comprised of room installations and public space projects that literally take over the Gladstone Gallery and other public spaces of the hotel. Curators select participating designers and artists based on their past work and experience. Once these creative individuals and collectives have been selected, they are given a public space or one of the 11 exhibition rooms on the hotel’s second floor. Curators consult and discuss public space projects with their makers, but know next to nothing about the room installations. (source)
The CUTMR website has great descriptions of all the rooms and their deisgners. The slideshow below identifies the designers so you can take a look at their artistic statement. There were a couple of installations that were perfect for video.
Patrick Svilans
Denise Ing & Ken Leung
My favourites of the night were Patrick Svilans, Rob Southcott, Xiaojing Yan, LeuWebb Projects, Amanda McCavour and Jen Spinner.
images: Photos Taken by Paul Baik for I want – I got www.paulbaikphoto.com
I attended the spring summer 2011 preview for the luxury jewellery store, Cupido. Cupido has locations at Bayview Village and Vaughan Mills. There were four brands at the preview: HERA, Baccarat Crystal, Gioie & Co and 3H Italia watches.
HERA
HERA: Canadian jewellery designer, Hera Akarakas presents her debut line, HERA. Divided into two collections, “Paradise†and “Unity,†the ethereal pieces combine precious metals with the casual elegance of silver, as well as 18 karat gold, accented by diamonds and uniquely cut gemstones.
HERA
The preview introduced a new Canadian jewellery line called HERA which I’m loving. There is a lot of intricate details in all the designs and the rings are my favourites.
Baccarat Crystal
Baccarat Crystal: Founded in 1764, Baccarat is globally recognized as the preeminent leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of the world’s finest crystal products.
Baccarat Crystal
The Baccarat Crystal pieces were very beautiful. I remember seeing a Baccarat Crystal lamp during my Bisha trip to New York. The rings were perfect cocktail pieces: huge, statement makers. I loved them.
Gioie & Co
Gioie & Co.: Widely known for the use of semi-precious stones, pieces from this stunning collection feature 925 silver with 18k yellow gold, rose gold and black rhodium plating including quality standards such as triple rhodium finishing.
I really liked this ring and the matching pendant from Gioie & Co.
3H Italia watches: Full automatic watch collection with both Japanese Myota and Swiss movements. Funky in design and built using stainless steels with PVD coating systems, and titanium cases.
3H Italia watches are oversized and heavy. There are both mens and womens watches but the styles tend to be more masculine. The brand is definitely working the black and white trend that is working its way through the watch world right now.
See all the photos from the preview in the Slideshow
My favourite watch company, ToyWatch came to town to show off what’s going on for spring summer 2011. I’ve been mourning my beloved Neon Chronograph Plasteramics in Atomic Orange since the clasp broke and render it unwearable. I’m awaiting a replacement and I hope it’s the same. My wrist hasn’t been the same since.
ToyWatch introduced a kids line this season. The new styles this year are solid black or solid white. This is a very big trend I’m noticing in watch land that is keeping in step with the bright colour trend.
At the preview, I got to see some of the Missoni x ToyWatch collaboration. This was pretty exciting. They are a little hard to wear in my opinion but oh so very beautiful. They aren’t your everyday watch, much to pretty.
Various retailers across Toronto and Canada carry ToyWatch, check the website for more info.
I’m heading to Vancouver and Whistler this weekend and I wish my laptop was small enough to fit in the Three Thirds Spacematic Backpack. It looks like the perfect traveling companion for someone with a lot of gadgets like me. Unfortunately I have a 17 inch laptop and not a 15 inch. Boo.
You can also get the Spacematic Backpack online at A2ZANE and Threethirdsdesign.com.
images: Threethirdsdesign.com
Shereen de Rousseau is a Vancouver based designer that reworks vintage and antique items into here jewellery. I’m like the way she’s incorporated coins and trinkets like keys to give her designs an antique but modern feel.
Shereen de Rousseau can be purchased online at shereenderousseau.com or in Toronto at Hollace Cluny.
Complexgeometries held their fall winter 2011 – 2012 presentation at The Westside Gentlemen’s Club. That’s right, a strip bar. Designer Clayton Evans had colour and collaborations on the mind for the season. It’s a surprisingly colourful fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection for Complexgeometries and I’m not complaining. The textile evolution of the line into fabrics other than jersey is progressing with charmeuse, silk, mohair, suede and wool.
Collaborations came in the form of jewellery and shoes. Complexgeometries partnered with fellow Montreal designer, Mireille Boucher of Harakiri.
See the Complexgeometries fall winter 2011 – 2012 presentation video by Jason Last.
The towering platform boots came out of the minds of LD Tuttle and Complexgeometries. Clayton tells me they are 9 inches high. I’m simultaneously scared and salivating. It’s an extra 9 inches of height. Who the hell knows what I’ll use it for but I want it. I’d probably scare small children and some men. Do these qualify as Manrepller shoes? Ha Ha. Thankfully there are some more reasonable short boots available in the collaboration too. Yes, Chasse Gardee will carry the collaboration. It’s the first question I asked. 🙂
Char Alfonzo who is a New York-based Multimedia Artist took some sublime photos of the show. Another website called NAAG also posted some lovely photos of the collection. These pictures are so much better than nymag’s photos. (NAAG is closed)
images: nymag.com, char-alfonzo.com
Preen fall winter 2011 – 2012 is so good. Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi were influenced by Diana Vreeland for the silhouette and the Northern California Arts and Crafts movement for the prints. All the crystal and metal beading was done by hand in India (I wonder what the label will say).
I love that designers aren’t backing away from colour or prints this season.
See the full Preen Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 Fashion Show. You don’t get the original music with the rebroadcast of the stream. Boo
This clip from Luisaviaroma give a close up vantage point
Same with this final walkthrough clip from Bryanboy
There are no retailers in Toronto carrying Preen but Gravity Pope and Reborn do.
images: thefashionspot.com,nowfashion.com, vogue.com
Chris Benz fall winter 2011 – 2012 was a very romantic looking collection. His recently move to Georgia to be part of the fashion mentor program at SCAD. He found himself in Savannah a lot and this influenced his fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection.
The collection also has a bit of granny chic to it.
I’m loving all the layered ruffles.
images: style.com
I can’t say anything bad about the Olsen twins. I love The Row. Utilitarian clothing with expert tailoring and a little bit of fun with embroidery, animal prints and leather.
I’m dying for that mustard coat.
images: thefashionspot.com
I love hearing about new Canadian brands. Rocaille is a Vancouver based and was started in 2010 by Amanda He when she decided to explore a creative career instead of the investment banking world she occupied. Amanda sources antique items and turns them into one of a kind pieces.
ROCAILLE is modern by design and inspired by classical periods. We scour the globe for unique vintage pieces and delight in the unabashed sense of adventure and discovery as each item of jewellery is deconstructed and then transformed. The antiquity of each resurrected find is enhanced through reinterpretation and reinvention. Simply put, every ROCAILLE jewellery is one of a kind.
Rocaille is beautiful and I love that each piece is unique. I like the clash of antique with a modern style. They would be perfect for black tie events. Currently you can purchase Rocaille online at www.rocaille-design.com.
Ji from Luxirare is one of the best fashion bloggers out there. She has a website that talks about food and fashion and uses the best photography to explain her point. It’s drool worthy and inspirational. Ji creates fashion and food that leaves her readers in a frenzy. Ji has started selling some of her designs online to the enjoyment of her many fans including me. I’m talking lux leather jackets and handbags. Right now I’m eying the Luxirare Minivest.
This minivest is the perfect accessory to carry your most important items with you, without having to carry a bag. Or you can just wear it as a stylish accessory to add another layer to a jacket or a shirt. Carry your phone, cash, keys, lipstick and credit card with you.
The back of this minivest is rendered with a flattering racer back style. Each vest part is connected with belt straps that are integrated for full adjustability. This vest fits women of all sizes. Adjust accordingly to your size and amount of layering you plan to do for your outfit.
The minivest is designed for both the blackberry and iphones. It carries most other cellular devices as well. There is also an integrated zip pocket for cash and credit cards, as well as a detachable clip for keys.
I would have ordered this vest right away, but I’m going on vacation to Vancouver and Whistler this weekend and I placed myself on shopping embargo. The vest would have been 2.5 lift tickets. Right now I need the mountain more than the vest. I’m hoping that when I return there are still some left over.
image: luxirare.com
Danier Spring Summer 2011 Campaign
I attended the Danier Spring Summer 2011 preview a few months back and got to play with some of the pieces that will be available in store soon.
Exploration is central this season, unveiled through safari silhouettes and tribal details. Graphic animal prints and exotic Moroccan-inspired embroidery are incorporated into accessories, while utilitarian items like a leather trench or slim-cut bomber are sure to be adopted as wardrobe staples for the season.
Accessories and garments in an upbeat palette of poppy, fuchsia, violet, teal and citrus make for daring dressing this season. Using colour as the inspiration and statement point of an outfit, DANIER’s collection invites a pop of interest into your wardrobe with a multitude of hothouse hues. Whether it’s a bright and bold accessory or an eye-popping bomber, this season colour takes center stage.
Finally, sporting gear is made glamorous with the new take on athletic chic. A lineup of slick sports-style separates make up this season’s all stars. From striped hoodies and tanks too cool for the gym, to micro shorts and perforated skirts to show off great gams, these easy, pared-down pieces are essentials to off-duty dressing
Colour is very big for Danier this season and I’m happy to see other choices than your standard black and brown available.
I really like the ombre treatment on this jacket.
This ivory leather trench coat is one of the standouts of the season. I predict this one will sell out pretty quickly.
Be on the lookout for the Ombré leather bustier with petit ruffles, Leather short shorts and Leather circle skirt.
Here is a slideshow of the photos I took at the Preview.
MINI decided to have another event this year at the 2011 Canadian International Autoshow. Last year, MINI debuted the Beachcomber concept car with pin up models. This year, they took it to the streets and brought together some well recognized street artists to collaborate on an interactive project involving a matte black MINI Countryman.
The all new, ALL-4 MINI COUNTRYMAN gets ‘INKED’ at the 2011 Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto. An unaware crowd of Autoshow patrons witness a team of street artists as they “tag” the matte all black MINI Countryman. Shock hits the audience as they see “vandalism” transform into a show stopping Creative Use of Space. One by one, street artists Elicser, Uber 5000 and Herbs take over the Countryman with strokes of white and silver creating a magnificent cityscape, live in front of hundreds of show goers.(youtube description)
Luckily I had Paul Baik with me taking photos and I had my trusty N8 taking video. We both captured a lot of media.
Here is a video that gives you the whole entire process in about 2 minutes. This isn’t mine.
I took some video of each individual artist working.
See all the photos taken by Paul Baik in the Slideshow
It was crazy print time again at Proenza Schouler for fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection. Their influence came in the form of Native American blankets that were picked up on a road trip from Santa Fe to Wyoming.
I liked this collection for many of the same reasons I like all Proenza Schouler collections. It was bright and loud. They aren’t afraid of prints and place them at the forefront of their designs.
See the entire Proenza Schouler fall winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show.
They got some great handbag additions for fall winter 2011 – 2012
I’m not a velvet fan, so the series of velvet pieces didn’t appeal to me. The last two dresses kept me from writing that whole section of the collection off.
images: vogue.com
Victoria Beckham’s Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection was pretty damn beautiful. I’m totally impressed with her dedication and understanding of fashion design. When she first started out I pretty much dismissed her as a celebrity/designer. Over the years she has proven that she’s serious about the business. The only beef I have is with the line’s sizing. I tried on a dress at Holt Renfrew for fun. I was brought a size 8 and I couldn’t fit into. I’m technically a four. That’s a bit of warning for people. There is a specific body type and it’s one that matches Victoria.
See the entire Victoria Beckham Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 Fashion Show
I love so much of this collection. The yellow dresses totally blew my mind.
The hangbag line is coming along nicely. They are classic and minimalist designs.
images: vogue.com, thefashionspot.com
Proenza Schouler Fall Winter 2011 - 2012
It’s started up again. You are just getting through Pre-Fall, then menswear and then bam, it’s Fall 2011. New York is finished and London is winding down. I’ll be posting about my favourite collections of the season as I normally do.
This season more than others I’m feeling the fashion burnout. I’m sure it has to do with the fact that I haven’t had a proper vacation in awhile. I’m pretty sure that the volume of information out there right now is the other reason. Streaming video, blogs and twitter. It’s becoming a bit too much. This season, I’m not trying to keep up.
Check out this great article by National Post journalist, Nathalie Atkinson on the information overload of fashion week.
images: vogue.com
Thanks to @SoundboardTO, official Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall twitter account I won tickets to see funk legend Maceo Parker in Toronto.
Maceo Parker (pronounced /ˈmeɪsiËoÊŠ/; born February 14, 1943) is an American funk and soul jazz saxophonist, best known for his work with James Brown in the 1960s, as well as Parliament-Funkadelic in the 1970s. Parker was a prominent soloist on many of Brown’s hit recordings, and a key part of his band, playing alto, tenor and baritone saxophones(source).
Since the Nokia N8 takes such great video I decided to utilize it for this talent.