Month: August 2009

India Diaries – The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is stunning. I was in awe and even thought the trip there was hell on earth, I was glad I did it to see this marvelous structure. I was a little pissed off at how rushed our time there was. I wanted to spend more time studying the building and the craftsmanship that went into it. I could go off about how bitter I was with the filthy bus we had to take and how sick I am right now but let’s do that another time. The Taj was built by Persian royalty, well there 22,000 workers. It’s the ultimate dedication of love. After the wife of the king died he had a dream of the Taj and commissioned many architects to come up with the building from his dreams to dedicate to his dead queen. It took 22 years to complete and is made of pure marble. The queen and king are buried in the Taj and you could see their tombs inside. Again pictures do better than words and I’m …

Edward Steichen: In High Fashion, the Condé Nast Years, 1923–1937 at the AGO

September is going to be amazing for photography and fashion. The AGO is presenting Edward Steichen: In High Fashion, the Condé Nast Years, 1923–1937. It’s complementary show to the ROM’s Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008. On George Baher’s yacht: June Cox wearing unidentified fashion; E. Vogt wearing fashion by Chanel and a hat by Reboux; Lee Miller wearing a dress by Mae and Hattie Green and a scarf by Chanel; Hanna-Lee Sherman wearing unidentified fashion, 1928 Gelatin silver print Courtesy Condé Nast Archive, New York © 1928 Condé Nast Publications From September 26, 2009 to January 3, 2010, the Art Gallery of Ontario will host an exhibition that proves glamour never goes out of style. Edward Steichen: In High Fashion, the Condé Nast Years, 1923 –1937 presents 200 beautifully preserved gelatin silver prints from the Vogue and Vanity Fair Condé Nast Archive and brings them to Canada for the first time. “Black”: Model Margaret Horan in a black dress by Jay-Thorpe, 1935 Gelatin silver print Courtesy Condé Nast Archive, New York © 1935 Condé Nast …

i want: Straight Leg Trouser by Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony

Straight Leg Trouser by Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony When I heard Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony would be a unisex collection I had my doubts. Early photos didn’t turn my crank at all either. However, I’m a sucker for a great pair of pants and Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony delivers for men and women. I also enjoy how they use the male and female together. See the rest of the Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony collection.

India Diaries Housekeeping

Hi, While I’m in India don’t expect quick replies to any email sent to me. I’m only replying to the most urgent of email as I’m here for work and don’t have much time for personal business. I will be back to my regular schedule on Sept 6, 2009. Thanks

India Diaries – Trident Gurgaon

So you all enjoyed my business class pics. It’s just the tip of the iceberg. The hotel, Trident Gurgaon is ridiculous. Ridiculous I tell you. It’s like a freaking palace. We arrived at night but I got a chance to get some pictures during the day too. This post is better with pictures and little text. Enjoy.

India Diaries – What I Learned in Business Class

So my day job has sent me to India. There has always been opportunities for travel since I work for an international company. I just never really thought I would have the chance. When I got word hat I would be sent to India for 2 to 3 weeks I was initially apprehensive. The thought of spending 17 hours in coach was not appealing to me. It’s one of the reasons why I’ve never gone to Asia. Coach was not to be had on this trip, it was business class all the way. Yippee!!! I really couldn’t believe my luck. I was more excited for the flight than going to India at this point. At Pearson I had access to the Maple Leaf Lounge. What a treat. Alcohol was available in mass quantities. Everything was self serve. I helped myself to some Baileys lattes. I wasn’t even off the ground and I was already being spoiled beyond belief. I missed the initial call for business class boarding and by the time I made my way …

Anatomy of a Balenciaga Boot Trend 2006 to 2009

I was browsing the shopnastygal.com site and came across the Sam Edelman Zoe Boot. They look exactly like the Balenciaga Fall 2006 boot. What a to die for collection. 3 years for this Balenciaga boot to be knocked off, interesting. I posted about the Balenciaga Spring 2007 Lego shoe trickle down effect last year. I will have to gather more evidence for my 2 – 3 year public palatability theory of Balenciaga shoes. I’ll be watching. images: shopnastygal.com and style.com

I want – I got goes to India

Hello dear readers, On Friday, the day job is taking me to India. I’ll be away for two weeks. So starting now blog will be on what I call India Mode. There will be one regular post a day during until I return in early September. I’m hoping add to those lonely posts with adventures from my trip like I did with Whistler. Hopefully, you’ll get to see things as I go along. If not, there will be a round up post when I return. I’ll be trying to keep up with communications while in India. Most likely I’ll return emails once I return to Canada. So India Mode at I want – I got starts today. I have a ton of packing and prepping that needs to be done.

The Island During the Strike

During my vacation I took a water taxi over to the Toronto Islands. The city strike had just begun I wanted to see what it would be like without all the visitors. It was heavenly, so peaceful. It was also a little bit eerie. Here are some pictures of my adventure.

BijouxBead Wearable Art

During my vacation I had the pleasure of meeting with local jewellery designer Darlene Martin of Bijouxbead. We connected on twitter and she wanted to show me her work. Darlene is a former professional figure skating coach and doesn’t have a jewellery making background. It was very interesting to hear how she found herself making jewellery. It all started with an impromptu jewellery making class with young her daughter that sparked her creative interest. In 2007 BijouxBead Wearable Art was formed. BijouxBead necklaces are usually characterized by a glass bead. It’s the focal point of the necklace. The lampwork glass bead is handmade by Darlene by hand. They take on various shapes and textures. I really liked the weight to these pieces and the tactile nature of the glass. I spent a lot of time examining the bead on the brown necklace. The colours were so intricately laced together that I mistook it for stone initially. The full collection include necklaces, bracelets and earrings that are all handmade using glass, semi-precious gem stones and sterling …

i want: Rihanna Buckle Bootie by Loeffler Randall

I don’t like it when things are named after celebs but I’ll over look that for this boot and the fact that Rihanna is from Barbados. My parents are originally from Barbados and the island is beautiful. You can get the Rihanna Buckle Bootie by Loeffler Randall on their new online store which ships to Canada. Or you can check what pieces Augustina (138 Cumberland, Suite #5,416.922.4248) picked up for the season. image: loefflerrandall.com

The Mi Concept

I first heard of The Mi Concept through a friend. He was insisting I visit and he was going to arrange everything. My friend has just taken a position in the company and was very excited about it. I probed for more information and learned that the Mi Concept is luxury sportswear with a twist, customization. Each piece is made to order based on your measurements. I was intrigued and I immediately googled the Mi Concept when I got home. The main storefront is in San Francisco, there was no mention of a Toronto location (That has changed and the website has been updated). The about page didn’t provide any information on who was behind the label but did explain the concept behind the venture. Mi is a new concept in retail-design project, creative collaboration, clothing collection, art space, atelier. Mi, a collective, creates a collection of discreet luxury-evolved interpretations of classic pieces, making them modern with elegant distortions in shape and design. Almost a severe sensibility. A made to measure atelier service complements the …

I’m in the Toronto Life August 2009 Issue

Toronto Life: Party Watch: August 2009 1. Pastel Supernova of Fritz Helder and the Phantoms 2. MTV gabbers Dan Levy and Jessi Cruickshank 3. Designer Philip Sparks 4. VJ Sarah Taylor 5. Diego Super­star of Fritz Helder and the Phantoms 6. Greta Constantine cohorts Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong 7. Choreographer Hollywood Jade with songstress Divine Brown 8. Design diva Nada Shepherd 9. Fashionistas Natalie Lecomte and Anita Clarke 10. Nelly Furtado Image: George Pimentel