What is there to say about Celine accessories. They are totally covet worthy and getting better and better each season. Spring Summer 2010 is no exception. I love how Celine might have more muted and neutral colours but totally plays up the colour with accessories. images: tooklookbook.com
I’m loving these fashion films by Ruth Hogben on Showstudio. The latest is Joie de Vivre which features Gareth Pugh, and supermodel Raquel Zimmermann, who is absolutely awesome. She knows how to move. Encapsulating all the dark glamour, divine decadence and hedonistic joy of the roaring Twenties, Gareth Pugh’s A/W 2010 collection is a stylised, silver and black Art Deco fantasy projected at breakneck speed into the twenty-first century. Raquel Zimmermann is a model who I never really paid attention to until fairly recently. I finally get it, she’s good. Check out the Joie de Vivre video on ShowStudio.com. image: showstudio.com
NARS introduces a Vintage Nail Polish Collection including five shades, resurrected by popular demand, with NARS’ signature longwearing formula, imparting an initial high gloss lustre that is water and detergent resistant. Perfect for fall, the seasonal height of the fashion year, these vintage polishes are being brought out from the archives to NARS counters for a limited time. With classic cinema as their common theme, below are the shades, their descriptions and the movies that inspired them. I love the colour palette in this collection and the vintage movie concept is intriguing. Mash – Army green infused with gold King Kong – Copper brown infused with gold Midnight Express – Deep navy Zulu – Forest Green Full Metal Jacket – Gunmetal Gray I’ve seen most of the movies referenced with my favourite being Full Metal Jacket. Stanley Kubrick is my absolute favourite director. I wonder how many of the younger set will even understand the movie references. The nail polishes will be available on October 1st at Holt Renfrew for $21 each. image: courtesy of …
The lovely Rannie Turingan aka Photojunkie asked me to be part of this 140 Characters project. This is the series that started it all. It was the original series that spawned this website. I wanted to highlight and share a the portraits of 140 characters from twitter in and around the Toronto area. The people I follow in Toronto consist of such a diverse group of people. There are creative folks; photographers, musicians, and artists. There are techie folk; developers, start-ups and designers. Business folk; PR, Marketing and business owners. And there is a whole slew of other characters; politicians, family and even regular people. So my question to you is, “Who would be included in your 140 characters in Toronto?†He took this wonderful photo of me which you can see in it’s large format glory on the 140 Characters website – Anita Clarke — 140 Characters.
I first saw the Standard Plopp Stool at Moss in New York. I was on the I want – I got’s Bisha Adventure in New York City with Charles Khabouth owner of INK Entertainment and Alessandro Munge of Munge Leung Design Associates. It was an Interior Design shopping adventure for the Bisha Hotel and Private Residences. First shown on the exhibition of Young Creative Polish Designers in September 2009, the new Plopp Family includes: Mini Stool, Standard Stool, Kitchen Stool and the Bar Stool with a foot rest. They work great socially – everyone will find a suitable height. Plopp stool is an icon and a bestseller of Zieta Prozessdesign. The unique, toy-looking and playful shape of Plopp is an effect of an innovative forming method – FIDU. FIDU technology means that two ultra-thin steel sheets are welded together around their edges and inflated under high pressure to give a 3d object. FIDU enables mass production of individualized shapes. Forms made in FIDU are very light but also very durable. Since its market release, Plopp …
Christopher Kane went with prints again for the Resort 2011 collection. Christopher Kane Resort 2010 featured images of Atomic bomb blasts that may or may not have been acquired in the proper manner. This season it was space and images from the Hubble telescope were used for the Resort 2011 collection. I think Christopher is a closet science nerd with his interest in space and atomic bombs. images: thefashionspot.com
I’m testing out a new theme. Things might be wonky for a bit. Thanks Anita
The cat eye sunglasses will always be my favourite out of the Alexander Wang Sunglasses collection. They are so much fun. I was playing around during his visit to Holt Renfew and played a little dress up.
This Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2010 coat is to die for. I tried it on at Holt Renfrew. The colour is so incredibly vibrant. Of course it fits like a glove.
I love the portraits in the Steven Meisel shot Ad Campaign for the Balenciaga Fall 2010 – 2011 collection. I don’t care much for the standing shots and I would have preferred a different background colour. The portraits are very powerful. Each model is quite striking looking. images: thefashionspot.com
A weekly roundup of stories from I want – I got. Featured Posts Prada Swing Sunglasses Manga Contest – To celebrate the launch of the line, Prada is asking comic book illustrators all over the world to create a heroine who wears the Prada Swing sunglasses. Revealed – Dolce & Gabbana – CNN’s Revealed takes a look at Dolce & Gabbana. Chan Luu x Banana Republic – There is a new collaboration coming, Chan Luu x Banana Republic. They have teamed up for the first Banana Republic jewellery collaboration featuring Luu’s famous wrap bracelets. Red Canoe Brands Showroom – Red Canoe Brands now has a brick and mortar store in the West end of Toronto. Converse Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 Preview – I’m excited about Dr. Seuss and the music collaborations. The Drinks Show 2010 – I head to the show and discover my new favourite drink, the Crown Spice. TOMMY by Tommy Hilfiger Holiday 2010 Preview – TOMMY is Tommy Hilfiger’s first project since being acquired by Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. They are hoping …
Alexander Wang visited his fans in Toronto last week at Holt Renfrew. There was a public personal appearance in the afternoon and a private party in the evening. I was at work during the day so I went to the party. I wasn’t too star struck by Alexander and I managed to get a quick hello and photo with him. He’s just one of those beautiful people. The man has a flawless complexion. He was also very good at working the crowd and talking to everyone. Holt Renfrew setup the 2nd floor with a ton of Alexander Wang merchandise and samples of the Fall 2010 collection. I’m a lover of the Wang accessory. The shoes and bags are always a hit. I wasn’t all that jazzed about this Fall 2010 Ready to Wear collection back in February but after seeing some of the pieces that Holt Renfrew is picking up in person, I have to say I’m a fan. Great pants and blazers are everywhere. It seems to be a trend, I didn’t care much …
Hermès had a small party to feature a special film installation called Foot Ball created by artist Marcus Tomlinson. The fall 2010 Hermès shoe collection was the inspiration for the film. There was a preview of the upcoming Fall 2010 accessories collection also. Every shoe has a thousand and one tales to tell, and Marcus Tomlinson believes each one, following them step by step. In his enthusiasm for Pierre Hardy’s designs at Hermès, the artist, photographer and maker of animation films has become their messenger: “His shoes strike a perfect balance between design and craftsmanship, between tried and trusted skills and what seems to me is a very limpid form of inspiration.” Patiently and passionately, the artist has composted FOOT BALL, the film of an imaginary day in the life of a part of shoes. And so there are, filching fragments from our own lives – step by step, with measured tread, from a standing start, or dragging their feet. The installation will be available for public viewing in the Hermès Bloor Street store until …
These shirts by E for Effort Loose Leaf Apparel are so cool. I guess you have to be of a certain age to appreciate the memories a shirt like this would invoke. I’m talking about a time before computers were everywhere were and we had to write things down in books. image: artwareeditions.com via Cool Hunting
The buzz about the TOMMY by Tommy Hilfiger Holiday 2010 preview was that uber cool, fashion god Kate Lanphear from Elle Magazine would be in attendance. She floated around The Gladstone Hotel briefly, stunning everyone with her beauty and killer outfit. I only get starstruck around editors like Kate. She was gone so fast I didn’t get a photo with her, oh well. So TOMMY is Tommy Hilfiger’s first project since being acquired by Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. They are hoping to grab some of the market that American Apparel, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle Outfitters are targeting. They are hoping to get 25 year olds that aren’t looking for typical preppy Tommy Hilfiger. It’s a men’s and women’s line that will consist of knits, denim and outerwear from $24 to $139. Tommy aims to focus on handmade details, distinctive materials and unexpected pairings for unique looks. For example, a washed, tailored jacket could be mixed with vintage-inspired long johns and hand-painted brogues, or a men’s wear shirt coupled with a slouchy boy-fit sweatshirt …
I headed to the Drinks Show 2010 this year. It’s always been one of those things I say I want to do every summer, but never get around to it. The Drinks Show is a cocktail extravaganza that is celebrating Canada’s growing cocktail culture. Sipping cool cocktails on a hot summers night while overlooking the breathtaking views of Toronto’s skyline has also made this Show one of the hottest events of the year. There is a flat fee for admission and you then buy tickets for the sample. I attended the show on a media pass and that got me free entry and some tickets for samples. I brought Gail McInnes as my guest and we boarded the Fun Bus to Polson Pier. This was also my first time visiting Polson Pier. I’ve seen a few concerts at what was then called The Docks, but I had never been to the patio and pier area. It was a gorgeous setting for a party. Polson Pier provides spectacular views of the city. There were many booths …
The Converse Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 preview was held at One King Street in the Vault. It was an interesting venue as it literally was a vault, heavy steel door and all. It was a little to dark for good photos. The Chuck Taylor line is always coming up with new fabrications and colour schemes. I saw corduroy, jersey, sequins and suede. I really like the Chuck Taylor Slims in leather. For women they introduced a slouchy Chuck Taylor in patent leather and denim. They retail $80 – $90. There where so many styles to look at, here are my highlights. Chuck Taylor All Star 1969 Collection The 1960’s were turbulent times. War lotteries and race riots gave way to protests and the love movement. The music of Woodstock carries with it the all the strength and desires of a new and prolific generation who were determined to break all the rules. Chuck Taylor All Star shoe’s capture the radical spirit of the Woodstock generation and pay homage to the artists that changed the …
The Spoke Club has one of the best rooftops in the city so it was only natural to accept an invitation to Terrazza di Peroni, a celebration of Italy’s premium beer, Peroni. I associate Peroni with fashion as it’s usually the beer of choice at fashion parties. I quite enjoy it when I’m not drinking champers. It only seemed fitting as I’m drinking this fashion associated beer that I begin to notice a trend among the men. It’s a see of gingham and plaid. That is the go to pattern of summer for men with blue being the palette of choice. I also had to stare at these Givenchy Velvet and Calfskin Studded Sneakers. They part of the Fall 2010 collection and are so hot. You can purchase them online at luisaviaroma.com
Red Canoe Brands now has a brick and mortar store in the West end of Toronto. I’ve been a fan of Red Canoe ever since I stumbled on their website many years ago. I really enjoy the aviation and outdoor influence in the line. It’s been great watching them grow from a purely online endeavor to products sold in The Drake General Store to a flagship store in Whistler and now their own showroom in Toronto. Red Canoe draws on these ideals to create unique quality apparel. Tough, comfortable outdoor clothing built to be worn. Dedicated to the promotion of historic and cultural icons, it is classic clothing that, like the symbols it honours, will stand the test of time. President and Founder Dax Wilkinson came by his adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors honestly. Growing up in Northern Ontario, his time was spent flying in the legendary DeHavilland Beaver into remote hunting and fishing camps. Aird Island, his family retreat on the North Channel of Georgian Bay, has been his source of inspiration …
Lanvin has opened it’s first New York store at 815 Madison Avenue. I must stop by when I’m in New York again. It looks opulent. And now it has one. Lanvin is poised to open at the end of the week its first location here at 815 Madison Avenue near 68th Street. The store will occupy 3,550 square feet and the first three floors of a 6,875-square-foot, five-story town house. The two upper floors will become the company’s corporate headquarters in September. “My dream when I started at Lanvin was to create this kind of luxury supermarket,†Elbaz said. “It would have everything you needed — T-shirts, bridal dresses, jeans, handbags, jewelry and shoes. I really believe the whole concept of going to a store when you need something. Women have enough. What I have to do is make their life easy. The product is all about dreams. In the store, everything is very clear.†Lanvin is planning to open a store in Beijing, Elbaz said, adding: “That will be the next project.†The company …
CNN’s Revealed takes a look at Dolce & Gabbana. d2e5a19e29b541e0867661e6b9a75995
When I was looking for video for the Versace Menswear Spring Summer 2011 show I discovered the Fall 2010 video too. I never noticed this collection during the Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 shows. I’m not really sure how I missed it.
I’m totally loving MAYFOURTEENTH sunglasses. All their eyewear is shaped and polished by hand in their Buenos Aries factory. The MAYFOURTEENTH blog has a great post about a recent visit. It really gives you a feel of how much works goes into them. MAYFOURTEENTH is an independent eyewear brand, committed to creating quality, handcrafted products that blend vintage glamour and contemporary culture. all products are made with careful hands and designed with sophisticated style. Prices range from $180 – $240 for this San Francisco based company and they can be purchased on the MAYFOURTEENTH website. images: mayfourteenth.com
There is a new collaboration coming, Chan Luu x Banana Republic. They have teamed up for the first Banana Republic jewellery collaboration featuring Luu’s famous wrap bracelets. “We are thrilled to announce our first partnership with a world-class jewellery designer,†said Simon Kneen, Creative Director and EVP of Design. “I’m excited to offer Banana Republic customers Chan Luu’s signature interpretation of Banana Republic’s effortless style aesthetic. Our brand is a great destination for jewellery so this adds a little something special into our already-exciting fall jewellery collection.†Chan Luu comments, “It is such a pleasure for me to collaborate with Banana Republic, a classic brand whose timeless collections provide the perfect canvas for my own. What makes our partnership even more extraordinary is our shared belief in celebrating the power of personal expression.†The bracelets are made from custom-dyed thread or leather and combines semi-precious stones, gold or silver. The collection consists of four styles in different colours for a total of 17 pieces. The price range is $118 – $275. It’s a limited edition …
I love the fluorescent green Postcard Sunglasses by Prada. They really were made for me and they match my Blackberry case. They come in six colours that are dedicated travel destinations: Milan: green sunglasses dedicated to Forte dei Marmi; Los Angeles: light pink sunglasses dedicated to Santa Monica; Manhattan: transparent sunglasses with pink lenses dedicated to Montauk; Paris: transparent sunglasses with light grey lenses, dedicated to Biarritz; London: transparent grey sunglasses with orange lenses, dedicated to Cornwall; Lisbon: matte black sunglasses with black lenses dedicated to Setùbal. I’ve seen these sunglasses at Holt Renfrew and Spectacle in the city. You can purchase them online at Prada.com or Sunglasses Hut images: me, nitrolicious.com