Month: October 2010

Opera Atelier presents Acis and Galatea, October 30 – November 7, 2010

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There were a lot of kids at the dress rehearsal of Opera Atelier’s Acis and Galatea. Through the magic of twitter I found myself with two tickets to the event. I like opera so I accepted the invitation to check it out. I can’t resist Greek tragedy and Handel together. It’s my intellectual crack. Acis and Galatea, Handel’s ravishing pastorale, depicts Ovid’s tale of the water nymph Galatea and her doomed love for the Arcadian shepherd Acis. The opera weaves together a story of startling sensuality and tragedy blended with an ironic sense of humour – told through some of Handel’s most sublime music. My knowledge of Opera Atelier was very little before the show. I knew of their existence and that was about it. We were warned that this was a dress rehearsal and that if necessary the actors will stop mid performance, etc. It was exciting to get this behind the scenes look at what happens in the days before a premier. I learned that the kids were from their education program. They …

“Give your clothes a new lease on life” campaign by Jacob

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“Give your clothes a new lease on life”, this initiative will invite women to go through their wardrobe and bring to stores clothing that will bring happiness to women in need. The goal of the campaign is to collect at least 50,000 articles of clothing before December 24! Give and Receive In order to encourage customers to participate in the campaign and further donations of numerous articles of clothing, the company will give a 25% discount on any regular-priced JACOB or JACOB Lingerie item for every article of clothing donated. This way, not only will the women in need benefit from the initiative, but so will customers. “Donations of reusable and resalable goods are a vital link for Goodwill,” points out Dr. Ken Connelly, CEO Goodwill Toronto, Central and Eastern Ontario. “Each year millions of tonnes of clothing and reusable household items help to change lives by supporting Goodwill’s mission of providing work to people facing barriers to employment. We are thrilled JACOB is encouraging clothing donations across its chain of retail stores.” Like and …

Prada “Made in …” Project

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Prada is collaborating with the best artisans from India, Scotland, Peru and Japan to produce a limited edition collection of items that will be available in 2011. They will be found in select Prada stores and are promising to be expensive. the company continues to identify those specialized craftspeople that represent an unrivaled standard of excellence. Using Mario Prada’s time-honed strategy, Prada collaborates with these exquisite artisans to produce modern, innovative designs utilizing the traditional craftsmanship, materials, and manufacturing techniques of a specific region. In an unceasing quest for excellence, Prada continues to transcend geographical boundaries. Rather than restrictive, such “barriers” offer new ways to think and work. This approach has led naturally to the new “Made in …” project. “PRADA Made in Scotland” A collection of traditional tartan wool kilts from the original UK workshops that utilize centuries-old manufacturing and weaving techniques. “PRADA Made in India” A collection of entirely handmade garments from the workshops that specialize in Chikan — the most ancient and refined type of Indian embroidery – and handmade, multicoloured ballerina flats, …

The Frocktail Party – November 12, 2010

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The Frocktail Party started in 2009 by a close group of friends who wanted to make a difference: Ali Reid, Talor Wallace, Catherine Pringle, Sabrina Carr, Christina Perreault, Lorraine Forster and Jen Foster who have long standing friendships with sister’s Vanessa and Jessica Oliver — Vanessa was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at six-years old and has lived with daily insulin injections, finger pokes, insulin pump and the worry of long-term complications every day for the past 25 years. In their ten-year relationship with the Oliver family, the girls have seen Vanessa and the Oliver family face these challenges with courage, grace and a fierce commitment to supporting a quest for a cure. With this, they were inspired to create the Frocktail Party to show love and gain support for this important cause. Last year’s inaugural event brought together over 500 Canadian fashion designers, celebrities and party goers for a stylish evening that raised over $23,000 dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The Frocktail Party puts a twist on charity events by combining …

i got: Darcel Disappoints – Fashion Week postcard set

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I posted about the cute Darcel adventures at the Fashion Weeks. Craig Redman’s caricatures of fashion icons are so adorable that I had to own them. So I bought the Darcel Disappoints — Fashion Week postcard set. It’s so adorable. To celebrate the fashion week insanity I’m releasing a few sets of the postcards I did with colette and Nowness for Fashion’s Night Out here in New York. They are a nice size (5 x 7) and there are 10 different cards, all for 15 bucks – nuts! In order: Anna Wintour Suzy Menkes Karl Lagerfeld Tom Ford John Galliano Marc Jacobs Tavi Carine Roitfeld Grace Coddington Alber Elbaz image: darceldisappoints.bigcartel.com caricature

Happy 75th Josephson Opticians!

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During the summer I  participated in an ad campaign for the 75th anniversary of Josephson Opticians. I said yes because I love this kind of thing and photoshoots are always lots of fun. So, I took a day off work in the summer and headed to Caitlin Cronenberg‘s studio. I’ve waited patiently for the November 2010 issue of Toronto Life to come out and it’s finally here. I can show off this fun ad to everyone. This October marks the 75th anniversary of Josephson Opticians, a very special occasion for Dr. Josh Josephson, family, and friends. To commemorate the milestone Josephson will present a series of group portraits by noted photographer, Caitlin Cronenberg. The series highlights Toronto’s community of cultural mavens, icons, and longtime clients in a trio of photographs to be released over the next few months.(source) Thanks to Brill Communications, Caitlin Cronenberg and Josh Josephson for allowing me to participate in your celebrations. It was a honour I’ll never forget. Josephson Opticians 75th Outfit Breakdown – Alain Mikli sunglasses (nope I didn’t get …

Green Works, part of the heel breaking in process

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Sponsored When I was approached to write this sponsored post on Clorox Green Works I was a bit relieved. I used some of their products regularly so I have previous exposure. Like millions of people across North America, I started to become more and more aware of the harmful ingredients in traditional cleaning products. Friends introduced me to alternative natural based ones and I haphazardly started to incorporate them into my home. The main problem with those options was access to stores that carried the products and the high cost associated with them. I would always try to buy the natural alternative but there were times when I couldn’t due to money or access issues so I would cheat. Over the past couple of years I’ve noticed more natural products on the shelves of my local Shopper’s Drug Mart. I’m excited about the easy access and lower price points. Clorox is the first major consumer products company to develop a line of natural cleaning products. They are moving into the market and this is a …

Operanation VII, Cinderella: Rock the Ball – October 29, 2010

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Operanation VII, Cinderella: Rock the Ball, presented by TD Canada Trust, is the Canadian Opera Company’s premier event for young urban professionals, melding the inspirational venue of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts with the must-attend arts fundraiser of the fall social season. On Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, Operanation VII will celebrate the world’s most-beloved fairytale, Cinderella, which is the inspiration for Rossini’s opera, La Cenerentola, appearing onstage during the COC’s 2010/2011 season. The event will take a very modern spin on the traditional Opera Ball and feature an incredible live performance by Broken Social Scene alongside the COC’s up-and-coming opera stars. To boot, a very special performance by Clara Venice will be unveiled when the clock strikes 12. Journey from rags-to-riches in one night, and live happily ever after at the best bash of the year! At Operanation VII, Cinderella: Rock the Ball party-goers will indulge in a spectacular array of the finest cuisine and cocktails, and enjoy live entertainment, dancing and much more. For $150 a ticket, 1,100 of Toronto’s young …

LGFW SS11: Denis Gagnon

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Denis Gagnon never disappoints. His spring summer 2011 collection wowed the audience on Friday. It begs the question, why is Denis still showing in Canada? I really think he could hit up a capital and I hope he does. The man needs to be a household name in the fashion industry worldwide. His work makes me weep that I’m not wealthy enough to own it all. Stripes, chains, zippers and string were the major themes. Stripes can be hard to wear sometimes but Denis Gagnon strategically used angles to ensure the best possible silhouette. String is back from the previous season and thank god for that. Those looks have so much movement to them, it’s mesmerizing. All I can think about is dancing in them and how much fun it would be. It was a primarily black and white collection but there were dresses in green, blue, orange and silver. Ombre dipped string added a beautiful effect to dresses down the runway. The models weren’t very strong and you could see their hesitation with the …

LGFW SS11: Thursday Blues

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Thursday was the only day of LG Fashion Week I didn’t attend. I spend the day in New York City with some research and development folks from Intel. I was geeking out and loving it but that post will come later. There were a few collections I wanted to check out on Thursday but when NYC calls I tend to forget everything else. Most of the collections were during the day so I wouldn’t have seen them even if I was in the country. The last Baby Steinberg show I saw was for Frugal Fashion Week at the Bata Shoe Museum. I’m amazed at how she takes reusable materials and creates clothing out them. For some reason there are no photos from Schick available for Baby Steinberg so check out the photos and videos on the LG Fashion Week site. Klaxon Howl has a great collection of military clothing and it a favourite because of my love of military. I once bought a cute white sailor hat from the store. It’s one of those places …

LGFW SS11: Line Knitwear Spring Summer 2011

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Line Knitwear is branching out and it’s not all about the knits anymore. This season brings separates and dresses in fabrics like leathers and silks. Typically Line Knitwear creates knit tops and leather jackets so I was surprised at this new development. Now I’m interested to see how John and Jennifer expand this already very successful company. The knits this time around looked crocheted. Spring Summer 2011 is about sheer knits without a lot of bulk. Line is expecting the midriff to return and there were lots of cropped knit tops for that purpose. The knits were only a small part of the story this season. Line brought out some high-waisted, pleated pants, shorts and culottes in leather and suede. Cloud like prints on silk were used for relaxed, loose-fitting pants and jumpsuits. The palette consisted of muted colours and I was glad it wasn’t a total camel fest. Instead it was olive, orange and rose. I wish more designers would leave line sheets on the seats for media and guests. It would have helped …

LGFW SS11: Jessica Jensen + Alexander Berardi Spring Summer 2011

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Handbag designer Jessica Jensen collaborated with a young New York designer named Alexander Berardi on a collection of limited edition handbags that complements his Spring Summer 2011 collection. The collaboration debuted during NYFW but Jessica and Alexander decided to show at LG Fashion Week in Toronto. Alexander Berardi was the youngest person to show at the new Lincoln Center tents this season. The inspiration for the collections was the movie Breathless by Godard. It was a nautical inspired collection with lots of Breton stripes and preppy influences. I had never seen Breathless so after the show I decided to watch the movie. I got through about 30 mins mostly focusing on the styles of the female protagonist. I thought the handbags and clothing did a very good job of conveying the style featured in the movie. I really liked the looks with the stripes.  While I’m not loving the camel colour trend it works well with the blue, white and grey colour palette. This was a well presented collaboration. Both designers complemented each other perfectly …

LGFW SS11: Joe Fresh

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I swore I would skip the spectacle that is Joe Fresh last season. I wasn’t going to battle the crowds and be all irritated with everything. I guess I forgot my words last season because I found myself only attending the Joe Fresh show on Wednesday. Curiosity got to me and I couldn’t tear myself away. Friends in high places made it much easier to enter the runway room so it was already an improvement over last year.  My seating assignment wasn’t any different from last season but the configuration of the runway room is a lot better and the view was very much improved. There wasn’t the rabid model talk that normally precedes a Joe Fresh show. I heard a rumor that Tao would be walking. It made sense to me since she’s all over the ad campaigns. Unfortunately that didn’t come to pass. There were models walking the show just not the big names we usually expect. Arlenis Sosa and Tiiu Kuik made appearances alongside many of our own famous Canadian girls. So …

i want: UES Fall & Holiday 2010 Sneakers

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Studs really should be on their way out as a trend but I can’t help but like it when it’s done well.  I think it’s the combination of that Chuck Taylor classic sneaker look and the not so obnoxious studding that help in their appeal. Upper Echelon Shoes (UES) was started in New York by Seth Campbell and Nick Cohen in 2005. Their family backgrounds in footwear and jewellery are combined in the UES design style. They have coined it “Shoewelry”. In early 2010 they partnered with Steven Madden in order to advantage of their production and distribution and expand the business. Seth Campbell handles the brand’s design. There are no Canadian Retailers but Zappos.com andSaks.com carry them online. images: courtesy of UES

LGFW SS11 Fashion Press

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It’s been press crazy for my this LG Fashion Week. I love it. I was on the radio. CBC Radio One Metro Morning had me over on Monday to chat up LG Fashion Week and the industry. Guest host Karen Horsman spoke with Anita Clarke. She writes a fashion blog called ” I want, I got”. They are amazing and have made a podcast so you can listen to it. CBC Radio One Metro Morning Fashion Week SS11. I took part in a video for FASHION at Holt Renfrew’s all-Canadian show that was posted on The Globe and Mail’s website. Finally I was interviewed for a story in 24Hours Dress to impress at Toronto Fashion Week. t’s propagated over the Sun Media network and can be found on a bunch of their websites.

LGFW SS11: Dare to Wear Love Preview

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The last Dare to Wear Love show was so much fun that I’ve been anxiously anticipating the next time. The time is now with the spring summer 2011 season and I have a sneak peek at some sketches. More than 25 designers are given 6 yard of fabric sourced from Africa to create a one of a kind garment. These garments will be auctioned off online and all proceeds going to the Steven Lewis Foundation. People can always donate online at DareToWearLove.com. This year’s show takes place on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 8pm. Tickets are open to the public and can be bought online for $59.99 each or $300 for a VIP package (includes one front or second row seat and a special gift bag). “We are thrilled to return to LG Fashion Week beauty by L’Oréal Paris to host the Dare to Wear Love runway show in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. In 2009, the fashion and entertainment communities came out in droves to support the cause, and we hope they will …

LGFW SS11: Pink Tartan Spring Summer 2011

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Kimberley Newport-Mimran had the 70s on the brain while designing the Pink Tartan spring summer 2011 collection. The 70s is a major trend that appeared on the runways of high fashion capitals. It resulted in a looser fit, shiny fabrics and lots of colour.   Pink Tartan used colour blocking, stripes and sheers with a 70s touch.  This is my favourite Pink Tartan collection.  It was a joy to watch.  The presentation was cute with the models taking positions on risers beside the runway after their pose. I enjoyed so many elements of this show.  The batik style prints worked well on the jacket and the maxi dress.  Jewel tone strapless jumpsuits make me very happy.  Great looks featuring shorts with cute blazers.  Amanda Laine’s outfit was my favourite on Monday at the Holt Renfrew show.  The green and black print reminds me of Proenza Schouler.  It’s amazing that the ethereal sheer tiered maxidress came in neon yellow.  I dig the neon and I’m glad Kim is too.  I want it all. I loved the leopard …

LGFW SS11: Holt Renfrew Presents Spring Summer 2011

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So it’s LG Fashion Week once again. Toronto now has its own kick at the Spring Summer 2011 collections. The venue has changed to Heritage Court at Exhibition Place. It’s a lot roomier and there are lots of bathrooms. Getting into the runway room is alway a chore and that hasn’t changed. I love the exposed brick but I wish it was on both sides of the building. The non brick side could have used some extended curtains but I’m getting a little nitpicky here. Overall, decent except for the bad sun glare at the end of the night. Monday night saw Holt Renfrew bring its traditional media cocktail party to the runway. We saw some of the best of Canadian fashion in one runway show. Denis Gagnon, Jeremy Laing, Lida Baday, Line RUNWAY, Mikhael Kale, Pink Tartan, Smythe, Wayne Clark and Wings + Horns all presented several looks from their spring summer 2011 collections. This show was also a sneak peek at the upcoming Pink Tartan and Line Knitwear shows. The runway show didn’t have …

The Uniform Project Pilots with Isis Salam

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The second year of the Uniform Project finds Sheena hanging up the dress and finding others called The Uniform Project Pilots. Musician Isis Salam is October’s The Uniform Project Pilot and she is raising money for One Laptop per Child, a non-profit organization working to provide access to education to every child in the world. it’s just past the halfway point and if you have any spare dollars please head over to The Uniform Project’s website and donate. Ladies and Gents introducing the one the only, most versatile little black dress on the planet! I can go from feeling like Mad Men’s Christian Hendricks day time to hot cocktail drinking soho fashionista at night. If the last 3 years of touring have taught me anything, it’s a solid appreciation for chic simplicity. First two photos is the front (or back depending on the mood) and then I flipped it around to showcase the cute buttons and pleats. I must say I’m pretty excited about this project not only is it for a great cause but …

i want: Givenchy Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 Boots

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My fall 2010 dream shoes are Givenchy. They come in many different options: sequined, leather, patent leather, velvet and wool.  They also come in different heights. The boots remind me of witches and grunge. Thankfully they have a zipper in the back of the shoe so you don’t have to lace anything up. Very smart. I spotted these pair of Givenchy boots in the wild at Holt Renfrew. They are ridiculously gorgeous and expensive.  I’ll just admire from afar. images: givenchy.com