Month: March 2013

geekiviews: MARNI Fragrance

Way back in November I sat down with Trudi Loren who is the Vice President, Corporate Fragrance Development at Estèe Lauder Companies. She was in Toronto to introduce Marni’s first fragrance to members of the press. I’m a big fan of Marni and head designer Consuelo Castiglioni. I see her clothing in person at Holt Renfrew and I find myself coveting everything. I wanted to know if she could translate that feeling to a fragrance. Marni isn’t stereotypical feminine either, how would that translate into scent. Trudi starts with the origins of the fragrance. Consuelo had specific ideas for the fragrance when she met with Estèe Lauder perfumers. They tweaked her custom fragrance after numerous design cycles using their knowledge to take the fragrance to market and still be true to Consuelo vision of Marni. She was very involved in every step of the design process, treating it like editing a collection. The starting point was typically material: it was woods and spices and the incense that Consuelo wanted, somehow reminiscent the woody landscapes of …

geekiviews: Guerlain La Laque Couleur Nail Polish

Guerlain is introducing a new permanent nail polish collection to its makeup line up. The collection features 10 shades as well as a Gel Top Coat and protective base. Gel top coats are going to be the next rage in the nail polish world. They claim to give a similar finish to a gel manicure without the need of the potentially cancer-causing UV lamps. What makes a gel top coat different is that it contains polymers or epoxy resin that provides the coverage, protection and finish. Julep, Deborah Lippman and Dior all have gel top coat products on the market. At the preview, I got to see the nail polish in person and I indulged in a mini manicure. Guerlain impressed me. The polish is very opaque and there was 95% coverage in the first coat. I love that Guerlain has the wide and flat brush design like Dior’s nail polish. The wide brush makes applying polish so quick and easy. Some people prefer a thinner brush but I’d love all my polish brushes to …

i want: Obsedia Handbag by Givenchy

I have a bit of a Givenchy bag obsession. I’ll admit that. I’ve talked about the Pandora and Antigona perviously and I love the Obsedia Bag too. Both the Givenchy Taupe Leather Gold Trimmed Obsedia Shoulder Bag and the Givenchy Red Leather Gold Trimmed Obsedia Shoulder bag are both available at ssense.com for (le sigh) $1775. images: lyst.com

Are You Watching The FACE?

I haven’t watched any fashion reality television in years. When I heard that one of my fashion heroes Naomi Campbell would be hosting The FACE, I lost my shit. This would be everything that ANTM wasn’t. “The Face,” hosted by photographer Nigel Barker, features supermodel coaches Naomi Campbell, Karolina Kurkova and Coco Rocha as they compete to find the face of ULTA Beauty, one of the fastest growing beauty retailers in the United States. The series will give viewers access inside the world of the industry as three teams of aspiring models, each led by one of the supermodel coaches, are guided through real life assignments, including photo shoots and commercials. The show is brilliant and let’s be serious, it’s great to be able to stare at Nigel again. It’s way more serious than ANTM and Naomi tells it like it is. I fell completely in love with the show when Naomi told a couple models that no one gives a damn about their sob stories and to get it together. I’ve gotten a whole …

I want – I got visits CBC’s In the Kitchen with Stefano Faita

You don’t say no to the photographer that put you on the webpages of Women’s Wear Daily. So when the lovely James Teen offered me a tiny bit of Kitchen TV stardom I said yes, yes and yes. The show James works on is called CBC’s In the Kitchen with Stefano Faita. You may have seen it. Me, I never heard of it before. I didn’t even bother to Google it after I accepted. I went on my merry little way until a friend mentioned that Stefano, the host was pretty hot. Not going to lie, I hit up Google immediately after that nugget of information. Ha. The episode was called Stefano’s Restaurant-Style Dishes and it originally aired on November 6, 2012. I heard through twitter about it, ha. Ha ha. I just got informed that my appearance on @cbcinthekitchen is on TV right now!!! — Anita (@geekigirl) November 6, 2012 @geekigirl nice work! It was great to have you on our show and you can watch the episodelater here: ow.ly/f4JqC #iksf — In The …

i want: Peplum Moto Jacket by Sacai

I got to touch the Sacai Peplum Moto Jacket in person at Holt Renfrew the other day. It’s so beautiful. I love Chitose Abe’s take on the moto jacket with the addition of the peplum back and the choice blue striped fabric. It’s available online at Barney’s and also available in Khaki Green. images: lyst.com

Prada Fall Winter 2013 – 2014

Prada lost me for the spring summer 2013 collection. I couldn’t get past the awful shoes and not so inspired Japanese references. The Prada Fall Winter 2013 – 2014 collection is beautiful. It has some Prada quirk but it was completely wearable and mature. Not your Grandmother’s mature but grown ass woman looking hot mature. Miuccia Prada booked Mariacarla Boscono for the show and the only thing that would have made this it perfect would have been an appearance by Sasha Pivovarova. images: vogue.com

Ohne Titel Fall Winter 2013 – 2014

Do something geometric and I’m probably going to like it. If the designers are Ohne Titel doing something geometric means I’m going to love it. The Fall Winter 2013 – 2014 Ohne Titel collection is called “Optimistic minimalism”. Designers Flora Gill and Alexa Adams took inspiration from their friend, artist Tauba Auerbach. Tauba’s cavases of woven twill tape provided the common thread that permeated the collection. I loved everything about this collection from the repeating pattern, muted colour palette and knitwear. The shoes are perfectly suited to this slightly futurist collection. The quilting fits in perfectly with the grid pattern. Thankfully there is a full fashion available for the Ohne Titel Fall Winter 2013 – 2014 collection images: style.com

I want – I got’s Hermes Scarf Reference Guide

A few years ago I was researching the Hermès Scarves I bought at the sample sale. I wanted to know the artist and year produced. It was during that search that I found my a few of my go to Hermès Scarf reference sites. Over time I’ve added some more sites to that list and I’ve decided to share. HSCI Hermès Scarf Photo Catalogue – Want to know more about your Hermes scarf, this is your first stop. The Hermès Scarf Photo Catalogue has an extensive archive of scarves dating all the way back to 1937. Scarves are cross referenced by name, artist, year of issue, material, etc. A community of Hermès fans contribute photos to the catalogue and it’s updated regularly. Luxury-scarves.com – This is an online shop that sells new, used and vintage Hermès scarves. It also has a database that has a number of scarves from the Hermès archives. If you can’t find it at the HSCI this is your next stop. Hermès Sub Forum at PurseForum.com – This is where the …

Alexander McQueen Fall Winter 2013 – 2014

This season’s Alexander McQueen fall winter 2013 – 2014 collection was only 10 looks. Sarah Burton is pregnant so they scaled down the collection. When I saw the photos initially I was like, “WTF, there are only 10 looks” then I saw the video. My “WTF there are only 10 looks” turned into “Holy Shit what wondrous and magical 10 looks”. This pearl encrusted Alexander McQueen fall winter 2013 – 2014 collection took influences from the Virgin Queen Elizabeth I, the Ballets Russes and ecclesiastical dress. The result is stunning costume but I have no idea what we’ll see in stores come the fall. I still think that Alexander McQueen is a little one trick pony these days. The line seems stagnant and stuck in a rut. I see a lot of the same silhouettes with different treatments season to season. That’s not to say the house doesn’t produce exquisite clothing, it’s does, I’m just kinda bored. That being said, this collection was hands down incredible. images: style.com http://nymag.com/thecut/fashion/shows/2013/fall/paris/rtw/alexander-mcqueen.html

i want: Leather Pouches by Mary Katrantzou

Mary Katrantzou is releasing her first line of leather handbags. The stamp and currency prints of the Spring Summer 2013 collection are perfect for the Wristlet Pouch Clutch and Leather Pouch styles.  You can pre-order the collection at saksfifthavenue.com with an expected shipping date of April 14, 2013. The collection comes out March 11, 2013 in Europe. The handbags priced at $681 and $854. Saks also delivers to Canada. EDIT: I’ve just found out from Mary Katrantzou herself that these leather pouches will be available at The Room by The Hudson’s Bay!! images: en.vogue.fr

Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 2013 -2014 Fashion Show

The Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 2013 – 2014 runway show was incredible. Marc Jacobs and team create a perfectly cohesive intimates as daywear collection and presented the collection in the perfect setting, a hotel. A number of doors lined the edges of the circular runway and a group of models would walk out of the doors and proceed around the runway. The finale group included Kate Moss and my personal favourite Mariacarla Boscono. The video of the collection must be seen. I love the giant corporate giants and their huge show budgets when they put on shows like this. Marc Jacobs, still love this man. This collection is takes the whole pajama dressing style to the next level. I’m not normally a slip dress lover but the velvet, lace and embroidery is just to beautiful to resist. images: vogue.com Louis Vuitton | Fall Winter 2013/2014 Full Fashion Show | Exclusive – YouTube.

Marc Jacobs Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Fashion Show

Marc Jacobs and I are getting along very well this year. I loved his striped extravaganza that was the Spring Summer 2013 collection. The Fall Winter 2013 – 2014 Marc Jacobs fashion show was epic. In the middle of a circular runway was a giant glowing orb hanging. It was like a Red Giant star and models walking around where the planets. Marc is really into the Pajama dressing this season at Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton. He’s the type of designer that can convert my indifferent feelings into interest. I have this thing for Hot Pants right now after buying a pair from Clover Canyon. Marc Jacobs showed some really great ones in this show, but the most of them were changed to skirts for the ordering public. The Moda Operandi Trunk Show for Marc Jacobs is over but you can still pre-order some select looks from the Fall Winter 2013 – 2014 collection on marcjacobs.com. They ship to Canada now too.

Shan Swimwear 2013 Preview

Did you know that some of the world’s best luxury swimwear is made in Canada? Montreal based Shan was started by Chantal Levesque in 1985. The brand is now carried in over 500 stores across 25 countries including Harrod’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Shan is found in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels like Sandylane in Barbados and the Wynn in Las Vegas. Toronto has its own standalone Shan store in Yorkville as well as Miami, Montreal, Laval and St. Sauveur. Shan takes pride in it’s Laval based production and state of the art facilities. Everything is hand sewn by staff that have been trained for many years learning the Shan standard of quality. The Shan customer is someone who is looking for quality in workmanship and materials. Chantal’s hard work has paid off and she received the Designer of the Year,2011 award by the International Mode City Show in Paris. The Quebec Chamber of Commerce also recognized her contributions and she received the Mercuriades Award in 2012. Chantel and her Vice President, Jean-François …

Take My Picture by Garage Magazine

Street Style photography and blogs really pushed buttons this season with Suzy Menkes’ going off about in her article “The Circus of Fashion” . I had my own opinions that didn’t agree with hers and I felt that all the bloggers she called out in the piece worked damn hard and are the exceptions to the rule. Dasha Zhukova’s Garage Magazine examines the phenomenon with a story documentary called Take My Picture. It’s quite interesting and definitely worth the 10 minutes.

Kara Ross Spring Summer 2013 Preview

Kara Ross is Queen of the exotic skins. This award winning designer is known for her luxury clutches made of out of a colourful assortment of skins like lizard, python, alligator and ostrich finished with a clasped made from coloured stones. Kara is a certified GIA gemologist and she puts that experience into her handbag and jewellery designs. To compliment the skins, Kara uses mother-of-pearl, labradorite, black onyx, rock crystal and hematite gemstones. Kara by Kara Ross jewellery uses alternative materials like jet, marcasite, lava, wood and chalcedony to create her statement making jewellery in addition to traditional materials like resin, crystal, Malachite, Lapis, Tiger’s Eye, Amethyst, Turquoise and Onyx. I attended a preview of the Spring Summer 2013 Kara Ross Handbags and Kara by Kara Ross Jewellery. It was the first time I got a look at the product in person and I’m such a fan of the handbags. I love the Art Deco inspiration in the shape and the clasp design. The skins are so unique and colourful with all kinds of colour …

Zara.com Now Shipping to Canada or I’ll Never Step Foot into a Zara Store Again

It’s absolute genius at how Zara can make every single piece of clothing look desirable on their newly launched Canadian ecommerce site. I’m floored. Zara is my favourite of the fast fashion shops but nothing ever looks this good in the store. That’s right folks, you can get Zara shipped to your door anywhere in Canada starting March 6, 2013. To celebrate the launch Zara blanketed the city with $150 gift card according to all the tweets and Instagram post I saw last week. I too received this lovely gift which allowed the recipient to shop at Zara.com ahead of the national launch on March 6th. Zara does everything right when it comes to a great online experience. My key indicators are as follows: Easy to Navigate – Must have a simple, intuitive menu system No animation or auto playing music Simple, uncluttered interface with lots of white space Multiple large, high resolution photos of the item from many angles including a detail shot On figure and off figure images Fabric description and composition Item …

Le Cercle Montparnasse - The Spoke Club - Wednesday, Mar 6 2013

Chatting with I want – I got at The Spoke Club and Soho House

March is the month of panel discussions for me, I have two. Unfortunately, they are a private member clubs but if you are a member of either establishment bring some non member friends and come out. UPDATE: I’ve added start times 🙂 Le Cercle Montparnasse – Wednesday, Mar 6 2013 at 8pm Inspired by the dynamic conversations between artists in the early 20th century Paris that were the catalyst for over 100 years of creativity, this inaugural event features our Cultural Curator Raji Aujla as she sits in conversation with some of Toronto’s most loved online fashion writers, Anita Clarke, Hannah Yakobi, Jen McNeely and Sharad Mohan. Spoke Club 600 King Street West Toronto If you are a member of The Spoke club you can rsvp for this event on the Spoke Club website. Soho House Toronto – March 12, 2013 at 7pm A cross section of current cultural contributors encouraging commentary on the cultivation of contemporary Canadian creativity. Examining commanding culture and technology, this first evening convenes with pop culture and fashion expert Elio …

Kania Spring Summer 2013

Kania Spring Summer 2013 Lookbook

I enjoyed opening the Kania Spring Summer 2013 lookbook, the images are beautiful. Kania is the brainchild of Ottawa based Stacey Bafi-Yeboa. She is a former Broadway dancer and that experience heavily influences her designs. Kania is designed and manufactured in Canada. The Spring Summer 2013 Kania collection is called Tropical Luxuriance. Stacey brought in Tanzanian model, Herieth Paul who moved to Ottawa when she was 14. Welcome to a world where fashion meets dance and where fantasy is reality. A private island where you can escape the ordinary and be submersed in luxury. Steamy nights and hot summer days rule your world. You’ll sense the relaxed beauty of the Caribbean and be transformed into the glamour of an African queen. As you step into paradise you’re ready to let go, to let loose, to be noticed, to be free. Is it a dream? No … you’ve just entered the island of KANIA… get ready to experience…TROPICAL LUXURIANCE(source: press release) Stacey’s dance background is evident in the clothing. Everything is sexy but comfortable looking. Stacey …