Author: Anita

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

What does Barbara think? Spring Summer 2011 Edition

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I love it when the WWD asks the buyers their opinions of the collections. I’m always interested in what the buyers/retailers think of the collections. For the last few seasons I’ve been posting about Barbara Atkin’s feelings on the show. Spring Summer 2011 is no exception. New York “The consumer is still celebrity-obsessed. The designer is becoming that celebrity as well. We’ve got to move away from turning [fashion week] into a circus.” – Barbara Atkin, vice president and fashion director, Holt Renfrew Trendspotting: “The big story was American sportswear and the whole idea of the timeless classics, easy toppers, trenches and beautiful, easy pants. In a way, another trend is New York producing a whole new wave of young designers with more democratic price points, such as Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim and Theyskens’ Theory.” Sound off: “Everyone’s taking pictures of everyone else. Everybody has a blog and some site they wanted to drive you to. We’re being swallowed up by social media. People are adapting a look and seeing how to wear it immediately …