Another great thing to come out of the Prada spring summer 2011 collection is the handbags. It was all out colour. They are simple bag shapes, made out of cotton and probably priced a bit on the high side. That doesn’t stop me wanting the schoolboy like satchels at all. images: tooklookbook.com
I like hearing about Canada-only collaborations. This time OPI, PUMA Canada and Browns Shoes have teamed up to bring exclusive products to the Canadian market. April marks the spring/summer 2011 launch of exclusive PUMA ballerina flats for Browns Shoes and B2. To celebrate this, PUMA Canada teamed up with OPI to create a special gift with purchase at select Browns Shoes and B2 locations. Limited to only 50 bottles per participating store, PUMA Red by OPI is sure to go fast! (while quantities last, some restrictions apply.) So Brown Shoes and PUMA Canada have teamed up to create a set of exclusive ballerina flats not sold in any other store. In turn PUMA Canada called on nail giant OPI to come up with the PUMA Red nail polish. I’m not into ballet flats so the shoes do nothing for me. I’m intrigued by this retail move. Technically over collaborations but I cant help but get excited by ones that involve the Canada market like this. images: courtesy of PUMA Canada
I discovered this fascinating video of an artist, Louie Gong, whose medium is sneakers, typically Vans and Chuck Taylors. Louie’s work is very beautiful. I don’t think I’d even want to wear them outside, just put them in a glass box for display purposes. His aesthetic has resonated with people because he’s currently not taking any more orders right now. Business must be booming and I can imagine each pair of shoes takes a lot of time. images: Custom Coast Salish/ Northwest Coast style shoes by Louie Gong Facebook
Summer isn’t here yet but I’m thinking about these perforated leather sandals by Givenchy images: net-a-porter.com
It’s been almost a year since I first featured Design + Conquer on I want – I got. It’s about time we take a look at what’s new and report back. Design + Conquer has such a beautiful spring summer 2011 lookbook. I can’t get over how beautiful the model is. Yes, yes, of course the jewellery is great too. I have to say that I love the presentation of this lookbook, it was well executed. The combination of artistic shot and product shot is very effective. There is a lot of effects on the photos but they don’t distract from how the jewellery looks.
It’s surprising that the bags I like from Bottega Veneta’s Resort 2011 collection are canvas. There is something about this print that just draws me in. Empire Nero Canvas Vachette Bolle Print “the Couple” Tote is made to be carried by two people so you can use it for picnics, etc. Assenzio Nero Canvas Vachette Bolle Print Tote is a more traditional sized bag. images: bottegaveneta.com
These glitter brogues by Miu Miu are so much fun. They are the perfect accent to a menswear inspired outfit. I’ve seen these ones at Holt Renfrew on Bloor. images: net-a-porter.com
When clogs came back into fashion I dismissed them. I’ll never wear these. It’s something I say to myself often and the opposite is usually the result. My thirst for platforms has brought me to Jeffrey Campbell and the Solvang Clog, which I bought at Chasse Gardee on Boxing Day. It’s a very comfortable shoe and gives me that extra height.
I’m liking the shoes and handbags from Burak Uyan’s first solo collection. Architecture, organic shapes and the work of Swedish sculptor Eva Hild are among designer Burak Uyan’s inspirations for his first collection under his own name. “I like to work with overlapping superimpositions and organic shapes, mixing round and geometric shapes and different textures,†said the 31-year old designer of Turkish descent. “There are no specifically evening or day styles. The styles are meant for all day, every day.†The debut collection, unveiled in a Saint Honoré showroom in Paris, includes flats retailing for around $650 and high heels that will be priced up to $1,500, depending on materials. With experience designing for Givenchy and Giambattista Valli, in addition to his most recent stint at Aperlaï, Uyan said he is thrilled to be working under his own name. “It was the right time,†he said.(source) images: style.com
Canadian jewellery designer, Dandi Maestre has decided to keep the 386 Huron Street location as a permanent retail space. Based on the response received, my holiday pop-up store at 386 Huron St. (at Sussex Ave.) will be extended indefinitely. My unique pieces, made of organic materials such as antlers, bull horn, rough amber and emeralds, reclaimed wood, natural seeds and nuts will be available Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm; Saturday from 12 to 6pm. Other times by special appointment – please call 416-948-2040 or write to dandi@dandimaestre.com. Now you will also find beautiful recycled glass bubble terrariums (with or without plants) and unique home organic homewares. My designs have been seen in Vogue, Lucky, Hello!, Flare, Glamour, People Style Watch, Holts Style, The Toronto Star and The Globe & Mail and on Donna Karan, who features my line in her Urban Zen shop in New York. I visited the shop before the holidays, bought some earrings and took some pictures. It’s such a beautiful space and the gallery setup works perfectly for Dandi’s …
