All posts filed under: Canadian Designers

Arthur Mendon̤a Fall Winter 2011 Р2012

Published by

Arthur Mendonça presented a very 70s Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection at the Trump Tower.  “Wow, there are a number of looks” is the first thing that popped into my head as I sat in my seat and skimmed the linesheet.   I knew Dean Davidson was one of Arthur’s collaborators but I had no idea that Liliput Hats were too.  The pairing was wonderful.  Everything worked so well together.  The makeup did the job of portraying the glamorous 70s à la Studio 54.  It was beautiful Dean’s jewellery centred on the bar shape and his signature brushed finish applied. They are minimal in style. Lilliput Hats created fedoras and lux turbans in velvet and sequined silk. Arthur often referenced with Tom Ford and YSL in the media but I think his homage to Denis Gagnon (black tux photo) is much more interesting to talk about. Now, I don’t know if it was done on purpose. It’s just the first thing that popped into my head when I saw the model walkout. I thought …

i want: Drawstring Parka by Muttonhead Apparel

Published by

Muttonhead Apparel started following me on twitter. When a clothing company follows me I usually check out their site to see what’s up. I was pretty intrigued as the are based in Toronto and they are doing a unisex line. The Drawstring Parka parka caught my eye. I can’t get enough of parkas. It’s made out of hemp, organic cotton, recycled leather and denim.  There are a variety of colours: the traditional army green, olive, black and maroon.  There is also a maroon option in a waterproof breathable fabric that is listed as Epic. You can purchase Muttonhead in Toronto at The Future of Frances Watson 1390 Queen Street West Or at their studio by appointment (email info@muttonheadcollective.com) 163 Sterling Road, Unit 9B

Mikhael Kale Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Published by

A common complaint I hear about Mihkael Kale’s clothing is wearability. I should think that after four years people would understand that Mihkael designs are not for everyone and I don’t think he will be going in a mass direction anytime soon. There are many things I can’t wear due to design, shape or price. That doesn’t stop me from enjoying them aesthetically. I like niche designers, they keep things interesting. I’ve referred to Mihkael as a designer who can throw everything and the kitchen sink at something and make it look incredible. Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 featured crystal and pearl encrusted details, chain embroidered roses and sequined bodices. There was a lot of skin in Mikhael’s collection. You’d almost think it was a spring collection. Cutouts incorporated resembled bondage to me. Amazing there wasn’t one bare midriff in all the skin. Caucasian nude fabric played peak a boo with one oxblood dress with chain embroidered roses. At first glance I thought the fabric was flesh.  Thankfully there were some coats and pants to …

Mark Fast Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Published by

Mark Fast returned to Canada and presented a tightly edited version of his London Fashion Week fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection. This was the first time he has presented a fashion show in Canada. The fall winter collection was the debut of his collaboration with Canadian leather retailer Danier. This was one of three shows presented at the Trump Tower Toronto which is still under construction. “Things are not what they seem to be, they are mysterious and disguised. I used the energy of the movement of a wolf’s vicious anger to be projected into the cuts of knitted pieces and leather garments. I am using merino wool and elastomeric mixes in the knitted dresses. I wanted to create a softer, warmer silhouette. I also used leathers to evoke the strictness and attitude of this women”. – Mark Fast (from press release) It was a total delight to see the knitwear wizard’s collection up close. The knits are so intricate and I loved the play on textures. Wool, alpacha, merino, mohair joined with nylon, …

Philip Sparks Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Published by

The week before the official LG Fashion Week is always getting bigger and better. The Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 edition was packed with big names and a comeback. I dubbed the week Toronto Extended Fashion Week a few seasons back but it seems that Rogue Fashion Week has cemented itself as the name. I like it. Philip Sparks Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 kicked things off. Philip asked me participate in the show by taking photos of the action backstage and beyond. Olympus Canada sponsored the Philip Sparks fall winter 2011 – 2012 show so each insider was handed a new Olympus PEN E-PL2. (You can check out the photos on the Olympus Canada facebook page.) Regular readers know I’m a fan of the E-PL1 and it has taken many shots I’ve posted on this site. I was itching to play with the E-PL2. Philip Sparks fall winter was all about Canadian winter and activities like skating, skiing and tobogganing. The collection wasn’t new to me. I saw it in the various stages of …

I want – I got takes Vancouver and Whistler – Visiting Orb Clothing

Published by

During the Vancouver portion of my trip, I visited Orb’s Vancouver flagship store and headquarters. Orb is a Vancouver based women’s sport lifestyle clothing line that started in 2001. Orb is part of the Global Collective Design company, established by Vancouverites by Glenn Taylor and Leslie Lee in 1992. The Global Collective Design company now has two labels that they design and produce: Arson and Orb.  The two brands also have sub brands Orion and Orb Outerwear. Orb is empowered. The intent of Orb is to inspire all to live empowered lives of generosity; creating and attracting brilliance, beauty and well-being. The Orb design triad of mind, body and soul represents an active, fashion-forward lifestyle, designed to enhance the momentum of people engaged in living purposeful lives – to live like you mean it! Orb is very big on corporate responsibility and have implemented ways of reducing waste in their business practices. You can read more about those initiatives on the Orb website. They also have manufacturing initiatives to reduce harmful chemicals. They also incorporate …

Ela Handbags

Published by

Ela is a new Canadian handbag line that I’ve just been introduced to. I met co-founders Ela Kowalewska and Martin Aldorsson at Dark Horse cafe where I got a chance to chat and see the line in person.  I really liked what they had to show me. The basis of ela is the idea of humble luxury, where refined and sophisticated silhouettes strive to showcase, rather than upstage, the wearer. From subtle asymmetry to luxe hardware and leather, every design element is infused with a high level of craftsmanship, materials and a signature aesthetic. The collection is small but focused. The handbags are on the minimal side of things but they all share the signature Ela leather closure. The leather is lovely and there are a few different finishes to choose from.  I like the pebbled leather the best. The MILCK clutch is a big enough for a night out that includes a camera and smartphone. It comes in a variety of colours and finishes. There are also some tote bags. I like the more …

Line Spring Summer 2011 Top Picks

Published by

I really enjoyed the Line Spring Summer 2011 collection at LGFW in October of last year. John and Jennifer decided that it was time to take Line forward and produce a whole collection of separates and dresses instead of just knits. The verdict is in, and they do a good bottom. These are my top Line picks from the Spring Summer 2011 lookbook. I’m really loving the leather shorts. images: courtesy of Line

Jeremy Laing Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Published by

Another beautiful collection from the mind of Jeremy Laing for fall winter 2011 – 2012. I tell you every season that I love you work because it’s true. You are marvelous and the improvement season to season is a joy to watch. In this video, Jeremy talks about the inspiration for the fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection Here is a video of the presentation in New York images: eastnews.ru