All posts filed under: Canadian Designers

Danier Design Challenge Winner – Andrea Dineen

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I had two favourites for the Danier Design Challenge out of the Top 10 finalists. Last week, I attended the award ceremony and discovered if any of my choices were correct. The winners, announced by DANIER CEO, Jeffrey Wortsman, received cash prizing in the amount of: $2,000 split between two third-place winners; Robyn Gemzik from Calgary and Meghan Erin from Edmonton); $3,000 for second-place, Ottawa native, Jessica Tep; and $5,000 for first-place winner Andrea Dineen, who fused her fine art background from London, Ontario with a fresh fashion design perspective to snag the top seat. Dineen’s design will also be sold in select DANIER retail locations across the country this coming fall, offering immeasurable exposure to this young design talent. I was right with my one choice, Andrea Dineen. Her jacket was just so beautiful and detailed. I thought Danier would pass on it because of the production value. I’m so glad that didn’t affect the decision making. I’m going to want this jacket myself come fall. ” I am extremely honoured to have my …

Juma Spring Summer 2011

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Juma’s spring summer 2011 collection is there best yet in my opinion. I remember getting a preview last summer and freaking out. The collection is inspired by Alia’s and Jamil’s time in Africa. The collection is really print heavy and they’ve made some great choices. I love the flamingos.  Jamil send me a bunch of the lookbook photos so I thought I’d make a gif of the entire collection.  Voila. I took some photos at their spring summer 2011 fashion presentation in October at The Spoke Club.

Design + Conquer Spring Summer 2011

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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.

NorBlack NorWhite Spring Summer 2011

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Trolling facebook leads to great finds. I noticed two of my very stylish friends liked, NorBlack NorWhite. Being inquisitive, I clicked the link and discovered a new Canadian label with a Toronto and Bombay twist. Charmed by the stories, people, culture, state of transition and everything indian, these little ladies shifted to bombay to discover and create. Focusing on a region per collection, they are exploring india through textile and art. Norblack norwhite documents their respect to their current playground by designing through adventure. First stop: kachchh, gujarat. The khatris of kachchh are endowed with creating stunning colour on fabric, bandhani (the tying and dying of fabric), while the nomadic rabaris express their story and art through the cross-stitches on their wear. From the embroideries to the beading, the barren desert to the gulf extremes, kachchh is a land of creators. On their website I discovered a fascinating video that documents the Bandhani process. Bandhani is Indian tie dye. I love seeing the process being a garment and it’s amazing that the internet has made …

Dandi Maestre New Retail Location, 386 Huron Street, Toronto

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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 …

Jenny Bird Spring Summer 2011 Jewellery

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Toronto based designer Jenny Bird has a successful accessories line that focuses on handbags and jewellery. I received the Spring Summer 2011 lookbook and thought I should share some of my favourites of the collection. Jenny Bird jewellery can be found in Toronto at: Canopy Blue – 2582 Yonge Street Eko – 288 Queen Street West Gee Beauty – 2 Roxborough Street West Holt Renfrew -50 Bloor Street West rac boutique – Cumberland St, Yorkville

i got: Denis Gagnon x Bedo Dress

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So, Denis Gagnon partnered with Bedo last August to created a little capsule collection. I managed to grab myself two dresses from the collection when the markdown season started. I didn’t get any of the iconic pieces that I’ve seen people sporting but I do like my drapy tunic/dresses. I treat this dress more like a tunic right now and pair it with leggings and boots. This was taken at Parts and Labour for the TOMMY dinner party that was hosted by Jeanne Beker. I’m standing with Tiyana Grulovic who is a Fashion Editor at the Globe and Mail. George Pimentel was there to photograph all the guests and then those photos ended up on WireImage.com. I still think it’s hilarious that if you search for my name on WireImage two photos show up. image: George Pimentel

Mark Fast x Danier Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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I’m all over this collaboration between Mark Fast and Danier. I can’t wait to see what they stir up. Canadian designer Mark Fast has partnered with leading Canadian fashion brand and retailer DANIER to create his Autumn/Winter 11/12 collection. Set to be unveiled in February at London Fashion Week, the London-based talent will incorporate leather elements manufactured by the Canadian brand. DANIER is thrilled to have the opportunity to manufacture leather for the upcoming fashion week presentation. This will mark the first time Mark Fast – a designer who has enjoyed international acclaim for his original knitwear and famed catwalk presentations – has collaborated with a Canadian retailer. DANIER looks forward to showcasing and selling a capsule collection inspired by the designer’s Autumn/Winter 11/12 collection.

CLARK Cashmere Fall Winter 2011 Sneak Peek

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So, I’ve just discovered that Wayne Clark is creating a new cashmere sweater line for men. It will launch for the Fall 2011 season. The email that brought this news also contained some preview photos to share. It’s a little early to be talking about the fall winter 2011 season, I know. I haven’t even posted my pre-fall 2011 collection favourites yet. However, this was too good to pass up.  I can’t wait to see the full collection.