All posts filed under: Canadian Designers

Ask a Geek: Where to find classic/retro swimwear in Toronto?

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got twitter follower @edlynne wrote for a friend: Where are there good non-skanky swimwear stores in Toronto? I replied to this query on twitter but I thought it would be good to record the answers here for everyone. First, I had to understand what non-skanky swimwear meant. I had thoughts of this person wandering into the many shops on Yonge Street that carry a variety of skankwear. I came to understand that the friend was looking for more classic/ retro swimsuit shapes. I had the following stores in mine for more classic/retro swimwear options. Shan – 38, Avenue Road, Toronto Melmira Bra & Swimsuits – 3319 Yonge Street, Toronto Swimsuit Essentials – 114 Cumberland Street, Toronto Sandpipers Sports and funwear – 87 Yorkville Ave & 2580 Yonge street, Toronto I …

This is the Burroughes Designer Department Store’s last day. This is what you are missing.

It’s the last day of the Burroughes Designer Department Store’s last day. Check it out before it’s gone. Burroughes Designer Department Store Blog is a great resource for learning more about all the designers participating. Burroughes Designer Department Store 639 Queen Street West Toronto Thursday, December 3, 4 pm to 9 pm Friday, December 4, 11 am to 9 pm Saturday, December 5, 11 am to 9 pm Sunday, December 6, 11 am to 6 pm Get in touch by e-mailing at burroughesstore@gmail.com.

i want: Thieves Wool Ecotone Bodysuit, the Shop Sustainable Edition

I’m loving the Thieves bodysuit. The one pictured is wool, but it also comes in bamboo. It’s ridiculous but I want it. It’s very sci-fi. Thieves is part of Shop Sustainable this holiday season Shop Sustainable is a city-wide initiative that challenges consumers to shop ethically this holiday season. Its goal is to raise general awareness for eco friendly products, and at the same time promote many Toronto based and online retailers who carry them. The program is a collaboration of Fashion Takes Action and Evolution Green. It might seem like eco friendly products are hard to find, but in reality there are several Toronto based retailers who make doing the right thing a lot easier for consumers. Shop Sustainable has something “eco” for everyone, including adult and children’s clothing, toys, personal care products, products for the home, coffee, chocolate, stationary, gadgets and gear and more. The retailers participating in Shop Sustainable include: Baby on the Hip, Bullfrog Power, Caterpillar Baby, Chocosol, Daily Apple, Eco Flora, Greencricket.ca, GreenIsBlack.ca, Grassroots Store, I Recycle Computers, KaiKids.com, Kids …

The Coat, Philip and I

I was send a video that brought back memories of taking this photo with Philip Sparks at the Holt Renfrew TIFF party. It was Philip’s idea to get for me to wear the racoon fur buffalo coat from the Fall 2009 collection. We come into play at 0:38 in the video. It’s originally from Radio Canada We had a total blast taking the photo and I’m glad the moment is recorded somewhere. Loves It! Anita <3s Philip.

The Blanket Statement by The Hudson’s Bay Company

I was invited to the preview of  The Blanket Statement in the Hudson’s Bay Company Shop on Queen Street.  The Blanket Statement is a collaboration that saw 10 Canadian designers rework the traditional Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket into coat. In addition to unveiling the 10 one of a kind coats, the event also showcased new items created for the Hudson’s Bay Company Shop. Specialty items from fashion to home to collectibles have been created by several Canadian fashion designers and artisans — encompassing everything from organic T-shirts to artisanal maple syrup cubes to women’s recycled fur accessories. My favourite coats are a toss up between Comrags and Smythe. It wasn’t just womenswear designers, Krane and Klaxon Howl created something for the guys. The new collection at the Hudson’s Bay Company Shop included custom made canoes, canoe paddles, Pink Tartan Hudson’s Bay Point cardigans, $75 pure maple sugar cube (I was astonished at this item to be honest. I even had to twitpic it.), specially made tshirts from Shared, chocolates, chunky sweaters, Virgina Johnson printed scarfs, …

Holt Renfrew Pop-up Shop is now open till December 6, 2009

I got a sneak peak at the Holt Renfrew Pop-up Shop last night. It’s situated in the Fashion House showroom and is now open to the public. I liked the setup. The Holt Renfrew visuals team came in and gave it a “general store” store feeling. The clothing is casual with a lot of tshirts, relaxed sweaters and plaid button up shirts. Denim was the staple pant but there were a few non denim choices too. There were a lot of non clothing options too like jewellery, candles, bath products, scarves and hats. Great options for gift giving and a smart move with the holidays coming up. I love the Christoper Sherman ties, Philip Sparks curling sweaters, the kick ass Dandi Maestre jewellery and silvery hat. The clothing wasn’t as androgynous as I expected but it does have that unisex feel. There’s also a range in prices. I saw a fabric necklace/scarf thing for $22 $28 and then I would see an oversized Balenciaga Motorcycle bag which is around $2000+. Don’t feel too intimidated, walk …

Alfred Sung is expanding into home decor with SUNG Outdoor

I thought this little tidbit to hit my inbox was interesting. Alfred Sung is breaking his way into home decor in partnership with the Mimran Group Inc. I am proud to announce the introduction of SUNG Outdoor, a new collection of patio furniture from renowned Canadian style icon Alfred Sung. Created in partnership with Mimran Group Inc. and The Hudson’s Bay Company, SUNG Outdoor incorporates the same timeless sensibilities as the designers’ fashion and fragrance collections. Purity and simplicity of design are hallmarks of this new casual standard of living. Available March 2010 nationwide, exclusively at The Bay, the line was inspired by the unique outdoor lifestyle of various international destinations, such as Madrid, Capri and the French Riviera. Unique items include chic and minimal dining sets, innovative open-weave chaise lounges and textile inspired accent chairs with modern silhouettes. Each piece is hand-woven with all-weather faux wicker and features signature bengaline ribbed upholstery.

Greta Constantine Spring 2010 Trunk Show and Personal Appearance Photos

I stopped by Holt Renfrew for the Greta Constantine Spring 2010 Trunk Show and Personal Appearance on Saturday. Here are some pictures I took from the event. I also found out that I have another dress named after me by the Greta Constantine boys. It’s called the Clarke. Click the thumbnail to see the larger version. I’m constantly amazed at how amazing 2009 has been. 2 dresses named after me, what the hell!!!! The Greta Constantine Spring 2010 collection that will be on sale at Holt Renfrew includes a number of pieces with a more accessible price point.

The Uniti Charity Auction in Benefit of the Red Door Family Shelter

I was invited to 18Karat Goldsmiths for a private preview of the The Uniti Collection before it went up for auction. 18Karat is one of those stores that I’ve walked by again and again without entering. This preview would be my first exposure to the fine jewellery store. There is a working studio on site so it was fun the process of creating  jewellery right in front of you. 18Karat sells pieces from local designers as well as their own custom work. I also learned that 18Karat is an 40 year old business. Uniti Charity Auction is a collaboration between Canadian celebrities and jewellery designers that benefits the Red Door Family Shelter. 18Karat paired jewellery designers with Canadian celebrities for the Uniti Charity Auction, to create jewellery to be auctioned November 12 to 26, in support of the Red Door Family shelter. 18Karat approached Canadian jewellery designers and celebrities and asked them if they could collaborate to create a piece of jewellery that aesthetically expresses the meaning of home, family and community. “Family homelessness and …

Complex Geometries Spring 2010 with photos by Tommy Ton

Tommy Ton has shot another beautiful ad campaign with Complex Geometries. I checked out the collection on the website. It’s another season where I can see myself acquiring a few pieces. There is also a great campagin video for Complex Geometries Spring 2010 created by Jason Last called Perpetual Leisure. It was on the the Business of Fashion’s Top 10 Fashion Films of the season. PERPETUAL LEISURE from JASON LAST on Vimeo. Every season there is something to love from Complex Geometries, Thank you! images: jakandjil.com and complexgeometries.com