All posts filed under: Canadian Designers

The Mi Concept

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I first heard of The Mi Concept through a friend. He was insisting I visit and he was going to arrange everything. My friend has just taken a position in the company and was very excited about it. I probed for more information and learned that the Mi Concept is luxury sportswear with a twist, customization. Each piece is made to order based on your measurements. I was intrigued and I immediately googled the Mi Concept when I got home. The main storefront is in San Francisco, there was no mention of a Toronto location (That has changed and the website has been updated). The about page didn’t provide any information on who was behind the label but did explain the concept behind the venture. Mi is a new concept in retail-design project, creative collaboration, clothing collection, art space, atelier. Mi, a collective, creates a collection of discreet luxury-evolved interpretations of classic pieces, making them modern with elegant distortions in shape and design. Almost a severe sensibility. A made to measure atelier service complements the …

Inspiration Point by Rea McNamara in Eye Weekly

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I got a phone called from Rea McNamara who wanted me to be part of her monthly fashion column for Toronto’s Eye Weekly called Inspiration Point. The print version is available now, grab it (8/6/09 – 8/12/09). I’ve got some I want – I got exclusive outtakes from the Inspiration Point photoshoot to share with you all. The concept: Wanted to not only celebrate Grace Jones’ iconic style but also her impact as a transgressive performance artist who challenged racial and gender stereotypes by interrogating preconceived notions ’round the black body. Similar to Josephine Baker, Jones flipped the ‘Black Venus’ script by fucking with ‘primitivist’ ideas (ie. dark black female as animalistic, ‘jungle’ etc) in very much a postmodern context (by doing it herself, it became about empowerment). While I think it’s GREAT that Jones was this big F/W 09 influence, her talent as a performer seems to be ignored. Stuff that I wanted include but couldn’t: her mom was a seamstress that did handmade Givenchy patterns for Grace, her 1970s Paris modelling career (she …

Rad by Rad Hourani Fall 2009

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So Rad Hourani has created a diffusion line called Rad by Rad Hourani. Price points are from $100 – $300, very reasonable considering the price of his main line. It’s all unisex clothing which explains the fact that both the men and women are the same size in these photos. The collection will be available starting in November in select retailers and online. I’m sure Reborn in Montreal will carry it. I’m curious to see what Toronto retailers pick it up too. I’m dying to add one of those layering pieces to my closet and perhaps a pair of pants if I can fit into them. Tommy Ton has some great photos on his site Jak&Jil. images: wwd.com

Philip Sparks Spring 2010 Lookbook – Behind The Scenes

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I was lucky enough to catch the photoshoot for the Philip Sparks Spring 2010 Lookbook. I didn’t want to post my pictures until the lookbook hit the streets. Now it’s out, I can share some of my behind the scenes experience. The table of accessories. I did my Fun with Hats posts with items from this table I was drooling a little when Damien walked in the door. He’s legal, but way too young for me. Philip and Mackenzie talking about the shot See all my photos from that day

Magpie Shopping Party

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I attended the Magpie Shopping Party in June that was organized by The Style Box. Magpie was one of my favourite shows from Day 3 of |FAT|. However, up to this point I had never been in the store on Queen Street. The store is a combination of showroom and studio. There is also a really cute backyard patio. Magpie was created 4 years ago by Cathy McDayter and Angela Mann. In addition to their ready to wear line they do custom work that fits with the Magpie aesthetic. Prices start at $300. They also will alter their garments to fit the customer on site. Taking its inspiration from the exciting and vibrantly multicultural community of Toronto’s Queen Street West, Magpie Designs is all about exploring new ways to think about textile and design in women’s fashion. A partnership that began four years ago – Magpie Designs duo, Cathy McDayter and Angela Mann’s creations are not for those looking to be the wallflower of the party. A diverse range of hand-made garments and accessories are …