All posts filed under: Designers

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

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 …

Mary Katrantzou Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

I pretty much ignored fashion during my Whistler vacation and I`m still catching up. It`s hard to believe but true. Mary Katrantzou`s fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection was amazing, as always. She used Chinese porcelain, Fabergé eggs, Meissen and coromandel screens as influences in this collection. I usually don`t associate Mary Katrantzou with great pants but there where some nice ones this season. The clothing is such a visual delight and even the shoes got in the act. images: vogue.com

Ela Handbags

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

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

i want: Mary Boots by Chloe Sevigny x Opening Ceremony

Chloe Sevigny and Opening Ceremony have teamed up again for the spring summer 2011 season. The boots are super, super tall for 2011. I’m loving it. Keep the platforms coming. Mary Jo Mary Anne Mary Ellen Holt Renfrew is carrying the Mary Jane shoe by Chloe Sevigny x Opening Ceremony. I’m hoping they bring in the boots. images: openingceremony.us

Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Spring Summer 2011

UPDATE: March 27, 2011. The collection is available at Holt Renfrew right now. Rodarte collaborated with Opening Ceremony for a small Spring Summer 2011 collection. Holt Renfrew will be carrying the line in Canada. I got the scoop on some of the styles you can expect to see in Holts and they are pictured below. Unfortunately there will be no Tapestry Fringe Cape or Bandeau Swing Dress. Overall, the collection really isn’t my style. I have some favourites with the tapestries. I like the Aztec Intarsia Sweater and Stained Gauzy Button Down. I don’t know what to make of some of it. Pieces like the Lace-Up leather shorts just leave me baffled, so ugly. images: openingceremony.us

Ohne Titel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Ohne Titel designers, Flora Gill and Alexa Adams were inspired by Apollo era space suits for fall winter 2011 – 2012. I was really interested in the chunky sweaters and all those zippers. The pants weren’t the best shape for me.  I really wanted to like them. Check out the full Ohne Titel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show. images: vogue.com

I want – I got does Toronto Design Week: SUNG Outdoor Preview 2011

I attended some exhibits during Toronto Design Week from January 24-30, 2011. Toronto Design Week culminates with the Interior Design Show but many local designers showcase their exhibits at this time. It’s taken me some time to get my photos all together and organized. There is a lot of sorting, tagging, cataloging and purging of photos going on. It’s often a nightmare task I hate performing. It feels hella good when it’s done though. SUNG Outdoor held a special media preview for bloggers during Toronto Design Week. Bloggers got a chance to see the currently SUNG Outdoor collection and the special IDS11 Blackwatch collection. The limited edition SUNG Outdoor Blackwatch collection is different due to the colour scheme of black, blue and green. It was only available for purchase at IDS11 this year. Designer Alfred Sung and Saul Mimran, President of the Mimran Group were on hand to talk. See all my photos from the SUNG Outdoor preview.