All posts filed under: Designers

Proenza Schouler Spring Summer 2014 Video

Proenza Schouler Spring Summer 2014 Video

Proenza Schouler can do no wrong! This Spring Summer 2014 collection is so very strong with every look hitting the right notes in my style playlist. Jack and Lazaro relayed their inspiration to Hamish Bowles at Vogue: looking at the ice-cool seventies interiors of architects and designers like Joe Colombo and Paul Rudolph, and the monumental organic furniture of the Brazilian Sérgio Rodrigues, and the North Californian J. B. Blunk. “Glass and chrome and white lacquer,” said McCollough of those vintage interiors that turned them on, “mixed up with a shaggy Moroccan rug.” “It’s minimal,” added Hernandez, “but there’s a warmth, an earthiness to it with all those green plants.”(source) The shoes, the shoes. I want the shoes so badly!! As always, I try not to make too many final judgements on a collection without seeing the video. The Proenza Schouler Spring Summer 2014 fashion show is amazing! I’m so in love. I also took a look at the Proenza Schouler Spring Summer 2014 trunk show on Moda Operandi. It’s just stunning. Proenza Schouler is …

I want - I got's Top Picks for Nuit Blanche 2013: Philip Sparks Bespoke Bow Tie Shop

I want – I got’s Top Picks for Nuit Blanche 2013: Philip Sparks Bespoke Bow Tie Shop

To celebrate Nuit Blanche, the Philip Sparks shop will be converted into a bespoke bow tie workshop on Saturday, October 5. Between 7 pm and midnight, Sparks and his studio team will be taking custom neckwear orders from shoppers and cutting, stitching and pressing them up on the spot. “Our focus this season has been on highlighting that our menswear and womenswear is proudly made in Toronto,” says Sparks. “This event is an opportunity for customers to see local manufacturing in action and order a one-of-a-kind piece made just for them.” The installation will also mark the launch of a new, premium bespoke service available through the store. Unlike many other made-to-order offerings, Philip Sparks tailors collaborate with customers to develop coats, suits and shirting from scratch with personalized design and material sourcing and multiple fitting appointments. Philip Sparks Bespoke Bow Tie Shop Saturday, October 5, 7 pm to midnight 162 Ossington Avenue (side entrance off Foxley Street)

Hermès Festival des Métiers at The Design Exchange - October 2 - 6, 2013

Hermes Festival des Metiers at The Design Exchange – October 2 – 6, 2013

Hermès Festival des Métiers at The Design Exchange – October 2 – 6, 2013 Hermès proudly celebrates both the passion and perfection of the work of its artisans with the Festival des Métiers in Toronto from October 2 – October 6, 2013 at the Design Exchange. This engaging cultural exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the longstanding traditions and values of Hermès in the crafting of fine objects defined by an uncompromising commitment to the highest standards of quality. The exhibition features intimate behind-the-scenes demonstrations by masterful craftspeople from the renowned Hermès workshops in France, illustrating the methods in which products are painstakingly made-by-hand using techniques passed from generation to generation. Admission to Festival des Métiers is free. October 2 – 6, 2013, 11am – 7pm Daily. Location: Design Exchange — 234 Bay Street Website: www.dx.org

Converse x Maison Martin Margiela – Fall 2013

I talked about changing up my shoe game but Converse keeps calling me back. This collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela is pretty awesome. “Converse is thrilled to partner with Maison Martin Margiela. The collection perfectly embodies each brand’s spirit of individuality and self-expression unifying Converse and Margiela’s conviction of unleashing creativity,” says Matt Sleep, Converse Senior First String Designer.(source: Press Release) The first-time Converse Maison Martin Margiela collaboration features the Chuck Taylor All Star and the Jack Purcell sneakers, each completely hand-painted in Maison Martin Margiela’s iconic white paint. Covering all canvas, eyelets, laces and soles, they naturally crack and shed their outer coat of paint to reveal the original colors beneath.(source: Press Release) “The Maison has always been obsessed with white; it is used as a layer to give an incognito feeling. A sort of poetry, with the passage of time, the shoe asserts itself,” says Maison Martin Margiela.(source: Press Release) There are four colour ways available: red, black, navy and Margiela-exclusive vintage yellow. This limited edition collection are availalbe at Margiela stores and …

VAWK x Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

VAWK x Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

The Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto is celebrating it’s first anniversary. Together with Sunny Fong of VAWK they unveiled new Lobby Lounge attire for the female staff that he designed. “I wanted the design to truly reflect a hybrid of my brand and what I feel Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto represents. I was inspired by the art work in the lobby, the Ming vase tea library and the ornithological theme that is prevalent in the hotel and the Zhang Huan ‘Rising’ sculpture,” said Fong of his inspiration. “When I met with Richard Cooke, we wanted something that seemed almost theatrical, so naturally I knew the silhouette had to be both sophisticated and sexy. I felt my desire to custom create a bold graphic print inspired by the Ming vase would absolutely make a dramatic statement.”(source:Press Release) The design is inspired by architecture and design of Asia. The dress is a take on the tradition gipao. The print reminds me of blue and white porcelain that began development in 14th century China. I really like the design of …

Anna Sui Nail Collection

Anna Sui Nail Collection

Anna Sui has some of the prettiest nail polish packaging on the market. I’d buy it for the packaging alone. The Anna Sui Nail Collection has 45 shades and styles.  The Nail Colour N Collection comes in a black bodice shaped bottle. It comes with a more traditional nail polish brush for regular application. I attended an Anna Sui beauty preview and received a sample of Nail Colour N 402 which is a very dark red with some gold glitter. I really liked the formula, the brush and it stayed chip free for a week. The Nail Art Colour N Collection come in a black bodice shaped bottle with a ruffle dress for easy identification. It has a brush that is flat with short and firm hairs to allow for nail art applications. I haven’t tried the polish in this collection yet but it claims the solid shades only needs one coat and that the glimmer shades are very sparkly and shiny. I’m very curious to try this nail polish out because of the one coat …

Polygale Jacket by Moncler

i want: Polygale Jacket by Moncler

While I’m enjoying what probably is the last heatwave of the summer, I’m also thinking of the upcoming fall and winter seasons and the fashions it brings. Yes, I’m still obsessed about owning a Moncler winter coat. This Polygale Jacket by Moncler would be perfect for hitting the ski hills as I like longer winter jackets for running around the city. This one has a detachable Raccoon fur collar. images: moncler.com

Mulberry is Now Open in Toronto

Mulberry opened their first two Canadian stores recently. The British company, founded in 1971, is known for their luxury leather craftsmanship. Rural English references in their designs results in an aesthetic they define as ‘Le Style Anglais. “Toronto is a key location in Mulberry’s North American expansion,” says Carl Barbato, President of Mulberry USA. “With the country’s expanding luxury market and consumer base, creating a strong presence in Canada is the next natural step for Mulberry.” Toronto is the lucky home for the stores found on Bloor Street West and the powerhouse Yorkdale Mall. Before opening in Toronto, I didn’t have much hands on experience with the brand. I’ve posted about their sweater craftmanship before and I’ve seen some of their bags in Holt Renfrew. Shortly after the opening, I was invited to check out the Bloor Street location to get to know the brand. The Mulberry store finishing is beautiful. Designed by British architects, Universal Design Studio they use timber, limestone and oak as features to complement Mulberry’s dedication to craftsmanship and luxury. Both …