All posts filed under: Fashion

Inspiration Point by Rea McNamara in Eye Weekly

Published by

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 …

Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008 at The Royal Ontario Museum

Published by

I’m excited that there are two great photography exhibits rolling into town this September. One is the Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008 The Institute for Contemporary Culture (ICC) at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) presents Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008 from September 26, 2009 to January 3, 2010. The exhibition, which garnered record-breaking attendance in its recent European engagements, showcases 150 portraits, including classic images from Vanity Fair’s early period and photographs featured in the magazine since its 1983 relaunch. A collaboration between Vanity Fair and the National Portrait Gallery, London, the exhibition is curated by Terence Pepper, Curator of Photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, and David Friend, Vanity Fair’s Editor of Creative Development. The ROM will be the only Canadian venue to display Vanity Fair Portraits, and this will be its first showing in eastern North America. Throughout its 95-year history, Vanity Fair magazine has helped define the public persona of some of the most influential individuals in the world. The exhibition brings together a collection of captivating images of cultural icons from …

Lingerie Francaise presents Secret of Seduction

Published by

I usually one to skip lingerie shows. They are usually held a clubs and aren’t really a fashion but a vehicle to get horny men into the venue and buying alcohol. However last year I attended Lingerie Francaise presents Secret of Seduction which was a showcase of the top companies in France. I was a big fan of two of the companies in the show so I decided to attend. To my surprised I enjoyed myself so when the opportunity came up again I said yes and brought my trusty photog www.paulbaikphoto.com to document. I knew Paul would enjoy this gig immensely. The night will once again feature coveted brands last year’s celebrated evening; Lejaby, Elixir, Simone Perele, Chantelle, and Passionata will all share their unique fashion visions. Newcomers to the event Empreinte and Gerbe hosiery round out the selection for an evening that promises to provide a truly comprehensive presentation of the seductive and feminine world of lingerie. Details and embellishments are a strong trend for 2009/2010 with florals, embroidery and lace appearing in …

Rad by Rad Hourani Fall 2009

Published by

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

Ask a Geek: Calvin Klein Resort 2010 Models

Published by

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 reader Anna wrote: great pictures from the runway show, but I have always wanted to know who the models are that work for Calvin klein in this show. Do you know their names? Especially the one on the main picture, looks so much like someone I know but not sure. Hi Anna. You are like many fashion fans who wonder about the models that walk their favourite runways. You were interested in this girl from the Calvin Klein Resort 2010 collection. Style.com is a great site for finding out model’s names. 99% of the time they have a label as you see in the image above. This model’s name is Jac. image: style.com

Fashion Magazine Fall 2009 – 2010 Trend Event

Published by

While I was on vacation from my day job I attended the Fashion Magazine fall 09 trend preview event. This was the magazines take on the key trends for the upcoming fall 2009 – 2010 season. I awlays find it weird to hear about the season during it’s execution in the market. By this time I’m already over the trends and just want to see the merchandise in person. Sometimes I get re-inspired or opinions change about collections after touching the garments. Prada fall 2009 collection is a good example of this effect, I’m totally gag over the collection now after seeing pieces in the store. Time helps to ease initial perception of a collection. The preview took place at the the beautiful Andrew Richard Design Loft in the east end high end furniture shop mecca of King Street. The space was beautiful and we were treated to drinks and canapes. There were a few Canadian Designers with samples for viewing in the space: Ezra Constantine, Miss Rowe and Mercy. The presentation was well rounded …

geekiviews: Equmen Compression Clothing

Published by

So, I was shopping with a male friend who decided to buy an Equmen Core Precision Undershirt. It’s goes by the male girdle when people are being snarky. The buzz about these types of products has increased in the last year and I was dying to get access to a user of the product. Regular readers know I’m a fan of shapewear. It’s not about losing a lot of inches, but smoothing to leave clean lines. I had a feeling that the men’s version is similar in principle. I learned a bit more about the marketing from the website. There were three things the Men of the World need that Equmen delivers according to the website. The weight angle: I WANT TO LOOK AND FEEL SLIMMER Look and feel more fit with style. Equmen’s CORE PRECISION UNDERSHIRT will help to trim and tone your physique for a more tailored look. Streamlines Torso. Targeted compression wraps around core to trim stomach and smooth love handles. Straightens Posture. Pulls the shoulders back to deliver a taller, more …