I was in the horrible Vaughan Mills mall when I spotted thest Converse. I’m in love.
This post was made from my Blackberry. I hope it’s not too messed up 🙂
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Peter Kent Handbags
Hector and Alejandro
I went to the Canadian launch of Peter Kent Handbags at the Hazelton Hotel this week. Peter Kent is a leather accessories line out of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hector Neer founded the company in 1972 and it continues to this day as a family run business. His three children joined him in the business using their skills in different areas of the company. Hector still is the head designer.
Hector and his son Alejandro made their way from Argentina to Toronto for the launch. They had a hell of a trip up here; missed connection flight due to customs in Washington and lost luggage. This resulted in a 25 hour trip, much longer than normal. Despite this Hector and Alejandro were so incredibly nice and personable when I got a chance to meet and chat with them about their business. They are so passionate about the business and their enthusiasm really shows in the handbags.
Sea creature bag
Peter Kent Handbags doesn’t produce in large volumes and the result is well crafted merchandise. They use local craftsmen who still handstitch the bags. They use the most luxurious leather and suede in many colours and finishes. I’m a hardware girl and one of the first things I noticed was the high quality hardware on the bags. Great hardware is light as a feather and not heavy. I have to admit, I drooled over many of the bags that were on display. Hector gets his inspiration from traveling for his classic but modern handbag design.
Pizza Bag
I have a few favourites of the collection but the bag I drooled over the most is the pizza bag. It’s huge and holds everything, but it’s the design that makes it special. It’s literally in the shape of a pizza box that became apparent when it was laid out flat.
Pizza Bag Flat
I also really love the long patent clutch and a bag that reminds me of sea creature for some reason.
Peter Kent Handbags are available in Ontario at many stores. Too many to list, so please visit the Peter Kent Handbags Canada site to find a shop near you.
Shared now has a Storefront
Shared is a Toronto based fashion company that makes incredible locally made basics. They decided to open their first storefront and I went to the opening launch. All their clothing produced in Toronto and is made from organic cotton. I learned that they weave their own fabric in Toronto. The yarn is sourced from many different places but basically the shirts are made from scratch in Toronto. To top this off, they donate 50% of their profits to charity.
The store is one of the cutest I’ve seen in Toronto. The designers are big collectors of antiques and they have cleverly decorated the space with their finds. The store isn’t big, only 350 sq ft but the layout is very well done.
I’m a fan of Shared. I own a black cardigan that I got at The Drake Hotel General Store. I really am enamored with these two tshirts though.
They both have a story. I suggest you goto the store and find out about it.
The running shoes are very cute and affordable ($99). Right now they are only for men but there is a women’s line coming for the spring.
Shared
82A Bathurst Street (just south of King)
647 348 3374
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 12 to 7
Louis Vuitton Ready to Wear – Spring 2010
I don’t post about collections I don’t like until today. I’m just amazed that this is Louis Vuitton! It’s so bad. The shoes are an abomination. Marc is 3 strikes for me this season and I’m very upset about that.
Junya Watanabe Ready to Wear – Spring 2010
I’m loving the menswear inspired collection from Junya Watanabe.A lot of the suits and the dress shirts have caught my eye. About a third of the collection were prints that I wasn’t too fond of.
We haven’t even talked about the shoes yet. Ya, I’m in love.
images: style.com
Alexander McQueen Ready to Wear – Spring 2010
The Alexander McQueen Ready to Wear Spring 2010 collection was an alien spectacle. A snake and Geiger influenced fashion moment of the finest degree. The show was the fashion jolt I needed. Yes, there is creativity still kicking around this season. McQueen delivered it and then some. I’m still in awe over this out of this world collection. What do you say but wow, wow, wow!
I missed seeing the video live, but I wasn’t the only. It seems they didn’t anticipate the demand for the live stream and servers went down. I send my friend, who was sitting in 3rd row at the show, a message asking how the show was. He replied back with “STUNNING”. I knew he was serious because he doesn’t throw those words around much.
The shoes were like nothing I’ve seen a fashion show but had a fetish feel to them. I thought they were great for the runway presentation but I really can’t see these shoes going into production.
You must, must see the Alexander McQueen Ready to Wear Spring 2010 video. This collection needs to be seen in motion. You should also see the detail shots for close ups of the materials and makeup. The NY Times is amazing for high quality images of the collection, get in there and zoom.
images: thefashionspot.com
Celine Ready to Wear – Spring 2010
Just like Resort, I loved the Celine Spring 2010. The clothing just looks so perfect. It’s got clean straight lines that just call to me. Phoebe, you know how to cut!
images: the Fashion Spot
Magnolia
I finally visited Magnolia store at Avenue and Eglinton. The store itself is beautiful. Super high ceilings, great window, large mirrors, eye catching store displays and the best changerooms in the city.
Magnolia carries Izzy Camilleri, Lucian Matis, Hoss Intropia, Designers Remix Collection, Love Moschino handbags and Tara Jarmon. Owner Juan Carlos does a wonderful job of curating the clothing in the store.
Magnolia
333 Eglinton Ave W, Unit 2B
info@magnoliaonline.ca
416-488-9893
Balenciaga Ready to Wear – Spring 2010
Balenciaga went sporty this season, with a touch of futurism. I was talking to a friend who mentioned that Nicholas Ghesquiere tends to work in cycles and we are back on the futurism loop. I don’t mind I have to admit, as long as Nicholas keep turning out collections like this.
Be sure to look at the high resolution images on Nytimes.com to see the incredible detail that has gone into this collection. There is an interview with Nicolas Ghesquiere with Cathy Horn talking about the collection. You get some more information on the fabrics that are incorporated in the clothing, it’s pretty amazing. You can also check out this video by style.com
images: style.com and coutorture.com
Rick Owens Ready to Wear – Spring 2010
You must already know that I would post about Rick Owens, it’s a given. The collection is a little more angular than usual.
I was happy to see that my girl Rose was walking too.
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- Swooning over Rick
Here is the video of the collection. Video is coming becoming available very quickly this season.
Rick Owens S/S ’10 Women’s from Mike Nouveau on Vimeo.
Swooning over Rick
images: thefashionspot.com