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60 Years of Designing the Ballet & The Tutu Project – Till September 2, 2012

60 Years of Designing the Ballet & The Tutu Project - Till September 2, 2012

60 Years of Designing the Ballet & The Tutu Project – Till September 2, 2012

The Design Exchange is hosting two exhibits for The National Ballet of Canada: 60 Years of Designing the Ballet and The Tutu Project. Both exhibits will be at the Design Exchange until September 2, 2012.

60 Years of Designing the Ballet

60 Years of Designing the Ballet

60 Years of Designing the Ballet

This exhibition offers an intimate look at the design of one of Canada’s most celebrated treasures – the National Ballet of Canada. The exhibition is organized thematically – highlighting the various ways in which the ballet as an institution is designed through hundreds of items from the ballet’s archive. The exhibition provides a private invitation into the world of one particular company.

60 Years of Designing the Ballet

60 Years of Designing the Ballet

This exhibit brought me right back into The Nutcracker world again. I had to snap a photo of the Cannon Doll costume sketches and swatches.

60 Years of Designing the Ballet

60 Years of Designing the Ballet

60 Years of Designing the Ballet

60 Years of Designing the Ballet

There are a lot of costumes to check out and set pieces to see up close and personal. You can even try on a tutu and try out ballet moves right in the exhibit. Admission is $10.20 for the 60 Years of Designing the Ballet exhibit.

60 Years of Designing the Ballet

60 Years of Designing the Ballet

The Tutu Project is an extensive collection of artistic and hand crafted tutus. The imagination of all the participants is incredible.

The Tutu Project

The Tutu Project

The Tutu Project

The iconic tutu remains among the most coveted and imitated articles of clothing in Western culture. In celebration of its 60th anniversary, The National Ballet of Canada has engaged friends, audience members and professional designers from across the country to participate in this interactive and international art and community-outreach project. The Tutu Project features pieces by Canadian fashion designers such as David Dixon and Juma, artists like Julie Moon and Tania Sanhueza, and jewellery designer Shay Lowe. Many tutus have been created collaboratively by visitors to TIFF Kids International Film Festival, Toronto Fashion Week, Word on the Street, Toronto Pride, Canada Day Celebrations in Ottawa, Share the Magic and members of Kids Corps. The Tutu Project also includes costumes from great moments in The National Ballet’s history along with original pieces created by artists from Dance Victoria, The Port Theatre, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Alberta Ballet, Giles Deacon for The English National Ballet, designers from the Fashion Design Council of Canada, and staff designers from The National Ballet.

The Tutu Project

The Tutu Project

The Tutu Project

The Tutu Project

I didn’t get to see all the tutus at the opening party, it was way too packed and I gave up after awhile. I’m planning to make a trip back to see them up close and uninterrupted. If you can’t get to the Financial District to check out the Tutu Project, you can view all the submissions at The National Ballet of Canada’s website

The Tutu Project

The Tutu Project

The Tutu Project

The Tutu Project

Admission to The Tutu Project included with the 60 Years of Designing the Ballet ticket.

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

Japanese designer Chitose Abe of Sacai has another great Moncler S collection for the fall winter 2012 – 2013 season. I’m dreaming of a winter jacket right now.

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

M

The fall winter 2012 – 2013 collection is described as:

Moncler S is a project which this season is set to become even broader for an interpretation of the Moncler world that is original and contemporary. Little coats and capes open into large flared and enveloping skirts. Diamond quilting effects and quilted rolls alternate in the same garment, providing movement to surfaces and modelling the figure. Careful research goes into materials that underscore the purity of the design. Ultra soft deperlant flannel in prized New Zealand merino wool is both waterproof and stain-proof. Extreme attention is also lavished on the details with the bell and flower-bottom sleeve as unmistakeable style code of Moncler S.

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

I love that these designs break the mold of the traditional down filled jacket. After seeing the rise of Canada Goose and others over several years, I’m thoroughly bored of the silhouette. I even hate bringing out my own wonderfully made but completely boring Cdn Spirit down jacket. Moncler S provides different possibilities for winter gear and while some of the styles pictured are a bit much, many are quite wearable, functional and most importantly fashion forward.

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

images: moncler.com

i want: Marni Winter Edition 2012 Sunglasses

Marni Winter Edition 2012 Sunglasses

Marni Winter Edition 2012 Sunglasses

I love that some PRs have caught on to the fact that I love sunglasses just a little too much. My Mom asked me how many pairs I have the other day. I sheepishly replied eight. Now most people would say that`s probably a little excessive but I have no plans on keeping my collection at 8. Marni`s 2012 Winter Edition Sunglasses are on my hot list right now. I love the colours and flower motif.

The main feature of the sunglasses from the MARNI WINTER EDITION 2012 EYEWEAR COLLECTION is the contrast between opaque and shiny used for a flower motif on relief in the upper part of the frame.

Opaline and watery colors range from bright green, pink, yellow and red to sand and brown, while temples are in contrasting solid colors.

Marni Winter Edition 2012 Sunglasses

Marni Winter Edition 2012 Sunglasses

I`m not sure which retailers in Canada will be stocking these but they are available online at marni.com and in all Marni Boutiques.

images: courtesy of Marni

Le Monde d’Hermes Autumn Winter 2012

Le Monde d'Hermès Autumn Winter 2012

Le Monde d’Hermès Autumn Winter 2012


At the beginning of every season I trek down to the Bloor Street Hermès and pick up my copy of their lovely in house magazine, Le Monde d’Hermès. The Autumn Winter 2012 issue looks fun with a specially commissioned editorial by photographer, Olivia Bee.

Olivia Bee, 18, is a photographer. Her blog is the showcase for her photographs and videos and shares the dreams and experiences of a young girl. Between naivety and naughtiness, she creates her own arcadia and reinterprets fairy tales with all the freshness and impertinence of a teenager.

For Le Monde d’Hermès autumn/winter 2012 she has shot a bucolic tale of silk. In an enchanted landscape Olivia has cast her own spell on the Hermès scarf, now transformed into giant bows on the heads of pink-haired punk fairies, then a uni-horn for her horse or a silk kerchief for a thoroughly modern day Prince Charming. Hermès loved the story so much it became the cover and a short film was commissioned.

Le Monde d'Hermès Autumn Winter 2012

Le Monde d’Hermès Autumn Winter 2012

I`m a sucker for Hermès scarves so I`m interested to see what Olivia`s editorial will look like. These preview images have me thinking that it will be pretty damn good. Thanks for the heads up Hermès Canada.

images: courtesy of Hermès Canada

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

So, Ann Taylor is another one of the big American chains invading Canada right now. They will open the first international location at the Eaton Centre this fall and another soon to be announced location in Toronto.

“Toronto is the perfect location to open our first international stores. It is a beautiful city filled with modern, sophisticated women who lead busy lives, and we are excited to bring a trusted fashion destination that offers great style as well as incredible versatility,” said Axelson.

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

I attended the Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 preview at The Carlu where I got familiar with the brand. I know of Ann Taylor by name but never really paid attention and wrote them off as an “older woman” brand. I learned with most established fashion brands they did a little fashion reinvention to give their customers more fashionable offerings.

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

The fall collection is based on 60s Paris. It was your standard working women wear with lot of Aline silhouettes. Many great pieces for us office drones. It was refreshing to see lots of colour. I was most impressed with the accessories and shoes that Ann Taylor had to offer.

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

Ann Taylor Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

Additional Photos in the slideshow

images: George Pimentel

Miu Miu Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall Winter 2012 - 2013 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 Ad Campaign

I’m loving Chloe Sevigny these days. Hit and Miss is an amazing show and Chloe does a great job in the role.

Miu Miu Fall Winter 2012 - 2013 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 Ad Campaign

I’m on a Chloe fangirl high right now and these ads are just so much fun from the crazy prints to the ridiculous tea party concept.

Miu MiuFall Winter 2012 - 2013 Ad Campaign

Miu MiuFall Winter 2012 – 2013 Ad Campaign

She is seriously looking great in these ads.

Miu MiuFall Winter 2012 - 2013 Ad Campaign

Miu MiuFall Winter 2012 – 2013 Ad Campaign

Miu MiuFall Winter 2012 - 2013 Ad Campaign

Miu MiuFall Winter 2012 – 2013 Ad Campaign

Miu MiuFall Winter 2012 - 2013 Ad Campaign

Miu MiuFall Winter 2012 – 2013 Ad Campaign

Miu MiuFall Winter 2012 - 2013 Ad Campaign

Miu MiuFall Winter 2012 – 2013 Ad Campaign

images: miumiu.com

Paris Is Burning

Paris is Burning is one of those documentaries that was really important to me as a teenager growing up. I was really into House Music and the scene just seemed so amazing and full of cool, artistic people. I’ve found it on YouTube and thought I should share it with those that might not have seen.

Paris Is Burning is a 1990 documentary film directed by Jennie Livingston. Filmed in the mid-to-late 1980s, it chronicles the ball culture of New York City and the poor, African American and Latino gay and transgendered community involved in it. Many consider Paris Is Burning to be an invaluable documentary of the end of the “Golden Age” of New York City drag balls, as well as a thoughtful exploration of race, class, and gender in America.

geekiviews: Love Beach Flip Flops

Love Beach Flip Flops

Love Beach Flip Flops

Flip flops are utility shoe for me. They have their place in my public life and that’s at beach or in a gym shower. Flat leather sandals are my preferred choice for summer footwear. I have no rugs, hardwood floors and two cats at my place so I wear flip-flops instead of wearing the cute knit slippers my cousin made me for Christmas. The knit skippers would just be a dust and hair magnet.

The random swag flip-flops I’ve collected over the years were all not very comfortable. I received an email about reviewing flip-flops that had some support features and I said why not. Bonus is that they are Canadian.

Love Beach is a Ottawa based company. They are striving to make the perfect flip-flop that can be dressed up or down. The fashion aspect of the shoes didn’t really interest me but the claims of “Gentle arch support, Gel cushion heels for optimal wear-ability, Triple layer EVA soles for softness and durability, Nice “huggy” fit – no floppiness, Supple TPU uppers help minimize rubbing and hold their shape” did.

I did select the Peacock Turquoise style for my test drive pair. Each pair of Love Beach flip-flops have little removable pendant. I like the peacock more than the flower option.

They were really pretty when they arrived. I wondered how the design would hold up since it’s a sticker and not embedded into the EVA sole. The peacock pendent is a fun addition and pretty sturdy. You have to be careful how about you place your feet in these flip-flops as those peacock pendants really hurt. I’ve worn the flip-flops daily for about two months. I get home, heels come off and Love Beach comes on. They really are comfortable thanks to the added arch support and the gel cushion heel. I love Love Beach flip-flops but not enough to make me wear them outside as a regular shoe. I fall on that side of the fashion fence.

My support is based on a totally utilitarian position. So it didn’t bother me when the sticker design started to peel off a month in. Eventually, I just peeled the remaining design off. The flip-flops are still great without the design. The pendant still looks brand new.

Love Beach flip-flops are $39.95. You can order them online with free shipping at lovebeachstyle.com. They fit true to size and if you are outside of Toronto you might be able to find some retailers. Check on the Love Beach website.

images: lovebeachstyle.com

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

I can’t talk about the upcoming Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 collections without mentioning one of my favourite labels, complexgeometries.

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

The NIGHT is what complexgeometries is calling the Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 collection. It references cultures of the night like skinheads, swingers, workmen and revelers. The collection conveys “the shadows and secrets that the day’s dark hours shroud.”

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

The lookbook was shot in Japan and I love the models! The female model’s makeup is perfect for this complexgeometries collection.

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

The little bursts of colour that were present in previous collections are gone and there is a heavy focus on black, grey, navy and white.

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 - 2013

complexgeometries Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

As usual, I want it all. Look for pieces of the collection to hit complexgeometries.net this month and beyond.

images: courtesy of complexgeometries

i want: Linda Farrow Luxe Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 Sunglasses

Linda Farrow Luxe Fall Winter 2012 - 2013 Sunglasses at Karir

Linda Farrow Luxe Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 Sunglasses at Karir

I haven’t added any new sunglasses to my collection this summer. It’s kinda making me depressed in a weird way. Karir Eyewear is bringing some great snakeskin Linda Farrow Luxe sunglasses to the store this upcoming fall.

Linda Farrow Luxe Fall Winter 2012 - 2013 Sunglasses at Karir

Linda Farrow Luxe Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 Sunglasses at Karir

The Linda Farrow Luxe collection features handmade sunglasses using high end materials like horn, leather, titanium and snakeskin.

Linda Farrow Luxe Fall Winter 2012 - 2013 Sunglasses at Karir

Linda Farrow Luxe Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 Sunglasses at Karir

The shapes are classic but the snakeskin makes them different from the rest.

Linda Farrow Luxe Fall Winter 2012 - 2013 Sunglasses at Karir

Linda Farrow Luxe Fall Winter 2012 – 2013 Sunglasses at Karir

images: courtesy of Karir