I made a last minute executive decision to skip The Heart Truth Fashion Show. I went to see Rita Liefhebber’s Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection at Jonathan+Olivia instead. I was more intrigued with what Rita would be producing for fall. Their PR team followed up with a link to the livestream feed if you are interested in checking out the action.
Canadian celebrities strutted the catwalk tonight modeling one-of-a kind red dresses by top Canadian fashion designers to raise awareness about women’s risk for heart disease and stroke at the fourth annual Heart Truth Fashion Show.
“We’re reaching Canadian women with this lifesaving message: it’s time to take charge of your heart healthâ€, says Bobbe Wood, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. “Make healthy lifestyle choices, monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and advocate for the care you need from your doctor. And to Canadian men, we say support the women you love to protect their heart health.â€
Arthur Mendonça presented a very 70s Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection at the Trump Tower. “Wow, there are a number of looks” is the first thing that popped into my head as I sat in my seat and skimmed the linesheet.  I knew Dean Davidson was one of Arthur’s collaborators but I had no idea that Liliput Hats were too. The pairing was wonderful. Everything worked so well together. The makeup did the job of portraying the glamorous 70s à la Studio 54. It was beautiful
Dean’s jewellery centred on the bar shape and his signature brushed finish applied. They are minimal in style. Lilliput Hats created fedoras and lux turbans in velvet and sequined silk.
Images: by Jenna Marie Wakani for torontolife.com
Arthur often referenced with Tom Ford and YSL in the media but I think his homage to Denis Gagnon (black tux photo) is much more interesting to talk about. Now, I don’t know if it was done on purpose. It’s just the first thing that popped into my head when I saw the model walkout. I thought it was cute. Denis is awesome.
I walked away wanting to have some of the collection to wear to work.  I loved the sleeker evening wear options with the long purple gown being a favourite. I loved all the purple as you can see. Jumpsuits also made me happy. They are a paint in the ass to go to the bathroom in but I love them.
I was a disaster when it came to recording any images from the Arthur Mendonça Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 show. I didn’t get any photos because I was filming video. However, I accidentally filmed the show in Diorama mode. Yup, stupid rookie E-PL2 mistake. Diorama mode creates the illusion of a model (as in model truck) world. It’s a fun effect but not for a fashion show. I’ve posted it for kicks. It also reduces a 15 minute fashion show into about a minute and a half,
I love this Billykirk and Opening Ceremony handbag collaboration. These nautical inspired pieces are so bright and colourful. Perfect for this season’s marine attack.
Muttonhead Apparel started following me on twitter. When a clothing company follows me I usually check out their site to see what’s up. I was pretty intrigued as the are based in Toronto and they are doing a unisex line.
The Drawstring Parka parka caught my eye. I can’t get enough of parkas. It’s made out of hemp, organic cotton, recycled leather and denim. There are a variety of colours: the traditional army green, olive, black and maroon. There is also a maroon option in a waterproof breathable fabric that is listed as Epic.
A common complaint I hear about Mihkael Kale’s clothing is wearability. I should think that after four years people would understand that Mihkael designs are not for everyone and I don’t think he will be going in a mass direction anytime soon. There are many things I can’t wear due to design, shape or price. That doesn’t stop me from enjoying them aesthetically. I like niche designers, they keep things interesting.
I’ve referred to Mihkael as a designer who can throw everything and the kitchen sink at something and make it look incredible. Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 featured crystal and pearl encrusted details, chain embroidered roses and sequined bodices.
There was a lot of skin in Mikhael’s collection. You’d almost think it was a spring collection. Cutouts incorporated resembled bondage to me. Amazing there wasn’t one bare midriff in all the skin. Caucasian nude fabric played peak a boo with one oxblood dress with chain embroidered roses. At first glance I thought the fabric was flesh. Thankfully there were some coats and pants to bring the collection back into a fall winter direction.
The black net cutout jumpsuit with draped chiffon is about the only cutout piece I could see myself wearing with any confidence. It has a practical aspect as you can layer clothing over it to tone down its sexiness. It could never be workwear. The bum cheek cutouts makes that impossible.
I sneaked away from taking photos at the Philip Sparks fall winter 2011 – 2012 presentation to pop down to the 4th floor of the Burroughs Building to check out the Alexander Berardi Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection. Jessica Jensen was hosting Alexander Berardi as he showed off his fall winter 2011 – 2012 wears to buyers and media for three days in Toronto.
This season’s inspiration finds its beginnings in Ali MacGraw and the 1970 hit movie “Love Story”, set in snowy New England. The Berardi girl loves the city, but she’s no stranger to laying about the fire at her country house with friends, and she needs to be ready for both worlds.
Once again, Alexander has us excited for eclectic pairings of long standing fashion staples. Always classic with a modern twist, this season is about making the old new again; reinterpreting the winter jacket with special wood beading
embroidery; reinventing plaid prints in modern cuts for a perfect Upper East Side school girl look; and reviving vintage
knitwear for a luxurious varsity styling.(source Press Release)
The collection features wool twill, silk georgette, knits, silk chiffon, silk twill, sequins and ultrasuede. I found myself liking the collegiate look of Alexander Berardi fall winter 2011 – 2012.
Check out my favourite looks from the Alexander Berardi Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 lookbook
Mark Fast Fall Winter 2011 - 2012 from London Fashion Week - Dietrich Coat
Mark Fast returned to Canada and presented a tightly edited version of his London Fashion Week fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection. This was the first time he has presented a fashion show in Canada. The fall winter collection was the debut of his collaboration with Canadian leather retailer Danier. This was one of three shows presented at the Trump Tower Toronto which is still under construction.
“Things are not what they seem to be, they are mysterious and disguised. I used the energy of the movement of a wolf’s vicious anger to be projected into the cuts of knitted pieces and leather garments. I am using merino wool and elastomeric mixes in the knitted dresses. I wanted to create a softer, warmer silhouette. I also used leathers to evoke the strictness and attitude of this women”. – Mark Fast (from press release)
Mark Fast Fall Winter 2011 - 2012 from London Fashion Week - Big Bad Wolf Coat
It was a total delight to see the knitwear wizard’s collection up close. The knits are so intricate and I loved the play on textures. Wool, alpacha, merino, mohair joined with nylon, polymaide and elastane to create a number of knits of different thickness and designs. Mark worked with the Woolmark Company to produced the these amazing innovations in natural luxury fibers. It was all very sexy with the strategic cutouts and sheer panels. My favourite pieces are the Big Bad Wolf Coat, the Wolf’s Tooth dress in orange and the amazing Dietrich coat.
Mark Fast Fall Winter 2011 - 2012 from London Fashion Week
I loved the leather pieces. I’m hoping the leather high-waist trousers and cropped parka made it to production. The Danier x Mark Fast collaboration will use pieces from Mark’s fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection as inspiration for the line. Obviously, Danier has to think about how to translate these fashion forward designs into something more palatable by the masses. I’m hoping Danier has some e-commerce options worked out for fall because I can see a demand from international customers.
While I enjoyed the Mark Fast fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection it seemed the leather collaboration didn’t integrate with Mark’s design aesthetic as much as I would have liked. I was hoping to see some amazing leather and knit combinations. The lack of those pieces made it seem as if they were two separate collections, leather and knits. The London show was much longer and had more leather. It easier to see the difference. I think this is because I’ve put Mark into this knitwear pigeonhole and I’m having a rough time getting past it. That being said, I’m still excited as all hell to buy some Mark Fast x Danier leather in the fall.
Instead of photos I took video of the Mark Fast Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show.
Jeanne Beker interviewed Mark Fast and Mikhael Kale before their fashion shows at Trump Tower Toronto. I have video of most of the interview to share with you. I missed the first couple minutes.
The week before the official LG Fashion Week is always getting bigger and better. The Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 edition was packed with big names and a comeback. I dubbed the week Toronto Extended Fashion Week a few seasons back but it seems that Rogue Fashion Week has cemented itself as the name. I like it. Philip Sparks Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 kicked things off.
Philip asked me participate in the show by taking photos of the action backstage and beyond. Olympus Canada sponsored the Philip Sparks fall winter 2011 – 2012 show so each insider was handed a new Olympus PEN E-PL2. (You can check out the photos on the Olympus Canada facebook page.) Regular readers know I’m a fan of the E-PL1 and it has taken many shots I’ve posted on this site. I was itching to play with the E-PL2.
Philip Sparks fall winter was all about Canadian winter and activities like skating, skiing and tobogganing. The collection wasn’t new to me. I saw it in the various stages of production and even did fit model for a pair of high-waisted pants one Sunday. Philip”s print used a photo he had taken of red maple leaves. The photo enlarged to make the leaves a little distorted and larger. When he rolled this fabric out on the work table in the studio, I immediately said “I want this in a full skirt.” I’m really lucky to get to see all sides of a collection and the hard work designers and their teams go though.
This collection celebrates Canadian winter with a focus on wool suiting and signature outwear. Functional menswear details like flannel lining in denim and triple ply shirting add warmth while maintaining a slim cut.
Women’s pieces feature pin tucking and exaggerated pleats. Our favourite accessories include mountain sheep collars and an oversized scarf inspired by the geometric pattern of Ontario blankets. (Fall 2011 show notes)
The presentation area was laid out in typical Philip Sparks fashion and snow sports equipment helped to frame the scene. The focal point was the giant quilt backdrops by Toronto artist Grant Heaps. Grant is amazing. I’ve seen his work at other shows before and my jaw dropped when I saw the size of these pieces. Such a talent.
Overall, I loved the collection but I’m heavily bias. Philip always does a great job of expressing his theme. The womenswear and menswear complement each other so nicely. My favourite skirt shape is the full skirt and Philip Sparks is the master of them. I own one from the spring summer 2011 collection and I so happy with it. I love the maple leaf photo print sateen and wool/linen combinations. I died over the Moss Tweed kimono coat with mountain sheep collar. I’d seen its transformation from a muslin to sample. It must be part of my Philip Sparks winter wardrobe. The wool and cashmere tweet skating dress with mountain sheep muff and beehive hat is such a great look. That dress was another one I saw from sketch to sample. My last favourite is the plaid cotton pin-tucked shirtdress. Alon Freeman, stylist is a long time collaborator with Philip Sparks and his work is always reflective of the them of the season.
I also did a little interview with Fashion Television about the show where I promptly forgot Philip’s fall winter 2011 – 2012 theme and couldn’t comment on that particular question. It was embarrassing. I didn’t read the liner notes ahead of time and I know Philip and I talked about the theme many, many times before.
I had to represent Philip and wear a little something I picked up from the spring 2011 collection, the cherry blossom print jumper.
I paired it with some teal coloured tights from H&M, a black Dries Van Noten blazer and a Club Monaco belt.
I made a little video backstage using the N8 too.
See all of my photos from the Philip Sparks fall winter 2011 – 2012
See the entire Philip Sparks fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection
Fundraiser features Performance from Jully Black, DJ sets Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene), DJ Shine (Nelly Furtado), Dubmatix (2009 Juno Nominee) The Makeover (Jeremy Glenn & Rod Skimmins), Nate Wize (Sony Music), Baby Joel Smye (Footwork Nightclub), Jeff Kirkwood (Byzantium), Agile (Brass Munk), Addy (Hi Bias Records) and Iron Horse (Pawn Shop Records)
On Wednesday, March 30, 2011, Eternal Sunrise: A Benefit for Japan will take place at Revival Bar at 783 College Street. MuchMusic’s Sarah Taylor will host the event in support of Plan Canada’s relief efforts in Japan.
The evening will also feature a food stand from Caplansky’s Smoked Meats, a raffle and silent auction with more than 50 different items up for bid such as Raptors vs Heat Tickets, gift baskets, concert tickets, jewelry, dinner gift cards, clothing, artwork and much more. Auction items will be available to take home that night, and are payable by cash or credit card. The auction ends at midnight and winners will be announced immediately after.
Tickets available at door only for a minimum $15 donation
Doors open at 8:00pm
100% of all funds raised are being donated to Plan Canada
