Mismo is a Danish company that makes some pretty slick handbags. I like the schoolboy preppy look of this backpack.
There are no Mismo retailers in Canada but you can buy them online at Opening Ceremony.
images: openingceremony.us
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I want – I got takes Vancouver and Whistler – Visiting Orb Clothing
During the Vancouver portion of my trip, I visited Orb’s Vancouver flagship store and headquarters. Orb is a Vancouver based women’s sport lifestyle clothing line that started in 2001. Orb is part of the Global Collective Design company, established by Vancouverites by Glenn Taylor and Leslie Lee in 1992. The Global Collective Design company now has two labels that they design and produce: Arson and Orb. The two brands also have sub brands Orion and Orb Outerwear.
Orb is empowered. The intent of Orb is to inspire all to live empowered lives of generosity; creating and attracting brilliance, beauty and well-being. The Orb design triad of mind, body and soul represents an active, fashion-forward lifestyle, designed to enhance the momentum of people engaged in living purposeful lives – to live like you mean it!
Orb is very big on corporate responsibility and have implemented ways of reducing waste in their business practices. You can read more about those initiatives on the Orb website. They also have manufacturing initiatives to reduce harmful chemicals. They also incorporate organic cotton, polyester from bamboo, and recycled polyester content in their clothing.
I learned a bit about the company during my visit and got a tour of the new spring summer 2011 collection. Of course, I had to play a bit of dress up too. The collection is west coast style casual. Easy going, a bit girly and comfortable.
This season is teaming with wearable, feminine fabrics, mens suit tailoring and gorgeous accents. We cannot wait for your feedback and are excited to support you as we all transition into the Fall season.
Mind: A collection inspired this season by mystical worldly themes. Mineral textured prints, tribal graphics and prismatic displays create a bright, bold, new and exciting silhouettes.
Body: This collection is designed after the athleticism and femininity of a ballerina. Two strong characteristics working together create a truly beautiful presence.
Soul: The romance and discovery come through in this vintage inspired collection. An elegance combined with modern simplicity echoes the excitement of finding a new place for thought, growth and exploration.(source)
My favourite pieces of the collection were the jackets and hoodies. Actually, the blazer inspired modified fleece jacket called the Loft in the photo above has replaced my Wilfred Diderot Sweater as my most favourite comfy fleece sweater. Orb generously gave me the Loft sweater and Sonora slouchy t-shirt in the very on trend cantaloupe colour from their Spring collection.
Orb Outerwear is the technical outerwear component to the brand which revolves around snow sports of course. Their aim is to produce quality technical snow gear living up to Orb’s corporate responsibility standards. Snowboarding is the snow sport of choice and they sponsor several women riders each year. The Fall Winter 2011 collection was on the 2nd floor of the store and I got a little sneak peek at what’s to come in the next season.
The fall winter 2011 collection of outerwear continues to bring bright colours with a good number of neon pieces. Neon is the biggest trend I saw on the mountain this year. It wasn’t as popular during my last trip in 2008 and it’s exploded in 2011. I saw it everywhere and I really, really enjoyed it. I want bright and obnoxious ski outerwear now. I would even like to have neon equipment and be a bright beacon on the mountain. I bet you could even see me in the worst of whiteout conditions.
Since it was a skiing trip, Orb also gave me an Esther jacket and Patrol base layer. The ocean green of the jacket matched with the magenta of my K2 pants perfectly. The jacket and base layer combined with other gear were a perfect combo. I was never cold or damn and sweaty. The only thing I didn’t like were the snap buttons. They were hard to close when you had gloves on. Eventually one popped off which surprised me a lot. It wasn’t in a real strategic location so I just shrugged and continued on with my activities. The Esther jacket wasn’t a very technical jacket as it was more street style designed. I’m very curious to see what their higher end technical jackets perform like next season. I think they’d be very good.
See all the photos from my visit to Orb in Vancouver
There are a few shops in the GTA that carry Orb, you can find them and some online retailers on the website.
See all my Whistler Photos on flickr.com and Videos on vimeo.com
Mary Katrantzou Fall Winter 2011 – 2012
I pretty much ignored fashion during my Whistler vacation and I`m still catching up. It`s hard to believe but true. Mary Katrantzou`s fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection was amazing, as always.
She used Chinese porcelain, Fabergé eggs, Meissen and coromandel screens as influences in this collection.
I usually don`t associate Mary Katrantzou with great pants but there where some nice ones this season.
The clothing is such a visual delight and even the shoes got in the act.
images: vogue.com
I want – I got on Global TV News Hour 6pm, March 24, 2011
So, I thought I would let my readers know that I`ll be in a segment that will be featured on the Toronto edition of Global TV`s New Hour program at 6pm today, March 24, 2011.
Check it out live if you can. I`ve heard they post it online afterwards so I`ll try to update this post with a link to that video.
Cheers
Anita
UPDATE: Video is out
|FAT| Model Call, March 27, 2011
– Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week 2009 – JENNIFER ALLISON – Walking Tall”]
On Sunday March 27th , |FAT| invites men and women of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities to audition for a chance to rock the runway for over 50 designers during four days of events at |FAT| 2011. From 12-6pm at 60 Atlantic Avenue, |FAT| will welcome 200 of Toronto’s most passionate, diverse and engaging beauties. |FAT| prides itself on its progressive and unconventional approach to beauty by encouraging diversity on the catwalk and showcasing models who are true representations of the men and women in our city.
While a kick-ass strut is still the key requirement, |FAT| encourages models who can engage the public and inject their personalities into the clothing. 2011 will mark the sixth edition of Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week. With this year’s theme titled “Fashion Schematics,†FAT reinterprets the messages, systems, schemes and symbols inherent in the notion of fashion. “When it comes to the runway, models are the essential messengers who communicating the designers vision.
They give meaning to the clothing and depict narratives to the audience through their personas. ” says Vanja Vasic, director of |FAT|
This year models are invited to walk in over 50 collections from April 26 th – 29 th for designers from across Canada and abroad, during four nights of |FAT|’s multi-sensory experiences. WHAT: Model Casting Call WHEN: Sunday March 27th, 2011, 12pm – 6pm WHERE: 60 Atlantic Avenue – 2 nd Floor (Liberty Village)
Success is Chic: Making it in the fashion industry, March 24, 2011
Success is Chic: Making it in the fashion industry
March 24, 2011
Discussion Theme: Opportunities & How to succeed in the fashion industry..
Hear from fashion designers and other industry professionals on what you need to do to prepare for a successful career in the fashion industry. Learn what else can be done to nurture the development of a successful indigenous fashion industry..
Panelists:
• Ben Barry, Founder & CEO, Ben Barry Agency
• Brandon R. Dwyer, Creative Force & Designer, BASCH
• Cynthia Florek, Brand & Trend Director, Sears Canada
• Susan Langdon, Executive Director, Toronto Fashion Incubator
• Shawna Robinson, Co-Founder & Co-Designer, LABEL
Media Interviewers:
• Julie King, Publisher & Managing Editor, CanadaOne.com
• Sean Stanleigh, Editor, Your Business, The Globe & Mail
Location: The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1J3 T: 416.531.5042 www.thedrakehotel.caTime(EST):
• 5:00pm-6-00pm: Registration & Networking
• 6:00pm-7:00pm: Panel Q & A and Live Interactive Webcast
• 7:00pm-8:00pm: Networking
Registration:
Registration: www.directengagement.com
$20 registration for members
$25 advance
$30 day of registration at the door
I’m in the Flare March 2011 Issue
Flare Magazine had a photo of me in a round up from George Pimentel’s Absolut George Party. I was wearing a gown from Greta Constantine that day.
Elle Canada’s 10th Anniversary Party
Elle Canada had their 10th Anniversary a few weeks ago and of course held a party. I wore a dress from the Greta Constantine spring summer 2011 collection. I was going for a total monochromatic red look but I was missing the red handbag and shoes. I need to rectify that big time.
There was a video made from the night and I made the final cut. See 1:45. I’ve place the video after the jump because it autoplays. Check your sound levels too before checking it out.
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Yves Saint Laurent Spring Summer 2011 Ad Campaign Video
I love this ad campaign video for the Yves Saint Laurent spring summer 2011 collection. It was filmed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin with the model Arizona Muse. Mushroom & Roses is the name of the Janelle Monae song in the ad.
Ela Handbags
Ela is a new Canadian handbag line that I’ve just been introduced to. I met co-founders Ela Kowalewska and Martin Aldorsson at Dark Horse cafe where I got a chance to chat and see the line in person. I really liked what they had to show me.
The basis of ela is the idea of humble luxury, where refined and sophisticated silhouettes strive to showcase, rather than upstage, the wearer. From subtle asymmetry to luxe hardware and leather, every design element is infused with a high level of craftsmanship, materials and a signature aesthetic.
The collection is small but focused. The handbags are on the minimal side of things but they all share the signature Ela leather closure. The leather is lovely and there are a few different finishes to choose from. I like the pebbled leather the best.
The MILCK clutch is a big enough for a night out that includes a camera and smartphone. It comes in a variety of colours and finishes.
There are also some tote bags. I like the more masculine of the two.
My favourite bag of the collection is the called Lady Bag. It’s a great small bag that is kicking my Manon Mini Bag by Tila March wants to the curb.
Check out this crazy fur MILCK clutch for Fall Winter 2011 – 2012. Maybe we’ll see some fun adaptations for fall 2011.
Ela handbags are available in Toronto at four different locations. I just saw the in Chasse Gardee this weekend.
The Narwhal
8 Prince Street, Suite 101
rac Boutique
124 Cumberland Street
Chasse Gardée
1084 Queen Street West
La Merceria
506 Adelaide Street West
images: courtesy of Ela