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LGFW SS11: Jessica Jensen + Alexander Berardi Spring Summer 2011

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LGFW SS2011 Jensen and Berardi-9594LGFW SS2011 Jensen and Berardi-9550

Handbag designer Jessica Jensen collaborated with a young New York designer named Alexander Berardi on a collection of limited edition handbags that complements his Spring Summer 2011 collection. The collaboration debuted during NYFW but Jessica and Alexander decided to show at LG Fashion Week in Toronto. Alexander Berardi was the youngest person to show at the new Lincoln Center tents this season.

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The inspiration for the collections was the movie Breathless by Godard. It was a nautical inspired collection with lots of Breton stripes and preppy influences. I had never seen Breathless so after the show I decided to watch the movie. I got through about 30 mins mostly focusing on the styles of the female protagonist. I thought the handbags and clothing did a very good job of conveying the style featured in the movie. I really liked the looks with the stripes.  While I’m not loving the camel colour trend it works well with the blue, white and grey colour palette.

This was a well presented collaboration. Both designers complemented each other perfectly and I’d love to see this happen more often. The Spring Summer 2011 Jessica Jensen collection will be available for pre-ordered online at www.shopjessicajensen.com on November 15, 2010.

Sponsored Post – This is a series of posts on LG Fashion Week that are sponsored by Shick. Bloggers can explore the Chick Advisor Flickr feed and freely use LG Fashion Week photos provided by Shick and Chick Advisor on their blogs.

LGFW SS11: Joe Fresh

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LGFW SS2011 Joe Fresh Style-0855

I swore I would skip the spectacle that is Joe Fresh last season. I wasn’t going to battle the crowds and be all irritated with everything. I guess I forgot my words last season because I found myself only attending the Joe Fresh show on Wednesday. Curiosity got to me and I couldn’t tear myself away.

LGFW SS2011 Joe Fresh Style-0902

Friends in high places made it much easier to enter the runway room so it was already an improvement over last year.  My seating assignment wasn’t any different from last season but the configuration of the runway room is a lot better and the view was very much improved.

LGFW SS2011 Joe Fresh Style-1229

There wasn’t the rabid model talk that normally precedes a Joe Fresh show. I heard a rumor that Tao would be walking. It made sense to me since she’s all over the ad campaigns. Unfortunately that didn’t come to pass. There were models walking the show just not the big names we usually expect. Arlenis Sosa and Tiiu Kuik made appearances alongside many of our own famous Canadian girls.
So the show was pretty much what I expected. Joe Fresh is creating the uniforms for Scouts Canada and that influence was prevalent. There was a lot of white, olive green, brown and spots of bright orange. The last few looks were blinged out with sequined shorts and pants. There was a lot of preppy and military influence in the collection.

Sponsored Post – This is a series of posts on LG Fashion Week that are sponsored by Shick. Bloggers can explore the Chick Advisor Flickr feed and freely use LG Fashion Week photos provided by Shick and Chick Advisor on their blogs.

i want: UES Fall & Holiday 2010 Sneakers

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UES Fall & Holiday 2010 Sneakers

Studs really should be on their way out as a trend but I can’t help but like it when it’s done well.  I think it’s the combination of that Chuck Taylor classic sneaker look and the not so obnoxious studding that help in their appeal.

UES Fall & Holiday 2010 Sneakers

Upper Echelon Shoes (UES) was started in New York by Seth Campbell and Nick Cohen in 2005. Their family backgrounds in footwear and jewellery are combined in the UES design style. They have coined it “Shoewelry”. In early 2010 they partnered with Steven Madden in order to advantage of their production and distribution and expand the business. Seth Campbell handles the brand’s design.

There are no Canadian Retailers but Zappos.com andSaks.com carry them online.

images: courtesy of UES

LGFW SS11 Fashion Press

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It’s been press crazy for my this LG Fashion Week. I love it.

I was on the radio. CBC Radio One Metro Morning had me over on Monday to chat up LG Fashion Week and the industry.

Guest host Karen Horsman spoke with Anita Clarke. She writes a fashion blog called ” I want, I got”.

They are amazing and have made a podcast so you can listen to it. CBC Radio One Metro Morning Fashion Week SS11.

FASHION at Holt Renfrew's all-Canadian show - The Globe and Mail

I took part in a video for FASHION at Holt Renfrew’s all-Canadian show
that was posted on The Globe and Mail’s website.

Finally I was interviewed for a story in 24Hours Dress to impress at Toronto Fashion Week. t’s propagated over the Sun Media network and can be found on a bunch of their websites.

LGFW SS11: Dare to Wear Love Preview

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LGFW SS11: Dare to Wear Love Preview

Réva Mivasagar

The last Dare to Wear Love show was so much fun that I’ve been anxiously anticipating the next time. The time is now with the spring summer 2011 season and I have a sneak peek at some sketches. More than 25 designers are given 6 yard of fabric sourced from Africa to create a one of a kind garment. These garments will be auctioned off online and all proceeds going to the Steven Lewis Foundation. People can always donate online at DareToWearLove.com.

LGFW SS11: Dare to Wear Love Preview

Aileen Avioanni

This year’s show takes place on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 8pm. Tickets are open to the public and can be bought online for $59.99 each or $300 for a VIP package (includes one front or second row seat and a special gift bag).

LGFW SS11: Dare to Wear Love Preview

Pat McDonagh

“We are thrilled to return to LG Fashion Week beauty by L’Oréal Paris to host the Dare to Wear Love runway show in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. In 2009, the fashion and entertainment communities came out in droves to support the cause, and we hope they will join us again this year to help raise even more money,” said Jim Searle of Hoax Couture. “And we know Toronto fashion week is the perfect platform to juxtapose the love of fashion and the love of human life.”

LGFW SS11: Dare to Wear Love Preview

Northbound

“This event is unique in the life of the Steven Lewis Foundation. There’s nothing quite like it. It is a kind of memorable affirmation that whatever the segment of society, there is solidarity and support for the needs and the humanitarian imperatives on a continent like Africa, which is struggling so greatly to survive,”said Stephen Lewis, Chair of the Board of the SLF.

LGFW SS11: Dare to Wear Love Preview

NADA - Comrags

The multi-faceted collaboration is part of the SLF’s fundraising initiative A Dare to Remember. Launched in October 2009, the nationwide initiative challenges Canadians to take on dares of all kinds to raise awareness and funds for communities that are turning the tide of the AIDS pandemic in Africa.

LGFW SS11: Dare to Wear Love Preview

LGFW SS11: Pink Tartan Spring Summer 2011

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LGFW SS2011 Pink Tartan-9184LGFW SS2011 Pink Tartan-9447

Kimberley Newport-Mimran had the 70s on the brain while designing the Pink Tartan spring summer 2011 collection. The 70s is a major trend that appeared on the runways of high fashion capitals. It resulted in a looser fit, shiny fabrics and lots of colour.   Pink Tartan used colour blocking, stripes and sheers with a 70s touch.  This is my favourite Pink Tartan collection.  It was a joy to watch.  The presentation was cute with the models taking positions on risers beside the runway after their pose.

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I enjoyed so many elements of this show.  The batik style prints worked well on the jacket and the maxi dress.  Jewel tone strapless jumpsuits make me very happy.  Great looks featuring shorts with cute blazers.  Amanda Laine’s outfit was my favourite on Monday at the Holt Renfrew show.  The green and black print reminds me of Proenza Schouler.  It’s amazing that the ethereal sheer tiered maxidress came in neon yellow.  I dig the neon and I’m glad Kim is too.  I want it all.

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I loved the leopard print.  The spots are just the right size.  A leopard print jumpsuit rounds out the great collection of jumpsuits from Pink Tartan. In a sea of wide leg pants there were a few slim choices and I loved the orange pair.  The colours in this collection gave off some serious wattage on the runway.  They are so bright.  George Antonopoulos the stylist who put the looks together did an amazing job. The boater hats were cute choice.

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The collection is so vibrant and inviting but I’m not a fan of  the shiny black fabric used in some looks.  From a collection cohesion perspective they worked but I didn’t particularly enjoy them.  I can’t wait to see that neon in the stores come 2011.

Sponsored Post – This is a series of posts on LG Fashion Week that are sponsored by Shick. Bloggers can explore the Chick Advisor Flickr feed and freely use LG Fashion Week photos provided by Shick and Chick Advisor on their blogs.

LGFW SS11: Holt Renfrew Presents Spring Summer 2011

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LGFW SS2011 Holt Renfrew-6734

So it’s LG Fashion Week once again. Toronto now has its own kick at the Spring Summer 2011 collections. The venue has changed to Heritage Court at Exhibition Place. It’s a lot roomier and there are lots of bathrooms. Getting into the runway room is alway a chore and that hasn’t changed. I love the exposed brick but I wish it was on both sides of the building. The non brick side could have used some extended curtains but I’m getting a little nitpicky here. Overall, decent except for the bad sun glare at the end of the night.

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Monday night saw Holt Renfrew bring its traditional media cocktail party to the runway. We saw some of the best of Canadian fashion in one runway show. Denis Gagnon, Jeremy Laing, Lida Baday, Line RUNWAY, Mikhael Kale, Pink Tartan, Smythe, Wayne Clark and Wings + Horns all presented several looks from their spring summer 2011 collections. This show was also a sneak peek at the upcoming Pink Tartan and Line Knitwear shows. The runway show didn’t have champers and nibbies, so it was a bit bittersweet. I stopped attending when they moved to the breakfast format started, work was beckoning at that time. Coco Rocha even attending wearing Spring Summer 2011 Greta Constantine and looking wonderful. She also gave a little speech at the beginning.

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I loved Jeremy Laing. His clothing is just so effortlessly cool on everyone I see. Now I’m even more excited to see the stuff in the studio. I knew I would see the entire collection from Pink Tartan and Line Knitwear the next day so I didn’t read anything into the looks shown. I would make judgments on the whole show. I liked what I did see though. I’m pretty bang on with my CBC Radio One trend predictions of colour blocking and stripes. Pink Tartan knocked that prediction out of the park.

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I was glad it wasn’t the real Line Knitwear show because all I could focus on was the models and the shoes. It wasn’t pretty even though the knits and printed silks were. I’m usually the biggest Mikhael Kale fangirl and it really pains me to say that I only liked the finale dress and the tan cropped leather jacket. The dress was so sparkly and beautiful. It memorized me as it shimmered under the lights down the runway. There is little left to the imagination because of the plastic which makes it a bit scandalous. 🙂 Lida Biday and Wings + Horns were both well made lines but didn’t grab me at all.

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I really like the styling for Smythe. It made me smile and it looked like fun. Plus I’m a huge fangirl. I also liked the styling for Pink Tartan. You work it George.

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I was gaga for Denis Gagnon again. I cannot wait for his show on Friday. Cannot freaking wait! He’s continuing the string thing which I love and doing something very cool things with stripes. It was my first Wayne Clark runway experience and he opened with Rose. I love Rose she’s cool. He did a series of long red gowns with bows, ruffles and roses.

So, my LG Fashion Week posts are sponsored this week. This doesn’t affect my editorial point of view and I get awesome pit pictures out of the deal (ya and money). Bloggers can also use these photos for free on their sites. Follow the Chick Advisor Flickr Feed to see the latest shows. Next up for me is Pink Tartan, Jessica Jensen + Alexander Berardi and Line Knitwear.

Sponsored Post – This is a series of posts on LG Fashion Week that are sponsored by Shick. Bloggers can explore the Chick Advisor Flickr feed and freely use LG Fashion Week photos provided by Shick and Chick Advisor on their blogs.

The Uniform Project Pilots with Isis Salam

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The Uniform Project Pilot Isis Salam

The second year of the Uniform Project finds Sheena hanging up the dress and finding others called The Uniform Project Pilots. Musician Isis Salam is October’s The Uniform Project Pilot and she is raising money for One Laptop per Child, a non-profit organization working to provide access to education to every child in the world. it’s just past the halfway point and if you have any spare dollars please head over to The Uniform Project’s website and donate.

Ladies and Gents introducing the one the only, most versatile little black dress on the planet! I can go from feeling like Mad Men’s Christian Hendricks day time to hot cocktail drinking soho fashionista at night. If the last 3 years of touring have taught me anything, it’s a solid appreciation for chic simplicity. First two photos is the front (or back depending on the mood) and then I flipped it around to showcase the cute buttons and pleats.

I must say I’m pretty excited about this project not only is it for a great cause but a great fashion challenge. I’ve recently been on a whole “live lite” approach to life and taking part in an exercise that provides an opportunity to realize what you “really have” is the cherry on the cake. Most women i know (including myself) have closets filled with pieces we know we will never wear again but are too attached to let them go – kind of like a needy boyfriend, you keep telling yourself ill make an attempt or one day ill introduce this piece to my parents. But we all know these pieces just get pushed to the back of the closet and forgotten.

My goal for the month is to support a whole class of students in Abuja, Nigeria with Laptops! So here’s to reinventing our wardrobes and perceptions! 200 kids – 200 laptops – 1 little black dress. LET’S GO!

i want: Givenchy Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 Boots

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Givenchy Fall Winter 2010 - 2011 Boots

My fall 2010 dream shoes are Givenchy. They come in many different options: sequined, leather, patent leather, velvet and wool.  They also come in different heights.

Givenchy Fall Winter 2010 - 2011 Boots

The boots remind me of witches and grunge. Thankfully they have a zipper in the back of the shoe so you don’t have to lace anything up. Very smart.

Givenchy Fall Winter 2010 - 2011 Boots

Givenchy Fall Winter 2010 - 2011 Boots

I spotted these pair of Givenchy boots in the wild at Holt Renfrew. They are ridiculously gorgeous and expensive.  I’ll just admire from afar.

Givenchy Fall Winter 2010 - 2011 Boots

images: givenchy.com

What does Barbara think? Spring Summer 2011 Edition

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Proenza Schouler Spring Summer 2011

Proenza Schouler Spring Summer 2011

I love it when the WWD asks the buyers their opinions of the collections. I’m always interested in what the buyers/retailers think of the collections. For the last few seasons I’ve been posting about Barbara Atkin’s feelings on the show. Spring Summer 2011 is no exception.

New York

“The consumer is still celebrity-obsessed. The designer is becoming that celebrity as well. We’ve got to move away from turning [fashion week] into a circus.” – Barbara Atkin, vice president and fashion director, Holt Renfrew

Trendspotting: “The big story was American sportswear and the whole idea of the timeless classics, easy toppers, trenches and beautiful, easy pants. In a way, another trend is New York producing a whole new wave of young designers with more democratic price points, such as Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim and Theyskens’ Theory.”

Sound off: “Everyone’s taking pictures of everyone else. Everybody has a blog and some site they wanted to drive you to. We’re being swallowed up by social media. People are adapting a look and seeing how to wear it immediately as the runway show is happening. Social media will affect how we buy and it will affect our deliveries. Consumers have no patience. They want instant replies.”(source)

Prada Spring Summer 2011 Womens

Prada Spring Summer 2011 Womens

Milan

“The 21st century luxury customer now lives a life less focused on formalwear and more focused on a relaxed, active lifestyle,” – Barb Atkin

“Milan has proven to be a powerfully optimistic season of bold color and print, remarkable craftsmanship, new longer hemlines and simple shapes that we are confident will drive customers into the stores. Bold color, tribal influences, bohemian Seventies, fringe, longer lengths and floral prints are some of the key trends that will impact the clothes for spring. The designer business is on an upward trend with many collections experiencing double-digit growth. Our budgets reflect this growth, while at the same time we are keeping our inventories in line for spring, having successfully right-sized our business last season. Our shopping list includes easy toppers, flared pants, the longer-length skirt and dress, soft blouses and tunics and simple, easy jackets. The longer week has provided the opportunity to visit the many new stores in Milan in search of new concepts and spend more time with new designers. Our eyes are on MSGM, Vincenzo De Cotiis, Drome and Isabella Tonchi.”

Standout collections: Gucci, Prada, Jil Sander, Dolce & Gabbana and Brunello Cucinelli.(source)

Calla Spring Summer 2011

Calla Spring Summer 2011 Photo by Tommy Ton

Paris

Trendspotting: “Short hemlines coexisted with floor-grazing lengths. We saw the fragile and the structured, the masculine and the feminine. The Paris collections have translated into options for the customer: Pleating, longer lengths, androgyny, punk, sheer layers, cutout details, stripes, leather, tailored denim and Seventies influences are some of the trends we are seeing.”

Sound off: “With the popularity of live-streaming, we will have to better understand how the retailer can service a customer who now has access to a season that has not yet been delivered to the stores. Current retail inventories may no longer support the trends that the customer sees online.”(source)