All posts tagged: Holt Renfrew

Holt Renfrew’s Happy Christmas Windows 2010

I’m not a big fan of the holiday season but I love Holiday/Christmas windows. First up is Holt Renfrew’s Happy Christmas windows. Happy Christmas is a very English saying that works because the Weston’s (Holt Renfrew’s owners) are British. “We took the most iconic symbol of Christmas, the tree, and featured it running lengthwise through every window in our stores across the country” says John Gerhardt, Creative Director of Holt Renfrew. “Each window features characters attending holiday festivities: from party guests unloading their wares for a traditional Christmas dinner, to friends and family bringing their gifts for under the tree wrapped in Holt Renfrew’s iconic magenta boxes” Gerhardt says, “These vignettes mimic the frenzied and fantastical chaos of this most exciting time of year.” There was no fanfare this year. No party or special musical guest. The 2010 holiday windows goes back to the throw everything and the kitchen sink approach that I love. My favourite windows are still from 2006, Merry Making Mischief and I wrote about them at blogTO. I also liked 2009’s …

Hudson Collection Spring Summer 2011 Preview

I hit up The Mint Agency spring summer 2011 preview and got a look at the new Hudson Collection items that will be available at Holt Renfrew next year. I’m so happy with the Hudson jeans I own (thx Hudson). They fit great and make me look long and lean, irregardless of style. They are everything I want in a pair of jeans and are making other brands on my shelf a little lonely. At my day job, I have Denim Days till the end of the year. It’s a charity thing. Normally my office is business casual from Monday to Thursday. I turn up in my appropriate but fashion crazy outfits, like skyscraper platform heels and asymmetrical dresses. I’m living in my Hudson’s right now, it’s awesome. In October, I teamed up with The Mint Agency and Hudson to launch the fall winter 2010 Hudson Collection at Holt Renfrew. The Hudson Collection is a high end version that differs due to their handmade nature. I liked the fall winter 2010 collection so I was …

Holt Renfrew x Canada Goose Toque x Polar Bears International

Holt Renfrew has partnered with Canada Goose and Polar Bears International to created a limited edition toque. A portion of the proceeds goes to Polar Bears International. The Toronto Uniform crowd will probably want their matching Canada Goose toque in either black or red. It retails for $50 and are available at Holt Renfrew stores across the country. Previously, Holt Renfrew x Marc by Marc Jacobs x VisionSpring came together to create a limited edition tote with a portion of proceeds going to VisionSpring. Holt’s sent me a black toque and even thought I don’t own a Canada Goose jacket I think the toque is nice. It has a merino wool exterior and a fleece interior. It has a good shape on my head for a beanie type toque. I don’t really wear that style because you need hair to pull it off. The toque is very warm and I can’t wait to see how it does in colder weather. The Bloor Street store has a large in store display for the toques that is …

LGFW SS11: Holt Renfrew Presents Spring Summer 2011

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. 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 …

i want: 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. 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. 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. images: givenchy.com

What does Barbara think? Spring Summer 2011 Edition

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 …

Hudson Collection Social

The Hudson COLLECTION launched at Holt Renfrew with a Social that included a DJ, mocktails and models. Hudson reps were on hand to talk about this exclusive to Holt Renfrew collection with customers and help them discover the perfect pair. It was my first time seeing the collection in person and I’m a fan. I even purchased a great tank top with an asymmetrical tail on it. It reminds me of coattails and I can’t wait to bust it out. I’m thinking a pre-LGFW debut or perhaps during LGFW. My favourite pieces of the collection were the D.I.Y style denim that incorporated leather into waistbands and hems. Of course these were the most expensive denim pieces, ha. My eyes and hands are drawn to expensive. There are lots of skinny leg options in the collection. The tops were versatile. The cowl neck long sleeved top and the tank can be worn in many different ways. I live for stuff like that. I loved the jackets, in particular the wool jacket with the large cowl that …

Holt Renfrew x Marc by Marc Jacobs x VisionSpring Launch Party

Holt Renfrew and Marc by Marc Jacobs have teamed up to design a limited edition tote bag.  A portion of the cost of this Holt Renfrew exclusive will be donated to VisionSpring, a charity that provides low-cost eyeglasses to workers and artisans in the developing work to see. I attended the launch party and learned that this tote raised $80,000 dollars for VisionSpring. The program exceeded everyone’s expectations. People who reserved can pick up their tote bags at Holt Renfrew’s across the country. You can purchase the $48 tote at Holt Renfrew locations from September 30, 2010 on a first come first serve basis. Who knows if they are sold out at this point in time. The visuals team really went to town with the tote theme. I decided to try out the Blackberry Torch’s camera and all the photos you see here are from it. I received a evaluation Torch from RIM two weeks ago almost. I’m loving it.  The photos are much better than my Curve 8330 since it’s a 5MP camera.  It’s …

Holt Renfrew x Marc by Marc Jacobs x VisionSpring

Holt Renfrew and Marc by Marc Jacobs have teamed up to design a limited edition tote bag.  A portion of the cost of this Holt Renfrew exclusive will be donated to VisionSpring, a charity that provides low-cost eyeglasses to workers and artisans in the developing work to see. Due to overwhelming demand the online reservation system is now offline.  However, you can purchase the $48 tote at Holt Renfrew locations from September 30, 2010 on a first come first serve basis. Holt Renfrew was nice enough to send me the Marc by Marc Jacobs tote in blue.  It’s a very good shopping tote it’s large and looks like it can handle some weight. It also has a large inside pocket which is great for cellphones and other electronic gadgets. It fits my Kobo reader very well.

Hudson COLLECTION Fall Winter 2010 – 2011

Designer denim isn’t dead. Holt Renfrew and Hudson have teamed together to bring Hudson Jean’s first high end collection. This collection differs from regular Hudson collections because the pieces are hand made using raw denim and the process is labour intensive. With the new Collection I wanted to reinvent the idea of traditional denim and tops—its an anti uniform approach. Each piece has so much individuality and lets the wearer express her own style and personality. It is the roots of the HUDSON “way of life”. (lead designer for Hudson Jeans, Ben Tavernit) Pieces in the line include jeans, tops, dresses and jackets with prices ranging from $145 – $995. Jeans will average around $400. The line is exclusive to Holt Renfrew and is available at the Bloor, Yorkdale and Vancouver locations. Standard n. Of recognized excellence or established authority. The common thread within Standard and the foundation of the Collection is Denim. Standard is style that comes from the classic HUDSON aesthetic in its purest form. Denim becomes the new neutral. Standard is both …

i want: Fruitz Watches

I’m into watches these days. I love my Toywatch and you rarely see it without it. I covet the uberluxury of Rado watches. I relieve my youth with GShock. I like the look of these Fruitz watches and they remind me of fruit slices.  I love the colour schemes.    The watch bands are silicon.  Fruitz watches also have some kind of health claim that I don’t really buy into ask, I’m skeptical. The earth resonates at 7-9 hertz.  So does the metal Natural Frequency Technology disk embedded in a Fruitz watch. We have infused it with these key frequencies via a proprietary process. With a Fruitz watch, natural frequencies are delivered to your body through your wrist. That means wearing a Fruitz watch brings you more in in harmony with the natural earth than ever before.  The Natural Frequency Technology actually works with the individual biorhythm and energy field of the Fruitz watch wearer.  It is likely to inform your body to relax. It does so by exposing your bio-field, the Master energy field that …

Pic Me Tommy Ton at Holt Renfrew

Tommy Ton returned to the Toronto fashion scene for an exhibition of his work. Holt Renfrew is displaying Tommy Ton’s photos on the mezzanine level at the Bloor Street store from August 18 – August 30, 2010. Holt Renfrew is delighted to welcome fashion photographer Tommy Ton to Holt Renfrew Bloor Street, Wednesday, August 18, 2010 for a private event to launch an exhibit of his work. The exhibit of 12 images of some of fall 2010’s most sought-after footwear styles will be housed at Holt Renfrew Bloor Street from August 18 to August 30 on the mezzanine level. These one-of-a-kind photos were taken by Tommy Ton this spring in Toronto and have each been signed by the photographer himself. For the duration of the exhibit, Holt Renfrew will host a contest where one can enter the chance to win one of 12 framed and autographed prints valued at $1,500. Please see contest details at Holt Renfrew Bloor Street. I attended the party for Tommy opening night. I really liked what they did with the …

NARS Vintage Nail Polish Collection

NARS introduces a Vintage Nail Polish Collection including five shades, resurrected by popular demand, with NARS’ signature longwearing formula, imparting an initial high gloss lustre that is water and detergent resistant. Perfect for fall, the seasonal height of the fashion year, these vintage polishes are being brought out from the archives to NARS counters for a limited time. With classic cinema as their common theme, below are the shades, their descriptions and the movies that inspired them. I love the colour palette in this collection and the vintage movie concept is intriguing. Mash – Army green infused with gold King Kong – Copper brown infused with gold Midnight Express – Deep navy Zulu – Forest Green Full Metal Jacket – Gunmetal Gray I’ve seen most of the movies referenced with my favourite being Full Metal Jacket.  Stanley Kubrick is my absolute favourite director.  I wonder how many of the younger set will even understand the movie references.  The nail polishes will be available on October 1st at Holt Renfrew for $21 each. image: courtesy of …

i want: Postcard Sunglasses by Prada

I love the fluorescent green Postcard Sunglasses by Prada. They really were made for me and they match my Blackberry case. They come in six colours that are dedicated travel destinations: Milan: green sunglasses dedicated to Forte dei Marmi; Los Angeles: light pink sunglasses dedicated to Santa Monica; Manhattan: transparent sunglasses with pink lenses dedicated to Montauk; Paris: transparent sunglasses with light grey lenses, dedicated to Biarritz; London: transparent grey sunglasses with orange lenses, dedicated to Cornwall; Lisbon: matte black sunglasses with black lenses dedicated to Setùbal. I’ve seen these sunglasses at Holt Renfrew and Spectacle in the city. You can purchase them online at Prada.com or Sunglasses Hut images: me, nitrolicious.com

Devon Open Toe Booties by Alexander Wang

i want: Devon Open Toe Booties by Alexander Wang

These Devon Open Toe Booties by Alexander Wang are fun. Playing with Alexander Wang shoes was a little detour I made while in the mist of playing with Todd Lynn in the personal shopping area of Holt Renfrew. I love the colour and reptile treatment to the leather. I’m not usually a suede fan but I like the contrast it provides. They are pretty comfortable with a reasonable heel height. The shoes are available at Holt Renfrew Bloor street and online at shopbop.com and net-a-porter.com.

Todd Lynn Fall Winter 2010 - 2011

Playing with the Todd Lynn Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 Collection

Work kept me from catching the tail end of the Todd Lynn trunk show and personal appearance. I was a little bummed as I really wanted to meet Todd. He looks so cute in his photos. He also reminds me of Rick Owens so I’m drooling a little.  I think it’s the long black hair, le sigh. I missed the designer but I got to play in his designs.  On Saturday I made a quick trip to the private shopping area at Holt Renfrew and played dress up.  Every leather jacket made my waist look tiny.  They totally fit like a glove.  The fur was outrageous.  I like the androgyny of both the mens and womens lines. Todd Lynn price points are relatively cheaper than other brands doing leather with the same aesthetic. I even was recruited to model Todd Lynn for a customer. She was trying to decide what items to pick up from the trunk show.

Diego Suede Studded Bucket Bag by Alexander Wang

i want: Diego Suede Studded Bucket Bag by Alexander Wang

The Diego Suede Studded Bucket Bag by Alexander Wang is my ultimate Spring Summer 2010 Bucket Bag. I was playing with it at Holt Renfrew and fell in lust with this bag. The hardware is beautiful and it’s pretty heavy and solid.  I appreciate the masculine qualities of  Alexander Wang handbags.  My aversion to animal print is slowly being broken down.  I love that there is a short and long strap for the bag. You can purchase this bag at Holt Renfrew or online at shopbop.com.

Holt Renfrew Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 Womenswear Preview

I took a day off work and attended the Holt Renfrew Fall 2010 Womenswear preview.  It was a chance to see samples of the fall merchandise and learn about upcoming fall trends according to Holt Renfrew. Fall 2010 Holt Renfrew Women’s Trends The Masculine Topper The Reefer The Fur Trimmed Parka The Vest The Masculine Shirt The Feminine Blouse The Slim Leg – legging or cigarette; looking newest in prints The Fuller Pant – masculine, pleated or military influenced The Shorter Skirt The Longer Skirt The Knit Dress The Long Sleeve Dress Fall 2010 Holt Renfrew Women’s Accessories Trends The Oversized Beret The Knit Hair Band The Loop Scarf – fur or knit The Pendant The Brooch The Extra Long Belt The “Stash” Bag The Iconic Satchel The Lace-up Boot The Wedge The Loafer – high or low heel The Pointy Toe Pump New Designers – 6126, Carven, Christ Shearling, Cinzia Rocca, Cosabella, Dylan George, Eight Sixty, Fuzzi, Helen Morely, Hudson Collection, Jane Post, JNBY, Lounge Lover, Marlies Dekkers, Michael Michael Kors, One Teaspoon, Pleasure …

Jenny Bird Pouchettes

i want: Jenny Bird Pouchettes

I saw the Jenny Bird Pouchettes at Holt Renfrew on the weekend. I have that bucket handbag preoccupation that also includes small cross body bags. There is a trend moving to smaller bags and I see a lot of cute ones like this around. Holts Renfrew is carrying the following combos: The black with stud, nude with grommets and Leopard with grommet. The Leopard style is exclusive to Holts. The handbag retails for $250 CAD.

Primo Lace Up Wedge Booties by Elizabeth and James

i want: Primo Lace Up Wedge Booties by Elizabeth and James

I don’t know why I’m loving the Primo Lace Up Wedge Booties by Elizabeth and James . They are blush coloured for god sakes. There is something about the laces, the snake-embossed leather trim and tweed. You can find these booties online at shopbop.com and Bergdorfs. Bergorfs has a black and blush version in addition to the regular blush version. Holt Renfrew carries Elizabeth and James shoes.  I haven’t seen these yet. images: shopbop.com

The Smooth Co. at Holt Renfrew

The Smooth Co. at Holt Renfrew

I went to the launch of The Smooth Co. for men at Holt Renfrew. The Smooth Co. looks to fill the void that Modern Amusement left in the store when they went belly up. The price points are lower and more accessible. Born in the sand and saltwater, TSC effortlessly blends modern style and wearable ease. We are inspired by love for a lifestyle that spans from the most private of beaches to the busiest of cities around the globe. The line radiates a subtle casual air in every situation, while maintaining a strong tie to our roots in the ocean sides of Southern California. The line is very casual. Everything has that aged washed look. I like the Oversized cotton hoodie and the Shawl Collar Chambray Summer Parka. Yes, of course The Smooth Co. created a spring summer 2010 video: You can see all my Olympus E-PL1 phots from the event:

Mikhael Kale Fall Winter 2010 - 2011

Mikhael Kale Fall Winter 2010 up close

I loved Mikhael Kale Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 collection. On the weekend I got a chance to see the clothing up close. Mikhael was shooting the lookbook in an alley in the east end. I brought the trusty Olympus E-PL1 put her into macro mode and went to town with pictures. You really need to see the details of Mikhael Kale’s dresses, it’s incredible.  The garments are like works of art. Mikhael is getting some great press at the moment. He was featured in Vogue.com when Mark Holgate came to town. The latest celebrity to be seen in his designs is J.Lo. Beyonce and Ciara have already been spotted in his work. See all my photos from the shoot. Mihkael Kale is available at Holt Renfrew in Canada.