Tag: LG Fashion Week

Line Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Line continued their ready to wear expansion for the fall winter 2011 – 2012 season. The season adds coats and pants to their traditional line up of knits. The collection was very 70s in terms of palette and style. Typical colours like orange, blue, mustard, beige and burgundy complimented neutrals of black and grey. The knit textures included cable, crochet, patchwork and loops.

Line was one of the many designers that used fur this season but it was used sparingly. I always talk about my granny nature with fur and Line stuck to the traditional with raccoon stoles, collars and trim. The rabbit fur biker jacket was an interesting modern take on fur but I felt the raccoon vest was overwhelming on the body. My granny fur sensibilities didn’t prevent me for loving the rabbit fur knit which was used in some beautiful open wraps.

The floor length cable knit dress sounded great on paper but didn’t deliver for me in person. It seemed a bit too restricting, perhaps a side slit would help. The floor length crochet dresses are some of my favourite, especially in mustard. I also loved the chunky patchwork open wraps. Line still does great pants and I’m very interested in the wide leg and skinny velvet options. Of course, I want a shearling leather jacket, badly.

I loved the show overall but I felt the styling was a bit heavy. It was pretty boho and sometimes there was just too much going on.

Check out photos from the Line Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 show on Torontolife.com.

Also check out the TDot TV video where the designers talk about their inspiration. I also have a short interview about the collection too.

DUY x Aldo Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

DUY x Aldo Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

 

Aldo Shoes is on a collaboration roll too.  During Rouge Fashion Week they partnered with Greta Constantine on some limited edition footwear.  DUY paired up with Aldo during LG Fashion Week for a limited edition collection of accessories.

This collection of elegant and slightly rebel shoes and accessories pays homage to his Muse, her sophistication and distinctive sense of aesthetics. Faithful to her vision, the various pieces of this collection integrate the elements that made Daphne Guinness famous: leather, textured materials (python, lace), prints (leopard) and fur (pony), caramel hues and dark shades (grey and black). The FW 2011 ALDO collection of shoes and accessories for DUY is an stunning blend of radical chic, flexibility and accessibility. A collection which truly combines modernism, sophistication and elegance.

 

 

Um you’re on WWD

WWD.comApril 13 2011

I was in meetings all morning and when I finally returned to my desk my twitter replies were blowing up. Something is up, I thought to myself, I haven’t even tweeted yet. Turns out WWD did a street style post for LG Fashion Week and I was snapped with my friend Caroline Shaheed. The title of this post was the best email subject line I received all day. It best represents the shock of finding out.

WWD.comApril 13 2011

Can you say freaking the fuck out! I’m stunned by this and doing a little happy dance. It’s silly but I have to admit I totally love this. All the shots are stealthy ones, I love it. I remember photographer James Lourenco taking our photo as we walked but didn’t think anything of it at the time. I’m so happy I’m not carrying a Starbucks coffee cup in this shot, ha ha. You can see the rest of the street style shots from LG Fashion Week at They Are Wearing: Toronto – EyeScoop on WWD.com.

This outfit also landed me on the Flare.com LG Fashion Week street style pages.

Flare March 31 2011

Outfit Breakdown – Gap circle scarf, Alexander Wang sunglasses, Ash Boots, Gap army jacket, Club Monaco Blazer, Juma Spring Summer 2011 silk tshirt, Le Sportsac x Stella McCartney bag, pants Gap, Gamercamp Pin.

Anu Raina Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

AnU RaiNa Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

Textile artist, Anu Raina debuted her hand crafted clothing line at LGFW.  Anu Raina Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 features hand dyed and printed pieces. She used details such as excerpts from her poetry, painting and embroidery.

“This collection is an extension of my Autobiographical artwork titled Chapter 2, Page 1, that is going to be exhibited at
Pearson Airport from April16 to October 3, 2011,” says Anu Raina “”My work has evolved as a juxtaposition of my urban and the traditional self that I left behind. In this collection, I have tried to trace my own transition. I have used motifs like haystack, paisley, Talim – a weaving code of Pashmina shawls – marks I made with toothpaste on the mirror, and the things I grew up with around me. I have tied it all with a poem in French I once wrote about my mother, which would roughly translate in English as:
When I was little
I woke up very late.
I would wait for my mother to come and wake me up.
She would know very well that my sleep was just a big pretension.
She would smile at me and in her arms she would pick me up and I would open
my eyes slowly to see the smiling face of my mother.” (source: press release)

AnU RaiNa Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

Anu Raina used silk, wool, viscose, chiffon, organza, taffeta and modal. The collection featured easy wearing pants, tops and dresses. There were a lot of beautiful scarves in the collection, I can see these being very retail friendly. I liked the dressed and tunics in the collection more than the other separates.

AnU RaiNa Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

Watch the Anu Raina Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show


See photos from the Anu Raina Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection

Photos taken for I want – I got by Paul Ross of Opique.com

Klaxon Howl Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Klaxon Howl Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

Samuel L. Jackson was the only massive celebrity to attend LGFW. Random is the only word to describe his attendance at Klaxon Howl. One of my favourite moments of LGFW was tweeting about Mr. Jackson’s arrival. Ha Ha. Some people thought it was an April Fool’s joke. I did miss out on getting a photo with him but I did see him in the flesh. I guess when The Hudson’s Bay is backing your line things like this can happen. Klaxon Howl fall winter 2011 – 2012 was a very commercial menswear collection. The military influenced collection used a white, grey, blue, brown and black colour scheme. There was a lone coral coloured button up, which seemed out-of-place in the collection. The collection featured the basics: coats, denim, button up shirts, vests and pants. There was a lot of buzz about the handbag collaboration between Klaxon Howl and The Hudson’s Bay.

Klaxon Howl x Hudson's Bay Company

The fashion show was half runway and half presentation. I think the main runway room is too large to pull this format off successfully. The models are too far apart from each other. You don’t get that panoramic photo experience that a presentation in smaller room provides. There is some Behind the Scenes video care of MTV FORA that gives you a peek at the show. It’s nice to see a Canadian retailer invest in a brand. I hope to see more of it the future.

Klaxon Howl Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

See the Klaxon Howl Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show

Klaxon Howl Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

See photos from Klaxon Howl Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 at LG Fashion Week

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Photos taken for I want – I got by Paul Ross of Opique.com and courtesy of The Bay

Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Comrags is one of the long-standing Canadian brands that are showing no signs of slowing down. They’ve been around for 28 years and they have a very established customer base and brand.  The Fall Winter 2007 – 2008 collection was my first Comrags fashion show. They show ever few seasons at LG Fashion Week.  I wondered what the Comrags print would be this season.  The endless possibilities they could come up with for for Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 excited me.

Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

The collection was typical Comrags: lots of easy to wear dresses, full skirts, couple of pant options and belted jackets. It’s a very retail friendly collection, stylish and uncomplicated. The models didn’t wear heels as per the usual Comrags MO. I loved the floral prints.

Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

The wide leg pant looked great with the Trotsky jacket. I want the complete runway look (with platforms of course).

Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 linesheet stated this jacket was made a material called silver wool.  The fabric has an unusual finish.  Other fabrics used in the collection include jacquard, wool, cotton twill and silk.  Comrags garments are always impeccably finished.  It’s a collection that goes in ny great office wear bucket.

Check out the video of the Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show at LG Fashion Week

Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

See photos from the Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show at LG Fashion Week

images: Photos taken for I want – I got by Paul Ross of Opique.com

Krane Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Krane Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

Hands down favourite of LG Fashion Week is Krane.  This show had it all, from the amazing Krane clothing and accessories to the killer runway presentation with great music.  It’s was the most enjoyable show of the week for me.  I remember a Krane show I covered for blogTO way back in 2007 where designer, Ken Chow, cleverly used a bodybag in the finale of his fashion show. That guy has always been impressing me with his work and presentation skills. As someone who loves military details, it’s pretty hard not to be crazy in love with Krane.
Krane Fall Winter 2011 - 2012
Ken Chow continued on his exploration of the military theme with officer’s coats, aviator jackets, bombers and pea coats. He combined his signature waxed cotton with vintage military blankets in many of the jackets. Lambskin, wool, cotton and shearling rounded out the fabrics in the line. Bags came in different styles like duffle bags, carpenter bags, laptop bags, rucksacks and briefcases. They came in either suede or a washed leather. The lambskin jeans stood out the most in the amazing pant lineup. Other options included wool ponte di roma trousers and waxed cotton jeans. When the male models were wearing shirts they consisted of henleys and button ups. I’ve followed Ken for a while and the workmanship on Krane garments and accessories continues to be impeccable. Ken made a smart move including a female model in the lineup since women by 10% of menswear sold. I’ve always wanted to wear Krane and it works very well on female body.

See the entire Krane Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 show

Krane Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

See the photos from the Krane Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 show on lgfashionweek.ca.  Also check out filmmaker Ron Wan’s Krane Fall/Winter 2011 – 2012 video.

images: George Pimentel

Amanda Lew Kee Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Amanda Lew Kee Fall Winter 2011 - 2012
Amanda Lew Kee’s fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection started out so strong. The first third of the collection was very promising. Unfortunately, the middle part of the collection was a little lost and the last third of the show was a risky gamble with colour that didn’t pay off.   There was a lot of good elements going on the in the collection but they got lost among the unfocused elements. In my perfect world Amanda would have continued to explore the silhouettes she opened with in fabrics that weren’t metallic.  The rule about taking off a piece of jewellery before you leave the house applies to everything in life.  In this case, less would have been more.
Amanda Lew Kee Fall Winter 2011 - 2012
The collection was in desperate need of an edit.  The leggings and jersey tank dress are too American Apparel to be on the runway.  Those looks weren’t show material for me but the things you show to buyers in a showroom.  The flower embellishment left me puzzled.  Was it a deliberate design feature or some last-minute modesty coverage.  If so, a bandeau top or lacy bra would have been better choices.  The last half of the show just reminded me of Christmas with the fabric choices.  Thoughts of wrapping paper, tinsel and ornaments aren’t the best associations for clothing.  There is much potential in those shapes but the fabric and colours suck that potential dry.

I liked what I was seeing with sheer, zippers and leather.  Some of the coats were really great and I particular loved the two jackets that featured paillettes with leather and velvet (see looks at 2:12 and 4:22 in the video). I like the usage of zippers in Amanda’s work but they needs to be perfect. I noticed that zipper construction and finishing is a bit of a weakness. These are the things I see in the front row. The construction quality wasn’t consistent and I was seeing some buckling. When zippers are a main design feature they must be flawless. I loved the skirts but the thigh slit was way too high. It’s never a good thing when you are seeing model crotch all over the place.

Amanda Lew Kee’s fall collection missed an opportunity to showcase some great coats. It’s Canada and we love our outerwear.  Canada Goose alternatives for people out there are desperately needed out there. I loved the leather jackets from Amanda’s debut and it’s too bad this wasn’t explored again this fall.

See the Amanda Lew Kee Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show

See photos from Amanda Lew Kee’s fall winter 2011 collection on torontolife.com.

Images: Jenna Marie Wakani for torontolife.com

LOVAS Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

LOVAS Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

Wesley Badanjak always berates me for missing his latest LOVAS collection at LG Fashion Week. I usually can’t attend because he shows at 5pm slot which conflicts with the 5 in mt 9 to 5. LOVAS fall winter 2011 – 2012 was scheduled at 6pm so I promised I would attend and finally see a show for the first time since FAT in 2009.

LOVAS Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

LOVAS fall winter 2011 – 2012 is inspired by the immigration story of his mother, Manda and her twin, Marija. He’s blended traditional Slavic prints and stylistic elements using wool, stretch cotton, cashmere, taffeta, silk organza, tweed, silk volie, raccoon, coyote, velvet, lace and bengaline. The colour palette was dark with navy, charcoal, silver, bordeaux and crimson.

LOVAS Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

LOVAS isn’t my style in general. Wesley knows that my nemesis is taffeta. The collection is wearable and accessible for many women. As an office dweller, there are suites and separates that incorporates elements of a fashion forward silhouette. Ultimately it was your standard fashion show. It didn’t have me salivating over every look. I do really love the pieces made from the silk voile fabric with the tiny rose print. I also congratulate Wesley for using fur very sparingly in his show. There was way to much this season. I was intrigued by the traditional Slavic prints but I would have liked to see them in different fabrics.

LOVAS Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

See the LOVAS Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show.

See photos of the LOVAS Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection

images: Photos taken for I want – I got by Paul Ross of Opique.com

Juma Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Juma Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

Prints haven’t scared off the Juma siblings and I’m so happy about that. I ranted and raved about the Spring Summer 2011 collection. Alia and Jamil decided to do a print heavy spring collection which was something new for them. Normally, Juma is associated with neutral colours and a lot of black. It was a great pairing of silhouettes and prints. The Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection continues to hunt east for its inspiration.

Tibet, Thailand & Shezhen’s local tapestry work and wildlife shaped the vibrant colour and intricate designs the duo developed for the 2011 fall winter collection. To modernize the prints, they distorted and layered them as well as added gradients of colour including midnight blue, burnt corals, olive, tangerine, nude and black. The multicoloured knits were inspired by the thick, colourful wool blankets that mountain people wrap around themselves during the winter months in Tibet.(source: press release)

Juma Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

It’s safe to say I loved this collection from Juma as much as spring summer. I want it all. I didn’t get any photos or video for this show and I regret it now. However, I did find an edited one from my old blog stomping grounds blogTO.

This was the debut of smaller studio space at LG Fashion Week. Getting into the space is a bit of a pain in the ass but the shows that have been put on have been fun.

See the entire Juma’s fall/winter 2011 collection on torontolife.com. Also check out filmmaker Ron Wan’s JUMA Fall/Winter 2011 – 2012 video

Images: by Jenna Marie Wakani for torontolife.com

Fashion Week Style: Jason Morikawa

Jason Morikawa is a good friend of mine. He’s also a senior buyer at Holt Renfrew. I loved his super matchy matchy LG Fashion Week outfit.

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It’s all about the scarf and the shirt for me.  The scarf is from Paris, of course.  Jason says he was channeling Dries Van Noten with this patterned scarf and floral shirt combination.

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I encouraged the purchase of this Prada tote. It’s a great size and has a messenger strap too. It also matches his belt. I told you he was matchy matchy.

ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

The ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 started out with a video.  I’m not a fan of the video before the fashion show.  Rarely do they contribute something meaningful to the collection.  I’ve seen a couple of good ones by Evan Biddell and I enjoyed Holt Renfrew’s for the Spring Summer 2011 season.  What a difference a celebrity can make.  The video didn’t sit well with me as it basically was like “hey look at how much work Jay Manuel has put into this line.  He did it all by himself.”   In previous seasons, ATTITUDE would acknowledge the creative team who developed the line.  I really liked that Sears acknowledged it was a team effort. Now, Sears wants us to believe Jay Manual is the sole creative force behind ATTITUDE. He even came out alone at the end of the show.

ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

In general, ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection was what I expected.  Retail friendly trends: the 70s, military, leather and fur (both faux).  Jay was also drinking the Proenza Schouler PS1 koolaid because I saw more than a few inspired versions on the runway.  I thought the faux leathers looked alright.  I’m still not a pleather fan.  The faux fur was a problem.  The last look was a Marine blue faux fur& faux leather zip front jacket and it was heinous.   No other words can describe it.  Faux or real fur, nothing can save this jacket.

ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

Most of the other military influenced jackets were pretty good and came in some bold colours. There were some interesting styling elements. I especially like the bag around the waist of the model in look 4.  I didn’t enjoy the styling for the knitwear.  Cardigans don’t need to be belted to someone already wearing a heavy sweater.  The music was a little to Fly on a Saturday night for me too.

ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 - 2012

Yasmin Warsame opened the show and it’s always lovely to see her strutting down the runway.  Some Top Model veterans got to strut their stuff: Rebecca Hardy, Dani Evans, Linsay Willier, Aminate Ayinde, Meaghan Waller and McKey Sullivan.   The rumour mill had dreams of Tyra Banks and Gwen Stefani showing up.  Tyra, while remote, was possible.  However, I think someone just saw the giant Gwen Stefani poster in the Hertiage Court and made it up.

See the entire ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection

Photos taken for I want – I got by Paul Ross of Opique.com

IZMA Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

IZMA FW2011

Izzy Camilleri and Adrian Mainella are back again for IZMA‘s 70s glam rock influenced Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection. I got more of an old Hollywood feel from the styling, hair and makeup during the show. However, the colours and jumpsuits are all 70s though. Sustainable furs used this fall winter 2011 – 2012 season included coyote, lapin (rabbit) and fox.

IZMA FW2011

Is it bad that I liked the non fur portion of the IZMA show more than the fur? I’m beginning to realize that I’m a traditionalist when it comes to fur. Grandma fur resonates with me than more than this modern stuff.  I guess the Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 IZMA collection had just enough grandma to win me over.  The Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 coats with the gold and silver detailing were marvels of construction but I they didn’t work for me aesthetically. The smaller the fur piece the more I liked it. The capelets, boleros and stoles I really liked with my favourite being the fox and organza bolero in sapphire blue. I have no moral problem with fur, just an aesthetic one.  There were some pieces I felt were just too much, such as the fur tuxedo blazer, gown and skirts.

GP2_8761IZMA FW2011

So, the fur didn’t float my boat this year. Let’s talk about the amazing ready to wear capsule collection that accompanied the traditional IZMA fur pieces. I was dying over paillettes, velvet, organza, silk and organdy.  Look 2 which consisted of a lapin swing coat and silk velvet jumpsuit in marrone it hands down my favourite.  When Tara Gill removed that coat to reveal the gold liner I just about died.  A great fashion moment that everyone wants to emulate walking into a room.  I love Izzy and Adrian for having so many amazing jumpsuits in silk velvet burnout and herringbone silk paillette.

IZMA FW2011

See video of the IZMA Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection.

See all photos from the IZMA Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection.

Also check out filmmaker Ron Wan’s IZMA Fall/Winter 2011 – 2012 video

images: courtesy of IZMA and Brill Communications.

LGFW SS11: Denis Gagnon

LGFW SS2011 Denis Gagnon-5566

Denis Gagnon never disappoints. His spring summer 2011 collection wowed the audience on Friday. It begs the question, why is Denis still showing in Canada? I really think he could hit up a capital and I hope he does. The man needs to be a household name in the fashion industry worldwide. His work makes me weep that I’m not wealthy enough to own it all.

LGFW SS2011 Denis Gagnon-5172

Stripes, chains, zippers and string were the major themes. Stripes can be hard to wear sometimes but Denis Gagnon strategically used angles to ensure the best possible silhouette. String is back from the previous season and thank god for that. Those looks have so much movement to them, it’s mesmerizing. All I can think about is dancing in them and how much fun it would be. It was a primarily black and white collection but there were dresses in green, blue, orange and silver. Ombre dipped string added a beautiful effect to dresses down the runway.

LGFW SS2011 Denis Gagnon-5426

The models weren’t very strong and you could see their hesitation with the special made double platform heels. The models were a minor distraction most people including myself were staring at the clothing. The chain detail is so intricate and special. I wonder how much time is needed to create a piece like this. I saw a few pieces of the collection up close and personal at Holt Renfrew for the personal appearance. Amazing is the only way to describe it, absolutely amazing. I will have to play dress up in Holt’s come spring. Denis Gagnon is always part of that game for me.

LGFW SS2011 Denis Gagnon-5414

The styling was perfect for the collection. I didn’t notice the facial piercings on some of the models until looking at the photos. It works for this urban tribal world Denis has created. Someone pointed out to the hair at Alexander Wang’s NYC show. At first glance I could see similarities. The model’s hair incorporates braids in this style and it just looks better. There isn’t any awful white paint. Denis created all the amazing handbags shown this season. I was drooling over all of them, especially the fringy ones. Denis does know how to design a handbag as seen with his Fullum & Holt collaboration a few years back. I suspect he had something to do with the jewellery too this season.

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: Thursday Blues

Thursday was the only day of LG Fashion Week I didn’t attend. I spend the day in New York City with some research and development folks from Intel. I was geeking out and loving it but that post will come later. There were a few collections I wanted to check out on Thursday but when NYC calls I tend to forget everything else. Most of the collections were during the day so I wouldn’t have seen them even if I was in the country.

The last Baby Steinberg show I saw was for Frugal Fashion Week at the Bata Shoe Museum. I’m amazed at how she takes reusable materials and creates clothing out them. For some reason there are no photos from Schick available for Baby Steinberg so check out the photos and videos on the LG Fashion Week site.

LGFW SS2011 Klaxon Howl-1747LGFW SS2011 Klaxon Howl-1782

Klaxon Howl has a great collection of military clothing and it a favourite because of my love of military. I once bought a cute white sailor hat from the store. It’s one of those places that makes me wish I was a guy to take advantage of all the good stuff. I was a little disappointed the collection wasn’t heavily military influenced. The things that stood out for me the most were the women’s looks.

LGFW SS2011 THOMAS-2353LGFW SS2011 THOMAS-1992

I really wanted to see the THOMAS show too. Their style aesthetic seems to ber much inline with my own.  I liked the women’s looks but the men’s were so much more compelling. I’m loving the super slouchy pants.

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: Line Knitwear Spring Summer 2011

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Line Knitwear is branching out and it’s not all about the knits anymore. This season brings separates and dresses in fabrics like leathers and silks. Typically Line Knitwear creates knit tops and leather jackets so I was surprised at this new development. Now I’m interested to see how John and Jennifer expand this already very successful company.

LGFW SS2011 Line Knitwear-0149LGFW SS2011 Line Knitwear-0362

The knits this time around looked crocheted. Spring Summer 2011 is about sheer knits without a lot of bulk. Line is expecting the midriff to return and there were lots of cropped knit tops for that purpose. The knits were only a small part of the story this season. Line brought out some high-waisted, pleated pants, shorts and culottes in leather and suede. Cloud like prints on silk were used for relaxed, loose-fitting pants and jumpsuits. The palette consisted of muted colours and I was glad it wasn’t a total camel fest. Instead it was olive, orange and rose.

LGFW SS2011 Line Knitwear-0204LGFW SS2011 Line Knitwear-0459

I wish more designers would leave line sheets on the seats for media and guests. It would have helped me to identify the materials used in the dresses that reminded me of 70s crocheted hanging planters. It was weird how those dresses brought back memories of family homes in the 70s.  Some of my favourite pieces include the printed pants and jumpsuit. The loose-fitting leather pants and shorts are a nice change to the typical bodycon we see with leather. I wasn’t feeling the culotte versions though as they look great on models but I’m skeptical about real people. We are just too short to make it look good.  I really liked a lot of the collection and can’t wait to see the lookbook.

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: Jessica Jensen + Alexander Berardi Spring Summer 2011

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 Fashion Press

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: Pink Tartan Spring Summer 2011

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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.

I’m quoted in the China Textile News Weekly Magazine

I was asked to provide a short quote on trends during LG Fashion Week for the China Textile News Weekly Magazine. I want – I got has made it to print in PRC. Ha Ha.

Started their initial issue in 1986 and has been a publication of both domestic and international delivery ever since. As a weekday publication Monday to Friday, it is the only comprehensive and giant newspaper in China specialized in the textile industry. China Textile News mirrors the economic performance in the textile and apparel industry in a complete and prompt manner, and timely gives out the governmental policies and regulations with regards to the growth production and performance of the textile industry. It also provides the readers with textile information from domestic and international markets with news coverage extended to three important aspects: apparel home textile, industrial applications and to textile machinery raw materials intermediates and finished products/markets; also going further to management operation science and technology and corporate culture.

Circulation: 200,000 copies per issue/day.

200,000 copies a day, that’s pretty crazy.

China Textile News
Click image to see larger

So you wondering what I said. Here’s the English translation.

Black and fur were two very strong trends that permeated the collections at LG Fashion Week Fall 2010. Most collections used a lot of black or very dark colours. Surprisingly, the camel coat trend didn’t take hold in Toronto like it did internationally. Fur was everywhere and LG Fashion Week was following right along with this huge international trend. The question was “who wasn’t using fur?” Designers used it as accents on sleeves, shoulders and accessories. Sometimes the use of fur seemed a bit contrived and only done for trend sake. Then there were other designers like IZMA who perfected its use.

LGFW – Joe Fresh Fall Winter 2010 – 2011

LGFW - Joe Fresh Fall Winter 2010 - 2011
The brilliant swing coat, Crystal Renn

I battle the crowds and complete silliness of attending a Joe Fresh show for one reason.  Models.  It’s not for the clothing in any way shape or form.  This season Joe brought in Crystal Renn and Kirsten Owen.  I had to see Crystal Renn with my own eyes as I’ve had suspicion about this “plus size” label she has been given.  You know what people, it’s all bullshit.  Crystal Renn is a far cry from plus sized.  People who seem to think that this is a win for the average sized women seem to forget that Crystal Renn is anything but average.  This girl is a model the last time I checked.  She’s 5’10 and has all the features that required.  She’s on the edges of that bell curve and that is the complete opposite of your average person.  She is gorgeous and has great hair.

LGFW - Joe Fresh Fall Winter 2010 - 2011

Joe Fresh jumped on the fur bandwagon hard.  Of  course a lot was faux.  I thought everything was faux but the line sheet is telling me differently.  I really don’t want to know how Joe Fresh can produce real fur gloves for  $16 or a fur peacoat at $99 .  Faux/real fur Chanel 2.55 handbag knockoffs, vests, peacoats, elbow length gloves, hats, scarfs and swing coats all paraded down the runway.  I wanted it to stop, everything but the crème swing coat was awful.  That coat was a stroke of brilliance in the collection.  It looked real and had great movement.  It retails for $99.

LGFW - Joe Fresh Fall Winter 2010 - 2011

There were a lot of sporty influences and track pants and sweatshirts were pretty prominent.  Plaid mohair fabric in blue, pink and red became skirts, jackets, capes and scarves.  I like the fur, I didn’t enjoy these pieces much.   The collection managed to include sequins, animal print and military details too.  Yes, it was a bit all over the place but what do you expect for 52 looks from Joe Fresh.

The shoes intrigued me.  I spotted some Bess boot and Alexander McQueen knockoffs.  I haven’t heard many good things about the fit of Joe Fresh shoes but I would be willing to check these out come fall if I can find them. It seems many pieces from the fashion show are difficult to come across in the retail stores.

See more photos from the Joe Fresh Fall Winter 2010 collection on Lgfashionweek.ca.

EDIT (April 6, 2010): I’ve just been informed that all the fur in Joe Fresh Fall Winter 2010 -2010 is faux.

images: George Pimentel

LGFW – Pink Tartan Fall Winter 2010

LGFW – Pink Tartan Fall Winter 2010
LGFW – Pink Tartan Fall Winter 2010 Favourite Looks

The Olympus PEN died just before the Pink Tartan Fall Winter 2010 fashion show. I have no pictures and I wasn’t happy. Just another headache to deal with on Wednesday which was painful. Battling crowds and terrible entrance points into the runway room has a way of turning one into a bitch very quickly. I remembered how I spent the Spring 2010 Pink Tartan show, drinking a Peroni in the VIP area watching the show on the LG tvs. I wished for a return to those simple days.

The show opened with an electric Violinist. I really don’t know what he had to do with the collection. The theme of the Pink Tartan show is aviation. The models wore aviator style hats. Winged shoes and harnesses made of fur and feathers evoked winged gods like Icarus or Mercury. There were bomber jackets of the puffy variety and ones made of leather and trimmed with fur or Mongolian fur. Shapes were generally body conscious with legging like pants and dresses. Some dresses broke from their body con counterparts at the waist with full skirts. There were a lot of details: shoulders were high and rounded or pearl encrusted, ruffles gathered at the centre of the body on dresses and tops, zipper tops and bows.

LGFW – Pink Tartan Fall Winter 2010
LGFW – Pink Tartan Fall Winter 2010 Favourite Looks

I’m really sick of seeing fur on the runway. So many designers are using it because it’s trendy and not a product of their theme for Fall. Pink Tartan’s fur usage had been harmless enough until this horrible, ill fitted fur skirt came down the runway. All I thought was, “They actually sent this monstrosity out on the runway.” It looked terrible and stiff on the model and when it doesn’t look good on them you are in trouble. It was a completely out-of-place piece that should have stayed backstage. The lone jodhpur look could have stayed too, the theme is aviation not equestrian.

Edit, edit, edit. I say this all the time. I guess people feel the need to have long shows. I say Celine has shown us you can have a 4 minute show and no one will care, some will even rave about it. There were a lot of repetition of looks in different colours. I don’t think it’s necessary to see the dress with fur bottom in all three colour choices. Especially when your audience is already losing focus.

LGFW – Pink Tartan Fall Winter 2010
LGFW – Pink Tartan Fall Winter 2010 Favourite Looks

Garment construction is never an issue with Pink Tartan but I was a bit bored by the collection. Remove the obvious show pieces and you’re left with some strong but standard looks. I did have a few favourites though.

See more photos from the Pink Tartan Fall Winter 2010 collection on Lgfashionweek.ca.

images: George Pimentel

LGFW – Evan Biddell Fall Winter 2010 – 2011

LGFW - Evan Biddell Fall Winter 2010 - 2011

You can always expect a specific point of view from Evan Biddell. The Fall Winter 2010 collection continued with Evan’s obsession with the cocoon shape and a new fabric, cork. It was the most interesting items in the collection. He transformed cork into shorts, skirts and jackets. One jacket in particular made the wearer look like a Geiger Alien. The cork was stiff but not the point where it looked unwearable. It was more appealing to me than the PVC cocoon shapes that preceded the wave of cork pieces.

Understanding that head on images would not display any volume, Evan had the models stand at the end of the runway and face sideways to the photographer’s pit.  Fall Winter 2010 wasn’t as cohesive as what I saw with Spring 2010 at OZ Studios. The 80s prints, pvc, fringe, ruffles, animal print and cork left me wondering what direction Evan was going. It was a battle between sleek bodycon and volume away from the body. The short video that preceded the runway show was random and I don’t see its relation to the collection. Maybe there isn’t one.

It was a great show and I enjoyed myself. The sci-fi references alone had me on board. I love Evan’s inventive nature. I had a preview of the cork shorts during my visit to the OZ Studios and I thought they were great.  I didn’t expect him to make so many different cork looks, it was pretty amazing. The prints were very 80s but I loved their bright, bold nature. Evan Biddell occupies a small niche in fashion, he’s not corporate or looking for mass appeal. It’s refreshing to see his point of view. Too bad the FDCC didn’t allow him to show at his newly opened OZ Studios. I would have loved to see what he came up with.

Pictures are getting better but I still have a lot of work to do as a newbie Olympus E-PL1 user. Here are some of my favourite looks.

LGFW - Evan Biddell Fall Winter 2010LGFW - Evan Biddell Fall Winter 2010

LGFW - Evan Biddell Fall Winter 2010LGFW - Evan Biddell Fall Winter 2010

LGFW РLundstr̦m & Lundstr̦m Collection Fall Winter 2010

Lundström & Lundström Collection Fall Winter 2010
This season LUNDSTRÖM would be without it’s namesake designer. Linda Lundström left Eleventh Floor Apparel to launch her Lean Manufacturing consulting career. That would explain the distinction between Lundström and Lundström Collection. The former designed by Linda and the latter by the team.

Lundström came out first with the La Parka and a few other jackets. Then Lundström Collection paraded out looks I could see on women by my office in the financial district. I heard a lot of negatives things about the show from others. It’s not my style but I think it was a success for the demographic Eleventh Floor Apparel is targeting. Juliana Schiavinatto’s (she did Line Knitwear too) styling was very good. I usually hate velvet but it was well done.  The colour, tabac is a good choice for the conservative demographic. I liked the ombre mohair jackets in black and white.  Those were the only two pieces that got any reaction me.  The fabrics sound delightful: silk, mohair, velvet, alpaca, angora and cashmere.  There is some dreaded taffeta in there though, grrr.

It was my first outing with the Olympus E-PL1 camera and I missed a lot of shots. The lighting in the runway room is always a problem for me.