All posts tagged: Ready to Wear

LOVAS Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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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 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 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. …

Juma Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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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) 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 …

ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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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. 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 …

IZMA Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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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. 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 …

Rita Liefhebber Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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I have been kinda lukewarm to Rita Liefhebber‘s last two collections. Nothing has touched the enjoyment I received from the Spring Summer 2009 collection. It had it all, a super cool presentation space in the back of The Black Hoof and lots of great food. Rita Liefhebber Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 presentation at Jonathan+Olivia almost brought me back to that Spring Summer 2009 high. It was all about the tops and jackets for me anything else barely registered. I just loved the hand crafted splatter and tie-dye which add an artistic touch to minimalist clothing. The usual winter fabrics like wool, cashmere and mohair were used. Rita also jumped on the velvet trend that everyone in Toronto is doing.  The tie-dye velvet shirts are just beautiful. Rita’s inspiration was: “globular clusters, Gamma-ray bubbles, spheroid halo, local fluff”. The jackets were also standout pieces for me.  The collection has a very “model off duty” look to it. You can pair pieces with jeans and boots or dress it up with a jacket and heels. I …

Greta and Ezra Constantine Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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I had a little peek of a few items from the collection at various times prior to the show. First visit was jersey dresses and the second visit was the long melton wool kimono inspired jackets. There was talk of velvet in the studio as I swung the jacket over my shoulders. Greta in velvet, I thought, that could be interesting. Little did I know that velvet would be everywhere this Toronto Fashion Week. Kirk and I talked about the inspiration which included the Orient and a link between past and future.       The show was back at Audi. I like the venue but it’s shitty to take pictures in. Of course, torontolife.com captured the entire Greta Constantine Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection. They have a great photographer that got way better shots than me. The collection surprised me in a good way. It wasn’t just jersey dresses; Kirk and Stephen were dressing for a Canadian winter. Greta Constantine’s Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection is romantic and sultry. The colours were …

I want – I got takes Vancouver and Whistler – Visiting Orb Clothing

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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 …

Mary Katrantzou Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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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 Р2012 collection was amazing, as always. She used Chinese porcelain, Faberg̩ 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

Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Spring Summer 2011

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UPDATE: March 27, 2011. The collection is available at Holt Renfrew right now. Rodarte collaborated with Opening Ceremony for a small Spring Summer 2011 collection. Holt Renfrew will be carrying the line in Canada. I got the scoop on some of the styles you can expect to see in Holts and they are pictured below. Unfortunately there will be no Tapestry Fringe Cape or Bandeau Swing Dress. Overall, the collection really isn’t my style. I have some favourites with the tapestries. I like the Aztec Intarsia Sweater and Stained Gauzy Button Down. I don’t know what to make of some of it. Pieces like the Lace-Up leather shorts just leave me baffled, so ugly. images: openingceremony.us

Ohne Titel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Ohne Titel designers, Flora Gill and Alexa Adams were inspired by Apollo era space suits for fall winter 2011 – 2012. I was really interested in the chunky sweaters and all those zippers. The pants weren’t the best shape for me.  I really wanted to like them. Check out the full Ohne Titel Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show. images: vogue.com

Jeremy Laing Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Another beautiful collection from the mind of Jeremy Laing for fall winter 2011 – 2012. I tell you every season that I love you work because it’s true. You are marvelous and the improvement season to season is a joy to watch. In this video, Jeremy talks about the inspiration for the fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection Here is a video of the presentation in New York images: eastnews.ru

Thom Browne Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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I know what you are thinking. Thom Browne, really Anita! If you take away the show (the styling, makeup and presentation) from this collection there are a lot of amazing separates to be found, especially the jackets. I personally found the show visually interesting. The huge fake eyelashes on the models were distracting though. Some of the more showy pieces were based on the egg and cages. From a show perspective they were interesting but nothing you would wear. Style.com has some video from the show that will give you an idea of how the presentation played out. I wish I attended. Andrew and Andrew from Paper Magazine have a great little video too The plaid outfits were my favourites. Thom Browne isn’t for everyone at first glance, you really need to push past the visual presentation to see the gems in this collection. Here is another video from stylerumour.com. images: thefashionspot.com

Complexgeometries Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Complexgeometries held their fall winter 2011 – 2012 presentation at The Westside Gentlemen’s Club. That’s right, a strip bar. Designer Clayton Evans had colour and collaborations on the mind for the season. It’s a surprisingly colourful fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection for Complexgeometries and I’m not complaining. The textile evolution of the line into fabrics other than jersey is progressing with charmeuse, silk, mohair, suede and wool. Collaborations came in the form of jewellery and shoes. Complexgeometries partnered with fellow Montreal designer, Mireille Boucher of Harakiri. See the Complexgeometries fall winter 2011 – 2012 presentation video by Jason Last. The towering platform boots came out of the minds of LD Tuttle and Complexgeometries. Clayton tells me they are 9 inches high. I’m simultaneously scared and salivating. It’s an extra 9 inches of height. Who the hell knows what I’ll use it for but I want it. I’d probably scare small children and some men. Do these qualify as Manrepller shoes? Ha Ha.  Thankfully there are some more reasonable short boots available in the collaboration …

Preen Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Preen fall winter 2011 – 2012 is so good. Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi were influenced by Diana Vreeland for the silhouette and the Northern California Arts and Crafts movement for the prints. All the crystal and metal beading was done by hand in India (I wonder what the label will say). I love that designers aren’t backing away from colour or prints this season. See the full Preen Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 Fashion Show.  You don’t get the original music with the rebroadcast of the stream.  Boo Watch live streaming video from preen at livestream.com This clip from Luisaviaroma give a close up vantage point Same with this final walkthrough clip from Bryanboy There are no retailers in Toronto carrying Preen but Gravity Pope and Reborn do. images: thefashionspot.com,nowfashion.com, vogue.com

Chris Benz Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Chris Benz fall winter 2011 – 2012 was a very romantic looking collection. His recently move to Georgia to be part of the fashion mentor program at SCAD. He found himself in Savannah a lot and this influenced his fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection. The collection also has a bit of granny chic to it. I’m loving all the layered ruffles. images: style.com

Danier Spring Summer 2011

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I attended the Danier Spring Summer 2011 preview a few months back and got to play with some of the pieces that will be available in store soon. Exploration is central this season, unveiled through safari silhouettes and tribal details. Graphic animal prints and exotic Moroccan-inspired embroidery are incorporated into accessories, while utilitarian items like a leather trench or slim-cut bomber are sure to be adopted as wardrobe staples for the season. Accessories and garments in an upbeat palette of poppy, fuchsia, violet, teal and citrus make for daring dressing this season. Using colour as the inspiration and statement point of an outfit, DANIER’s collection invites a pop of interest into your wardrobe with a multitude of hothouse hues. Whether it’s a bright and bold accessory or an eye-popping bomber, this season colour takes center stage. Finally, sporting gear is made glamorous with the new take on athletic chic. A lineup of slick sports-style separates make up this season’s all stars. From striped hoodies and tanks too cool for the gym, to micro shorts and …

Proenza Schouler Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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It was crazy print time again at Proenza Schouler for fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection. Their influence came in the form of Native American blankets that were picked up on a road trip from Santa Fe to Wyoming. I liked this collection for many of the same reasons I like all Proenza Schouler collections. It was bright and loud. They aren’t afraid of prints and place them at the forefront of their designs. See the entire Proenza Schouler fall winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show. They got some great handbag additions for fall winter 2011 – 2012 I’m not a velvet fan, so the series of velvet pieces didn’t appeal to me. The last two dresses kept me from writing that whole section of the collection off. images: vogue.com

Victoria Beckham Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Victoria Beckham’s Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection was pretty damn beautiful. I’m totally impressed with her dedication and understanding of fashion design. When she first started out I pretty much dismissed her as a celebrity/designer. Over the years she has proven that she’s serious about the business. The only beef I have is with the line’s sizing. I tried on a dress at Holt Renfrew for fun. I was brought a size 8 and I couldn’t fit into. I’m technically a four. That’s a bit of warning for people. There is a specific body type and it’s one that matches Victoria. See the entire Victoria Beckham Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 Fashion Show I love so much of this collection. The yellow dresses totally blew my mind. The hangbag line is coming along nicely. They are classic and minimalist designs. images: vogue.com, thefashionspot.com

It’s the Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 Season

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It’s started up again.  You are just getting through Pre-Fall, then menswear and then bam, it’s Fall 2011.  New York is finished and London is winding down.  I’ll be posting about my favourite collections of the season as I normally do. This season more than others I’m feeling the fashion burnout.  I’m sure it has to do with the fact that I haven’t had a proper vacation in awhile.  I’m pretty sure that the volume of information out there right now is the other reason.  Streaming video, blogs and twitter.  It’s becoming a bit too much.  This season, I’m not trying to keep up. Check out this great article by National Post journalist, Nathalie Atkinson on the information overload of fashion week. images: vogue.com

JUMA Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 Video Presentation

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JUMA has a little teaser video for their upcoming fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection called Kaleidoscope. For their unisex collection, the brother and sister team Alia & Jamil JUMA, traveled to India, Tibet, Thailand & Shenzhen to research local tapestry work and wildlife. They infused those elements into their prints while making them more dark and moody by distorting them and adding gradients of color including midnight blue, burnt corals, olive, tangerine, nude and black. The line uses directional silhouettes and styling incorporating printed dresses, blazers and tops mixed with silky knits to layer with. The video reflects the mood of their new collection. I’m looking forward to seeing more of this collection. The idea of a unisex line intrigues me. Have they done away with traditional men’s and women’s lines. Their timing couldn’t be more perfect with this whole androgyny thing going on in fashion right now.

Tô Long-nam Spring Summer 2011

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Tô Long-nam is still keeping me up to date with his collections.  I’m hoping to hear some news about fall winter 2011 soon.  Spring Summer 2011 is heavily influenced by the butterfly. As the butterfly shape corresponds with a X-structure it represents – as the ying and the yang – the two sides of the same coin. On one side the butterfly – with its soft body of curved lines, beautiful but fragile and precious through its colors – literally embodies all aspects of eternal beauty and femininity. And on the other side the X-structure which represents the masculine pole – rational, cold, straight but at the same time strong and protective. Two elements which complement each other, and which perfectly reflect all the characteristics of the TÔ LONG-NAM aesthetics. It combines the mixture of traditional masculine and feminine elements to create strength with its lines and soft harmony in its composition. images: courtesy of TÔ Long-Nam

Catherine Malandrino x Lacoste Spring Summer 2011

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Yes, yes, I know. More collaborations. I like this one between Catherine Malandrino and Lacoste for spring summer 2011. It’s the little pleated tennis dresses. LACOSTE has partnered with world-renowned French designer Catherine Malandrino to create a romantic and youthful new women’s collection for Spring 2011. The pairing couldn’t be more perfect, blending ultra-femininity and “joie de vivre”, the core of each brand’s philosophy. The LACOSTE + MALANDRINO Collection begins with an unexpected encounter of two worlds with a shared French heritage. The fusion of masculine sportif with a feminine perspective creates a new aesthetic – sensual, strong and Paris/New York chic. A wardrobe of fundamental, timeless pieces designed for a feminine, active life. Catherine Malandrino’s classic dress-making techniques of draping, shirring and a unique cut to accentuate the curve of a woman’s body are applied to the iconic LACOSTE polo. A new dimension of lifestyle-wear for a woman in motion. These two looks are my favourite.  I’m all about the maxi length right now.  The classic tennis outfit never finds itself on my bad …