All posts tagged: Toronto

Holt Renfrew Valentine’s Day Windows

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I hate Valentine’s Day but even the Holt Renfrew Valentine’s Day themed windows brought a smile to my face. Holt Renfrew’s Valentine’s windows celebrate all things love. For the month of February at Holt Renfrew stores across the country, cupid shoots his arrow at whimsically –themed mannequin couples. Each window is its own love story, with mannequins expressing their love for one another while wearing the colourful fashions and accessories of the spring 2011 season. Some of the window themes include, the romance novel, friends of Dorothy, dating games and kissing a sailor. images: courtesy of Holt Renfrew

Juma Spring Summer 2011

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Juma’s spring summer 2011 collection is there best yet in my opinion. I remember getting a preview last summer and freaking out. The collection is inspired by Alia’s and Jamil’s time in Africa. The collection is really print heavy and they’ve made some great choices. I love the flamingos.  Jamil send me a bunch of the lookbook photos so I thought I’d make a gif of the entire collection.  Voila. I took some photos at their spring summer 2011 fashion presentation in October at The Spoke Club.

i got: My Lost Glasses Tights by Hansel from Basel

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I was walking around on Queen Street West and decided to stop into Robber. I ended up getting some tights from Hansel from Basel. Hansel from Basel is an independent legwear company based in Los Angeles, California. Inspired by the small and lovely details of everyday life, our goal is to create subtle yet beautiful socks, tights, leggings, and accessories. I like the tights a lot but they do run on the very small side. I bought the m/l size and I’m pushing the limits of the garment. Take it as a word of warning. Robber 863 Queen St. West Toronto image: myself, hanselfrombasel.com

Dandi Maestre New Retail Location, 386 Huron Street, Toronto

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Canadian jewellery designer, Dandi Maestre has decided to keep the 386 Huron Street location as a permanent retail space. Based on the response received, my holiday pop-up store at 386 Huron St. (at Sussex Ave.) will be extended indefinitely. My unique pieces, made of organic materials such as antlers, bull horn, rough amber and emeralds, reclaimed wood, natural seeds and nuts will be available Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm; Saturday from 12 to 6pm. Other times by special appointment – please call 416-948-2040 or write to dandi@dandimaestre.com. Now you will also find beautiful recycled glass bubble terrariums (with or without plants) and unique home organic homewares. My designs have been seen in Vogue, Lucky, Hello!, Flare, Glamour, People Style Watch, Holts Style, The Toronto Star and The Globe & Mail and on Donna Karan, who features my line in her Urban Zen shop in New York. I visited the shop before the holidays, bought some earrings and took some pictures. It’s such a beautiful space and the gallery setup works perfectly for Dandi’s …

I want – I got Reading Room: Toronto based Online Magazines

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Thankfully people email me about their projects because I don’t have the time to keep on top of things. I was glad to learn about some great online magazines created here in Toronto recently. Some are by people I know and I think that’s pretty cool. Here’s a glimpse of what’s on my reading list right now. PERFECTO Mag is Diego Armand’s baby. He works with handful of local toronto musicians, designers and stylists. PERFECTO is his way of showing support for their work and the diversity in the community. The first issue is out now and I’m really loving Stefania Yarhi’s editorial (pictured above). There are interviews and videos as well as editorials in PERFECTO. The second issue will hit the streets in the spring. Plaid Magazine started in digital and has supplemented that offering with seasonal print issues. Odessa Paloma Parker, Editorial Director sent me a copy of the inaugural print edition for Fall 2010. The magazine has beautiful editorials, shop profiles and interviews. You can get a copy of the print issue …

Dutil Denim in Toronto

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An eagle-eyed friend tipped me off about Vancouver denim boutique, Dutil Denim opening in Toronto on Queen Street West. I’ve heard the location is across the from Dufflet. I’m pretty excited as Dutil is not just a shop, it’s a denim line that is made in California, designed in Vancouver by owners Darrin Kenigsberg and Eric Dickstein. The blog justalilhype! x Crew has some nice photos of the jeans. image: dutildenim.com

Danier Design Challenge – Top 10 Finalists

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The top 10 finalists for the Danier Design Challenge have been chosen. The second year of the DANIER DESIGN CHALLENGE is well under way at the Ryerson School of Fashion. Having begun with 75 third year design students, the esteemed panel of judges including Robert Ott, Chair of Ryerson’s School of Fashion, Olga Koel, DANIER’s chief merchandising officer, legendary style reporter Jeanne Beker, top fashion director George Antonopoulos, and fashion editor of the Globe and Mail, Tiyana Grulovic along with public votes have narrowed the field to 10 young hopefuls. Already through the elimination process based on preliminary sketches, video presentations and muslin prototypes, the remaining finalists will now be judged on their completed leather garment and marketing presentation. At stake are three top prizes including; $2,000 for the third place, $3,000 for second place and $5,000 along with the inclusion of the winning design in select DANIER retail locations for first place; the winners will be announced at an intimate awards ceremony at the Ryerson School of Fashion, January 2011. This year’s finalists are; …

PULP Magazine – Winter 2010 The Individualism Issue

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The new issue of PULP Magazine is out. PULP Magazine – Issue 2 – Winter 2010 The Individualism Issue has some great editorials. I asked Juliana Schiavinatto, publisher a few questions. AC: Why did you start an online magazine? JS: The intent with PULP was to start a magazine with a new voice, a place where new ideas could be touched on through images and long editorials. It became online since that was the best way to self publish a magazine of this nature, but it has also allowed us to get a following and to reach an international audience. Online magazines are becoming more and more relevant, people want to look at new information and imagery faster than ever, and online magazines have the ability to deliver that. Now after 2 issues online we are looking at going to print for Issue #3 as well as maintaining a strong online presence. AC: Can you elaborate on the theme of Issue 2, Individualism? JS: The theme for Issue #2, Individualism, felt important at this time …

Holt Renfrew’s Happy Christmas Windows 2010

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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 …

Josephson Opticians 75th – Behind the Scenes

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You might have remembered that I was part of an ad campaign for the 75th anniversary of Josephson Opticians.  I have some behind the scenes photos to share. Josephson Opticians 75th Outfit Breakdown – Alain Mikli sunglasses (nope I didn’t get to keep them), Complex Geometries Dress, Camilla Skoovgaard heels.