All posts tagged: Toronto

I want – I got’s Top Picks for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche: The Final List

There are just too many interesting sounding art installations going on during Scotiabank Nuit Blanche. Too many to post about individually on the site. I started but I realize it’s pretty pointless. So, I’ve decided to share My Scotiabank Nuit Blanche planner. It’s pretty ambitious and I’m sure I won’t see all of it. The Scotiabank Nuit Blanche website is pretty handy. It’s optimized for mobile and it comes with a handy planning tool that you can share with your friends. So, instead of listing everything out here, I’m just going to link to I want – I got’s Top Picks for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche. I’ll give you a few hints off my list though: Forever Bicycles at Nathan Phillips Square Familia at Church of the Holy Trinity Garden Tower in Toronto at Metropolitan United Church Urban Visuals lightbridge at Puente de Luz images: scotiabanknuitblanche.ca

I want - I got's Top Picks for Nuit Blanche: The (Re)Generator Project

I want – I got’s Top Picks for Nuit Blanche: The (Re)Generator Project

The (Re)Generator Project The [RE] GENERATOR Project is an interactive multimedia installation that explores the concept of “RE” (REcycling, REmixing, REinventing, REusing, REpurposing etc) using elements of fashion design, visual art, social media and projection mapping. It is guided by the Akan ideology of Sankofa which states, “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.” The [RE] GENERATOR Project will incorporate Gabrielle Lasporte’s organic exploration of “flow” using the Modern Batik technique and Chinedu Ukabam’s digital remix of African patterns and mashup of fashion silhouettes. The installation will close the loop between the creators and their audience, allowing them to “weave” their own inspiration into the installation in real time. A special hashtag will be revealed on the website (http://theregeneratorproject.org) before the installation goes live, making it possible to upload an image or pattern into the installation using Instagram. The selection process will be crowd-sourced using the number of “likes” or comments. H&M Eaton’s Centre, Yonge Street & Dundas Street (Best viewed from the south-west corner of Yonge and Dundas.) …

I want - I got's Top Picks for Nuit Blanche 2013: Chromatherapy

I want – I got’s Top Picks for Nuit Blanche 2013: Chromatherapy

Are you dressing on the same wavelengths as your inner palette? Are you ready to discover the right hue for a new you? Whether it’s mastering the art of throwing shade, or learning how to achieve high level spectrum dressing, #CHROMATHERAPY promises to interpret your colour and style personality via an immersive, vibrant journey through the colour wheel. Co-led by licensed chromatherapists @REERAW and @FINALFASHION, this live media spectacle invites participants to be a part of a latenight #SNBTOstreet level infomercial. Join us to get feel-good advice on how to dress in harmony with the way you live and the person you truly are. Through the transformative powers of silken chakra chroma draping techniques and fashion illustration futurisms, this talk-show-meets-hawk-show will delve deep into the style sub-consciousness of Toronto, uncovering life-changing revelations, one outfit at a time. #CHROMATHERAPY is an upcoming site- and social-specific performance by REA MCNAMARA and DANIELLE MEDER for NUIT BLANCHE 2013, Toronto’s annual free all-night contemporary art event. It is an art project curated by EARL MILLER for the QUEEN ST. …

I want - I got's Top Picks for Nuit Blanche 2013: Philip Sparks Bespoke Bow Tie Shop

I want – I got’s Top Picks for Nuit Blanche 2013: Philip Sparks Bespoke Bow Tie Shop

To celebrate Nuit Blanche, the Philip Sparks shop will be converted into a bespoke bow tie workshop on Saturday, October 5. Between 7 pm and midnight, Sparks and his studio team will be taking custom neckwear orders from shoppers and cutting, stitching and pressing them up on the spot. “Our focus this season has been on highlighting that our menswear and womenswear is proudly made in Toronto,” says Sparks. “This event is an opportunity for customers to see local manufacturing in action and order a one-of-a-kind piece made just for them.” The installation will also mark the launch of a new, premium bespoke service available through the store. Unlike many other made-to-order offerings, Philip Sparks tailors collaborate with customers to develop coats, suits and shirting from scratch with personalized design and material sourcing and multiple fitting appointments. Philip Sparks Bespoke Bow Tie Shop Saturday, October 5, 7 pm to midnight 162 Ossington Avenue (side entrance off Foxley Street)

Hermès Festival des Métiers at The Design Exchange - October 2 - 6, 2013

Hermes Festival des Metiers at The Design Exchange – October 2 – 6, 2013

Hermès Festival des Métiers at The Design Exchange – October 2 – 6, 2013 Hermès proudly celebrates both the passion and perfection of the work of its artisans with the Festival des Métiers in Toronto from October 2 – October 6, 2013 at the Design Exchange. This engaging cultural exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the longstanding traditions and values of Hermès in the crafting of fine objects defined by an uncompromising commitment to the highest standards of quality. The exhibition features intimate behind-the-scenes demonstrations by masterful craftspeople from the renowned Hermès workshops in France, illustrating the methods in which products are painstakingly made-by-hand using techniques passed from generation to generation. Admission to Festival des Métiers is free. October 2 – 6, 2013, 11am – 7pm Daily. Location: Design Exchange — 234 Bay Street Website: www.dx.org

Fashion & Textiles Trivia Night – September 25, 2013

Fashion & Textiles Trivia Night – September 25, 2013 Venue: Fox’s Den, 1075 Bay St. Time: 7 PM What is Batik? What is Diane Von Furstenberg best known for? Which British inventor patented the first workable sewing machine? Silk comes from worms, but which part of the worm produces the silk threads? Who is credited with inventing the Little Black Dress? Strut your stuff and show off your fashion and textiles know how. Hosted by Curator Sarah Fee No pressure, it’s all fun. Questions range from easy to challenging with teams competing for bragging rights. You could achieve the status of student all the way up to curator! So grab a beer, join a team and prepare for a good time. Contact 416-586-5797 programs@rom.on.ca

I’m in the Toronto Life Stylebook Fall 2013 Edition

I have a little feature in the Fall 2013 Toronto Life Stylebook. They approached me to discuss my beauty routine and what new products I’m looking forward to this fall. I give shout outs to some of my favourite beauty brands and retailers: Lancome, Chanel, Essie, Givenchy, Marni, Balenciaga, Philosophy, Concepts Salon & Spa and the Miraj Hammam Spa at The Shangri-La Hotel. The most surprising thing about the feature was this illustration of me. I was completely stunned. If you remember, I hated the last illustration Toronto Life commissioned of me. Judit García-Talavera is an illustrator based in Barcelona, Spain. She is absolutely incredible and I’m not just saying that because she created a kick ass illustration of me. She’s worked with clients such as Marie Claire Spain, Telegraph’s Stella magazine, Bloomingdales, ELLE China, Teen Vogue, Gilt Group, ELLE Girl Japan, Harper’s Bazaar Spain, Stylesight, Rolling Stone Spain, Hennessy Cognac and Piaget. You can see all the rest of Judit’s work for the Fall 2013 Toronto Life Stylebook on her blog. The Toronto Life …

Hudson’s Bay Company x Converse Jack Purcell – Fall 2013

Converse is killing it for Fall 2013. There is the Maison Martin Margiela collaboration and one featuring an iconic Canadian institution, Hudson’s Bay Company. Those of you that covet Hudson’s Bay Company stripes, these are the sneaker for you. Available in the unisex Converse Jack Purcell, Duck Boot and women’s only Helen silhouettes, each style embodies the Hudson’s Bay Company wool point blanket stripes, with features such as threaded stitching and antique brass eyelets, and the Jack Purcell and Hudson’s Bay logos on the foot bed. These silhouettes also carry an official “Seal of Quality” maintaining the authenticity of Hudson’s Bay Company. Additionally, the Jack Purcell Duck features a leather collar and heel stay, as well as embroidery on the tongue of the shoe, creating an elevated style that merges these two iconic brands. (source: Press Release) The Converse x Hudson’s Bay Company Jack Purcell collection is available exclusively at Hudson’s Bay Stores and will retail for $120-140.

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance and Palladium

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance and Palladium

Fall weather means parting with my sandals and covering up with closed toe shoes. My sneaker collection loves fall because I forget about them in the summer and they sit unused. Normally my sneaker game consists of Tretorns and Chucks of various styles. I have a thing for high tops and I have my Vegas Adidas and a great pair of Alexander McQueen for Puma kicking around too. This fall I wanted to change the silhouette up in my shoe game and that came in Palladium and New Balance form. Palladium is a French company started in 1920. Their famous Pampa boot was born in 1947 and the French Legion adapted them for their use. I’ve been receiving their press releases for a few years now but never saw the shoes in person. That changed this summer when I went to a Fall Winter 2013 preview. I really like the shape of the shoes and the different treatments they came in. Palladium loves colour and you can find the perfect colour for you in canvas …

VAWK x Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

VAWK x Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

The Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto is celebrating it’s first anniversary. Together with Sunny Fong of VAWK they unveiled new Lobby Lounge attire for the female staff that he designed. “I wanted the design to truly reflect a hybrid of my brand and what I feel Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto represents. I was inspired by the art work in the lobby, the Ming vase tea library and the ornithological theme that is prevalent in the hotel and the Zhang Huan ‘Rising’ sculpture,” said Fong of his inspiration. “When I met with Richard Cooke, we wanted something that seemed almost theatrical, so naturally I knew the silhouette had to be both sophisticated and sexy. I felt my desire to custom create a bold graphic print inspired by the Ming vase would absolutely make a dramatic statement.”(source:Press Release) The design is inspired by architecture and design of Asia. The dress is a take on the tradition gipao. The print reminds me of blue and white porcelain that began development in 14th century China. I really like the design of …