Biko is a Toronto-based jewellery line designed and made in Toronto by Ryerson Image Arts grad Corrine Anestopoulos. I love her take on the ‘modern friendship bracelet’ (shown above) made of heavy chain intertwined with colourful silk and embroidery threads ($85 each or $150 for 2). For Fall 2011, there is also fish scale chain necklaces ($155), and a braided lambskin necklace.

Check out the Biko website for more chains, earrings and bracelets made of hand-crafted metals, natural stones, hardware nuts and braided leathers and silks >>

Here are some pix from the Fall 2011 Campaign, Golden Haze

You can find Biko in several stores in Toronto including Body Blue and Over the Rainbow (see web for more) and in shops across the country – or shop online.

Headmistress is turbans, head wraps and feathery hippie-style hair accessories. Love these beautiful photos – makes me almost think I can pull off a turban…I did receive a beautiful Hippie Stretch Band and hope to wear it as elegantly as these gals!

Headmistress will be at the Clothing Show this weekend – May 27-29, 2011 or SHOP ONLINE

Fringe, book bags and mini crossovers – All under $200

Available in June, exclusively at Little Burgundy shoe stores

Toronto jewellery designer Victoria Sorkin (our newest sponsor!) makes the most elaborate, handmade beaded jewellery using beads from around the world: glass beads, Japanese seed beads, crystal, gemstones and even even gold beads.

Although most of her creations are way too fancy for the everyday gal to wear to a party – gorgeous necklaces and chokers (custom available) are perfect for weddings and gala events! Go to the website to see the Wedding and Royal Collections >


New Collection Showing @ the Hazon Yeshaya Launch Party, April 6, 2011
Lonsdale Gallery, 410 Spadina Ave., Toronto

Along with other luxury retailers and designers, Victoria Sorkin will be showing her newest collection and donating 20% of sales to Hazon Yeahaya soup kitchens in Israel this April 6, 2011.

Jerusalem Charity Event , May 2, 2011

Victoria Sorkin will present a unique, one-of-a-kind charity boxes series – made of  Japanese beads, 24k gold beads, Swarovski, fresh water pearls, unique Jewish symbols and other semi-precious stones.
The boxes will be offered for auction during the Jerusalem Charity Event – one of the most prestigious fundraising events in the city. (please contact the designer for more info about this initiative)

This is super cool – and totally a step forward for Canadian fashion when one of our leading shoe manufacturer/retailers – ALDO – provides an opportunity for some of our best fashion designers – Greta Constantine and DUY – to self design the footwear for their show and then have them made! Unfortunately the shoes are NOT available for purchase – but are available for editorial.

Of course this happens all over the world for many international designers, but as we all know, it’s been a struggle year after year to get mega sponsorship dollars for fashion in Canada (although Greta Constantine seems to be doing quite well!).

Greta Constantine

“Inspired by their constantly evolving world, Greta Constantine’s FW 2011 collection by Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong opens up a universe without any time and space constraints.

To create the FW 2011 ALDO collection for  GRETA CONSTANTINE, Kirk and Stephen drew their inspiration from the Russian Ballet Company and its rich Asian heritage. This invitation to travel features a collection of cosmopolitan and colourful shoes and boots, daring prints and elaborate ornaments. Wedge heel shoes, boots and ankle boots make up this deep-coloured collection (in shades of slate, anthracite, purple, cobalt blue, aubergine and black), highlighted by intricate ornaments (leather, knit, fur and melton). An opulent and precious collection, which emphasizes the talent of its designers.”

DUY

Daphne Guiness: couture collector and muse

“Titled «Long Live Daphne», Duy Nguyen’s Fall-Winter 2011 collection is a tribute to this aristocratic world figure of fashion and her eclectic and refined tastes.

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.”