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.”

Proudly made in Canada, Guy Tulippe is a self-proclaimed “garment engineer”: designing, sewing and sourcing parts for his one-of-a-kind handbags, totes and duffles. Love the tie-dye stuff – all available on Etsy.

It was like an early Christmas gift when I received a package of mostly all eco-friendly, safe winter goodies (thanks to Ashworth Associates) to help keep toes toasty and dry when the freeze hits!

Little Hotties Warmers for hands, feet and toes are little air activated pouches that provide up to 8 hours of heat in your mitts or boots…I had thought of buying those electric boots but Little Hotties are definitely a way cheaper alternative – a great idea for skiing or hiking – and claim to be all natural! (around $2/pack – avail all over incl. Zellers, Walmart)

You might have seen something like this – the YAKTRAX straps that transform your everyday winter footwear into heavy-duty traction control! There is even a YAKTRAX for Her that will go over heels! (about $20 – avail at Sporting Life and other sports stores)

I can’t wait to try this Granger’s G-Max Footwear Waterproofer on my leather boots. It claims to waterproof leather, suede and fabric whilst remaining environmentally-responsible. ($10 available at many sports stores including Mountain Equipment Co-op and Coast Mountain Sports)

My favorite cozy product is one of things that Oprah might put on her list – a cute little gift for all your girlfriends – the Airplus Spa Footie. Like moisturizing indoor slippers, the sock-like Spa Footie somehow relaxes feet and keeps them warm! ($6 at pharmacies and department stores)

Converse, like Madonna, is a classic piece of American history that is constantly being reinvented by a brilliant team of designers and marketers, and always manages to stay relevant. But one wonders what Marquis Mills Converse, the man who founded the “Converse Rubber Shoe Company” in 1908 would think of Dr. Seuss’ beloved Thing One and Thing Two peeking out from the soles of his company’s shoes. Or what the 1920s basketball player Chuck Taylor that made the brand famous, what would he think of his shoe designed in tribute to Janis Joplin; pink and adorned with embroidered flowers?

For today’s diverse Converse client, the fall 2010 line up from Converse has a huge varying range of some very tempting offers. I fell for the above mentioned Janis Joplin shoes, the Thing One and Thing Two Pair and of course, the classic plain and simple low top chuck. You might like the sequined pair, or the zebra print, or go for the Woolrich collection (collab with oldest woollen mill in the US) and the John Varvatos line.

With most of the new shoes coming in at under $100, it’s easy to avoid a tough decision and get a couple!

In Toronto, Get Out Side at 437 Queen West and 3456 Yonge Street is a great place to grab your Chucks, but Little Burgundy in various locations also stocks a wide selection. The Woolrich collaboration is available at Holt Renfrew or you can find the shoes online.

Who knew….Peep-toe wedges $195 and amazing lace up boots $195. In select GAP stores October 19, 2010.

Laser prints from Toronto-based brother and sister designer duo http://www.jumastudio.com

I’m pretty sure I saw these Erica Giuliani gals on Dragon’s Den – Sisters who conceived and developed a shoe accessories company. That’s right, necklaces and rings (and bows, fur and belts) for your shoes and boots.

I love it – however, I don’t love the prices  ($30 for fringe anklet – but admittedly I am a thrifter/DIYer). Thus, a great idea for a DIY and a great idea to get better value from your current shoes, I must say!