When the warm summery weather of the season hits, it’s time for us to get off our computers and start packing for the beach!
Here’s some vintage (well 80s) ads in the meantime…
See you in the Fall.
People often ask me where or how to buy art – and seriously, I have no idea. I do know however (or think) that buying original art, prints and posters from artists through their Etsy sites is a great idea.
Me, I just pick things I like and can afford… For the purpose of sticking to the mandate of this site – I am only profiling Canadian artists…
These 24 x 31 inch posters are $50
http://www.etsy.com/shop/emcee
“Art director, artist, illustrator and explorer of the world, Marie-Chantale Turgeon’s innovative, thought provoking work, has been featured in Elle, Spin Magazine (US), ISh Magazine, Taxi Magazine, Goodie Bag Media (Asia), The Gazette, La Presse, Urbania (Canada), Le Monde (France), Skirt Magazine (US), and the Huffington Post (US).”
Portfolio: http://mcturgeon.com
Blog: http://www.mcturgeon.com/blog
Strut for a Cure Fundraiser, via Candice & Alison Luxury Events:
“STRUT FOR A CURE GALA starring supermodel COCO ROCHA, may 27 toronto
A frenzy of media and Toronto’s most fashionable crowd welcomed supermodel Coco Rocha on the red carpet at her annual charity event.
CANDICE&ALISON were honoured when asked to play such a significant role in one of few organizations that gives back 100% of its profits to the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation in support of cancer research, specifically paediatric oncology, a hugely underfunded segment.
There was no shortage of entertainment value to engage the crowd throughout the evening. As guests arrived they were welcomed into the Field House of the Berkeley Church to the sounds of international DJ’s brought in specifically for the night from the widely popular Nikki Beach franchise. Graciously sponsored by Toronto’s most sophisticated supper club the Roosevelt Room, the models turned DJ’s were eye candy for the throngs of ladies. The crowd then flowed through into the entertainment epicentre that was the historic Church space itself, entering a dimly lit room with DJ Adrien Villanova poised atop his altar-like stage. When the space was full and the time was right, FashionTelevision’s queen, Jeanne Beker kicked off the evening’s fashion show. Flown in from London for the event, Todd Lynn and his Fall/Winter 2010 collection captivated the tightly packed crowd. Coco was the first and last to strut her stuff down the runway, and thanked her adoring fans before introducing the uber chic electro-pop band Dragonette who rocked the masses. Canada’s own DJ jojoflores closed out the night making the afterparty last into the wee hours. (photo by 5ive15ifteen photography)”
Shout outs to Angie because we share the same birthday!
What exactly is eco-friendly design and clothing?
We hear about it – and most of us think of rough hemp and bamboo in shades of beige and green.
When I read about the sustainability practices of Nicole Bridger, winner of Canada’s first eco-friendly design award, Design Forward, I was reminded of what is means and takes to create true eco-friendly clothing. Comfortable, ethical and beautifully constructed and trendy. Soft and wearable.
Fabrics/Blends:
Nicole Bridger uses mostly organic cotton, and natural fibres such as hemp, linen, bamboo and soy jersey. Wool is certified organic as well.
She has made a conscious effort to tack the orgins of all fabrics used in her collections, including hemp jesery and modal jersey orginating from LA, organic cotton woven in Portugal, and linen grown in Belgium.
Production
All garments are made/sewn in Vancouver, Canada – supporting good working conditions and fair wages.
Design
Garments are named through design affirmations, like “heart”, “truth”, “protection”, “listening”, “courage” etc. Neutral colour palate, allows for multi-seasonal wear. Designs are cutting-edge, feminine and practical.
In the context of her maternity collection, the design integrity is not sacrificed, and it has the added bonus of being worn before, during and after pregnancy.
Special Features
Tagua nut buttons (like coconut, made in China).
Labels are cotton instead of polyester (made in India).
Hangtags, business cards etc. are made from 100% post-consumer paper in Vancouver.
Nicole was up against finalists: Laura Chenoweth and we3(twigg & hottie).
Some of the other competing designers nominated for this award include Thieves, Deux FM, and Paper People Clothing.
Designer Evan Biddell (shown) & photographer Joe Fuda’s Oz Studios – ever-changing fashion gallery, photo studio, contemporary boutique meets impromptu live art installation – tucked among well-curated vintage shops and pricey concept stores in Toronto’s hipster quaint/newly gentrified Ossington Village.
“Please don’t call me Canada’s Alexander McQueen. He’s so romantic, so much more luxurious and I’m a peasant (in comparison).” says fashion designer Evan Biddell, 2007 Project Runway Canada winner and Toronto Fashion Week’s new fave.
He’s been called Canada’s enfant terrible (ugh) or bad boy of fashion, and recently been compared to the late fashion icon Alexander McQueen. This is mainly because of his extraordinary shaped clothing, uncustomary fashion presentation and non-conformist mannerisms, but mostly it’s because his present Fall 2010 collection – with pieces tributed to the late McQueen – is voluminously bulbous, somewhat experimental and seemingly evoked from “dreams and nightmares”, although Biddell says this “Prehistoric” collection is simply inspired by pop art, things in nature (like dinosaurs and reptiles) and the outdoors in general.
Most impressive is the cork-print fabric that actually is cork (sourced from Portugal – tree grows more) that is constructed into shorts and jackets with intricate fringe details, bent copper piping and chunky hardware. There are new wavish, hooded bodysuits, igor-like cocooned capelets and Biddell’s (signature) sleek, billowy harem pants – one offs that are part sci-fi, part reptilian and part “living”.
Also remarkable is the fact that Biddell still makes every item that bears his name; everything is draped and therefore is technically one-of-a-kind – so any tiny sewing imperfection that you’re sure to find is compliments of the designer.
True, Biddell has a long way to go (and so does any designer for that matter) to be aptly compared to a legendary great; but we can all agree, Biddell included, that with each collection he is maturing as a designer, the clothes are becoming more ‘luxurious’ (or better constructed?) and his passion for “fashion” can even be considered ‘romantic’, in a way.
Evan Biddell is showing a new collection “Refined” at Alternative Arts & Fashion Week [FAT]. It’s sure to be all new and equally alternative. Stay tuned for the coverage!
Oz Boutique and Studios
134 Ossington Ave.
Toronto
On April 24, 2010, three or four of Canada’s hard-working fashion labels will compete for the title of the best new designer at the Elle Canada/TFI New Labels Gala, an annual event.
For 2010, the top five contenders are:
Paris Li
TFI resident designer. Collection of tunics, dresses and separates inspired by the Asian philosophy of elegance and beauty.
www.parisli.net
Jennifer Waters of House of Groves
House of Groves creates garments with grace and integrity, meant to become instant classics in a modern woman’s wardrobe – using eco-friendly fabrics, menswear tailoring and detailed construction.
www.houseofgrovesdesign.com
Follow Jennifer’s competition journey: http://jennifersletters.blogspot.com/
Justine Diener & Justine Poon of Diepo
Vintage lingerie inspired looks – Ryerson School of Fashion grads recently showed at Alternative Fashion Week.
Hayley Gibson of Birds of North America
Ryerson grad, established designer of a few years sold in several stores across Canada.
www.birdsofnorthamerica.ca
Anastasia Lomonova
Montreal based, Ryerson grad who’s been designing and selling her brand for a few years already.
On April 24, 2010, the TFI New Labels® competition finale takes place where one lucky designer will win $10,000 cash from Mattel Canada and a $25,000 editorial package from ELLE Canada. Tickets for the benefit are on sale now at www.elleevent.com.
Congratulations to Irene Stickney, founder of her sewing studio, The Make Den and all the press she’s been getting lately – mostly because of the PACT Prom Fashion program, a sewing course for ‘at-risk’ youth.
On the second page of last Saturday’s Globe & Mail, the Make Den and the PACT Fashion sewing program was featured:
(http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/dress-for-success/article1514233/)
Irene’s been teaching the girls in the PACT group to design, draw, draft and sew prom dresses – an initiative that’s been really successful not only in media coverage, but especially with the girls who’ve really gained a sense of accomplishment (see CityTV News video coverage on the Make Den website).
Top: Irene watching over the girls | Below Danielle Meder teaching a fashion illustration class to PACT
The Make Den not only offers specialized sewing classes, but also teaches fashion design and drafting. Irene also is a pro at alterations and custom pattern-drafting!
Here (top), writer Vivian Song in her ‘Gaga-inspired’ jacket made at Irene’s Ga Ga construction workshop (http://www.thestar.com/living/fashion/article/783020–lady-vava-channels-her-inner-gaga) and me in a ‘gaga’ jacket (below)
