Monika Schnarre never looked better!

Canada’s Sea Queen (made by Phantom) launches a hot new swimwear collection with its exclusive new SwimTech ContourLift Bra - modelled by Monika Schnarre (chosen to appeal to women 35 and up).

Created by an actual bra designer, SwimTech ContourLift Bra features malleable moulded cups that maintain a natural shape. Flexible underwires are fused within the cups’ thin foam fabric so they never poke or prod. A comfort band wraps around the rib cage for enhanced support.

The new line of bathing suits come with empire waists, wraps, belts, halters and tankinis. They're fashionably 'molten' gold, animal printed or in an exotic jungle print - all in an Italian micro-fibre to maintain a luxuriousness and smoothing effect.

Sea Queen swimwear ranges in price from $80 to $120 CDN and is available across Canada through The Bay and fine specialty retailers. For more information on Sea Queen and complete list of retailers, please visit www.seaqueen.ca.

A Fidelity Rainbow

Fidelity Denim - A Canadian Company

Introducing a rainbow coloured collection including cranberry and fuscia; metal navy and lime green and curaco and plum.

Price: $140
Available in Toronto at Over The Rainbow, Mendocino, Body Blue
(Elsewhere Joelles, Leslies, Agent 99, Denim 101, Something Irrestible, Swank, Mimi & Coco, Tea Leaf, Foosh, Bamboo Ballroom, Lucys, JJ Whiskey)

www.fidelitydenim.com

Canada's Hottest New Label

The Toronto Fashion Incubator and Elle Canada hosted the annual New Labels Competition Thursday night, kicking off the Elle Show - a three day trade beauty and fashion trade show for consumers.

The evening began with the customary Vin De Pays D'oc wine reception which kept all non-VIP guests busy as the show started one hour late! Fortunately we kept busy chatting with Project Runway Canada winner Evan Biddell, who is unfortunately not adjusting well to life in T.O. (he may leave for London at any moment!) We watched as both fashionable ladies and men sauntered around in bright yellow and purple outfits and shoes. And noticed all the fabulous contemporary hair cuts on women in their 40s (everyone should follow suit!)

Over the past few months, judges Nathalie Atkinson, National Post; Kathy Cheng, marketing Wing Son Garments; David Dixon, fashion designer; Mary Jo Looby, retail consultant; and Rita Silvan, editor Elle Canada have been determining how innovative, well-made, marketable and appealing each of the four contenders clothing lines are.

After actually planning and making the clothes for the show, designers have been busy casting models, doing fittings and making adjustments and working with stylists who really help make the entire collection look fresh and coherent on the runway. As well, each designer filmed a brief video blog/documentary that were shown before each collection was presented which provided much insight into inspirations and processes.

The Finals



Architecture + Fashion
Lara Presber's architecturally pleasant skirts and dresses were favoured by many (even judge Nathalie Atkinson was seen nodding in approval during the show) but didn't take home the prize. Inspired by an art deco painting, Presber conjured up sharp pleats counter-balanced with gentle hues like flat gold and gunmetal grey. Styled by Costa Pavlu of Judy Inc.

The Winner
Cocktail wear viewed through the kaleidescope of the past or something or other...in her video, winner Eugenia Levitt describes her line as 'fun' (for playing bridge perhaps). 'Sweet' is more suitable a word for this collection of silky dresses and skirts in navy, ivory and purple dotted with hand-made rosettes. So many rosettes in fact that Rolyn Chambers dubbed the line as the 'Where's Waldo of Rosettes?' Next on shoulders, next on hems, on bums, in hair... Marketable, well-made... Styled by Juliana Schavianatto, Plutino Group.


Hipster High Five
Among competitors all showing elegant and feminine clothing, it seemed the talented Adrienne Butifoker barely stood a chance - even with silky skirts and an amazing horizontal layered LBD. That's not to say we didn't love the wearable paper bag waisted pants, sack skirts, 70s look blouses all in black, navy and burnt orange. Probably my fave - So very Queen Street. Or Nylon Magazine. Styled by Alissa Krost, the Artist Group.

miss black
All black - the entire collection (her debut spring collection was all white). Making Ashley Rowe to Izzy Camilleri what Mui Mui is to Prada. A gigantic loopy wooly coat, leather tunic, heart-shaped bustier dress - all paired with skinny leggings. A consistent collection seemingly based on geometric shapes we all know: rectangle, triangle, square silhouettes - so nothing particularly new. With enough business sense (or money) to acquire a PR firm, miss rowe wins most likely to succeed. Stylist George Antonopoulos, Artist Group.

All photos by Christinal Pal, TSF.com principal photographer

New Labels Designer Competition Top 4 - This Week!

TFI New Labels Competition @ the Elle Show - This Thursday, April 24, 2008 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto.

From the TFI News Jan/Feb News:
Tickets for the ELLE Canada gala benefit in support of the Toronto Fashion Incubator are ON SALE NOW at www.elleshow.ca!

One of the following four candidates will walk away with the top prize of valued at $25,000.


Adrienne Butikofer’s collection (above) is inspired by the emancipation of women in the workplace during WW1. Adrienne is a Winnipeg native who studied fashion design at London’s Fanshawe College. Her line features separates and streetwear retailing from $60 to $390, and can be found in Montreal at Le Marche; in Toronto at Magic Pony, Nathalie Roze & Co. and Propaganda.


Inspired by the traditions of the “handmade”, combined with a passionate belief that clothing should be treasured, Montrealer Eugenia Leavitt describes her clothing as, “romantic yet modern, combining artistic, feminine touches with clean, simple designs”. Pieces retail from $110 to $425 and can be found at Meli Melo in Montreal. Eugenia studied fashion design at the International Academy of Design in Montreal.


Calgary-based designer Lara Presber studied architecture in Milan at the Domus Academy campus of the University of Wales. For fall 2008, she is inspired by the exploration of the juxtaposition between the feminine and soft figures of Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempika’s subjects with their masculine and greyed-out architectural backgrounds (see above). Separates range from $125 to $700 retail and can be found at The Velvet Room Boutique in Vancouver.


Ashley Rowe’s miss rowe collection of fashion-forward coats and separates (above) was inspired by her mother’s vintage looped-wool coat, which has a rock&roll-meets-English-dandy appeal. Ashley is a George Brown College graduate and former intern at Flare and Fashion magazines.

[FAT] Designer LINKS

Performer Lena Love for Kirsty McKenzie


UsThemWe "Vanity Turns to Green" (Photography: Keith Ledoux of WMXXIII Productions
Makeup: Charlotte Mars, Hair/Model: Ashley Brewer of Blood, Sweat & Shears)

Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week
[FAT] April 9-11, 2008 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Fermenting Cellar, Distillery District

April 9 Transitory Space (only those 'runway' artists with web links are listed)
www.starkers.com
www.breeyn.com
www.magpiedesigns.com
www.amiescott.com
www.brookealviano.com
www.lovasfashion.com
www.decadentdesigns.ca
www.myspace.com/kirstyisthirsty

April 10 Urban Experiment
www.therage.etsy.com
www.dillydaisy.com
www.innergeek.ca
www.paperpeopleclothing.com
www.fieerce.com
www.snowflakefashion.com
www.marmalade-shop.ca
www.kranedesign.com
www.babuetmoi.com

April 11 Conflict
www.magdelina.com
www.asphyxiadesigns.com
www.usthemwe.com
www.redbarndesigns.com
www.vicerra.com
www.plastikwrap.com
www.futurstate.com

For a complete list of web links and schedule, visit www.getfat.ca

MASS EX COUNTDOWN: CHELSEA CLARIDGE

WHAT IS YOUR COLLECTION CALLED: c.helsea c.laridge
SEASON: Spring/Summer 2009
INFLUENCES: For my collection I was influenced by looking through old family photo albums of the 1940's and 70's.
FABRICS: I used all natural fabrics, such as silks and cottons, which are great for the summer.
FAVOURITE PIECE: My favourite piece from the collection has to be the navy blue tulip skirt. The overall silhouette is dramatic, yet still very wearable.
WHO DO YOU DESIGN FOR: I design for young, urban women who want to look girly yet sexy, feminine yet masculine, quirky yet professional and so on.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: I love taking contrasting elements and mixing them together. I'm attracted to unusual combinations of fabrics and colors, which ordinarily wouldn't be paired together.
FAVORITE PEICE IN MY CLOSET: My hat collection
CAN FASHION BE POLITICAL: Yes, I think fashion can be political. Fashion is definitely influenced by what is going on in the world, and that includes politics.
WHAT HAS FOUR YEARS AT RYERSON TAUGHT YOU: Four years at Ryerson has taught me that you really have to love what you're doing, otherwise all the hours of hard work, and the constant stress will catch up with you.
FAVORITE CANADIAN DESIGNER: Jeremy Laing
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS: Successfully running my own clothing company.
WHAT DOES CANADIAN DESIGN MEAN TO YOU: Canadian design is new, and up and coming.

Green Fur?

photos Christina Pal

The Fur Council of Canada presents a controversially sensuous show of designers working in fur including the The Canadian Aboriginal Designers Group and other Canadian fashion designers.

Nunavut designer Rannva Simonsen re-interprets old school parkas with antler toggles while established designer D'Arcy Moses sets Victorian colonialism on its head with deliciously beaded deerskin corsets. Zuki's colorful sheared beaver opera coats evoke Poiret's 1930's Paris nights, and Sidney Holloway, not yet out of Ryerson, is off to the races in furs mixed with Swarovski crystals (but unlike Joeffer Caoc, not with pony). The fur was aggressively presented as a sustainable material that supports the culture of First Nations people. The show actually ended with pseudo-protesters carrying signs supporting fur as an eco-friendly fabric.

Many fashionistas have mixed feelings about the material - with most supporting the use of vintage skins or fur trapped by aboriginal folks in a sustainable manner, but feel uncomfortable about fur farms and corporate trapping.

One style veteran irritated by appropriation of the green movement, remarked, "This is not a perspective - its a marketing spin." A photographer who lived in an Innu community was more comfortable with the fur saying, "This is how the Inuit make their living - how else are they supposed to support themselves?"

What do you think??

First Look Designer Collections Fall 2008

Of all the designers that show at L'Oreal Fashion Week season after season, Joeffer Coac consistently receives the highest praise for presenting quality craftsmanship, color coherency and top-notch quality collections.

For Fall 2008, Joeffer Caoc presents a deceptively simple collection in black, indigo and aubergine. Jersey and viscose are treated with twists and tucks that demand a second look, but deftly enhance, rather than interfere with the natural drape and flow of the garment. Mohair, ostrich feathers and leather add texture to the collection, but pony? (Beautiful - but just a little creepy for me.)


Nadya Toto's (Montreal) fall 2008 collection makes you grateful for the wintry weather. A riot of fabrics in contrasting textures invites you to snuggle to softest merinos, cashmeres, velvets and fur. These are great basic pieces that will live a long and happy life in your wardrobe.


Fashion weeks starts off with Evan Biddell's (Saskatoon) eco-friendly and eclectic collection made of sustainable fabrics. With a new age mix of lush hemp jerseys and heavy silks, Biddell flits from playfully structured Jetsons wear, to fully graceful goddess gowns.

Liza Zawadzka
Photos by Christina Pal
www.torontostreetfashion.com/fashionevents/fashionweek_fall2008.html

Classic Carlie

Project Runway Canada contestant Carlie Wong is already confident in her own style. Working with black classics of chiffon and sequins, Wong's cocktail dresses accent the bustline and back. A more intimate inspection is needed before subtle details are revealed, but in dresses with this much "vavoom!" intimate encounters are par for the course.

Denis Gagnon Fall 2008

Denis Gagnon
With beaten, drapy leathers and transluscent licorice-like jersey, Denis Gagnon creates a 'biker, art theif' look. Hundreds of strips of leather are pieced together with obsessive craftsmanship creating radiating lines in dresses and skin tight pants. Back seamed leggings stretched over the front of towering shoes, revealing six inches of lucite heels. Cozy, draping knits contrast with butter-soft leather, sheer jersey and swishy horsehair that are playfully pulled together with wickedly dominant flair.

photos by Christina Pal

Franke by Kendra Francis Spring 2008

A contestant on the first Project Runway Canada, fashion designer and ex-Queen West merchandiser Kendra Francis presented a light-weight, colorful collection of multi-leveled waistbands, assymetrical necklines and airy draping for her L'Evolution de Franke Spring 2008 line.

The small collection - sort of french chic infused with native feminity - includes metallic liquid-like linen swimsuits; cool, tailored linen suiting and vibrant, silky dresses in tropical hues.

Franke is scheduled to showcase its Fall 2008 line at next weeks' L'Oreal Fashion Week - stay tuned for an update!

We found a You Tube video of the show here>

NOW picks 10 HOT designers to Watch

In this week's edition of Life & Style, NOW Magazine's Andrew Sardone highlights 10 hot designers to keep your eyes on as L'Oreal Fashion Week and Toronto Alternative Fashion Week near.

1. Fourth-year Ryerson fashion student Irene Stickney (pictured) hasn’t waited till graduation to throw herself into the style scene. Between design crits and studio deadlines, she found time to launch the KnowDressCode design collective, contribute to TorontoStreetFashion and show at Alternative Fashion Week.

2. Nada Shepherd has been designing since 2001, but it was her spring 2008 mermaid-inspired Fashion Week debut last October that turned the industry on to her talent.

3. Evan Biddell could easily ride the fashion reality TV train into obscurity like so many Project Runwayers and Next Top Modellers before him. But behind all his audience-baiting bravado is enough talent to propel him from boob-tube star to bona fide designer.

4. Hanging on Paper People Clothing’s rack of Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week samples is a pink-and-purple sundress that kicks designer Jennifer Fukushima’s take on reworked vintage up a whole lot of notches. Its body is cut from layers of lacy old curtains and appliquéd with delicate doily patches at its hem. A looped strand of bells hung from its waist is a whimsical finishing touch.

5. It’s one thing to find a perfect pair of shoes to slip a model into for a magazine shoot, but it’s a whole other story tracking down a hot set of heels that hold a page on their own. Accessories designer Abel Munoz’s day job as deputy art and beauty editor at FQ and SIR magazines guarantees each piece of his collection of men’s and women’s footwear and bags is feature-worthy.

6. Greaves Design
7. Janet Hill
8. Burnt Offering
9. Evan and Dean
10. Miss Rowe

(click to link to NOW for more on each designer)

Greta Constantine Spring 08

I personally do not understand why Kirk Pickersgill Stephen Wong (one half of Greta Constantine) got so much slack for appearing on Project Runway Canada. Although a respected designer with early beginnings in Milan; celeb clients and magazine spreads, Wong remains a struggling Canadian designer. Greta Constantine, made up of Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong, has yet to reach the realms of more successful top Canadian designers such as Arthur or David (who are actually making money)... And besides, it was awesome to watch a "real" designer each week on the show!

For its Spring 2008 collection, Greta Constantine was presented on a mirror catwalk @ Circa nightclub during last season's L'Oreal Fashion Week. The boys got their greatest review from the Toronto Star's David Livingstone who said,

"The guys punctuated the procession of nervy women's wear that included a romper suit in black, a very short dress of white jersey that was not made for getting in and out of cars – or maybe it was – and jersey gowns, in red or burnt orange. Some had twisted necklines, wrung from the fluid cloth. Others were strung so the body of the garment was suspended like draperies. There were also a couple of short, stretchy numbers in bold blocks of colour that were two of the best of the million dresses unveiled in town this week."

Greta Constantine is sold in Toronto exclusively at Holt Renfrew's World Design Lab.

Radiant Dark - Truly unique Canadian Design

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!
by Siya Chen



Amidst the tragedy of the Queen West fire, Radiant Dark premiered last night with a great party at the Burroughes Building 'round the Bathurst corner, celebrating a new page of Canadian modern design while collecting donations for our fellow Queen West fire victims.

Curated by MADE’s Shaun Moore and Julie Nicholson, the exhibit brought together the highest quality works of Canadian emerging modern designs all under one roof.



In this 6,000-square-foot space, you can find 70 pieces of unique designs, such as Andre Ooi's Origami pendant light, Jonathan Sabine's beaded shaped lamp, also strikingly organic yet modern pieces of wood like Agostinis & Harrison’s "Where Does Lumber Come From, Mommy?" - a bench with its carved plank seat emerging from a raw walnut stump. Oh, and Brit Olauson's "Flow" - a rocking chair that got our guests rocking at the party.



Most designs showcased at Radiant Dark are available for sale. If you fall in love with what you see in Radiant Dark, MADE is open all year around with new shows and new works on a monthly basis to keep you "wowing" and "wooing" for Canadian designs.

Radiant Dark is running through Feb 27, Mon-Sat Noon-7 p.m. Sat Noon-5 p.m, @Burroughs Building 639 Queen Street West (at Bathurst) Free admission.
Made is located at 867 Dundas St. West.

Annie Thompson Closing

Sale Sale Sale!
674 Queen Street West

Iconic fashion designer and artist Annie Thompson is closing her Queen Street West storefront after almost 20 years on the block.

Although she just came through one of her most successful financial years, she tell the National Post, "I want to get off the treadmill of always making stuff for the store. I've become this production animal, and from a creative standpoint, I don't feel that I've had enough integrity in what I'm making," she says. "I want to be free and creative and see where the wind blows me."

Annie Thompson is best known for her artsy, sculptural and textured creations: stylish yet practical clothing for women and unique home decor. Although her boutique closes by the end of March, she is looking forward to working on several Canadian and international solo and collaborative arts and fashion events including a gig at the Toronto Art Expo and Toronto Alternative Fashion Week installation.

See more art www.anniethompson.ca

Judz Bamboo Tees

Photos by Christina Pal


Toronto-based streetwear JUZD Clothing (joost) claims to be 'The Planet's First Bamboo Designer Label' - consisting of nature/Asian-inspired graphic tees for men and women.

On February 6th 2008, JUDZ previewed its latest styles with a runway show, dj/club set and high-energy breakdance performances from the ABS Crew and Poizunus.

Why we love BAMBOO
1. Antibacterial- keeps you feeling and smelling fresh.
2. Highly sweat absorbency - keeps you dry.
3. Powerfully insulating- keeps you cooler in summer and warmer in the winter.
4. One of the softest fabrics on the planet- you'll love the way it feels.
5. Naturally UV protecting- protect yourself from skin cancer.
6. Hypoallergenic- natural bamboo does not cause allergic reactions.
7. One of the most eco-friendly fabrics on the planet.

Check out the site www.juzdwear.com for photos and designer blog.

Canada's KING of Resort

It's that time of the year when you're either planning ski and snow or coveting beach and sun - I'll take the latter! For the majority of us, vacation wear consists of a few short shorts and tanks; maybe some wedges and sundresses... But if you're the type to do some fashionable cruising (and you have a few extra bucks), consider skipping Kors or Klein and check out independent shops selling Canadian brands.

Arthur Mendonca is definitely one of Canada's most popular fashion designers of this decade - likely because of his (popular) trendy, colourful collections that are always feminine and sexy (what the ladies like) and are worn by celebs and socialistas who can afford their higher price points.

$$$ Available at Studio Labiri , 548 Danforth, Finishing Touches, 3281 Yonge, Joy Cherry 3323 Yonge, Scarlet Boutique, 363 Eglinton West

Loft Shopping Party - Forget the usual places!

Every month a couple Canadian designers get together to show their lines in an informal loft shopping party hosted by Rowena Jozic of babu et moi. Jozic, who showed her collection at Toronto Alternative Fashion Week last year, is a fantasy lover's designer. Her elfish coats (in turquoise and brown) are both funky and practical--a must for us Torontonians buried in snow.

Also showing this month were Maria Serrano of Maria Serrano Shoes. These beautiful Argentinean shoes and boots are 100% leather and incredibly comfortable.

Bijoux by Karen Racicot also had a display of one of a kind silver and semi-precious stone jewellery.

Jozic plans to host this party--complete with cocktails and cool beats--once a month. Keep checking our site for information on the next sale!

Brave Beltworks - Made in Canada

In a highly-stimulated buyers market of frivolous fashion goods, Asian manufacturing and supplies are the norm, cheap labour converts to cheap products and our North American mentality of fast fashion (easy come, easy go) reigns. Lately, many of us want to calm our environment by adapting to ethical options but we certainly do not want to stop shopping!

Fashionably, one of the best ways to help the planet is to buy local, higher quality items with longer lives while considering the manufacturing process.

Scott Irvine, founder of Brave Leather Inc. in his Toronto warehouse

As part of its Spring media showcase, we were invited to the Brave Beltworks production studio for a tour from owner and founder Scott Irvine. With a little business training, a tad of family knowledge, a stint in modelling and a whole heap of passion and pride, Scott's humble beginnings took him from a street vendor to a 100% Canadian manufacturer with his products sold in almost 1400 stores around the world!

Brave Beltworks makes leather belts and cuffs - metallics with studs, patent waist-cinchers, supple sashes, buckled, stitchless and textured - using only the "very best" high-quality leathers and salmon skins (looks like snakeskin), both remains of the food industry. The skins are vegetable-tanned, which although is a slower, more expensive procedure, is a more eco-friendly alternative to dyeing the leather and get better with age. From there, the leather can go through 37 processes to become a belt - all of which is done in the Toronto factory. About 20 employees or 'creative craftspeople' cut, bevel and finish each belt mostly by hand. No detail is left undone - while we were there a woman was hand painting the insides of each hole on the belts! Irvine still makes every sample himself but relies on the expertise of his staff to help nurture the design process.

As a 100% Canadian manufacturing company (For 'Made in Canada' status, 51% of production must be from Cdn sources), Brave rivals the quality and price of any leather accessories company around the world. Irvine says by doing everything in-house, they are able to design and make hundreds of belts a day, while keeping production costs reasonable. Several sales agencies throughout North America fuel sales and a PR company assists with media and events. So although Irvine considers his Brave Belts a niche product, they are being sold in 27 countries around the world with majority sales from larger stores such as Nordstrom's in the U.S. and include celebrity clients such as Jennifer Lopez and Sarah McLaughlin.

"I think 'Made in Canada' really means something to Canadians," Irvine says, "We're really proud of our company and strive to make the very best product there is, in Canada!"

In Toronto, Brave Belts are sold at Over the Rainbow, Holt Renfrew and Mendocino. From $49 to $165.

Outerwear - True Canadian Style

Prepare for more mukking about: A fashion line that donates part of its profits to Aboriginals is readying for its second act
Anne Kingston | Macleans | Published October 29, 2007 (link to full article)

Muks, the London-based fashion line that owes its existence to a paparazzi shot of Kate Moss wearing Native Canadian footgear, is readying for its second act. Its first, as anyone with passing familiarity with the gossip rags knows, was the celebrity-fuelled elevation of mukluks to must-haves. Now, the most brilliant branding exercise since Evian is priming to bring First Nations-inspired chic to the fashion-forward.

A big part of Muks's branding on its elegant website, www.muklukstore.com, is its made-in-Canada-by-native-people origins. As is the fact the company donates an unspecified percentage of profits to CAHRD, the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development. Yet Cooke refuses to name the manufacturer, fearing it'll be deluged by direct requests. Such is the size of the Canadian mukluk manufacturing community, however, that it's easy to track Muks to Winnipeg-based Fleece Line, run by Sean McCormick, a 33-year-old Metis who makes hiring Aboriginals a priority. McCormick says he's fielded plenty of approaches from retailers who want to buy the boots directly. He always says no. "All due credit should go to Jaime," he says. "She ran with it, and did outstanding things in the fashion world."

With Muks's success, Fleece Line moved facilities and increased staff from 15 to 25 (beadwork is outsourced to some 100 people, many on reserves). McCormick says it's about time Aboriginals benefited from the production of Aboriginal-inspired goods. "You go into stores selling First Nation souvenirs and 90 per cent are made in China," he says.

---

Canada is the leader of the pack when it comes to deep-freeze style
Vivian Vassos | National Post | Published Saturday, October 06, 2007 (link to full article)

When it comes to fashion, Canada isn't universally viewed as an international style mecca. But what has made it to the world's runways is this country's inspired take on cold-weather couture. From last season's anoraks to this season's puffy, quilted numbers, outerwear to brave the elements has never been so fashionable.

What is just as interesting is that the leaders of the Canadian outerwear pack have rarely walked a runway in Milan or Paris. But they do know their market. Weatherproof footwear makers La Canadienne are often seen on feet stalking the streets of Manhattan, Canada Goose parkas warm Arctic explorers as well as Hollywood's elite on screen and off (Dennis Quaid, Hilary Duff and Nicolas Cage), and manufacturers are battling to produce Montreal-based Aquatalia's waterproof footwear.

Boy's Club

There is something for every man in this spring's menswear collections. Rudsak's Serengetti line is perfect for men with more conservative taste. The collection offers timeless, classic style in a restrained palette. Chatto is a little more adventurous, with unusual textile and pattern combinations, and whimsical accent colours. By far the most creative mens' line comes from Bustle, who plays with Ascot refinement and gives it a street edge.

On the whole, it does seem that Toronto men are beginning have a little more fun with style. Many writers remarked that more men than women were among the best dressed at Fashion Week.

Photos by Christina Pal

Backside of Andy

Andy The Ahn's newest breathtaking evening collection starts with gasps from the audience as one of the models wipes out three times on the runway. Attention is quickly diverted to gowns in fluttering chiffon and fluid charmeuse, set off with Dynasty-style accents of crystal stones. The hemline drops and the waist rises on his trademark sleek suits, creating a sultry silhouette complete with saucy details on the fanny.
Anik with L'Oreal from Montreal, who is wearing Andy The Ahn was thrilled, "Being from Montreal I give a special eye to his collection. I am always amazed at his talent and his sense of what women need. He's just a genious!"

Nada Yousif @ L'Oreal Fashion Week

Toronto L'Oreal Fashion Week, Spring 2008 Collections


Nada breaks into spring with a riot of rich, jewel-toned colours. Powerful print dresses allow two looks: tied up into a bubble or released into fluid, floor length gowns. Volume is added to raw silk knee length skirts, but remember these are best suited to the few amongst us with a twiggy figure.
Photos by Christina Pal

Dix Blitz

David Dixon

Ula Zukowska

Littered with 12 foot sculptural sails, Dixon's runway has a glacial feel. Laser-cut cottons create fluttering, three dimensional surfaces, and the nautical theme is continued in lovely seagull print dresses. Be careful of his suits - glazed linens are pleated at the hips and bust, which will add curves to waifs who need it, but unwanted pounds to those already endowned. Ula Z also uses pleating this year, in skirts, dresses and knee length shorts - a cute look, (if you're a size 2).

Photos by Christina Pal

NADA & JOEFFER: Full on Femme

Nada's (1) spring collection glitters and flows. The carwash makes a return with fluttering panels of silk offering glimpses of leg. Her full circle skirts are ultra-feminine. Both Nada and Joeffer Coac (2) manage to work with Charlie's Angels-type pant suits and make them look gorgeous. Both collections shimmer with halters, jackets and gowns covered with sequined paillettes. Joeffer pairs shorts with gorgeous formal jackets - perfect for hot, sultry summer weather.

Photos by Christina Pal

Ginch Gonch Spring '08

Whether its winter, spring or fall, underwear is always relevant and in style! Vancouver-based Ginch Gonch presented its Jungle Fever collection to a half-full tent of onlookers who spent a half hour chuckling, whispering and googling at half naked men and women in its latest, colorful high-quality bikinis and briefs. Between Tickling Tigers, Monkey Business and Totems (all strategically placed), a dance troupe attempted to keep the crowd entertained, while a brave ensemble of hotbod models showed off the latest, limited-edition styles.
Check out the Ginch Gonch site for where to buy info...

Phillip Sparks for Town Shoes

Toronto L'Oreal Fashion Week, Spring 2008 Collections
by Daniel Wilson


Death In Venice never looked as stylish, or cheerful as at Philip Sparks men's clothing and shoe collection at Town Shoes. The nautical theme was carried through the use of subtle pinstripes, boat shoes and a pallet of gray, cream, red and blue.

The most innovative piece was a windbreaker made from blue rip-stop tarp nylon, but when this same fabric was used for a double-breasted trench it missed the mark somewhat. Most of the collection was beautifully tailored with fitted pants and form-hugging vests however the use of extremely narrow double breasting on fragile cardigans seemed illogical.

As the first Canadian designer to make a collection for Town Shoes, Philip has big shoes to fill but the clean maturity of his designs suggest he is well ready for the challenge.