Toronto Urban Fashion Week? Call for Designers

Apparently, July 31 to August 4, 2008 there will be a Urban Fashion Week thing happening in Toronto which conveniently coincides with the Caribana Festival.

From what I could discover (which is not much), this is actually three days of club shows and parties showcasing urban lines to potentially a massive market celebrating Caribana, to be held at The Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown, 1 Blue Jay Way. Hope to keep you posted!

* Casting for Local Models/ Designers
Time / Date: 7pm – 9pm, Wed July 16, 08
Location: Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown Ballroom

It’s cute, but does it have to be so creepy?

by Daniel Wilson

This was my main thought about "contemporary crafts" this past Saturday as I bustled in from the blowing snow and slippery streets of Queen St West into the over-heated, yet cozy second floor of the Gladstone Hotel for M.A.D.E - the Modern Art and Design Exhibition.

At the entrance hung, festively with cheer, an assortment of head-bumpingly low ceramic objects representing the work of several of the creepy crafters. Pink balls with gaping mouths and single animal antlers hung from fishing line over the gathered shoppers.

Much of the work would give anyone, even over the age of majority, nightmares for Christmas. If all this sounds cynical, it’s not meant to. The arts and crafts on sale were wonderful and often whimsical, but there seems to be a strong trend among crafters to make creepy art.

Alex Boisjoli’s witty ceramic potatoes poke fun at the uselessness of many decorative objects. Alex’s dismembered ceramic doll heads mounted like deer are rather disturbing and the mounted pieces that have deer heads have human fingers instead of antlers.
Lesley Anne Green’s pieces at first could be cute, until you look closely at the gnarled teeth of the snowman heads and the alarming grimace of the girl on a bike. Her work is fun, detailed and well executed, but again, not the kind of thing one should buy for a child or an elderly person prone to heart problems.

In the Magic Pony section of the show stood a doll dressed in a black Victorian gown that inexplicably had a strange owl head and reminded me of Virginia Woolf, and on a tiny shelf of it’s own was a innocent looking pen and ink drawing of a happy little person carving and eating slices of a happy looking walrus creature.

So I ask the crafting community, what’s wrong? Why are you trying to give us nightmares? Some have suggested it is in response to the growing scariness of the world, much like horror movies. One Gladstone employee said, “crafting is scary, the crafts should scare people too.” Another friend said simply, “creepy sells.”

Northbound Fetish

Last Saturday, Toronto's naughtiest community gathered at the Docks for the annual Northbound Leather Fetish party. Rather than the usual fashion show, clothes were modelled in wild performances! From leather to rubber, silks and velvet - sensuous textures rubbed against flesh (well maybe there was quite a bit of rubbing going on). Forbidden fantasies were brought to life in a massive dungeon, fully equipped with strict mistresses, and adoring submissives. The staff at Northbound Leather are ultimate professionals - knowledgable and discreet, you'll find what you're looking for at Toronto's premier fetish boutique.

Photos courtesy of Rolyn Chambers

Is it UNWEARABLE!!!!

All things fun and freaky were let loose at Gallery 1313’s fundraiser at Lula Lounge.

Hosted by Enza Supermodel, the work showcased a head on collision of art and fashion. Of note were Richard Preston’s obsessive embroidery and beading, which transformed military jackets into dazzling works of art and hope.

Menno Krant brought the idea of recyclable clothing to a whole new level by painting ‘clothes, onto fully nude models – it was like a Keith Haring painting come to life.

Sheila Lam erased the lines between sculpture and fashion with three dimensional clothing, and Karen Darricades’ multi-coloured pinafore was not made of plastic, but fruit roll-ups.

Don Simmons depressed clowns were reminiscent of Tokyo Harajuku kids on way too much valium. A walk on the wild side of the Toronto art scene.
By Liza Zawadzka

Photos are from the 10 Years of Unwearable Art Fantasy Fashion Show - a fundraiser for Gallery 1313, held at the Lula Lounge.

Photos by Krist Papas http://www.kristpapas.com/

You tell us! Would you consider this fashion? Sure some of us would.......

TOO MAGAZINE Contest in Toronto!

Too Magazine is looking for Canadian independent Photographers, Fashion/Accessory Designers and Visual Artists for its next issue, "Androgyny"!

http://www.toomagazine.com/ See the site for The Rules

PHOTOGRAPHERS: We are very NON-Commercial, so go wild with your artistic side.

VISUAL ARTISTS: Be it sculpture, painting, digital illustrations, videos, mulit-media, even performance pieces, any medium is fine!

FASHION / ACCESSORY DESIGNERS: Be careful, larger than life is awesome, but do not submit designs that are too cheesy and may come across as costumes, other than fashion.

PRIZE: Finalists selected in each category will be showcased at the Too Magazine Canadian launch party at Drake Lounge on Oct 17th. Also, all finalists will have one piece of their works showcased in the Too Magazine, along with mini bio and interview. The photographer, artist and designer voted as the party's favourite will each get a 2 to 8-page feature of their work in the next issue of Too Magazine. A complimentary copy of the Too Magazine will also be given to the winner.

Too Magazine is based and published in China, distributed all over major cities in this 1.3 billion populated country, as well in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and selected cities in Europe and Canada. 100% independent and anti-commercial

DEADLINE for submissions to the contest: Oct 15th, 2007
TooMagazine@gmail.com

The Art of FASHION - Oct 5

Part 2 of a design competition, started during Nuit Blanche, culminated last week at Yorkville’s Heliconian Club. The club played host to The Art of Fashion Trunk Show and was also witness to the announcement and award ceremony for the winner of the Surreal Journey design competition.

The following is a list of the finalists for 2007:
Vanessa Lee Wishart (Vicerra) - http://www.vicerra.com/
Stephanie Storm (Glyphiks) - glyphiksdesign.com
Jennifer Fukushima (Paper People Clothing) - paperpeopleclothing.com
Elizabeth Pinter
Adrienne Butikofer - http://www.butikofer.com/
Natasha Lenart - http://www.natashalenart.com/
Tara White (Embody) - http://www.embodyclothing.com/
Gurleen Rai (g.rai)
Filip Karadzic/Rowena Jozic (babu et moi) - http://www.babuetmoi.com/
Christopher Cunningham (Christabel) - http://www.christabelcouture.com/

The winner was Vanessa! Well done to all the contestants. Toronto, as we all know, is bursting with design talent.

After the fashion show and flower pageant for the winner – the serious hard-care shopping began. Featuring the following vendors, offering those-in-the-know-guests super discounts! A TSF.com teamster snapped up an Adrienne Butikofer unique shoelace corsage for a song!

Eco-Couture Fashion Show

Toronto fashion media, bloggers and eco-fashion supporters nestled among a green grass runway at the Evergreen Brickworks for the 1st Eco-Couture Fashion Show. Some of Toronto's top designers including Annie Thompson, Ula Zukowska and Thien Le made a statement with bamboo, soy and hemp creations, all sustainable fabrics, for the event.

Robin Kay, FDCC president gave an impassioned speech and encouraged the crowd to pull together to embrace this new 'eco-psychology'. Although Flare editor Lisa Tant graced the crowd with her presence, we couldn't get her 'professional' opinion, let alone a reaction to Canada's eco-couture - I suppose we should be satisfied with her "Green is the New Black" editor's letter in this October issue of Flare.

Overall, the night was a success in raising funds for Environmental Defense, an organization that educates the public about environmental issues.

http://www.fashiontakesaction.com/
Technorati Profile

Girl's Night out with Men of Steel: CK Party

To celebrate Calvin Klein's 25 years in the booty business my friend and fellow fashion blogger Anita Clarke [I want I got blog] and I went to the Brant House on King St West, to party with 25 nearly naked men!

I decided to make the night all about Anita, and just take her photo with everyone! As she is just back from NYC fashion week and told me she wanted to get back into the Toronto loop. The night began with a CK underwear fashion show featuring hot bodies - men and women. Any free space around the raised runway [eye level with hips and butts = awesome!] was packed with CK fans and everyone had a camera or camera phone - my photos from the night feature more shots of other peoples cameras than anything. Why does nudity always cause a frenzy? I wanted to ask Anita, but she was busy given it the old 'Woot Woot' to the men of steel. Celebrity model Rebecca, the winner of Canada's Next Top Model, took to the stage in her CK nickers. Unfortunately she walks like a surf board and looks like she hates being on stage. Pouting is one thing and usually an acceptable model expression, but frowning. There were other people after the show who were critical of her lack of showmanship. It's lingerie honey - you got to wiggle a little!

Post show we hung out in the VIP area with Deep Dish's Rolyn Chambers and birthday boy MAHA who just happened to have a camera man has part of his entourage filming his every move including his breaking of a silver dome on the floor - he thought it was a chair to pose on. But he broke it and legs went flying akimbo, it was terribly funny!

Heading out Anita and get to the fun bit of attending events - The Gift Bag. We thought this one was pretty good. A CK Naked thong, a gift certificate for a pair of CK men of steel underpants [for the man in my life], CK flip-flops, a note book, a nail file, a business card holder and a wee 15 ml of Euphoria for men. You can tell from the look on Anita's face that it was a super fun night.

Music Fest Stylin!

Dressing for an outdoor music festival should result in a look that is groovy and effortless. Easier said then done. Myself and hundreds of others took the music fest dress challenge this weekend for the Virgin Festival on Toronto’s Centre Island.

Saturday delivered extreme heat and apparently melted my brain, as I donned heavy denim overalls worn with a black tank top and over that, a Gems&Junk slogan t-shirt from UKULA.

I should have gone with the kaftan! I got to the Island just in time for M.I.A. - fantastic show, but almost passed out from the heat. Hmmmm that didn’t seem to deter me from going to the steamy and most sweaty B-Live tent to dance for an hour to the Princess Superstar set, which was bloody amazing!!! I left the tent with overalls soaking in sweat to the point of not being able to move my legs. Had a moment of brilliance [well I thought so] and took off the overalls, hung them in a tree to dry and pulled down my black tank top to use as a makeshift mini.

As I surveyed the crowd I noticed lots of gal rocking the current skinny braided headband look a la Mischa Barton on the cover of October’s Teen Vogue. Of course I wasn’t the only one with a slogan t-shirt. And skinny jeans are still alive and well here in Toronto. The fashion highlight of the day had to be Bjork. She floated on stage wearing the most wonderful concoction of metallic ruffles. She reminded me of a musical cuttlefish. Her show was blindingly good – if her voice doesn’t make you well-up with tears – you are not human!

The day two weather report was completely the opposite of day one. I was in a state trying to figure out what to wear before I headed out the door. All I could think of was ‘waterproof’…..but being in fashion I just don’t own anything waterproof. I optted for bright green cotton trousers with a palm leave motif, a navy cotton top from THE RAGE and a bright red animal print scarf. My outfit was as about as ‘loud’ as an outfit can be. The Island weather was decidedly cool and the sky was dark and it did put a bit of a damper on the parade of fashion I was expecting. I saw lots of fun and colourful rubber Wellingtons – tres festival gear! Many people were wearing bright neon colours to brighten the mood.

I want to share with you my photos of people who I thought had some fun festival looks and my two favorite overheard quotes. While I was dancing like a maniac to Princess Superstar this one guy shouted out, “I’m sweating in my eyes!” Okay it was really funny at the time.
During the Bjork show – the bit where she sang alone to erratic piano accompaniment, an intense fan behind me said, “It sounds like Bjork smeared her brains all over an amplifier”.

It really did!!!

Please share with us any fun quotes you have from the weekend here in the comments section! Or anything! Your favorite show, the best beer tent, the cutest performer! We want to know. Thanks

Fashion & Design Festival Hits Toronto Hearts

The Fashion & Design Festival hit Yonge and Dundas over the weekend, and got into the heart of Torontonians.

Starting on Thursday night and ending Saturday, the three day fest in Dundas Square featured over 25 fashion shows and showcased more than 130 fashion names and brands. The city can thank Montreal based events production company, Sensation Mode, for the free fashion fix.

Dundas Square was packed full of fashion lovers of all ages and walks of life for the opening night. It was fantastic to be outdoors with funky music blaring and fashion models silhouetted against the night sky. I made it out for two shows - I Love Kyoto and Highlight Toronto.

Here are some snaps of those who made it for the party.

TFBB Numero Ten

Happy ten months Toronto Fashion Blogger Brunch participants.

I can't believe TFBB meet-ups have been going this long. A testament to the tenacity of bloggers who are hungry for brunch and fashion speak.

This brunch had regular bloggers and readers meeting two new guests I brought along for the occasion. Too Magazine associate editor, Siya Chen and Toronto jewelry maker, Susie Love.

Being discussed this TFBB was who is going to New York Fashion Week in our circle of fashion friends and who is really jealous. The story behind soon to be launch Too Magazine - the first edition should be hitting Toronto soon. Siya is currently scouting locations like fashion boutiques and alternative book stores who want to stock it. All us bloggers got to have a good look at the mag; it's printed on lovely paper, has arresting images, and is printed in Chinese with English text at the back. The pros and cons of this set-up was debated, along with our thoughts on other international magazines we like to read and why.

All who attended this TFBB got a free ring from Susie Love, made from unique vintage buttons.

Photos S Andic

69 Vintage Forever Collection 07 @ Ultra Supper Club Aug 21

Ultra is a beautiful and elegant venue; an ideal spot to host a fashion event in the downtown core. I arrive at 11 pm to find Vanja Vasic, Alternative Fashion Week [FAT] Director and her fashion designer pal Wesley chatting downstairs. Next I bump into some of the Helder clan – giggling and cavorting upstairs. I see Jeff Rustia, host of Club Fashion TV and introduced him to who I think are some key fashion personalities in the city to be interviewed for his show. A select group of fashion celebs take turns being interviewed about their love of vintage, while waiting for the 69 Vintage midnight fashion show to begin.

The show is still along way from starting – fashion shows are always late, especially 69 Vintage shows. This is not a bad thing, as it gives me time to have a drink and take street fashion photos. Hey, I do have a job to do. I am happy to be interviewed about my love of fashion for Jeff’s show. I have been a champion of vintage clothing for a long time. I know Jeff is dying for a few good sounds bites, so I rehearse in my head what I will say once I get on camera. “Vintage is not old. It is the new, new. It is couture for clubbers.”

I urge my friend and local jewelry designer Susie Love to have a go on camera. She is such a sweetheart and in return gives me a ring she has made. It is a large clear cube of plastic now sitting on my index finger. Susie is so sweet she attracts the attention of many a man’s eye at Ultra. One in particular is chatting her up as I try to urge her downstairs for the fashion show, which is imminent. I try to distract him by showing him Susie’s ring – my precious plastic cube. He asks me, “Don’t you prefer diamonds?” I tell him that I find diamonds morally repugnant and that I don’t own any real diamonds. He then asks me, “Don’t you want to get married?”

I don’t like his manner; he is cocky and arrogant. It is now clear to me why many of my fashion blogger friends declined to attend the show; Ultra is not their sort of place. Some of the clientele here are real jerks apparently.

Downstairs a crowd has gathered around the catwalk. While waiting, a strange man grabs at my friend’s breast. She tells him to go away. Finally the show starts and delivers a retrospective of club fashions from the late 60’s to the early 90’s. The live acoustic music – Talking Heads, Madonna, The Kinks and Billy Idol covers create a nostalgic vibe. The models are having a blast dancing and jumping on the catwalk in wild vintage styles. However, there are some people who are not so pleased with the show’s styling. I know some fashion designers who are peeved that the show was being billed as ‘vintage designs’. I speak to one Toronto fashion designer and he tells me, “A designer is conceptual and creating from scratch. A stylist just puts pieces of already made clothing together.” Clearly some feathers got ruffled and aesthetics offended.

At this point in the evening all that is lacking is Elton John walking into the club with tiaras and anti-tantrum meds.

Photos by Sonja Andic

New Queen Street H&M Party - Just like Fashion Week

The new Queen Street H&M opening party reminded me of the first blush of Fashion Week.
The placed was crawling with fashion people from editors, stylists, models, fashion bloggers and photographers. Everyone who is anyone in fashion was there last night. It was so fun meeting up with the Toronto fashion community and getting to shop at the same time!

Fast fashion devotees were stumbling around H&M buried under the weight of clothes and accessories. The only draw back here was there were virtually no mirrors in the shop. Just a few free standing mirrors here and there - ridiculous! Do you know how vain the fashion community is - we need our mirrors!

Whilst strolling around the two floors of the new shop I ran into major fashion devotee Jeanne Beker standing in an aisle trying on vests one after the other. All the while, clothes are falling off hangers on to the floor around her. "It's like being in a candy store," she tells me. Jeanne is not the only big-wig shopping for her life as I am practically railroaded by FDCC President Robin Kay with an arm load full of garments. Unfortunately she tipped her mojito down the side of most of the clothes. Oh, did I mention there were two open bars - very smart way to get people to open their wallets. All shops should serve alcohol really; it would be better for the economy. Anyways, Robin tells me that for Fashion Week she is just going to pitch some tents at Nathan Phillips Square. And by the way could I write the press release? Ya, you bloody bet I will - anything to save going down to Liberty Grand in no-man's land. My stylist for the night Jefre Nicholls is thrilled, "Let's all pitch tents for Fashion Week!"

Besides the drinking and non-stop fashion gossip there was some good stuff to be bought at H&M. Of course the women's selection far exceeded what was on offer for men. A few of the men I spoke to were disappointed. They feel the men's section just offered a few basic goods, and most of the stuff you could find at the Gap or better yet Zara. I did a wander around the men's area and have to say the highlight was the underpants and socks selection. The briefs are super cute with lots of colour and designs and I loved the 'Monday to Sunday' sock pack.
It was a super party! Anyone who missed it will be kicking themselves today. And I must say the catering was fabulous - for my next event I will book Catering with Style.

Kensington Catwalk Challenge

Kensington Market's Pedestrian Sundays held the Kensington Catwalk Challenge today. Second-hand stylists created unique and characteristically Kensington Market looks with clothing and accessories from local market shops. Once the looks were created, a Zoolander catwalk was held on the street. Local merchants donate prizes for creativity, most fashionable sun block, best use of layers and other stuff. Take a look at the results above!

pics Sonja Andic

TSF Swap on Front of Weekend Post

Wow, was I happy to see the front page of the Weekend Post today! There is a big photo of the Torontostreetfashion clothing swap we held on July 8th at Buddies. Apparently Toronto is on the cutting edge when it comes to eco-sensitivity & fashion. I want to thank everyone who helped out and participated in the TSF clothing swap. We plan to do it again in the fall.

No more Pandas after Sunday

I implore you not to miss the last day of this show - No Pandas.

Get your fashionable wee butts down to Xpace Gallery at 58 Ossington [Queen Street] to feast your eyes on the newest and rawest Chinese media and photography talent. Curator Siya Chen has assembled a fab selection of work exploring the emerging cultural landscape of the new generation of China.

Torontostreetfashion was at the opening night party and got an eye-full of fashion and drama not just from the artists but the audience.

pics Sonja Andic

Gladstone Antics

How many parties can one gal hit in one night?! Well it 's easy when they are all under one roof!
The Gladstone Hotel was hosting a bunch of parties Wednesday night. A book launch for Red Rooms - a collection of short stories by Cherie Dimaline with a live performance by the sexy gals of Skin Tight Outta Sight and the semi finals for CoverGuy featuring hot nearly naked guys! I ended the night with cute booty shakin' down at Hump Day Bump.

Fashion abounded with lots of skin all night!!!

pics by Sonja Andic

Who will be CNTM?!

Canada's Next Top Model Finale Airs Wednesday, July 18th on Citytv

With seven episodes down and only four girls remaining, "Canada's Next Top Model" is ready to crown its winner on the exciting season finale this Wednesday @ 8 p.m.

They've taken on nude photo shoots, pole dancing, a team of hockey players, window washers, not to mention the expert panel and an entire season of drama with the six other model hopefuls. But now it's down to Rebecca, Sinead, Tara and Tia, one of whom will walk away with a $100,000 beauty contract from P&G Beauty, a modelling contract with top agency Sutherland Models and an editorial spread in FASHION Magazine.

(photos: Miguel Jacob, Dan Lim)

Adidas Nails It

Boys in Bloom
Last night, Adidas on Queen St. West treated invite-only guests to a multitude of activity and tunes. Live music from Sydney Blu and the Syntonics mixed with a sneak peek fashion show on the main floor featured the Fall Adidas collection for women. The models rocked the looks easily; being a bevy of jazz and hip hop dancers with chic hip shakes. Before and after the show guests amused themselves painting on a huge collective canvas, getting Pure + Simple facial massages, make-up applications and well, lots of boozin'.

The hit of the party was the free nail polish art work provided by Michelle. Everyone cued up for a tropical neon splash of colour - even the boys! Just when you thought you couldn't have anymore fun! For nail art bookings this gal rocks nails hard: Michelle Le Nail, 416 690 4460.

Mini Crafternoon Tea

by Rebecca Leung

This past Sat. June 23, Leslieville's craftiest shop Nathalie-Roze & Co., (1015 Queen Street East) hosted a charity tea party and craft sale for Woodgreen Community Centre, featuring tasty treats and gourmet tea alongside over 20 booths loaded with unique, environmentally friendly crafts and fashions.

Highlights include beautiful flower-shaped brooches made from vintage silk scarves by Smitten Kitten hip baby gear made from vintage tees by SLO, gorgeous chained necklaces by Melissa Clemente Designs and structured jackets by House of Hsueh.

We also loved wares by by other local designers and crafters including l’ammie, le petite pig, soap scum, and rat girl!

Check torontostreetfashion.com event listings often for upcoming events!

TSF Clothing Swap

Party in the Afternoon!

Sunday, July 8
12 to 1 p.m. clothing drop-off hour - there will be a bar and dj
1 to 3 p.m. Swap frenzy

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street - off Yonge St. north of College

The guidelines:
Max 10 swap items per person (this means please do not come with more than 10 items to swap) If you bring 10 items you can swap for 10 items or less.

Dig out of your wardrobe
- your vintage, designer, basic classic and era inspired clothing items that you just simply don't wear anymore or are bored of including light coats, jackets, blouses, vests, sweaters, trousers, shorts, skirts, dresses, bags, footwear
- please no jeans and no cheap, bland t-shirts
- all garments must be cleanish and good repair
- the organizers have right to refuse items if felt not suitable for swap
- this event is of no charge and left-over items will be donated to the store Planet Aid

Info/RSVP sonja@torontostreetfashion.com

Pride Gala 2007

The 3rd annual PRIDE gala and awards was held last night at the Fermenting Cellar at the Distillery District. The dress code revolved around the theme of Truman Capote's Black & White Ball. Special guests included Sook-Yin Lee and Justin Trudeau.

Torontostreetfashion arrived after the dinner and awards, but the remaining guests were still very merry. The Scandal Scouts crew were on hand to flash some skin and keep revellers entertained and walking a straight line from the bar to the smoking section outside. Everyone looked elegant with many tuxes and tails on beautiful men. Standing out of the crowd of black suits was a stunning Nina Arsenault wearing an original creation designed by Toronto's own Shkank boutique.

Happy Pride!

Art Inspired by Volvo

What does fashion inspired by a car look like?

Local 416 is a month long campaign, sponsored by Volvo that has commissioned 12 Toronto fashion designers, artists and DJs to come up with works that reflect their new vehicle, the C30. Each week for four weeks, a commissioned C30-inspired piece will be featured.

JUMA and Roxane Lolos’ Blak Mass Clothing were previously exhibited. This Friday, June 22, Jennifer Nadj of Koi Swimwear will be showing off her designs on live models at her exhibit party this Friday from 8–11 p.m. Next week will feature Ken Chow’s Krane Design.

Local 416 is open to the public from Tuesday, June 5 to Sunday, July 1 except Mondays. The Edward Day Gallery is located at 952 Queen Street West.

C4 Party at the ROM

by Sonja Andic

As I mentioned in my previous ROM review, the new-fangled crystal interior is ideal for fashion shoots. ROM put one of the new spaces, the Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles and Costume on level four, to the test with some top Canadian designers' crystal interpretations and a live photo-shoot party.

The crème de la crème of Toronto fashion was present to see inspirational visions made from metal, leather, silk, lace and plastic parade under a futuristic canopy - not even open to the public for the another year!

Guest fashion designers included:Comrags: Joyce Gunhouse and Judy Cornish, David Dixon, Franco Mirabelli, Izzy Camilleri, Jeremy Laing, Joeffer Caoc, Juma: Alia and Jamil Juma, Lida Baday, Mercy: Jennifer Halchuk and Richard Lyle, Paddye Mann, Pat McDonagh, Pink Tartan: Kimberley Newport Mimran

Each piece was wonderfully designed, original and thrilling in some cases. Overall a colour palette of white, silver, grey and black was used. The only designers breaking away from those shades were Paddye Mann and Jeremy Laing with cool greens and blues. Pat McDonagh created the most elegant evening dress which she said mirrored the zig-zag of the new crystal exterior. Loved the styling for Joeffer Caoc’s casual, but elegant ensemble of top, long sheer robe and trousers. Cute kudos go to Juma for their simple, but effective black & white dress. Best model score went to Paddye Mann netting Greta Hodgkinson, the Principal Dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, to showcase her dress.

I can’t tell you how lucky I felt to be at this event seeing some of our own talent creating original one-off tributes to this new, exciting space. Being allowed to drink and eat in this space, which in the future will be totally forbidden. You must come see this room for yourself when it is finally open to the public. It is 6,500 square feet and has angular walls rising to 43 feet with slashed widows sloping out over Bloor St. West. As I said, plan your next photo shoot here if you can – official or guerilla style - it will look hot.

The Mick and Cindy Show

For those of us who want our fashion with everything, here is a show to stop into when next shopping downtown.

The Mick and Cindy Show – The Cost of Being Fabulous has just opened and features some larger than life fashion statements. The photography of this show explores the modern affliction of trying to fit into society. Artist Sheryl Dudley provokes her audience to question why society seems addicted to consuming as a way of justifying existence. She wants her audience to ponder why consumers need to compulsively consume and shop for the newest and best of whatever.

And if you still feel like shopping after seeing this show, bring a credit card as prices start at $2,750.

Photography by Sheryl Dudley
View at Lehmann Leskiw Fine Art, 626 Richmond St West [at Bathurst]
Till July 15th

Fashion Cares 2007

Photos: Irene Stickney/ James McFaull

Despite the impression most people have regarding fashion - mainly that it's staffed by mostly "Pats and Eddie" types, fashion proved this Saturday night that it cares about more than just lipstick and Louboutin's. Fashion Cares is one of North America's biggest charity fundraisers for AIDS - and it's no small production.

With ticket prices to the gala dinner bumped to a thousand dollars a seat this year, and guests like Dita Von Teese and Bedouin Soundclash performing, there was definitely a big buzz surrounding the event. Traditionally it has been held at the Metro Convention Centre (which was too large and felt a bit too much like a Drag Queen convention!) but it was moved to The Distillery this year - which was a change for the best as it has great atmosphere - but the outdoor tent was seriously lacking in heaters! We met Dita at the afterparty, wearing Vivienne Westwood. She is a natural in front of the camera and we asked her how she liked doing her famous 'Champagne Glass' act in such cold weather. Pofessional that she is, she barely complained. Other guests take note!

Other memorable moments included Jeanne Beker grabbing the microphone away from the two Scottish auctioneers and teaching them a thing or two about how to run a charity auction "a la Canadienne" and getting our photo taken with a man dressed as Cher dressed as the Virgin Mary. The fabulous and unexpected always seems to happen at Fashion Cares, and knowing that it's all going to a good cause makes it that much more satisfying.

OK47 @ the Clothing Show

Graphic tees are a staple in the street fashion section at the Clothing Show with OK47 being one of most coveted brands. Created by fashion designer Jen Lindup and graphic designer brother team Felix and Alex Wittholz, OK 47 has evol