TSF.com Update

Hey y'all,
For those of you who check out Torontostreetfashion.com on a regular basis, you know that we've practically been offline for about three weeks - mostly due to (%&!@) technical issues, but also due to changes in staffing, holidays and availability (we've now ALL got other full-time gigs).

During the entire summer, Torontostreetfashion.com updates will be done on a part-time basis -

We will continue to list fashion-related events. PLEASE do not send flyers. ONLY typed information that can be copied and pasted. Thank You:) events@torontostreetfashion.com

As well, if you are interested in blogging on behalf of TSF.com on a part-time basis (awesome parties, a chance to network within the industry, etc...) please send Rachel an e-mail STATING how exactly you would like to contribute. BE specific. Thanks! rachel@torontostreetfashion.com

Enjoy the weather!

Toronto Fashion In the News

One-time critic gives T.O. thumbs-up
Globe & Mail, Amy Verner, March 29, 2008

Ever since celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch bemoaned Toronto fashion week as amateurish four years ago, his caustic criticism has haunted Hogtown's runways...For the record, a re-evaluation was not the primary purpose of his trip. Here for less than 36 hours, Bloch spent much of his time at a booth within the tents touting the stylishness of Hush Puppies...Able to squeeze in a few shows, Bloch said Greta Constantine was a standout ("Fifties Dior meets Yohji Yamamoto's Y3").

Lessons from the catwalk (Fashion Week Recap)
National Post, Nathalie Atkinson, March 29, 2008

Being Canadian is an asset, not an excuse. Consumers around the world don't buy all those Feist, Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene albums out of patriotic pride. The same goes for clothes: People won't buy Canadian to be virtuous, so Canadian designers have to appeal to vanity. Canadian clothes have to be as good as, if not better than, the thousands of labels they compete with. Based on this criterion, Montreal maestros Denis Gagnon, Helmer and Marie Saint-Pierre and Toronto designers Comrags, David Dixon and Joeffer Caoc will have a very good year.

Fashion ties in with MySpace Canada
Media in Canada, Jesse Kohl

Toronto-based St. Joseph Media's Fashion Magazine partnered with MySpace Canada for an interactive fashion hub, and plans are in the works for a cross-Canada search for 10 fashion bloggers.

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)

Designers MUST learn to 'sell' themselves

Fashion Week in Toronto is approaching (March 17-22, 2008)!

Check out this little warm-up about Canadian designers; tidbits about Robin Kay; words from Holt Renfrew Fashion Director Barb Atkin; and Paul Hardy's start-up...

From a Business Edge article Feb.22,
Canadian designers learn to 'sell themselves'
Making their mark in the multibillion-dollar global fashion industry

"Canadians are developing a far bigger brand and respect from other countries around the world," says Robin Kay, president of the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC). "No other country is as poised to become a success as we are right now."

Another One Bites the Dust - Poly Woes

How crazy is this?

Although Nygard, a Winnipeg-based clothing manufacturer, makes about $1-billion dollars in annual sales, just opened a massive distribution centre in Toronto and outputs a staggering 60,000 pairs of polyester pants a week, it still has to close a large factory and lay off about 250 workers.

All because of an international polyester shortage. Since it's used in everything from apparel to home textiles to car tires and credit cards, polyester (or the chemical used to make it) has been in such great demand that the world, minus China, can't keep up.

Polyester is the most popular synthetic fiber and is used more often than any natural fiber. Although strong, durable and easy to care for, poly is made up of petroleum; acids and alcohol. It is not just a textile - It's made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same material used to make plastic drink bottles. Many drink bottles are recycled by being reheated and turned into polyester fibers. Completely chemical.

Western Glove Works' jeans, another Winnipeg manufacturing plant is also scheduled to close this month. These last few closings represent the loss of close to 500 jobs on top of the 3,000 the industry has lost in Manitoba since the beginning of this decade.

Do not fear though, poly is definitely here to stay: Asian countries, in an attempt to maintain their own massive supplies, have been focused on this issue for a decade and have made it a priority to increase polyester manufacturing. Nothing new - just another major noose on Canada's fashion industry.

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

Pre-Fashion Week Drama

As the "tents" go up in Nathan Phillips Square, fashion industry insiders and anonymous advocates are busy squabbling over the future of the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC) and the state of L'Oreal Fashion Week.

Earlier in the week, an 'anonymous' group, The Fashion Group of Toronto' sent an E-mail to Mayor David Miller and many people working in the industry with a call to petition against Robin Kay, President of the FDCC. Few names are supporting the petition, while most others including myself are simply included in the slew of E-mails and gossip. Through basic slandering, juicy rumours and many details of the lack of leadership the FDCC provides, the group says,
"Our intention is not to disrupt the upcoming L'Oreal Fashion Week but ensure that there is constructive debate about the keys issues concerning the fashion industry and much needed reform of the FDCC." Me, I'm anticipating fashion week and the drama that goes along with it.

In today's Toronto Star, fashion editor Bernadette Mora asks many questions that many are curious about (will we get answers?) including:

• Will any models break down and buy fries from the chip trucks that line Queen St. W.?
• And why did such a respected designer (Kendra Francis), along with Greta Constantine's Stephen Wong, risk public humiliation by participating on Slice network's Project Runway, anyway?
  

Read the article here: Sticks and stones and models' bones

---

Leanne Delap of the Globe and Mail goes behind the scenes as Robin Kay and the small FDCC staff prepare for the week in Toronto's most wanted.

She says "The turnaround started 14 (biannual) seasons ago as Kay's lonely effort to pick up the industry from the ashes (literally: fashion had depended heavily on cigarette sponsorship before the smoking ban). There was a lot of fracture and distrust among designers who were burned both by sporadic funding and a bad rash of unpaid bills by stores. Kay, a former designer, created the FDCC in 1999 in an attempt to unify the industry and create a show system."

Who are you wearing?

Psssstt! Toronto's L'Oreal Fashion Week will be held at Nathan Phillips Square this October!!

We are overly elated that the Spring 2008 Canadian collections will be shown in the middle of the city - accessible by all - and in the faces and minds of people in the city! (although exclusivity is preferable, public access ensures greater press and awareness)

Starting October 1, the Fashion Design Council of Canada launches an international campaign asking, "Who are you wearing?" A four-page insert will be in magazines such as FASHION, Vogue, Elle, Glamour and GQ as well as ads on New York buses featuring Canada's Group of 7: Izzy Camilleri, Pink Tartan, David Dixon, Joeffer Caoc, Andy Thé Anh, Comrags and Arthur Mendonça. (YOU should know these names!!)

L’Oreal Fashion Week will take place this October 22^nd to 27^th. Stay Tuned!!

Project Runway Canada

Great news for Canadian fashion junkies: Project Runway Canada is on its way, scheduled to air October 8, 2007 @ 10 p.m. on the Slice Network.

The designers have been announced and include some familiar faces, fabulously talented locals and even a couple self-taught designers:

We're watching out for Lucien Matis, an incredibly creative, relocated Torontonian, who has been capturing media attention since his L'Oreal Fashion Week debut this past spring. Local designer Shernett Swaby joins the group and we just wonder where she finds the time, what with running her successful boutique Swaby and designing every beautiful high-end piece in it!

Supermodel Iman hosts the series and is joined by judges/designers Brian Bailey and Shawn Hewson, as well as Elle Canada editor, Rita Silvan.

The Slice - Project Runway Canada website provides a complete destination for profiles, videos, behind-the-scenes dirt and even designer blogs! Can't wait!

TFI New Address

The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) has found a new home in historic Exhibition Place in Toronto. The 100-year, domed, brick structure was constructed as the Railways Building in 1907, designed for the Grand Trunk, Cape Breton and Canadian Pacific Railways by Exhibition Place architect George W. Gouinlock.

“We are thrilled to be moving into a City of Toronto-owned, heritage building,” said Susan Langdon, TFI’s executive director. “The building is breathtaking, plus we won’t have to worry about a developer buying the building again.”

TFI is moving from its present location as a condo developer bought the building this year to make way for a new model suite and sales office.

TFIs New Address:
285 Manitoba Drive, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

Telephone and fax numbers will remain the same:
T: 416-971-7117
F: 416-971-6717

Profile: House of Spy

House of Spy, by Wendy Wong is based in Toronto but sells in dozens of boutiques all across Canada and the US. This womens wear line is popular among fashionable women for its use of bold colours and prints! This past summer, the 'Enchanted Forest' collection presented wild and amusing prints including palm leaves, cocoa beans and pussy willows in light and relaxed fabrics.

We can't wait to see what's in store for this fall 2007! Check for updates at www.houseofspy.com

Fashion Mags, Reality TV and a PR Revolution

As social media evolves and more fashion goes online expect increased partnerships between the net, TV and fashion PR. The latest incarnation is The Fashionista Diaries premiering today on Soapnet.com. Basically it is PR attempt to bring attention to Jane magazine, Flirt cosmetics and Seventh House PR through the car crash which is reality TV. Watch six budding fashion PR hopefuls jump hoops to be the one who gets to be Queen. Not sure where it is all going really, but does that matter in the world of reality TV?

What is more interesting are the comments on fashionista.com as Jane magazine gets caught in a backlash of reader dismay!

This sort of stunt might have worked well for Teen Vogue, but Jane is being held over the flame.

We want to know what you think of these sort of business 'friendships" - Bad or good? Give us a comment!

PS: I have to admit after watching the video on the net I am intrigued and being in fashion want to see what happens to these 'contestants' ooohhhhhh can't help lovin road-kill!

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)

Well & Good Closing

Well and Good Clothing Gallery, June 30, 2007

Dearest Friends,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of the 561 Queen Street West location of The Well and Good Clothing Gallery (formerly M ONE 11). So, this Saturday, June 30 you’re all invited to come by the store to have a beer and help us get rid of everything that can go!

Come by, share a story, a drink, and a laugh as we let go of this hub that has been a second home for so many of us for the past two years.This isn’t the ending so much as it is an opportunity for the future to become even more Well and Good! Thank you all for your endless support!

Steve and the rest of the Well and Good family 416 703 7490

Ps. We have art shows scheduled until the end of the year which will all still be shown, just somewhere else. We’ll keep you posted and hope that you all make the move with us.

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.

TFI shopping for a new home

by Tiff Ing

By now, all you fashion mongers know that Toronto Fashion Incubator, the non-profit that helps a lot of new designers in Toronto get started up, got kicked out of their home on West Queen West by condo developers. As the Toronto Star says, "Fashion is gentrification's latest victim," and I don't mean just the buildings. Fashion,
especially in Canada, has to bow down to a lot of bigger people, and I think we've seen that in a lot of designers' lines lately. TFI Executive Director Susan Langdon remains positive, though, and she says it's a chance for TFI to look forward. Carolyn Rohaly, author of TFI's official blog, called it an exciting development.

This past Fashion Week, the Fashion Design Council of Canada put the question of fashion as culture to the Ontario legislature, asking that the Ontario Ministry of Culture "recognize the significant contribution the fashion industry has made to Ontario's cultural sector." Despite this effort, it seems that culture needs to bow down to bigger business developments.

So what do we do? How do we get our culturally-savvy fashion fixes when basic needs like property and space can't be had? Can we get the government or arts councils involved in our efforts? Is there some way to get the large businesses like Holt Renfrew to help?

Post your ideas. Help us support TFI, new designers, and Toronto fashion in general.

Gotta love Jay!

Canada’s Next Top Model
With Host Jay Manuel premieres Wednesday, May 30th @ 8 p.m. on Citytv

After a successful recruitment process, 10 young women from across Canada have been selected to compete for the title of Canada’s Next Top Model. Each week, one girl will be eliminated and the last one standing will win the coveted title of“Canada’s Next Top Model”. The winner receives a modelling contract with Sutherland Models, an editorial spread in FASHION magazine and a $100,000 beauty contract from Procter & Gamble!

Repeats on ACCESS Fridays at 8:00 p.m. (start June 1st) Star! Saturdays at 10:00pm ET/7:00pm PT (start June 2nd) A-Channel Sundays at 7:00pm ET/PT (start June 3rd) FashionTelevision Channel Sundays at 8:00pm ET/5:00pm PT (start June 3rd)

TSF on MTV E2

Check out Rachel and Sonja and some of these "spotted" peeps on MTV Canada's E2 this Monday, May 28 @ 7:30 p.m. (re-airs on CTVs E-Talk Tuesday @ 10 a.m.)

We hung out on Queen St. West with E2 story producer Michelle Jobin (and her mini-crew), talked about the site and fashion blogging before catching up with a few interestingly dressed individuals!

Can't wait to see our five minutes of MTV fame!

Isabella Blow, 48

Stylist and fashion guru Isabella Blow has died at 48.

Renowned for her blood-red lipstick and larger-than-life hats — one memorably resembled a jewel-encrusted lobster — Blow was credited with discovering designer Alexander McQueen and milliner Philip Treacey and helped launch the careers of models including Stella Tennant and Sophie Dahl.

Most recently, Blow was an editor-at-large for Tatler magazine.

In 1981 she met Anna Wintour, then fashion director of U.S. Vogue, and was hired as her assistant. Blow later returned to London, where she worked for Tatler, the Sunday Times and British Vogue.

more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabella_Blow

Just Say NO to Plastic Bags

Don't be a plastic bag hag - reach for cloth sacks and refuse plastic bags in shops, especially fashion retail shops. If you purchase a small item just pop it in your shoulder bag with the receipt. There is no need to have a plastic bag for everything (besides, plastic bags never look good on the arm)!

Plastic bags made from petroleum and gas take hundreds of years to decompose. In the meantime they pollute air and streets and choke animals and marine life. San Francisco, South Africa, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Ireland and France have all taken a stand to outlaw or discourage the use of plastic bags.

Here in Canada, the northern town of Leaf Rapids, Manitoba became the the first municipality to ban plastic bags with Ontario on its tail which aims to halve plastic bag use in the next five years.

Make a stand today, tomorrow and 'tll you die and use funky cloth bags with cool designs and colours. Please refuse to use new plastic bags.

Thanks, Sonja

Are you T.O's most stylish?

The Globe & Mail is seeking Toronto's most stylish man and woman

And you don’t have to be a label-dropping fashionista to earn the honour. Because creating the perfect head-turning ensemble is a matter of style sense. Not cents.

Go to http://theglobeandmail.com/moststylish for contest details and to enter. You could win one of two fabulous grand prizes of a $5,000 shopping spree in Toronto, plus dinner at Brassaii Bistro Lounge.

Not sure if you’re in the running? Check out the website for thoughts from judges Leanne Delap, Karen von Hahn, Russell Smith and Amy Verner — and find who they are.

Elle New Labels Award Goes to...

After months of preparation and mere minutes of deliberation, Sarah Nicol and Kelly Dowdall of quelques filles won the Elle Canada New Labels Award at lastnight's Toronto Fashion Incubator 20th Anniversary bash!

Entitled Mi Amor, A Victorian Love Tragedy, the collection scored the most points for its innovation, quality, fit and marketability and featured high-waisted pencil skirts, bubble skirts, bustiers and blouses. The girls teemed heavy velvet, brocade and leather with delicate silk and lace in a purple, olive and brown winning combination.

We overheard mixed emotions throughout the crowd after the ruling (some were less impressed with 'tacky' lace skirts and detailing), but with a few misses aside, the quelques filles collection was certainly the most eye-catching and entertaining of the foursome!

Read the whole article and see other photos here.

www.quelquesfilles.com

TFI Fashion Fundraiser

Don't miss the hottest fashion event of the season!

The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) invites you to ULTIMATE PLATINUM TFIXX07. This extraordinary fashion fundraiser will celebrate the 20th anniversary of TFI!

$50 for a Guest pass INCLUDES:

• TFI New Labels runway show presented by ELLE Canada
• A VIP dinner
• Hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting reception hosted by Vin de Pays d’Oc
• A silent auction of fantastic designer wares
• The ULTIMATE PLATINUM runway show featuring 20 one-of-a-kind red carpet gowns designed by TFI members and alumni including Joeffer Caoc, Farley Chatto, CinCyn, David Dixon, Mercy, Arthur Mendonca, and more
• An ELLE Canada gift bag featuring products from P&G Beauty which includes brands such as CoverGirl and Pantene

Purchase your tickets NOW at TFI SHOP or call 416-971-7117 x 21. Tickets will NOT be available at the door.

CNTM Judges Announced

“Canada’s Next Top Model” (Cycle 2) Judging Panel (L-R): Nolé Marin, Jeanne Beker, Jay Manuel, Yasmin Warsame and Paul Alexander

Photo Credit: Mike Ruiz |Photo Courtesy of: Citytv

In a move to be bigger and better for its 2nd season (thank goodness!), Canada’s Next Top Model(CNTM)and its new host, Jay Manuel have added some big names to its credits.

The judges have been announced and include: Jeanne Beker, Supermodel Yasmin Warsame and celebrity photographer Paul Alexander. ANTMs Nole Marin signs on as Creative Director and Stacey McKenzie returns as Model Coach. Love, love it!

The winner of “Canada’s Next Top Model” receives a modelling contract with Sutherland Models and will be featured in Fashion Magazine. Canada's Next Top Model also walks away with a $100,000 beauty contract from Procter & Gamble.

www.citytv.com.

Street Fashion in Globe and Mail

FDCCs 'World Piece'

World Piece – Designers Without Borders
L’Oreal Fashion Week Pre-Party, Feb 13, 2007

In a swirl of white snow and a twirl of black fabric, Toronto's fashion bigwigs convened at Proof Bar in preparation for the 13th fashion season of the L’Oreal Fashion Week Fall Collections, beginning March 13-17, 2007.

Robin Kay, president of the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC) made an impassioned speech to the gathering of fashion designers, promoters, magazine owners and editors, fashion writers and fashion retailers.

“Designers design without borders in mind and it is easy to take freedom of action for granted. As we spend our energy agonizing over the ‘piece’ that defines our own fashion world we want to speak of our country as an integral component in both the fashion and political globalization.”

All guests departed into the cold snowy night clutching the hot of the press show schedule, inspired and anticipating Toronto's largest fashion event.




Start planning your wardrobe everyone – Fashion Week is nearly upon us! Take a cue from some of these party snaps – bold and wacky accessories figure heavily in the run up to fashion week!

Canada's Project Runway

Hooray, good news for Canadian fashion - Project Runway Canada is coming this Fall 2007! The highly-anticipated Canadian format popular U.S. series will feature Canadian fashion designers competing in a number of head-to-head challenges for the chance to be discovered as the next 'It' Canadian designer.

Slice(TM), the new name for the soon-to-be relaunched Life Network (as of March '07) will air Project Runway. As well, it will also be debuting the second season of the UK version.

Karen Gelbart, Sr. VP at Alliance Atlantis Communications says, "We see this as a tremendous opportunity to shine a spotlight on the wealth of talented designers working in Canada's unique and successful fashion industry. And, given that the world of fashion is competitive, catty and amazingly glamorous, we have no doubt the series will create memorable personalities that will have people talking week after week."

T.O. Fashion Bloggers in NOW

Have we mentioned how much we love reading NOW magazine every Thursday?! As the style editor, Andrew Sardone does an amazing job each week supporting, nurturing and encouraging Toronto's fashion industry. Our kind of guy!

In this week's NOW: <READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE>

Blogs in space, By ANDREW SARDONE

Fashion media’s future is in the blogosphere, and Toronto has a smart roster of Web writers who track trends, industry gossip and shopaholism in their online outlets...

Anita Clarke iwantigot.geekigirl.com
Tommy Ton jakandjil.com
Sonja Andic torontostreetfashion.com
Adrian Corsin fashionverbatim.blogspot.com
Danielle Meder finalfashion.ca

NOW | FEBRUARY 1 - 7, 2007 | VOL. 26 NO. 22
(Photo By David Hawe @ www.nowtoronto.com)

Fashion File Host Hunt

Last night, Thurs. Jan 25, 2007, fashionphiles from all over the frigid Tdot braved the cold and packed into Suite 106 for a premiere screening of the new Fashion File Host Hunt. If you haven't heard, Tim Blanks is leaving the show after 17 years of service thus leaving an opportunity for a new reality show and new look and feel for Fashion File.

This could very well be one of the greatest jobs in the world which includes travelling the world covering fashion and interviewing designers and models. It also involves writing a column in FASHION magazine and filling the shoes of one of fashion's most respected voices.

Fashion File Host Hunt is an elimination challenge where 10 finalists compete for the top spot and are tested on communication skills, fashion knowledge and star quality. Judges are the candid Bronwyn Cosgrave, former editor at British Vogue; Suzanne Boyd, the founding editor of Suede magazine and former editor-in-chief of Flare; and Réjean Beaudin, the executive producer of Fashion File.
Fashion File Host Hunt airs Thursday, February 1, 2007, 7:30 p.m. on CBC

Fashion Radio

The Fashion Fix Radio is a new Nat Radio online podcast show that aims bring the 'true' world of fashion to listeners via industry innovators and design hosts. Can't wait to give it a try.

The show will air Wednesdays @ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.

This Wednesday, Jan. 17 there are two guests - artist Jessica Gorlicky, and stylist Dev. R.

TFI New Labels Semi-Finalists

TFI New Labels® is a national fashion design competition for professional designers in Canada. Over the next few weeks, five new labels will compete for a spot in the show, tentatively slated for April 17, 2007 (tickets will be on sale shortly). Three of the contenders will then compete to win the title of ELLE Canada New Labels Designer of the Year and a prize package valued at over $25,000, including a one-page editorial in ELLE Canada magazine.

Making the semi-final cut are Lara Presber from Calgary, and Toronto labels 1.618…by Engelbert Gayagoy, Malak by Kalam Lee, OZEN by Phoebe Gao and Enfys Zhuo, and quelques filles by Sarah Nicol and Kelly Dowdall.

Known as Canada’s launch pad for new designers, TFI New Labels® alumni include an impressive roster of talents such as David Dixon, Joeffer Caoc, Mercy, Hyphen, JUMA, Wonderlust, Yso, CinCyn and Katya Revenko, winner of the 2006 competition.

Judges for TFI New Labels® 2007 include Rita Silvan, editor-in-chief, ELLE Canada; Arie Assaraf, buyer/owner TNT boutiques; Nathalie Atkinson, fashion writer, National Post; and Canadian designer David Dixon.

Photo: last year's winner Desperately Different (Mihkel Fortey Photography)