Toronto International Art Fair

Camilla Singh (MOCCA) and Simon Farrington (Paul Petro) in front of "Rose" by Jennifer Murphy | Nathalie Atkinson (fashion writer, National Post) in Tevrow and Chase, is seated on a mixed media installation by Emily Duke and Cooper Battersby

This year's 8th Toronto International Art Fair (TIAF)is far more interesting that last year! With a focus on vibrant, contemporary art, Toronto artists and dealers steal the limelight, although Montreal comes in a close second. Galerie Donald Brown was selling T-shirts by Sandeep Bhagwati whose artwork includes inscriptions like - "I have a religion exactly like yours, only a little better".

Remember, you don't need to be a Tannenbaum to buy art. Here's some advice on getting started.

Tips For Buying Art

1. Start small. Check out work sold on the walls of small cafes, holiday studio sales, or outdoor art shows. Artists selling in these venues often have small affordable works ranging from $30 - $300. Buying low priced gems is a great way to get your collection of to a quick start.

2. Always ensure that the work is archival. This means the work has been created and framed with materials that won't turn yellow, or start disintegrating!

3. Don't buy art for other people.

4. Buy for joy, not investment. If a painting you bought for $300 increases in value to $2000, and you'd rather have the painting than $2000, you've got a good deal.
5. If you love it and can afford it, buy it. I once let go of a piece that was $200. A few months later the artist had been discovered and similar work was $4000.
6. Bid and win with class. If your bid wins at auction, please don't gloat - it's tacky. Use your Toronto street style to accept your good fortune with grace and poise.

Sandra Ainsley - always on the cutting edge of glass | Frozen pigeon from Bjornson Kajiwara Gallery

Project Runway IV

by Tiff Ing

Michael's Tunic | Kendra's Dress

Goodbye, Michael

First PRC after Fashion Week, and rest assured readers — I stayed away from the grapevine, and I am watching blind like you. That said, the end of my post will have a special Project Runway: Canada Fashion Week surprise!

10:02 The designers are working in teams to create a mini-collection to forecast Spring 2008: 1. Michael, Kendra, and Stephen Marie - 2. Genevieve, Biddell, and Carlie Megan, Lucian, and Shernett.

Can we say drama? Designers rarely work in teams, and we can already tell.

10:18 Michael's team attempts to cheat and it doesn't work. Ouch.

10:20 Lucian is basically strong-arming Megan…and in a way, it's hard not to understand. Shernett and Lucian are essentially a two-person team, with Megan bowing to them.

10:33 Lucian keeps trying to add to his pieces—I think he's a little uncomfortable with it not being the all-ruffled, bedazzled look.

10:42 Iman calls MG's team's collection "shabby chic minus the chic." Luckily, they still squeeze through.

10:48 None of the collections wowed the judges. I have a feeling Michael and Megan are on the chopping block, but the judges clearly liked Megan's team's designs…so is Michael going to be kicked off? No one liked her tunic (I did, though!).

10:57 Michael gets kicked off, which is really too bad. She was the sweetest person on the show, and I think we can tell…and I guess in the end, that was what got her.

But cheer up, readers! I caught up with PRC designers Evan Biddell and Carlie Wong outside of the L'Oreal Fashion Week tents on Friday. We chatted a bit and I mentioned the site, and they were really pleased to hear that we're all watching, although their lips were sealed on the collections. Biddell says it was his first Toronto Fashion Week and his first couple days really in Toronto. Carlie says despite the bitching on the TV show, they all were and continue to be great friends. So, not to worry, readers—no matter what happens with the show, at least we know they all still love each other!

Post Fashion Week in National Post

Rachel's Weekend Post Snaps Page

A fashion fauxpas
Robin Kay's insistence that Canada is new to fashion seems old
Shinan Govani, National Post, Published: Saturday, October 27, 2007

Fashion Week in Toronto, set against the towers in the city's most famous square, has never looked better, but a dark pall has fallen on the woman who makes it all happen.

Robin Kay -- who seems, these days, just one hair's breath away from screaming "No Wire Hangers" -- has been encircled by innuendo, lassoed by protest. Oh, she's her usual motor self, but there's something in her eyes that tells the real story.

Link to Article

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A Reporter's Notebook
From dreamy David Dixon to savvy Ula Zukowska, with a gripe or two thrown in for good measure
Nathalie Atkinson, Weekend Post, Published: Saturday, October 27, 2007

"The runway offerings didn't always live up to the expectations created by the spiffy new venue, but Toronto's L'Oreal Fashion Week offered much of interest. Herewith, a few observations..."

"A rant about that other runway As I watched Canadian designers showing off their best-of-the-best all week, I felt a rant bubbling up about Project Runway Canada. Because of a media embargo that prevents me from describing the finalists' collections, which we saw, I can talk about the show only in general terms. So I'll confine myself to what has already aired on Slice and what everybody knows. Iman, darling, you are gorgeous, and you are an astute businesswoman, but your delivery is wooden. It's embarrassing."

Link to Article

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

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

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

Fashion Takes Action!

Fashion and climate change have never been friends. After all, who wears Andy The Ahn to a forest fire or a hurricane? The Eco-show celebrates the beauty of sustainable style with designers including Damzels, Annie Thompson, Pat McDonough and Thien Le showcasing SYKA textiles. The Eco-Lux line includes soy/bamboo/silk blends, organic cottons, hemp and extra fine merinos. Sadly SYKA cannot be found at retailers in Toronto, but the lavish cloth can be ordered in minimum quantities through the company (located in BC) through info@syka.ca.

Sustainably-stylish tips:

* Buy Canadian to ensure your clothes are made by fair-wage labour.
* Wear friendly materials like hemp and organic cotton.
* Buy vintage or designers like Preloved or Freedom Collective who re-use vintage fabrics.
* Use eco-friendly cleaners like Whiteglove
* Shopping with re-usable fabric bags is chic, plastic is passe.
* Walking, biking or using the TTC transports you to a fabulous figure -cars not only chokes us with carbon, but put on the pounds worse than carbs.

L'Oreal Fashion Week S08 Day 3

Toronto L'Oreal Fashion Week
Spring 2008 Collections, Oct. 22-26, 2007

The Project Runway Canada crew out in full support of fellow cast members' shows. Here at the off-site Kendra Francis show, held at the Spoke Club, Toronto.

The tent was crammed, rammed pack full of people from all over Wednesday night! With an open invitation to the general public (for a small fee) and the fact that people can easily access the central location, the vibe in the smaller-than-previous venue is more like a party - complete with an electro/pop mix from DJ Daniel Wilson who spins all night all week!

Great support at Greta Constantine's off-site show @ Circa - with a mix of media and industry friends, this was definitely the hottest audience yet! Here the Holt Renfrew brigade sit in the front row keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!

Fashion Week S08 Day 2

Toronto L'Oreal Fashion Week
Spring 2008 Collections, Oct. 22-26, 2007


Zoran Dobric and models with Jeanne Beker in the Fashion Television cube

Susie Love selling her wares in the tent

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.

Heather Marks @ the Project Runway Canada show | Jeanne Beker live on location with Keshia Chante
photos by Christina Pal

First look @ Fashion Week

Toronto L'Oreal Fashion Week, October 22 - 26, 2007

We started the evening at the Holt Renfrew Launch Party where we caught up with designers, media and the who's who of the fashion industry. From there we missed Heather Marks opening the Joe Fresh runway presentation (but caught her at the Project Runway show) and went straight to Nathan Phillips Square and the beauty of the huge fashion week tent! Really gorgeous with the fountains and flowers and lights....

We can't exactly comment on the final Project Runway Canada shows, but I will assume the judges have an easy job if judging from the contestants final showing! See you tomorrow!

Rolyn Chambers, FAB with Project Runway judge Iman

FDCC President Robin Kay with Chris Tyrell, Hoax Couture

Project Runway Judges and designers, Brian Bailey and Shawn Hewson

MORE about Fashion Week:
Check out Nathalie Atkinson's: Fashion Week is For the People (National Post)
Eva Friede's: New Canvas (Montreal Gazette)
Andrew Sardone's Fashion Week Blog (NOW Magazine)

Project Runway III

by Tiff Ing

10:09 Interesting that the designers are the ones kicking the models off… Stephen's bitchiness after Biddell steals his model is awesome!

10:11 The Bratz dolls again? Does anyone remember Marie Saint-Pierre's line of Spring 2007 with Bratz dolls in the models' hair? Ugh.

10:22 Brian Bailey tells Sofia that she can't forget what Bratz represents to little girls…and that her skirt is too short. As I recall, Bratz dolls have shorter skirts than Barbies…

10:25 Are you joking? Now they have to make doll outfits as well?! And take photos? Before 5pm?!

10:27 Poor Stephen. His model dropped out, and he has to fit a size 2 dress with a size 6 model? That's so unfair! Ok, they're designers, not photographers. This challenge is getting worse by the minute.

10:35 Sofia says she has an advantage because she has kids, so she won't be eliminated. I don't understand.

10:50 Looks like it's down to Michael and Stephen…neither of their dresses had Bratz looks…Sofia's look was clearly done before. I felt like I'd seen that Bratz doll in a store.

10:55 Go Shernett! She had a great Bratz doll.

10:57 I'm shocked that Stephen didn't get eliminated, but at the same time, it was pretty presumptuous of Sofia to think she wouldn't get eliminated.

What are your thoughts? Comment and let us know!
Project Runway Canada airs Mondays @ 10 p.m. on Slice
DON"T HAVE CABLE? Watch it ONLINE!! There's also extended scenes, designer blogs and photos!

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

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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."

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.......

Toronto Fashion Heroes

Kudos to Toronto fashion industry insider and supporter Andrew Sardone, Now Magazine's fashion editor for this week's Goods Story - Toronto Fashion Heroes.

In it, he profiles some of Toronto's most active and nurturing fashion faces including Marlene Shiff, Fritz Helder and the Phantoms and our own...

"SONJA ANDIC fearless fashion blogger

More than one industry insider has mentioned the names Isabella Blow and Sonja Andic in the same breath. Legendarily mad-hatted British stylist Blow died this year, but our own chicly eccentric style character and TorontoStreetFashion.com blogger is just getting started.

Andic can always be depended on to make a grand entrance at every fashion fete (usually draped in a mix of designer vintage and gutsy indie-label garb) surrounded by a motley crew of wardrobe risk-takers, including artist Christabel and Preloved shop boy and party promoter Daniel Wilson. Her Susie-Love-cocktail-ringed finger is on the pulse of emerging Toronto fashion, and she doesn't give a shit what you think about her hot Irene Stickney chain-suspender bubble skirt."

Make sure you pick up your free copy of NOW Magazine, available all over town or check out the story online here.

FAT Call for Entries

TORONTO ALTERNATIVE FASHION WEEK [FAT] is back for another exciting year of fashion, performance, visual art and music presentations set for April 2008.
WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS IN (until December 1, 2007):

FASHION DESIGN: Women's Wear, Men's Wear, Wearable Art
VISUAL ART: Installation, Video, Performance Art, Sculpture,Photography
MUSIC: All Musical Forms Of Expression Welcome

The Toronto Alternative Fashion Week [FAT] is Toronto's first ever, alternative fashion event that is geared towards the promotion and exposure of up and coming talent in the fields of fashion, art and music. What is defined by alternative, is [FAT]'s diverse approach in the representation of fashion.

[FAT] comprises of the intertwining of various mediums and stresses the fusion existing between fashion, music and art. Any medium, materials, messages, visual presentations and performance used to deal with fashion in a new, exciting and unorthodox way are all encouraged to be explored.

The event is produced by Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion, a registered non-profit organization

info@alternativefashionweek.com

Project Runway Canada II

Challenge winner Kendra Francis' dress | Lincoln's dress

Tiff Ing

10:11pm Obviously, this green challenge is to teach the designers not to be wasteful, even with reused umbrella fabric. MG's colours look great, can't wait to see her dress. I agree with the contestants that Megan and Stephen might not have it enough to compete.

10:22pm Lincoln's attack of self-esteem has got to stop if he's gonna win. I love his dress, though. I feel like MG should have put more effort into hers—why doesn't she try to win this one, too, so she can have immunity next week? Megan's dress looks terrible!

10:32pm Lincoln is SO sweet to help Megan out. Biddell's dress is cool, but is it really cocktail? Lucian is once again going over-the-top—I hope he took it down with the dress, because the
make-up is going to be so costumed. Sofia's dress is adorable!

10:47pm I can't believe what they said to Lincoln—I was so impressed! Kendra's was lovely, I think she'll win this challenge, and is obviously a dark horse for winning the whole thing. Good for the judges to tell MG off for coasting on this competition.

10:49pm If they kick off Lincoln and not Megan (after he helped her out!), I'll eat my Christian Lacroix dress (well…maybe not LITERALLY)

10:57pm I'm SHOCKED. I can't believe this! I can't believe that the judges voted Lincoln off instead of Megan after he helped her! What were they THINKING?!

Lincoln, I'm sorry. I believed in you! Send me your dress and I'll wear it to Fashion Week!

Project Runway Canada airs Mondays @ 10 p.m. on Slice
DON"T HAVE CABLE? Watch it ONLINE!! There's also extended scenes, designer blogs and photos!

T.O. Loves Ms. Love

Susie Love is Toronto's most gabbed about gal these days as her quirky jewellery shows up on fashionistas including Jessica Biel who recently wore a necklace to her Fashion File interview. With L'Oreal Fashion Week only weeks away, Susie slaves away in her studio creating jewellery for THREE shows this season including David Dixon and Ula Zukowska!

Daniel Wilson sat down with the girl of many talents and tastes...

Susie Love loves mint chocolate chip ice cream. She likes almost any colour and takes her coffee with lots of sweetener, milk and cream. She is a dog person who has landed herself with two cats, and Susie is finally getting around to reading Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.
Susie Love channels Picasso’s ceramics into her fabulous plastic jewelry which lately has been seen on every fashionista in Toronto, including Robin Kay. For six years she was also a certified wildlife rehabilitator.

The bubbly sometimes frenetic energy that Susie approaches life with has paid off well in her career as a jewelry designer. In nine short months she has been commissioned by The Royal Ontario Museum, Fashion Export Award winner Katya Revenko, Boutique Y5 in Yorkville and vintage fashion mecca 69 Vintage. And she’s just getting started.

Susie just finished work on a Nuit Blanche installation at Y5 before throwing herself into L’oreal Fashion Week preparations where she has been asked to be a part of the Toronto Fashion Incubator’s Media Breakfast. Oh, and she’s doing pieces for the Toronto Wildlife Centre’s annual gala.

It’s no wonder Susie wishes there were more than twenty four hours in a day, or that she didn’t have to sleep. Though she admits to sometimes having her head in the clouds Susie’s feet are planted firmly on the ground where she grows grapes for the juice we drink spiked with Grey Goose through the interview. As for the future she is proud of how far she has come and aims even higher, “designing for Tiffany’s or Holt Renfrew would be a dream of mine.”

For semi-regular trunk sales and private commissions: susielovestar@hotmail.com and myspace.com/susielovesfun.

Available: Y5, 5 Yorkville Ave, Mink, 550 College St, Model Citizen, 913 Dundas St West, Melanie's Closet, 829 Dundas St West, Made You Look, 1338 Queen St West.

Happy Anniversary Blood Sweat & Shears

A salon + tattoo parlour + art space + clothing retail + makeup art + piercing = Blood Sweat, & Shears, 809 Queen St West.

Saturday night, Torontostreetfashion attended the one year anniversary of this hybrid salon and had a blast. The great thing about BS&S is the space is not pretentious and has a chilled out, hanging in your living room feel. You feel free to put your feet up on the cushions and speak your mind.

Original fashion works by local designers is available. Check out the tidy tailoring by Jennifer Lopez within her line USTHEMWE. And indulge in concept art printed on t-shirts, tanks and bags by Christella with her line Kill2Birds. This gals t-shirts really tell a story - the 2 birds in her print work always die - whether it be death by gun or by large hot pink octopus - hilarious and clever. Other fashion lines are available - go see for yourself eh.

If you want one-of-a-kind art, check out the current display of photos by local artist ZAIDEN. His current series of images features mannequins looking soulful, sad and sexy. Thanks for a good time Asher!

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

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!

Project Runway Canada I

Challenge winner Marie Genevieve Cyr dress | Iman fav, Lucien Matis' dress (go to site for bigger photos)

The first episode of Project Runway Canada aired lastnight and we enthusiastically watched with the tight-lipped, but oh so adorable designer Lucien Matis and family!

Thirteen qualifying designers started the show but only eleven made it to the next round after they were challenged to design an outfit using their competitors clothing. The winning designer of the entire competition receives $100,000 to launch a collection, a cover and feature spread in Elle Canada, a portfolio shoot courtesy of L'Oréal Paris and a retail mentorship with Winners.

We loved host Iman and her viciously honest remarks, and Brian Bailey's professionalism and presence! It was great to meet Stephan Wong and the down-to-earth Kendra Francis!

We all agreed that the producers did a great job of making the show look fabulously high-quality - unlike most of our drama-free Canadian programming! Can't wait for next Monday!

Project Runway Canada airs Mondays @ 10 p.m. on Slice
DON"T HAVE CABLE? Watch it ONLINE!! There's also extended scenes, designer blogs and photos!

Circa Toronto

Opening Party, October 4, 2007


KidRobot Room | KidRobot Artist Tilt with Rolyn Chambers

Giant KidRobot Dunny for amateur grafittiers | Lena Love

Tilt's Bubble Girl | Art Installation in main hallway

Peter Gatien's $6 million, four-level artsy night club finally opened it doors to hundreds (maybe thousands) of invited guests Thursday night. Although rumours that many celebs like Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake would show up were plentiful, we ran into local fav's including Lady X, Jeffree Star, Lena Love and even Shinan Giovani.

Kealan Sullivan of 69 Vintage sold her car for new lucite shoes for the event and star stylist Maha made a statement dressed up as french fries! Seriously!

Overall, the club is gorgeous - one can spend the entire night walking around the many rooms, hallways, levels and bars checking out the art installations and decor.

www.circatoronto.com
Read Deirdre Kelly's Globe&Mail article here.

Soos for Hope

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and together Deva, the Canadian online accessories store and our fav designers SOOS have designed the Deva Cluster of Hope Bracelet ($40).

This beautiful bracelet is made of glass and crystal beads with a rose quartz heart as well as the breast cancer pink ribbon charm. The chain is silver plated with a sterling silver toggle.

For the month of October Deva will donate $10.00 of each sale of the Cluster of Hope Bracelet to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. www.devashoppers.com.

For the month of October Deva is offering $5.00 off every purchase of $50.00 or more. Please enter coupon code "oct07" to receive your Deva discount!

Nice T-Shirt by Bowman

by Siya Chen




Bowman got new works!
Using old mirrors, door and window frames as canvas, layered with various real fabrics for the textured of his idolized and fashionable characters, Bowman's works are what they called the "New school lounge pop".<