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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

MADE - Contemporary Cdn

by Siya Chen

For all of you fashionable and design-minded individuals, MADE is open for longer hours for your last minute shopping this holiday season. Visit MADE and pick up a small or big piece of uniquely CANADIAN design. Be it the magnetic utensil holder, funky cushions, or crazy fun milk crate table. Knowing that all products at MADE are designed and made by fellow Toronto and Canadian designers, shopping at MADE is a truly rewarding shopping experience!


MADE, 867 Dundas St. West

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Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Project Runway Canada - Finale!


Biddell, Project Runway Canada Winner | Biddell's leather jacket on the runway at L'Oreal Fashion Week


8:45pm I arrive at Tattoo Rock to watch Project Runway Canada with Toronto’s fashionistas, including PRC judge Shawn Hewson of Bustle, Fashion Design Council of Canada head Robin Kay, NOW Fashion Editor Andrew Sardone, designer Philip Sparks, jewellery designer Susie Love, and fashion illustrator and blogger Danielle Meder

9:05 Iman announces that the final three (Biddell, Lucian, and Marie-Genevieve) will keep the models they have, and will have three months to create a 10-look womenswear collection with $8500.

9:08 Brian visits the designers in their hometowns a few weeks later. Lucian has most of his collection done and his mom is helping him with some of the sewing. Aww!

9:12 MG is visited by Brian, and she says it was weird to get back to her life after PRC. She explains her collection and talks about how her parents hated the fact that she was in fashion because they thought it wasn’t practical.

9:15 Biddell says he’s been enjoying the summer instead of working on his collection. Brian tells him to kick it up.

9:23 The designers are back in Toronto four days before L’Oreal Fashion Week and Lucian greets Biddell at the Rosemount, saying, “Hey, it’s the devil.” Despite that, there is a silent agreement not to fight.

9:27 The designers have shipped over their pieces, and everyone’s curious about everyone else’s line. MG says at this point, the clothes are made, so there’s no going back anyway.

9:28 Biddell says the designers are just 20-something kids playing around with the opportunity of a lifetime…he feels like he’s going to throw up. His collection didn’t exist until about a week ago.

9:37 The designers choose the rest of their models. Unsurprisingly, Biddell and Lucian fight over models.

10:06 Biddell says Brian was a real mentor to him, and that he’s one of the few people in the world who gets Biddell’s clothing, and makes it better.

10:07 MG comments that it’s so strange that you can work on something for so long, and all of a sudden, it will be over in 10 minutes of a show. She starts tearing up.

10:11 On the way to Fashion Week, Biddell says thinking about being on the runway with the judges again makes him want to throw up. I think we’re seeing a theme here.

10:15 Biddell is wearing a shirt that says, “Addicted to Biddell.”

10:20 Iman opens the show. Lucian is first, and he dedicates the collection to his parents. His collection is full of Lucian-style fancy, crochet, and wild spring colours.

10:24 MG tells the audience that her collection is inspired by architecture, and we see cool urban colours and asymmetry in her work.

10:27 Biddell yells, “What’s up, Torontooooo?!” to the crowd. He states that he’s been inspired by Saturday morning cartoons. He’s got a lot of crazy dresses with hoods, street style looks, and bold, futuristic colours.

10:36 Judgment. Iman says the judges were all blown away by the collections, and the designers all “measured up.” Then the judges tell MG that her collection was not cohesive, or even really her.

10:40 Rita couldn’t follow Biddell’s show, but Shawn comments that it was ingenious. Rita says Biddell is still young, and he doesn’t know who he is as a designer yet. Biddell fires back that he doesn’t think he’ll ever know who he is as a designer. Around me, the crowd oohs at his gall.

10:43 Rita is moved to tears talking about Lucian’s collection—she says it was positive and his beautiful gift to the world. Iman, meanwhile, thinks the collection looks like Dior.

10:45 Deliberation. Rita says discipline is very important in awarding the prize. Iman comments that Lucian’s been in the fashion world longer than Biddell, and it hasn’t happened for him yet. The question is whether Lucian is a better designer than Biddell. Shawn votes for Biddell. Rita votes for Lucian. Iman is left to make the decision.

10:51 Iman cuts MG, but says she will go far in fashion. MG is okay with this, as evidenced by her T-shirt, which says, “MG is dead.”

10:56 Lucian is cut, and Biddell wins! Iman says he is a visionary, and his clothes speak a new language.

10:58 Lucian walks into the waiting room to hugs and tears. Ashley, Biddell’s model, is shocked and runs out to hug Biddell.

10:59 Iman tells Biddell that now that he’s won, she expects him to stay focused, and “fly. Fly.”

Congrats, Biddell, and thanks to everyone who has watched and commented with me! What do you all think of the outcome?

DON"T HAVE CABLE? Watch Project Runway Canada ONLINE!! There's also extended scenes, designer blogs and photos!

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Monday, December 17, 2007

Loft Shopping Party - Forget the usual places!



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

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

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

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

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Sunday, December 16, 2007

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.”

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Making a Scene Video



We can't get enough of Fritz Helder and the Phantoms, Toronto's most fashionably flamboyant electro-pop band with Fritz Helder and Pastel Supernova (both back-up dancers for Nelly Furtado); dancer Diego, and Fierce & Silk Helder making the music!

Fritz Helder & The Phantoms are the FIRST Independent band to get a First Spin on MuchMusic.

WATCH THE VIDEO: http://www.muchmusic.com/music/artists/index.asp?artist=2061
and then tell MuchMusic how much you love FHP here: http://boards.muchmusic.com/


Photos from the Fritz Helder and the Phantoms Greatest Hits CD Release Party by Kavin @www.sharkvsbear.com

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Thursday, December 13, 2007

69 Vintage $-Mass Shopping Fete


69 Vintage held its annual Christmas Holiday shopping party, December 12, 2007 at its Queen Street West location. There has been a 69 off-spring location in Kensington ya know! Revellers drank spiked egg nog and festive berry juice whilst stripping down and slapping on vintage treasures in full view. Daniel Wilson, L'Oreal Fashion Week DJ, scored a cool green bomber coat. Leanne Delap, Globe and Mail fashion writer, acquired a chic gold link belt. Anna Von Francis, Pink Mafia Boss, played dress-up for guests. Jen, El Presidente of the new Toronto web site Shedoesthecity.com, was glamorous in a shiny silver dress. The boutique was packed to the gills with holiday joy! Of course, 69's Kealan Sullivan rocked it the most in thigh-high black boots and fur hat - Mistress of her domain.

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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Favorite Shop in Toronto: Lileo


Lileo is almost a spiritual destination in the city - for spendthrift shoppers, artsy metropolitans and aristocratic fashion fiends who can easily find love and belonging in aisles piled high of exclusive labels, coveted literary collectibles and the latest and greatest in stylish lifestyle finds for men, women and kids.

Co-founded by Syd Beder, a Toronto fashion veteran (most noted for bringing brands like Big Star, Indian Motorcycle and Lululemon to Toronto) and yoga enthusiast, who brought life to Lileo after experiencing his own personal spiritual discovery, this Lileo derives from Galileo (astronomer/scientist) and is fueled by similar notions of light and discovery.

Go to full review here >>

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Monday, December 10, 2007

Project Runway X


Lucian's winning gown for Iman | Stephen exits the runway with a beautiful oyster gown

10:09 The four remaining designers have one last challenge: to design an outfit for Iman to wear at L’Oreal Fashion Week. All of them get five minutes to talk to Iman…Biddell asks wacky questions, like, “If you lost your arm in an accident, what body part would you replace it with?” while Lucian asks about the specific garment she wants and gets evasive answers. Uh-oh…

10:12 Biddell pisses off Lucian by pretending to use the same material as him just to rile him up.

10:20 For the first time, we actually see Brian mentoring the designers! He’s had such a minimal role in the show, it’s wonderful to actually see his encouragement and rapport with the designers.

10:29 The L’Oreal hair and makeup people laugh that everyone wants the Iman high ponytail for their models’ hair.

10:30 Brian tells Biddell that the dress is too short; he also tells MG that her dress isn’t sexy enough. Both of them rush to finish.

10:39 Robin Kay, Executive Director of the Fashion Design Council of Canada (and head of L’Oreal Fashion Week) is the guest judge today.

10:41 Iman tells MG she will never wear this dress because the shoulders don’t work on her. Ouch.

10:43 Rita tells Stephen that his work is imperfect with the bunching around the piping. Everyone likes Lucian’s and Biddell’s dresses. Shawn says Biddell’s is beautiful with the weaving.

10:52 Iman tells Lucian she will wear his dress to Fashion Week! He’s also the first finalist. Biddell and MG also make it…leaving Stephen out.

10:55 Stephen cries, but says he hopes everyone will make use of what they gained from this experience. Lucian and Biddell say he’s “the funnest guy ever.” Aww! I'll miss Stephen's adorable antics, but next week, we find out who wins!

DON"T HAVE CABLE? Watch Project Runway Canada ONLINE!! There's also extended scenes, designer blogs and photos!

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Crafters at the StreetKnit Project are asking knitters to put your needles together and spend some time knitting some warmth into a sweater, a hat, mittens, socks, or a scarf to keep a homeless person warm this winter. All items will be donated to homeless outreach programs. www.streetknit.ca

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Bassett Publishing acquires Lush Magazine


One of Canada's most gorgeous high-fashion mags, Lush Magazine is in for a growth overhaul, planned by its new owner Bassett Publishing.

Launched in 1995, Lush is known for its extraordinary fashion spreads, the hand-drawn typography and design of Paul Sych, and especially for making famous faces fashionable cover girls including Hilary Duff, Chantal Kreviazuk and recently Taryn Manning.

Founders/art directors Mahfud Ibrahim and Mark Keast of the Pennant Media Group will remain creative forces with the magazine, while Bassett Publishing plans to increase business and the number of distributed copies to 150,000 by next Spring. Currently, Lush is inserted in national newspapers throughout the country and at newstands over the world (including Indigo).

Coming up:
- a profile on Canada's hottest up-and-coming actress, Ellen Page;
- British Sea Power's front man discussing the band's forthcoming album;
- east-side exposure on the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York;
- an equestrian-inspired fashion story;
- as well as a beauty story about sugar's aging properties, and;
- a social theory story on how cocaine travels the globe to its users.

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Monday, December 03, 2007

Project Runway IX


Shernett exits the runway | Marie-Genevieve shows off her winning resort style


10:08 The designers jet off to L.A. so they can experience the high life while designing their resort wear. The catch? They have to design something for both their models and themselves. Nick Verreos of Project Runway (US) season 2 is their mentor this time.

10:20 Lucian says Biddell’s jacket/vest/hood looks like Tommy Bahama on acid. Nick says it’s Jedi resort.

10:23 Biddell says he might get kicked off, but at least he’ll do it with a splash. Sounds like MG-like self-sabotage to me!

10:27 The designers have come back to Toronto for the runway show, and Shernett says she’s stopped caring what the judges think. Good for her!

10:31 Stephen puts on a pair of women’s sandals and struts his stuff in the workroom. AWESOME!

10:35 Kimberley Newport-Mimran (Pink Tartan) and her husband Joseph Mimran (Club Monaco, Joe Fresh Style) are the guest judges, and Joseph says Lucian’s dress looks like the entertainment on a ship!

10:45 Everyone loves Stephen’s and MG’s clothing. Biddell’s is loud, but he has an opinion and a sense of humor, and the judges like that. Shernett’s is too busy for resort.

10:55 MG wins the challenge, and Biddell and Stephen are safe. Lucian is still in because of his consistency, and Shernett is kicked off. Another talented Toronto designer out. Best of luck, Shernett, you’re still a star!

DON"T HAVE CABLE? Watch Project Runway Canada ONLINE!! There's also extended scenes, designer blogs and photos!

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