Fashion Week in Toronto
LG Fashion Week SS’12: Day 5

Micalla’s jewelry collection pays tribute to the imperial cat that reigns in every woman’s spirit, (although all the cat-themed togs I saw this week were on men – t-shirts emblazoned everything from evil cats to cat-cosmonauts). Sponsored by Kusmi Tea, the collection is massively luxurious – silver discs cascade down collar bones, Swarovski crystals are woven into glittering mesh or colossal chokers. I’m happy to report that a “coral” necklace is in fact made of coloured pearls – your reefs are safe with Micalla. Unfortunately, the work (like the tea!) is only available in Quebec. The Swarovski boutique on Bloor should get on that. Today.

Inspired by the innovative architecture and culture of Brazil’s favelas – where she worked as a nurse, then teaching crafts to children, Baby Steinberg continues to turn cast-offs into couture. Fabric remnants are woven like rag-rugs or piece-worked into intricate gowns – some pieces took a hundred hours to make! Choryin Choi’s imagination plays with what we all know Sigourney Weaver was thinking – “Louboutin could make some gorgeous shoes out of that creature”. Alien skin print leggings are paired with sci-fi white and plastic, and accessorized with mutated monster handbags, but don’t worry ET – your flesh isn’t on our wish list (this year).

Dixon’s show is fabulous as usual (see previous review), and the entire week ends with Denis Gagnon’s limitless genius (above). Rabbit soft silks move with a feral quality, and sleeveless jumper shorts are updated, sexy and belted at the bust. Florals take a walk on the wild side (think Laura Ashley meets Grindhouse) in a garden of gorgeous black chintz, complete with matching patent leather box clutches.

All in all it was an exhausting, but exhilarating week. Emerging designers to keep an eye out for include Bonnie Yam, Naanafya of Garde d’Avante, Louie Manzo, and Kallvis Gents. Cheers to everyone (especially the designers) for a fabulous 25th season!

The Clothing Show is this weekend and like I’ve said a million times – it’s the greatest place to stock up on local designer clothing, big name sample sale sell offs, vintage finds, jewellery, purses and bags and even shoes!

Feathers seem to be still going strong! This is just a snippet of some of the feathery finds at the show:

Featherband

Random Joy Design

Bright Shadows Jewelry

Biko is a Toronto-based jewellery line designed and made in Toronto by Ryerson Image Arts grad Corrine Anestopoulos. I love her take on the ‘modern friendship bracelet’ (shown above) made of heavy chain intertwined with colourful silk and embroidery threads ($85 each or $150 for 2). For Fall 2011, there is also fish scale chain necklaces ($155), and a braided lambskin necklace.

Check out the Biko website for more chains, earrings and bracelets made of hand-crafted metals, natural stones, hardware nuts and braided leathers and silks >>

Here are some pix from the Fall 2011 Campaign, Golden Haze

You can find Biko in several stores in Toronto including Body Blue and Over the Rainbow (see web for more) and in shops across the country – or shop online.

www.ukamaku.com

Toronto jewellery designer Victoria Sorkin (our newest sponsor!) makes the most elaborate, handmade beaded jewellery using beads from around the world: glass beads, Japanese seed beads, crystal, gemstones and even even gold beads.

Although most of her creations are way too fancy for the everyday gal to wear to a party – gorgeous necklaces and chokers (custom available) are perfect for weddings and gala events! Go to the website to see the Wedding and Royal Collections >


New Collection Showing @ the Hazon Yeshaya Launch Party, April 6, 2011
Lonsdale Gallery, 410 Spadina Ave., Toronto

Along with other luxury retailers and designers, Victoria Sorkin will be showing her newest collection and donating 20% of sales to Hazon Yeahaya soup kitchens in Israel this April 6, 2011.

Jerusalem Charity Event , May 2, 2011

Victoria Sorkin will present a unique, one-of-a-kind charity boxes series – made of  Japanese beads, 24k gold beads, Swarovski, fresh water pearls, unique Jewish symbols and other semi-precious stones.
The boxes will be offered for auction during the Jerusalem Charity Event – one of the most prestigious fundraising events in the city. (please contact the designer for more info about this initiative)