Lifestyle: October 2009 Archives

HAPPY HALLOWEEN- FUN CELEBRITY COSTUMES

The talk show hosts of the View, Regis and Kelly ,Martha Stewart and many more celebrities showcase their Halloween costumes in this very funny video. Kelly is screamingly convincing as one of the New Jersey housewives and Kate Gosselin as well. Take a look and have a safe one! 

FASHION TREND- EVENING TOPS:Sequined Shrugs, Fur Stoles, Fur Shawls, Capelets

With the elegance of the 1940's coming back into vogue so is the return of the glamorous evening toppers such as sequined boleros and shrugs, fur trimmed capelets and fur stoles.

We are NOT talking your "grandmother's white fox stole with the animal head still in tact" fur stole here (yaikees).

 

While real fur is used for a number of toppers( like Naomi Campbell is sporting here) there are gorgeous faux fur alternatives as well. The NEW glamour topper also comes in a variety of price points.

 

Canada Style wrote previously on how to wear sequins during the day. The looks here are evening. Whilst some of the sequined toppers can be carried from daytime to evening and look cute with a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans, the fur stoles and shawls are mostly evening only, to be worn over glamour satin gowns or cocktail dresses. You can see the glam look on the left in a Ross Mayer satin cocktail dress and silver fox stole.

 

 Here are some faux fur and sequin affordable looks: 

 

 

If you absolutely adore the look of real fur, we also found some stunning looks from a Canadian fur designer Paula Lishman. Her's are truly innovative garments in woven fur, Paula was the pioneer in this type of fur design and adheres to very strict guidelines for her products.

            

Shop the above affordable looks for faux furs and sequin toppers at the following stores:
1. Mossimo Black Women's Faux Fur Shrug: Target: $39.99
2. Beaded Sequin Shrug: Forever 21: $19.80
3. Leather and Faux Fur Capelet: Sears: $109.99
4. Sequin Bolero: Couture Candy: $130.00

CELEBRITY FASHION - News Roundup- Lady GAGA, Victoria Beckham, Olsen Twins

Think what you may of Lady GAGA's crazy fashions, (we at Canada Style have reported in some of the wackier designs here and here) but the mainstream fashion community seems to like her a lot. So much so that they are giving her a Stylemaker award to be presented by none other than, the "bunny ears-giant afro" inventor himself, Marc Jacobs at the Accessories Council Excellence Awards at Ciprianni's in New York City. Other honorees include Diane Von Furstenberg, Tomas Maier of Bottega Veneta.

Posh Spice, aka Victoria Beckham is launching her own line of accessories consisting of bags and shoes. She already has a successful woman's line. Marie Claire reports that Beckham is tired of being a walking advertisement for other designers.

"Posh is though to be fed up of being a 'walking advert' for other designers, who benefit from increased sales whenever she is pictured with one of their pieces.

A close friend of the stylista told the sun: 'Victoria is fed up of promoting other brands. If she wears Hermes or Christian Louboutin, people go and buy it.

'She thought, 'why can't I do this with my own line?'' the insider continued. 'Her current collection has gone down a storm across the celebrity world. If this is repeated with her line of shoes, the range would be worth an absolute fortune"

Sorry but POSH chose to buy and display these brands on her arm. They were already established when she chose to buy them. Nevertheless the dresses in her collection are nice, so we are looking forward to seeing the bags in the new accessory line.

Canada Style told you here earlier that the Olsen twins were passionate about their designs and excited about their new Olsenboyle collection for JC Penney for teens and tweens, here is a video of them on the subject:

BECKERMAN: CANADIAN FASHION DESIGNER PROFILE

Between all of the 12-inch heels and model controversy we sometimes forget that fashion is supposed to be fun. Then along comes a ray of fashion sunshine like Beckerman and you remember why you like dressing up in frills and lace in the first place.

 

The Canadian fashion design team is made up of twin sisters Caillianne and Samantha Beckerman, along with younger sister Chloe. They spent their childhood together in Toronto developing a passion for creating fashion,with each other.

As soon as they could, all three of them swept off to the New York's Fashion Institute of Technology, to dive head first into the world of fashion design. Each sister studied a different area playing off of their strengths. The line launched as the girls' thesis to finishing FIT and in a twist of luck, fate and success the entire line was bought by a Tokyo department store. The newly minted fashion designers were thrown into the spotlight,eager to start their own line. Who better to have at your side as you start a risky career in the fashion world than your sisters?

The sisters have the knack of creating playful, rock'n'roll tinged clothes for their affluent, twenty-something clientele. (dazed digital) 

Beckerman creates their own textiles each season to fulfill their reputation as bringing dreams and fairy tales to life in their clothes. A feat that most fashion design houses do not take on. But it helps to fulfill their vision, which is pretty clear. Only the most bold, fun and young at heart will dare step into a Beckerman's dress. With their young girly aesthetic and years ahead of them to learn and grow, this is a line that promises something playful for a long time.

The message, wrapped in a big satin bow, is, yes, this cupcake has a lot of frosting. It's messy and illogical. But eat the damn thing, enjoy it and don't worry so much. (Toronto Life) 

FASHION NEWS - VERSACE LAYS OFF 350 STAFF

Making top of news this evening is the latest in potential high end designer houses in trouble. This time it's Versace. A label that came to prominence under Gianni Versace and headed by his sister Donatella after his death in 1997. WSJ reports:

"Still, Versace's latest plan is a clear sign that the global cutback in spending on luxury goods is hitting small family-owned companies the hardest. Last week, Prada SpA began calling people back to full-time work after cutting some work days for 210 of its 3,000 Italian employees, according to a spokesman.

Chanel, owned by the Wertheimer family, slashed 200 jobs, or 10% of its factory work force, last December"

Gian Giacomo Ferraris Chief Executive of Versace since July also said that the reason for the cuts is that the company plans to outsource its production, distribution and logistics and focus on the designs.

Thankfully the fashion house of Christian Lacroix narrowly averted bankruptsy with finding a backer, so let's hope Versace survives this restructuring as well.

NAOMI CAMPBELL: CELEBRITY STYLE - Get The Look For Less

Naomi Campbell strutted her stuff on the red carpet at the 2009 Fourth Annual Black Girls Rock Awards in this stunning Alexander Wang Na Na purple crepe one-shoulder dress. The dress goes for $790, which is more than most real girls can afford to spend on one dress.

No matter your budget you deserve to look this gorgeous.

Here's how to get The Look For Less under $365.00 after cashback *:

  [Naomi Campbell photo via Jason Binn]

Shop the Look for Less online @ The Brands Club Mall's stores as follows:

1. Solo Shoulder wrap dress: Bebe: $42.99 - 3% = after cashback: $41.70
2. Leather & Faux Fur Capelet: Sears: $109.99 - 1% = after cashback: $108.89
3. J.Tiras Marilyn clutch: eBags.com: $74.99 - 5% = after cashback: $71.25
4. Carolee Multi-Strand Pearl Pendant bracelet: Max & Chloe: $75.00 - 6% = after cashback: $70.50
5. Jessica Simpson Layla heels: Shoebuy.com: $77.95 - 11% = after cashback: $69.38

Total outfit cost: $380.92. The Brands Club member cost $361.72 after cashback rebates.

Find Bebe under Apparel. Get a sophisticated cape at Sears in Dept Stores & Outlets. Find sleek heels and sparkling clutch at Shoebuy.com and eBags in the Shoes & Handbags section. Find a large statement bracelet from Max & Chloe in Jewelry. 

*Members of The Brands Club receive cashback rebates on all purchases including sales items, you must be a member to shop and receive cashback. Membership is FREE click here to Join. See FAQ for details 

*Prices were accurate at time of posting. Prices and availability subject to change. Cashback denotes the percentage of cashback rebates The Brands Club members receive off any posted prices at the above mentioned stores. All prices posted before applicable taxes and shipping. 

CANADA STYLE NEWS: LG Fashion Week Behind The Scenes

Some scenes and behind the scenes of LG Fashion Week:

Top Row: singer Jully Black doing her booty shake to the delight of the fashion crowd at the Dare To Wear Love fashion show. Watch the whole walk here.

Second row: Pam Chormley from Fashion Crimes and her staff in her own designs. Ross Meyer model at the Dare To Wear Love fashion show. Model/fashion designer at Greta Constantine fashion show rocking the fur stole look. Robin Kay, President of FDCC. 

Third row: Judges from So You Think You Can Dance Canada with Canada Style editor. Host of Fashion Television doing interviews at fashion week.

FASHION NEWS: Alexander McQueen's 12 Inch Heeled Runway Booties

                  

On a lighter note, today is definitely Crazy Fashion news day. First mini-skirts for men and now these 12 inch booties from Alexander McQueen Spring 2010 Fashion show in Paris.

We told you here first about crazy shoes and why we love them. Wonder if the models who walked the Paris fashion runway had to get special insurance to wear these shoes? Also wonder HOW in the world they managed to walk? In any case do NOT try this at home. Alexander McQueen considers fashion and especially fashion shows to be fantasy and in that respect he is the master magician! Take a look at his Spring 2010 Paris fashion show: 

FASHION NEWS: MEN IN MINI SKIRTS

As much as we would love to answer in the negative to the cries of  "Please, Please say it ain't so!" , it seems that men in mini skirts trend maybe picking up fashion speed.

According to Bbook, Miuccia Prada who has introduced mini-skirts for men said:

I'm working on [a men's collection] right now and someone at the office worriedly asked me, 'You're not going to make short skirts again, are you?'," Prada recalls of a recent conversation with a collaborator. "So I'm now pushing it even further, just for revenge!"  

Miuccia who are you trying to take revenge on? Us girls or the men?

All we can say is if the guys want to get in touch with their feminine side,( in more ways than one), then they better follow the ladies and shave their legs. And Yes Mr. Marc Jacobs that includes you as well!  

Scotts surely had their reasons, which we are quite sure had very little to do with fashion for their kilts. ( And those "skirts" are NOT short). This is not quite the same thing as new fashion mini-skirts for men.

Take a look here at the hillarious spoof on men in skirts and vote for the one who has the best legs!

CANADA STYLE NEWS: Canadian Fashion Designers Present: Dare To Wear Love-Fashion Show

So You Think You Can Dance Canada judge's Jean Marc Genereux legs really do feel like they are made of steel. How do we know? We felt them. Why? Cause his co- judge Tre Armstrong told us to.. Where? In the line waiting to see The Dare To Wear Love fashion show benefitting the Stephen Lewis foundation.

The star studded Canadian fashion extravaganza was easily one of the best fashion shows at LG Fashion Week in Toronto, Canada. The event which premiered as the closing gala of LG Fashion Week, showcased some of the most gorgeous designs of the week and the fashion show was a blast. The packed to capacity and beyond crowd of over 1200 attendees, Dare To Wear Love fashion show was staged to benefit the Stephen Lewis Foundation which is raising funds to support Africa's Aids orphans and the grandmothers who take care of them. (The foundation issues tax receipts for all donations over $20.00, please donate online here.)

Masterminded by the talented and established Canadian design team behind Hoax Couture, Jim Searle and Chris Tyrell and supported by the FDCC , the fashion show featured some of Canada's most established and well known fashion designers. Such as: Wayne Clark, Linda Lundstrom, Evan Biddell, Lida Baday, Hoax Couture, Greta Constantine, Brian Bailey, David Dixon, Pat Macdonagh just to name a few.

The designers were given 6 yards each of African fabric to create their gowns. All of the work, time and materials was donated for the event which also included the models time. While some were established models, others and frankly the ones who received the most applause, were media and public eye personalities which included: MPP Olivia Chow, Traci Melchor from eTalk, MTV host Jessi Cruckshank ( who hillariously vamped it up on the runway) and singer Jully Black who not only jumped in the lap of Steve Sabados, but also stopped to do a booty shake to the delight of the crowd.

Take a look at some of the spectacular designs:

 

Ines De Santos gown                                MTV's Jessi Cruickshank vamping in Brose

  

Traci Melchor in Hoax couture                    Linda Lundstrom's versatile creation

Photos courtesy Brian Summers

See the entire show here.

Who was there: The Designer Guys, singer Jully Black, singer Molly Johnson, Stephen Lewis, all the fashion designers, Tre and Jean Marc from So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Canada Style editor, Jake Gold judge of Canadian Idol with his wife Leesa Butler of the F-list, Jian Ghomeshi from CBC.

FASHION TREND: Outerwear Fashion- Wrap Coats, Military Jackets, Down Filled Parkas

The above are some top trends in Outerwear for the fall/winter season: Camel wrap coat, short fashion jacket, military style jacket or coat, car length coats with collar accents, winter parka. Colors are mostly black, gray, winter white with camel making a huge comeback. 

While the double-breasted military style jacket/coat continues to be a big influence, the freshest look of the season is the camel colored wrap style coat in cashmere or cashmere blend. Designer styles in this look will be pricey, but a good quality coat is expected to last for at least 5 to 6 seasons.

If you live in the Northeast of the United States or in Canada you know that one of the most important things to look for in a winter coat is warmth, waterproof material and low maintenance. These 3 top factors are all found in one garment: that is the parka. Look for down filled car coat length or even a short jacket if you spend most of the winter in your car. If you have to be outside for any length of time, opt out for the full length to the knee down filled parka coat. The nylon fabric on a parka is also impervious to salt and moisture associated with Northern winters. 

Shop the looks above at the following stores:
1. Dolce & Gabbana women's coat: YOOX.com - $1,250.00
2. Quilted Puffer: Baby Phat - $89.00
3. Obey's The Dunaway Jacket: Karmaloop - $86.00
4. Belted Puff Coat: BCBGMAXAZRIA - $298.00
5. Marin trench coat: Couture Candy - $205.00
6. ¾ length belted wool coat with large boatneck collar: Rudsak - $365.00

FASHION NEWS: Jimmy Choo's Accessories And Clothes For H&M

Here is a first look at what some of the accessories such as shoes, boots and bags designed by Jimmy Choo for H&M will look like. As you can see above they are up to the minute in the top fashion looks right now: over the knee leather boots, animal prints, booties.

As we reported earlier in the Canada Style shopping review, H&M was a great place for trendy, inexpensive clothing but the accessories needed improvement.This new high fashion and better quality accessory line should do wonders in improving that end of the business for the retailer. It's also a great potential new source for affordable designer shoes and bags.

When the announcement came out this summer about the latest H&M designer collaboration, this time with Jimmy Choo to design the accessory line, excitement swept through the ranks of the value conscious fashionistas. With a typical price point of over $700.00 for shoes in the regular Jimmy Choo line, the anticipation has been growing to see what the goods will actually look like come November 14, when the line is scheduled to debut in over 200 H&M stores. Judging from above,it looks really good. The accessory line will feature real leather in the shoes and bags AND the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection will also feature apparel.

This is a first for Jimmy Choo, as the fashion brand does not feature clothing in their own line.

Tamara Mellon, the Founder and President of the design brand said:

"It was H&M's idea to [do clothes], and as soon as they said it, I really wanted to do it," said Mellon, who said she has no imminent plans to launch ready-to-wear under the Jimmy Choo umbrella, but added: "Never say never."

Here are some more looks of the items via Daily Mail in the UK. The prices are in British pounds. Click here to get the conversion into Canadian and U.S. dollars.

CANADA STYLE FASHION NEWS: LG-Toronto Fashion Week In Review

LG Toronto Fashion Week closed last night with a fantastic show called Dare To Love. We will have more in depth coverage on this truly inspiring event to benefit the Stephen Lewis Foundation for aids orphans in Africa. In the meantime enjoy some of our favorite looks from very talented Canadian fashion designers: David Dixon, Evan Biddell, Nada, Paul Hardy, Jason Meyers, Rudsak and Joe Mimran for Joe Fresh. 

 David Dixon  

  Evan Biddell                               Evan Biddell

 

    

Nada                                       Paul Hardy                                  Jason Meyers

   

Rudsak                                     Joe Fresh                                      Rudsak 

FASHION NEWS: Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen Real Fashion Designers

For some of us Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen will forever be the baby Michelle Tanner whom they played on the tv show Full House which ran from 1987 to 1995. These two young women, now at the age of 23, are all grown up. They also started a fashion line called The Row in 2007.

So what's new about that since many celebs seem to be doing fashion design now days?  The news is that the petite identical twin actors are doing it right! Initially mostly dismissed as one of "those celebrity fashion" lines, their clothes and style have come into their own and the Olsens went on to prove their critics wrong.

On Wednesday, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were part of 31 new designers invited into the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America. The Olsen twins were personally invited by CDFA president Diane Von Furstenberg. The CDFA is a not-for-profit trade organization of over 300 of America's foremost designers. Membership is by invitation only and the Olsen twins join a prestigious group of designers that include such well known designers as Max Azria and Vera Wang.

Ashley Olsen was also recently invited to "The Future of Women's Fashion" discussion alongside designer Isaac Mizrahi and Washington Post fashion editor Robin Givhan where she said:

"A lot of celebrities get involved because they want to slap their name on it and it will add to their brand. And for us, it was totally different. That wasn't my point. For me, when I look at it as a celebrity brand, it's almost silly to me, because I'm not coming at it from a celebrity standpoint." (New York Fashion) 

Ashley also said that she thought their success in fashion was because:

"We were able to bring something to the consumers that didn't exist before, which was really quality affordable clothes for young girls." (Glamour) 

The Olsens design two fashion lines. The Row being custom made luxe pieces of dark rich colours and fabrics and Elizabeth & James which shows off their hipper younger side. Proving that these girls know how to appeal to a wide range of women. Thinking ahead, they also recently added a line of sunglasses to The Row collection and surely more accessories are sure to follow.

Now the fashionable duo are also teaming up with JC Penney to create a children's wear line called Olsenboye. Mary-Kate and Ashley used to have a kids clothing line way back when they were kids themselves at Wal-Mart, so this new line shouldn't be much of a stretch. The Olsen twins want to create something stylish and affordable to tap into a different market than their expensive high end clothing does.

 

CANADA STYLE FASHION NEWS: Toronto LG Fashion Week- Pink Tartan Fashion Collection

The packed to the rafters runway fashion show for Pink Tartan during LG Fashion week did not dissapoint. Kim Newport-Mimran the designer of the Pink Tartan collection delivered a fashion forward look which is also wearable immediately off the runway.

Refreshing! There is something very satisfying in knowing that you can walk into Holt Renfrew or Saks or Neiman Marcus or Bloomingdales, the retailers who carry the Pink Tartan line, and actually buy something you saw at the show. Usually only about 20% of the fashions presented at the fashion week shows end up in the stores. Case in point? The Fashion Fantasy of: Alexander McQueen- marine medieval baroque fantasy, Balmain- gladiator leather clad woman meets mad max, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton- afro sporting NYC bike messenger meets urban hippie of the Paris and NYC shows. Are these clothes gorgeous, fun, exciting, thought provoking and hugely entertaining? Yes. Wearable? No. And sometimes a girl just needs something to wear!

The Pink Tartan collection was filled with daytime sequins, comfortable looking trousers and layered tops with shoulder details, trench coats and dresses. It was pretty and it was elegant. Our particular favorite look was of striped sequined tanks tops and snake skin print sequin mini skirts to wear as stand alone pieces. Take a look:

   

                                          Photos courtesy of George Pimentel         

The audience was studded with celebs and media like: Ben Mulroney of Etalk and his wife, Michael King former publisher of FQ mag and Linda Reeves of House and Home. Kelly Carlson (Kimber Henry of Nip/Tuck),who was at the show with former hockey heavy turned figure skater Tie Domi, said she was there to support her good friends Kim and Joe.

Kim Newport-Mimran and her husband Joe Mimran are described as "Canada's cutest fashion design couple" and are the powerhouses of the Canadian Fashion Scene behind the labels of Pink Tartan and Joe Fresh respectively. Watch the entire Pink Tartan fashion show here:

Toronto Fashion Week SS 2010: Pink Tartan from istoica on Vimeo.

Fashion Icon Barbie Is One Lucky Girl!

Barbie photos courtesy of Mattel

Boy, do I want to be Barbie! There has never been a better time to be a 9" tall, plastic doll.

Why you may ask?

Because with fashion designers like Betsy Johnston, Diane von Furstenberg, The Blonds, Vera Wang and Canada's own David Dixon designing her wardrobe, Barbie is the best dressed doll in town.

As the matter of fact. David Dixon's Barbie collection for Spring 2010 which premiered at LG Fashion Week in Toronto yesterday is receiving wide ranging acclaim for it's fashion forward style! 

   

Barbie by David Dixon photos via FashionCanada  and TOFashionWeek's

On a lighter note, Canada Style reported previously that Christian Louboutin, who designed a pair of shoes for Barbie's birthday, had some issues with her ankles. Which of course set the web world on it's fashion ear, so the good news is that the pair have since kissed and made up. WWD reports that the proclaimed "Godfather" of the blonde bombshell doll has said sorry:

"Barbie's foot has always been shaped less 'curvy' than the rest of her perfect body," he said. "I just added my little science to Barbie and I've been proud to serve her. But fat ankles she didn't have, she just could have had thinner ankles. That's all.

"My God, what a story," he said, reacting to the controversy. "I apologize to my goddaughter [Barbie]. There has been a bit of confusion there, but it's just the proof that Barbie has real serious fans."

Louboutin has designed a trio of Barbie dolls which will each go for $150 online. As well Barbie is releasing her diary My Year In Paris With Christian Louboutin featuring some stunning pictures of the pair. Ken better watch out! He has some serious competition.

WHAT TO WEAR : The New Office Attire

The office uniform is dead. Long live the NEW office attire!

Before you ask yourself what exactly are the writers of Canada Style saying here. We would like to praise the new office attire. As in lady like dresses, fitted suits, soft blouses, pretty accessories and stylish bags. Long gone are the days of dressing like a man at the office or donning an office uniform of stiff suits and bow tie blouses. As women have made huge strides in the workplace so they have changed the look of it. It's perfectly acceptable to dress fashionably and still command respect at the office. And you don't even have to work at Vogue.

As you can see in this photo, Renee Zellweger wears a perfect example of the NEW office attire . The look is sophisticated and versatile while being all business. The dress is not only suitable for the office, but can easily take you right through to dinner. Wrap style is very figure flattering and the pleating in front gives it up to the minute fashion look. Throw a jacket over it with a scarf and you get two looks in one. The accessories are chic, pretty and are not over the top. Besides you can always slip the cocktail ring on after 5 p.m.

Here are two price points for this look . You can pick and choose from the two options .For example we LOVE the Jessica Simpson shoes in the pricier version. They are almost an exact match to the Christian Louboutins that Renee is wearing for a fraction of the price. Take a look:

Find the high end products for $1,559.98 here:
Vivienne Westwood dress from Yoox for $590.00
Jessica Simpson Heels from Heels.com for $89.99
Treesje Hudson Handbag from eBags for $389.99
ABS Animal Print Ring from Max & Chloe for $95.00
Esquire Watch from Sears Canada for $395.00

Find the affordable look for under $300 here:
Tie-front wrap dress from Old Navy for $29.50
Two Lips Marilyn shoes from Piperlime on sale for $39.99
Garmen bag from Aldo for $58.00
Jet Daisy Ring from Couture Candy for $75.00
Canavelle Watch from Kmart for $97.49

You can find all of the above stores here .

CANADA STYLE FASHION NEWS: Holt Renfrew's Media Event Kicks Off Toronto Fashion Week

Toronto Fashion week or as it is known LG Fashion week has been officially and traditionally kicked off last night with a media event at  Holt Renfrew , Canada's top luxury retailer. The miss "Cool, Calm and Collected" herself, Holt Renfrew's VP of fashion direction Barbara Atkin, took the podium to reassert Holt Renfrew's commitment to Canadian Fashion. After some introductions and a short speech by Robin Kay, President of FDCC it was time for the mini fashion show of  the Canadian Designers, Barbara Atkin called " our group of seven". Holt Renfrew's favorite Canadian design lines shown on the runway were: Lida Baday, Denis Gagnon, Pink Tartan, Jeremy Laing, Greta Constantine, Mikhail Kale and Smythe. Here are some photos of the fashions:

   

Denis Gagnon

    

                     Mikhail Kale               Pink Tartan                      Smythe

The Holt Renfrew event brought out some fashionable party goers including socialite Suzanne Rogers in YSL leather and Balmain couture, Fashion Television's Jeanne Beker, Flare Canada's Lisa Tant, Joe Mimran chair of FDCC and of course his lovely wife Kim Newport-Mimran ( Pink Tartan). Our very own gossip man, Shinan Govani from National Post was there. As well as the King and Queen of Canada's and London's high end retail world, Galen and Hillary Weston, the owners of Holt Renfrew and Selfridge in London, England. Actor Steven Webber and our very own Canada Style editor were feeling very warm in their jackets under the runway lights. Of course an event celebrating Canadian fashion was resplendent with Canada's finest designers. The seven who showed on the mini runway, Fab boys of Hoax Couture, Jim Searle and Chris Tyrell, Runway Canada winner Sunny Fong, and presenting designer Katrina Tuttle were just some in attendance.

         

TARGET Confirms Jean Paul Gaultier As New Designer

WOW. Target is really on to something here. First Alexander McQueen, then Anna Sui and now Gaultier. Target has confirmed that they have retained Jean Paul Gaultier, one of the most elaborate and established French fashion designers to design an exclusive capsule collection for Target's the Designer Collaboration Series. As they say in the business, that's quite the "GET". WWD reports:

"The exclusive Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection will debut on March 7 in more than 250 stores nationwide and on target.com. The collection will be available through April 11. Gaultier's Designer Collaboration will have a tighter distribution than the last participant, Anna Sui, whose collection was sold in about 600 Target units.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target pays tribute to the American woman, celebrating the forces of style both past and present in American pop culture, the retailer said. Gaultier, who has always identified with popular culture -- producing costumes for Madonna in the Nineties -- is known as one of the industry's master tailors. The designer was one of the first to feature innerwear as outerwear on the runway. He has based many of his collections on street style and ethnic influences."

Gaultier designs under his own label and for the house of Hermes as well. Take a look here on Style.com at his spring 2010 collection. Considering that his garments sell in the thousands of dollars per dress or jacket, this  "FASHION FOR THE MASSES" collection will definitely be the one to watch.

FASHION TREND: Leather Jackets

 

[photos via Jason Binn's twitpic]

In case you are still wondering what outerwear to don right now before it gets really cold?

Leather, baby, leather.

Young and the young at heart alike are sporting their cropped leather jackets this fall. Whether it's a motorcycle inspired, very John Travolta in Grease or the lady like blazer cut worn here by Regis Philben's wife Joy. You simply can't go wrong with a fitted black leather jacket this fall.

Wear the motorcycle jacket with jeans and boots like Nicky Hilton and your blazer cut with classic flared trousers or fitted dress. Throw on a big necklace and you are ready for any event that comes your way.

A black or brown leather jacket is very versatile yet red and forrest green colors offer innovative alternatives. Check out Canada's own Rudsak for leather jackets and coats in all the colours of the rainbow.

Here are some good places to find affordable leather jackets at Zara, Bebe or Danier. 

GRETA CONSTANTINE CANADIAN FASHION DESIGNERS SPRING 2010 FASHION SHOW

Greta Constantine fashion line is the creation of one of CanadaStyle blog's favorite Canadian design teams. The  fashion designers behind the label consist of Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong. This dynamic duo have made a name for themselves in Canada and Internationally with their gorgeous draped and flowing goddess gowns and sharp architectural shapes. Greta Constantine's designs are often compared to the top fashion brands in the world and their spring 2010 women's collection had the feel of both Christian Dior  collections with the gowns and Lanvin for the fitted draped dresses and ruffles, with a bit of Alexander McQueen with multitonal colors.

Judging by the crowd turnout and reactions,at their fashion show held in a large, two storied Audi dealership, was a success. Ben Mulroney host of Etalk, Jeanne Beker host of Fashion Television and Barbara Atkin, fashion director of Holt Renfrew were just some of the 500 + industry, media and fashion crowd who came to watch the Greta Constantine fashion show and support the talented design team. Here is a look at some of the standout pieces which received the most crowd appreciation. The fashion show previewed both women's and men's collections.

This silk billowing creation was a crowd favorite. The collection presented a number of gowns.

The men's line showed a mostly black collection with leather pieces and accessories. Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton collection of styling messenger/gladiator/medieval biker dudes came to mind here. 

FASHION NEWS: Nordstrom Launches Twighlight Inspired Fashion Line

 It looks like the vampire clothing and makeup trend is one that will not die anytime soon.

CanadaStyle blog has reported here and here on the clothing, jewelry and makeup lines that have been recently launched hoping to capitalize on the huge popularity of the Twighlight vampire saga.

Now a major Department store Nordstrom has been bitten by the vampire clothing trend as well. They just launched their new exclusive New Moon  collection inspired by the latest in the Twilight saga series.The Nordstrom fashion line is aimed at a tween and teen age girl shopper and consists of : Clothing, makeup and jewelry. Here are some of the products:

      

      

CANADA STYLE Shopping Review: H&M On Bloor St. Toronto, Canada

The Flagship H&M store on Bloor St. in Toronto, Canada is a 3 story bargain shopper's emporium. Almost all merchandise is under $50.00. Basement level is full of trendy up to the minute men's clothing and the second and third floors are filled to the brim with women's merchandise. Here is a sample of some great shopping finds: a textured and sequined bubble skirt and a must have, all season fitted gray dress.

             

On the main floor one will find gloves, scarves, accessories , footwear and purses. Leather studded gloves were a definite find, but other accessories not as impressive. Some faux leather fringed purses were nice, but we prefer shopping for real leather if possible. It looks nicer and lasts longer. We found long leather gloves that were gorgeous and of good quality. At $59.99 they were one of the more expensive pieces in the store but comparable to simmilar gloves which cost well over $150.00 in other stores.

On the second floor of this shopping destination, were : sweaters, cardigans, sweater dresses in all textures. Mostly in the beige to gray to black color palette. The racks are very full, so one must do a bit of sifting and looking to shop the best cut and style. But most definitely worth the hunt, as all barganistas know! We found a textured, very designer looking puff shouldered sweater dress for $50.00.

Overall, the H&M store on Bloor gets an A in layout and selection of clothing. A for pricing and a B to C for quality of merchandise( choose carefully ). Perfect for shopping everyday pants, sweaters, tops with a few outstanding "building" pieces as above.

Celebrity Fashion News Review: Kardashians, Kanye, Selena Gomez

CanadaStyle celebrity fashion news weekly review:

The Kardashian sisters are teaming up with BeBe to create their own clothing line. Kim, Khloe and Kourtney do have great style so it was only a matter of time. Kim says on her blog: This is honestly a dream come true! We have always loved fashion and have wanted to design for such a long time and now we finally are! I love Bebe and wear their clothes all the time so I cant wait for our collections to come out in the spring!

Kanye West is facing the music. His clothing line, Pastelle, has been shut down before it even started. No reasons have been given as to why the clothes will never be sold. Erm, we can take a good guess that it has something to do with his boorish behaviour during the VMA's. This work has been in plans for three years but alas like the cancelled concert tour with lady GAGA, it has fallen apart. 

Cute little Disney star Selena Gomez is now a "fashion designer". The 17 year old teamed up with Tony Melillo, former Generra designer to create Dream Out Loud by Serena Gomez. She calls the line pretty, feminine and bohemian. They are currently looking for an exclusive partner to sell the clothes. Can't wait for The Gosselin kids to start theirs...or maybe the "8 can wait" another 15 years! 

FASHION TREND: ADIDAS Launches Tricked Out Sneakers By Jeremy Scott

CanadaStyle has reported previously here on the fashion trend of designer sneakers. Now Adidas has launched a new collection designed by American fashion designer Jeremy Scott for their Origionals by Origionals collection. Here are photos of some of the new sneakers :

Fashion designer, Jeremy Scott talks about his inspiration for the Adidas clothing line coming from the likes of his clients such as Madonna, Katy Perry and MIA here. He says that what he finds exciting is being able to work with something established and yet still be able to be origional with his fashion designs. He says he loves the juxtaposition.

Jeremy Scott most definitely accomplishes origionality with his animal printed boxing boots, sequined sweatshirts or as he refers to it, boyish and yet glamourous, sparkly and casual Adidas sportswear. Jeremy is also known as the first fashion designer to dress "Piss Piggy" , who has since "proclaimed him" to be her favorite designer.... See more on the designer here: 

"Relevance to modern life--and the modern fashion consumer--never seems to be at the forefront of Jeremy Scott's mind. He sees fashion more as an opportunity for cheeky social commentary (as in his "

--Janet Ozzard - Style.com

FASHION TIPS BY CELEBRITY FASHION STYLIST PHILLIP BLOCH

Canada Style exclusive.

By Editor.

FASHION TIP : USE ACCESSORIES TO UPDATE YOUR LOOK. LOOK FOR BEADED BAGS AND BEJEWELED SHOES.

CanadaStyle recently spoke to Phillip Bloch , the celebrity stylist extraordinaire ,style ambassador at Fashion Weeks around the globe and per Cosmo one of  the "Four Most Lusted After Men in Fashion". 

CanadaStyle Editor:

How can real women adapt some of the new looks without going broke?

Bloch:

Well, it's all about the fashionista becoming the recessionista. Everyone understands that. The easiest way to update your look is with some stylish accessories. For example , take your old t-shirt out of the closet, throw on a pair of slim jeans with a boyfriend jacket and a big bib necklace and you are ready to go.

CanadaStyle editor:      

Phillip, can you describe some of the new trends in accessories?

Bloch:

We are seeing a lot of beaded bags and bejeweled heels on shoes. This is new , there will be a lot of focus on the heel . Of course big necklaces as well.

                       

Bag: Moyna-Beaded Handbag -couturecandy.com   Shoes: Badgley Mischka - heels.com Necklace: Blu Bijoux Crystal Encrusted Ribbon Bib Necklace - Max & Chloe

FASHION NEWS: Barbie's Ankles Too Fat?

Things are getting out of hand here!  Christian Louboutin, who has become the latest designer to dress Barbie, has said that Barbie''s ankles are too fat. What?

First the Raplh Lauren photoshop fiasco, then Karl Lagerfeld defending anorexic models. And now the iconic Barbie doll, that impossible standard in physical beauty dimensions, has fat ankles? Clearly in the cruel world of fashion,no doll will ever be safe again!

 WWD reports :BARBIE BOY: Christian Louboutin is the latest designer geared to give Barbie a makeover, with three dolls he's conceived top to toe due to be released over the coming months. Louboutin has even reshaped the dolls' figures as he doesn't find the classic Barbie's morphology très flattering. "He found her ankles were too fat," said a Louboutin spokeswoman, who revealed one of the dolls would be released in time for the Cannes International Film Festival. "They're completely wild and even come with mini Louboutin boxes for the shoes," she said.

We advice Barbie to leave France tout de suite and move to Canada . At least here, fashion designer David Dixon has not expressed any concerns with Barbie's weight or dimensions with his exclusive Barbie Collection for The Bay!

 

ARMANI CHOOSES NEW MODELS: BECKHAMS ARE OUT, MEGAN FOX AND RONALDO ARE IN

                               

It seems like only a short time ago we reported and showed a steamy video of Victoria and David Beckham's campaign for Emporio Armani underwear.

Now WWD reports that Posh and Becks are out and are being replaced by newer shinier models in the likes of Megan Fox and another soccer player, Cristiano Ronaldo. Would be interesting to know what the real reasons behind the switcheroo are,considering that the line has apparently doubled in sales since Beckhams became the models for it. At least now it makes sense as to why David Beckham was looking into doing his own underwear line.

23 year old Megan Fox, the current Hollywood reigning bombshell is most certainly very beautiful but is not without controversy having been involved in a very public spat with her co-stars and director of  the movie that made her famous, "Transformers". Maybe Armani is hoping for a little bit of celebrity buzz to be generated with his new model? Let's hope the gamble won't prove as risky for him as Lindsay Lohan did for Ungaro.

FASHION TRENDS: Hottest Jewelry Looks Right Now

The hottest designs in Jewelry right now are big, bold and shiny statement pieces.

They come in the form of large draped necklaces in silver, gold, crystal, rope chains and bib style jewels. Chunky necklaces with semi-precious stones such as jade, onyx, amethyst, coral and amber are still in style, but we are seeing more metallics. This jewelry trend is following the heavy focus on metallic fabrics in clothing for the fall and spring seasons.

Silver and Platinum are seen in the larger necklace designs and gold is more prevalent in more delicate creations.

Where the large semi-precious stone fashion remains in full force is the cocktail ring. Topaz, aquamarine in blues and amethyst in purple are the most popular colors for statement rings this season.

As they say "diamonds are a girl's best friend." This is definitely the case for fall and the upcoming holiday season in jewelry fashions where glitter in the form of elaborate crystal necklaces and earrings abound. MMcrystals has some very pretty pieces, you can pick them up on the web or at Andy-The-Anh's Toronto and Montreal boutiques.

Shop the above looks:

1. Blu Bijoux Multi Strand Draped with Black Necklace: $75.00
2. Janna Conner Designs Light Blue Quartz $60.00
3. Nicole Romano Button Stud Necklace: $313.00
4. Blu Bijoux Crystal Cocktail Ring: $54.00
5. Dereon Pyramid Cab Bib: $21.98
6. Dereon Open Teardrop Stone Gypsy: $26.00 

Find jewelry pieces numbered 1 through 5 at Max & Chloe here and 5 and 6 in Dereon here.
On Paris Hilton - Chan Luu Grey Pearl Necklace: $155 from The Hip Chick.
On Kate Moss - Ben Amun Long Gold Disc Necklace: $198 from The Hip Chick

BLAKE LIVELY: CELEBRITY STYLE - Get The Look For Less

Gossip Girl style is probably just as, if not more popular than the show itself. Apparently everyone wants to dress like a young NY upper east side girl. In a true life imitates art style, fashion designer Anna Sui has even created the Gossip Girl clothing line (available at Target) so you can dress like your favourite character. Of course if you want to Get the Look without leaving home, CanadaStyle shows you how to do it with easy online shopping.

Blake Lively, Serena van der Woodson on Gossip Girl, warms up fall even in the shortest of skirts. In her Tweed Smythe boyfriend jacket, she is ready for pretty much anything.

Here's how to get the look under $300.00 for all pieces :

 [Blake Lively photo via @etcanada's twitpic]

Pick up a Smythe jacket that Blake is wearing at stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks and Holt Renfrew.

Shop the Look for Less online @ The Brands Club Mall's stores as follows:

Boyfriend Blazer: Alloy: $47.92* - 3% = after cashback: $46.48
Journee Collection Rebecca boot: Shoebuy.com: $36.99 - 11% = after cashback: $32.93
My Two Loves Skirt: Karmaloop: $49.00 - 3% = after cashback: $47.53
Kathy Van Zeeland Glamour Shot Satchel: eBags.com: $59.99 - 5% = after cashback: $56.99
Lightweight plaid scarf: Old Navy: $10.00 - 1% = after cashback: $9.90
Levante rib tights: figleaves.com: $15.00 - 5% = after cashback: $14.25
W/A Studios Silver Rays Treasure Earrings: Max & Chloe: $65.00 - 6% = after cashback: $61.10

Total outfit cost: $283.90. The Brands Club member cost $269.18 after cashback rebates.

Find Alloy, Karmaloop, Gap, Old Navy and figleaves.com under Apparel. Find hot winter boots and a big shoulder bag at Shoebuy.com and eBags in the Shoes & Handbags section. Add some shine with a pair of big earrings from Max & Chloe in Jewelry. 

Members of The Brands Club receive cashback rebates on all purchases including sales items, you must be a member to shop and receive cashback. Membership is FREE click here to Join. See FAQ for details.

*Prices were accurate at time of posting. Prices and availability subject to change. Cashback denotes the percentage of cashback rebates The Brands Club members receive off any posted prices at the above mentioned stores. All prices posted before applicable taxes and shipping. 

FASHION NEWS: Karl Lagerfeld On 'Fat Mommys' And 'Skinny Models'

Tout le fashion web online is talking about Karl Lagerfeld's comments. The Guardian reports that Lagerfeld , 71, in an interview with a magazine has said that only fat mummies are complaining about the zero size models. Lagerfeld said:

"These are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly," said Lagerfeld in an interview with the magazine Focus. The designer, who lost a lot of weight himself when he went on a strict low-carbohydrate diet several years ago, added that the world of fashion was all to do "with dreams and illusions, and no one wants to see round women".

Sorry, Mr.Lagerfeld,but your comments are just not keeping up with reality. Fashion models are literally dying of anorexia and fainting on runways. The models today are up to 20 lbs. thinner than the 'supermodels' of the 80's such as Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell.  The outcry against skeletal frames and sunken in eyes has been raging in the "real world"  for a while and is finally starting to make inroads into the fashion world.

Fashion week organizers have banned zero sized models around the world and fashion magazines such as British Vogue and Brigitte in Germany have woved to stop using ultra thin models.

Canadian born fashion designer Mark Fast, created controversy and much acclaim with using size 12 models for his show at London Fashion week. And finally just recently the  fashion house of Ralph Lauren provoked a universal outcry when a model in their ads was photoshopped to look cartoonishly anorexic.

 

 

Chanel models 

CANADA STYLE Answers Reader Questions.

Here at CanadaStyle we welcome reader questions. Our editor and writers will choose selected questions and answers to post on the blog. Here are two reader questions from this week. Names are listed in initials for reader privacy.

Question: MJ from Kitchener, Ontario writes:

" Hey, Canada Style. I love reading your blog and watching the videos. But, spring is too far off for me to think of right now. I'm still trying to figure out my winter wardrobe and not spend an arm and a leg. Any suggestions?"

Answer: Hi MJ. Sure we did a really detailed "What to Wear" series for Fall and Winter clothes with CanadaStyle fashion editor and top Canadian fashion designers: Pink Tartan, Greta Constantine, Comrags, Andy-The-Anh and Joeffer Caoc and Izzy Camilleri. Find it here. Our writers also matched up the designers suggestions with really affordable clothing. Check it out and let us know if there is any other information we can provide you with.

Editorial Staff

Question: CM from Kellowna, British Columbia writes:

" Hello Editor. I'm over 35 and am trying to figure if I'm too old to wear these thigh high boots. Is this strictly for younger women?"

Answer: Hello CM. Thanks for writing. You have asked a question that is being asked by women everywhere. My take on this is if you can remember seeing "Pretty Woman" in the theatres, then wearing thigh high, high heeled boots and even shorter skirts to show them off would not be my recommendation. But ultimately it's not about age, it's about how you feel. At the end of the day, if you love it and want to wear it, it's your decision!

For business or daytime wear, I recommend : to the knee or just covering the knee as a flattering and still stylish choice for most women.

For casual or weekend wear: higher over the knee boot can be done in riding boot style or flats in softer suede and worn with leggings and a drapy knit sweater or thinner layers in tunics.

                                             

editor CanadaStyle

editor@canadastyleblog.com  

RALPH LAUREN PHOTOSHOP FAUX PAS

My Oh My! This might be slightly embarassing to the man often considered the quintessential American fashion designer. A ridiculously looking Ralph Lauren ad had the model's torso  photoshopped to look anorexic to a point of caricature. Does not say much about the art department and/or the production team responsible for this at Ralph Lauren.

Also seems bizarre that in an era where the fashion industry is slowly but surely moving away from anorexic looking models, that the creative folks at Ralph Lauren would consider the image below even remotely normal. Take a look:

In all fairness Ralph Lauren Inc. did issue this statement via Extra:

"For over 42 years we have built a brand based on quality and integrity. After further investigation, we have learned that we are responsible for the poor imaging and retouching that resulted in a very distorted image of a woman's body. We have addressed the problem and going forward will take every precaution to ensure that the caliber of our artwork represents our brand appropriately."

Good! Now fire the art department!

FASHION NEWS UPDATE: PARIS Fashion Week, Project Runway, Fashion Designers

CanadaStyle week in review - fashion 

Paris Fashion Week Draws to a Close

WWD reports: Paris Fashion Week concluded with several strong spring collections, ranging from the fantastical to the smartly understated, with a few surprises thrown in. Reactions from retailers were positive, as they welcomed more realistic pricing, as well as the shift from aggressive power dressing toward more salable feminine designs. For his Louis Vuitton collection, Marc Jacobs went for head-to-toe overstatement with street-smart clothes that mixed athletic, military, street, hippie, Eighties and Davy Crockett influences. Karl Lagerfeld celebrated country life with wit, audacity and loads of style in his Chanel collection. Alexander McQueen was inspired by the ocean and evolution, while Stella McCartney showed that she has come to connect with women who appreciate her clothes' unfettered chic and workability. On the other end of the spectrum was the Emanuel Ungaro collection, a collaboration between Lindsay Lohan, the house's "artistic adviser," and designer Estrella Archs.

You can be a Virtual Designer:

Next spring you can be a contestant of Project Runway from your living room. Atari is working to turn the reality show into a Nintendo Wii game for next spring. You will be able to design the clothes and use the Wii Balance Board to walk the runway and be a photographer shooting the show. Some are rolling your eyes, but this could be fun.

Fashion designers and other news: 

Liz Claiborne is hoping to balance out its 2009 losses with a new deal. Claiborne and J.C. Penny Co have signed a 10-year deal giving J.C. Penny exclusive rights to the clothes. They will be the only US store selling the women's line, Liz & Co and Concepts.

Christian Lacroix formalized his deal with Ajman Sheikh saving his company from bankrupsty. In the meantime one of the most origional designers Yohi Yamamoto has filed for bankruptsy protection and on apparently the very same day the company found a backer as well.

And sadly, Irving Penn , a icon in fashion photography has passed away on Wednesday in New York at the age of 92. 

CANADA STYLE NEWS: GUY LALIBERTE MAKES CANADA PROUD, PUTS ON GREATEST SHOW IN SPACE

When we first heard that Guy Laliberte  the founder of Cirque du Soleil ,was paying 35 million dollars to be the first Canadian space tourist, our reaction was " What a  wasteful indulgence.There are people in the world who can really use the money!"  Laliberte known as a maverick businessman, French Canadian success story and Canada's version of Richard Branson is not without controversy. He is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle and was the subject of an article about sex and drugs fuelled parties he threw for Cirque de Soleil in Macleans magazine. ( Cirque de Soleil has refuted the allegations).

Yet, when we learned that the major goal of the mission was to organize a series of worldwide concerts in order to create awareness for the need for clean water and water preservation for a charity Laliberte created,we could not be more proud!

The concerts are being streamed LIVE RIGHT NOW and the outpouring of pride for a fellow Canadian is really tremendous. So many Canadians are posting on the live feed of their pride of being Canadian and for Guy as a World citizen and as a Canadian!

Way to go Guy Laliberte!

SHOW UPDATE: the show is over please go to www.onedrop.org to get involved.

It was an incredible event which brought together artists, singers and performers from 14 countries around the world. Some highlights included performances by U2, Shakira, Joss Stone and appearances by Al Gore and Canada's top environmentalist David Suzuki.

At the end of the show Guy Laliberte said" All for Water and Water for All"! Amen!

see more coverage of the event here and here

 

CELEBRITY FASHION NEWS UPDATE: DAVID BECKHAM, LINDSAY LOHAN & SARAH JESSICA PARKER

photo courtesy of leezie5's flickr

With all of his experience being half naked, David Beckham is in talks to develop his own men's underwear line, which will be launched in 2010. With his body in their ads, Emporio Armani's sales more than doubled last year. As long as there will be big pictures of him shirtless somewhere it doesn't matter what the brand is.

If you thought Lindsay Lohan's Ungaro line was bad just wait, because her mother Dina is breaking into fashion too. Dina is started a shoe line named Shoe-han. No that is really the name! They will be available next Mother's Day at LoveMyShoes.com

Sarah Jessica Parker is one busy woman. Between her family, her clothing and perfume lines and Sex In The City how she has time for anything else is amazing. Now she has picked up another job. She will front the Halston 2010 Spring-Summer collection. At 44, good for her for still being a gorgeous fashion icon.

FASHION PREDICTIONS FROM THE 1930'S AND MODERN DAY COMPARISONS.

This is a great video where fashion designers from the 1930's try to envision what people of the future , as in us, will be wearing by the year 2000. Halo lady notwithstanding,some of the predictions are earily accurate.  Here are some fun modern day fashion comparisons to present day fashion collections.

We loved the first black and white ensemble with removable sleeves . Modern Day comparison? = Yves St.Laurent 2010 collection 

Cone Breasted second dress = Jean Paul Gaultier 2010 fashion collection

White Grecian godess gown = Canada's own Greta Constantine does a gorgeous version

Gold Cape, extended shoulders = Alexander McQueen, Michael Kors , Lanvin collections

Of course Christian Dior collection based on 1930's and 40's glamour fashions could be a video shot in the 1930's. Just make it black and white!

Take a look:

CRAZY SHOES WHY DO WE LOVE THEM?

                                        shoes from Alexander McQueen fashion show

This is probably one of the best articles written in depth on this subject. This NYTimes article asked a number of experts why do we subject our feet to torture, seek out new heights and most of all why not only do we wear them? But why do we love them?

Here are some excerts from the article:

Nancy Rexford - Fashion Historian

"Women's willingness to tolerate discomfort, even pain, in the service of fashion is often chalked up to the desire to attract a mate or to rise a step in the social hierarchy. But today's extreme fashions may have more to do with expressing power and control -- control over one's own body, and the power to use one's body to draw the gaze of others"

Anna-Marie Fitzgerald- book publicist - fashion blogger

"Elongating the leg and squashing the toes, a skyscraper shoe is an addictive, paradoxical combination of pain (ouch), power (taller, but you can't walk) and beauty (a peep-toed sigh). That Louboutin under-lick of red is a tantalizing hint of flesh, the stiletto spike a phallic shadow and in one's pinched toes -- sensation there lies an exquisite kind of torture. We can't honestly wonder at the agonies of the 19th-century corset or foot-binding when we're obsessed with "the shoe," can we?"

Marlene Reid - podiatrist

"When it comes to shoes, women should not have to choose between fashion and foot health. However, most women do need to make healthier shoe choices. According to a recent survey from the American Podiatric Medical Association, far more women (87%) than men (68%) have suffered foot pain due to footwear. Most foot conditions stem from the type of foot we inherit, yet the footwear we select can negatively contribute to the condition's development. For example, flat feet are the main cause of bunions, but footwear, such as pointed shoes, can contribute to their progression and pain"

There you have it! Who says we have changed all that much in the last few centuries?

In any case the article is a fascinating read with a number of other experts writing on the topic.

 

PAUL HARDY: CANADIAN DESIGNER PROFILE

"A star is born!"

Fashion Television's Jeanne Beker's words will go down in history. She couldn't contain herself after seeing Paul Hardy's first collection and now her words have started a sensation that spread around the world.

Calgary's Paul Hardy started his career as a personal shopper at Canada's pre-eminent high fashion department store, Holt Renfrew.

It might sound like a humble beginning, but it gave the imaginative designer a place to meet contacts, buyers, and fashion conscious clients and put his ideas to work. It worked out to be a smart plan and now he knows exactly what women want and how to give it to them.

His first show in Toronto in 2003 began a whirlwind of attention that didn't stop. The buzz around Hardy spread as he moved South showing at New York and L.A. His signature layering and texture style caught the eye of, well, everyone.

Paul designs his lines as individual pieces, so that anyone can slip them easily into their wardrobe. His clothes are edgy, but his earthy tones won't scare off the average buyer. When he does use a bold colour watch out, because it will be a piece to remember.

In 2007, he opened his unique store in Kensington, Calgary that not only holds his line, but also sells designer consignment items from his clients. Again a great plan!

On top of creating a smash on the runway, he's a spokesperson for the World Vision HOPE campaign. He joined them in 2008 in Uganda to build schools and restore the lives of orphans whose families have died from civil war or AIDS.

With successful high-end, jewelry and knitwear lines already putting fashion fans in a frenzy, the future only holds bigger things for Paul Hardy as he follows his dreams for a men's line, an accessories line and a moderately priced line.

PARIS FASHION WEEK ENDS: LOUIS VUITTON AND CHANEL FASHION SHOWS AND COMMENTARY

The Louis Vuitton fashion show was much anticipated, with the live streaming on their Facebook page and all. But, the comments on the status feed were mostly not very flattering to the spring/summer 2010 fashion collection by Marc Jacobs. It looks like this is a second strike out for Jacobs whose own fashion collection under his name was also received with raised eyebrows. He had done a nice job with Louis Vuitton in the past, managing to be classic and innovative. Alas with this collection we weren't sure what was more distracting the huge afro hair wigs on the models, the swinging fox ? tails or just bag lady type clothing.

Louis Vuitton style trends:

Silhouette: short skirts ( are we seeing a pattern here yet?), layers, fitted to body, tunics over short pants, sheer tops over plaid shirts, tassled skirts over lace leggings..

Colors: mostly mixed prints , pinks, grays, taupes with embelishments.

Fabrics :sequins, tassels, lots of textures to the fabrics, tweed, lots of textures mixed together

Shoes: kitten heels, fur embellished short boots

CHANEL:

Whereas, Marc Jacobs went for drama in the way his models looked, the fashion designer for Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld just went for theatre. His fashion show was set in a 'barn', complete with haystacks and with Lily Allen performing, and ( ahem) an interesting menage frolicking in the haystack at the end of "the story" fashion show. 

Theatrics aside, thankfully the Chanel fashion show and Karl Lagerfeld delivered a sophisticated collection. Chanel as Dior and perhaps Yves St.Laurent brands are classics and sometimes the classics are just best left in as close to the origional designer's vision as possible. And that's what the collection delivers, some straight up classics and some variations on the Chanel suit with a-line skirts ( didn't love those), cropped to the body jackets and light dresses.

Chanel style trends:

Sihouette : short, cropped, fitted jackets, a line or fitted mini skirts, flouncy skirted dresses, wide leg loose pants, skinny jeans, fitted jacket pants suits

Fabrics: traditional chanel- tweeds, wools, silks, chiffon

Colors: mostly a light colored collection - pinks, light gray, white , black

Shoes: Clogs ( and you thought you would never have to try walking in those again, didn't you?)

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES GETTING STYLISH

We needed a break from Paris and all the fashion costumes so went online shopping for Halloween costumes and found some that can probably come straight from Paris runways. ( Just joking..maybe) 

Needless to say this year the Vampire and Witches costumes are the most popular ( ok, ok, we'll stop already). Check out some of the cute Halloween costumes for kids also:

 

shop the above at buycostumes.com here

 

      

 

     

shop these absolutely adorable baby and kids costumes at costumecraze.com here

We have a hunch that Halloween is going to be a very fun fashion show this year, now just how to stop snacking on all those candies..

 

 

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN LIVE FASHION SHOW REVIEW

By CanadaStyle editor.

"Fashion is evolving. Fashion is as much a form of entertainment as is cinema or music" says Alexander McQueen who is being interviewed live at his Paris Fashion Week show.

Alexander McQueen is a London fashion designer, known for his bold and often non conventional style.

"Fashion is a form of storytelling, this is what we do here. This is what motivates me"

CanadaStyle - Alexander McQueen FASHION SHOW REVIEW: 

"Medieval Fantasy in Space":

Silhouette : hourglass with short skirt lengths and cinched in waists. Skirts are draped or ruffled, exagerated structural shapes. Shoulders sharp and slightly extended.

Fabrics: rich brocades, silks, sequins, some lighter weight chiffons for skirt ruffles

Colors: gold, brown, blue, multihue and taupe gray, prints - very rich often intermixed 

Shoes: 7 inch booties- not wearable

Aside from the shoes, absolutely gorgeous sumptuous collection! See images here

Here is what fashion commentators are saying on twitter:

Canada's best know fashion commentator and host of Fashion Television, Jeanne Beker had this to say about the McQueen show :

"And so....seeing a show like that reminds me of why I love fashion. And now, I can go on for another 25 years! (At least...)"

Lisa Tant the editor-in-chief of Flare Magazine- one of Canada's top fashion magazines said this:

"How do I feel after a show like this? Breathless & honoured to witness brilliance first hand. Will have trouble sleeping tonight"

 

MARTHA STEWART WEARS VAMPIRE-GHOST CLOTHING.

                   

                                       photo via martha stewart blog

Yes for Halloween she did! As we reported earlier with the popularity of Vampire style clothing growing for real world fashion, it seems that Halloween costumes will have a major run for their money this year.

Case in point? The folks over at Hot Topic have created a line of clothing based on the Twighlight show series. On the same page they advertise this new Vampire clothing line they also advertise their Halloween costumes...

Maybe shopping the Halloween section of your local department store or specialty costume store for the latest in Vampire fashions is the way to go. It will most definitely be cheaper and when the style is out( next season)....you can pass it to your kids so they can wear it for Halloween!

FASHION TREND: DRAPED,PLEATED AND RUFFLED TOPS AND DRESSES

There are many different fashion trends coming from the spring 2010 fashion week's fashion shows around the world. Here at CanadaStyle we will be discussing the major trends and how to interpret the runway looks for real world style.

Stella McCartney Paris Fashion week show.  Via mrjoezee twicpic . Joe was at the show.

Some of the major fashion trends shown are: draping,pleating or ruffles on tops,dresses and skirts.

As lovely as the look sounds, less is more for most people or you will risk adding extra volume to your outfit ( it will make you look heavy). Avoid draping around your hips, but some gentle pleating in front will be stylish and can hide a tummy. Draping and ruffles on the tops or dresses is best when focused in the front and on the sleeves. Here are some examples:

      

           

        Alice & Olivia dress      Elizabeth & James cascade dress   MINT - satin cami

shop the above looks here at pinkmascara.com 

FASHION NEWS: LINDSAY LOHAN'S CONTROVERSIAL DEBUT AT UNGARO

This was quite predictable. When the news first came out that the fashion house of Ungaro was going to be working with Lindsay Lohan, the fashion world and media exploded with negative backlash. The Ungaro designer quit and everyone sharpened their knives, sorry keyboards for the fashion show.

Well it came and it went. Was it great? NO, it was just average. But was it as horrible as the critics were predicting? It wasn't high fashion, but then again take a look at what the established designers are putting out this season.Dsquared, Balmain, Gaultier and even Marc Jacobs all showed 'out there' collections. Sure the colors of hot pink and orange were cringe worthy and the pasties ( bad, bad choice) and the harem pants and, and, and..but the form fitting mini dresses, the sleeveless sheaths, the sequins garments were not that bad and NOT all that different from what other designers had shown .

Yet according to the media, fashion buyers and the fashion establishement are all crying "Quelle Horreur".  The CEO of Ungaro admits to NYTimes that he hired Lohan for the publicity :

"Mounir Moufarrige, the new chief executive of Ungaro, said his intention was to give the aging brand the equivalent of "electric shock treatment." But based on the reaction to the collection that was shown here at the Louvre, the first designed by Estrella Archs with Ms. Lohan's advice, he achieved more than that: Editors and buyers who were present said it was they who were shocked."

Ungaro is indeed getting a lot more attention than it would have ever received otherwise. Moufarrige was also was the one to hire Stella McCartney in 1997 and that ruffled the establishement's feathers as well in the meantime she has become a great designer in her own right. In fact it was Stella who re-started the boyfriend jacket craze last season.

"While he acknowledged that his main goal in hiring Ms. Lohan was to generate publicity, he said he also believes she will excite consumers. He said he was actually surprised the criticism had not been even more negative.

"The market for luxury goods has been so bad, he said, that hiring a traditional designer would not make enough of a difference to get people into his stores. With retailers cutting their orders by 30 percent or more this year, there was little chance that Ungaro could survive without getting more attention. He said he did not believe that Ms. Lohan's history of well-publicized personal problems would get in the way of her job at Ungaro or have a detrimental impact on the brand.

At that moment, his cell phone rang. It was a security guard telling him that Ms. Lohan and her sister, Ali, had gone downstairs into the store to try on some clothes. The store, in fact, was now mobbed "

We tend to agree that Lindsay Lohan may not have been the right choice for Ungaro in particular, she could be better for a more younger edgier brand, but it would be quite the joke on "tout le fashion monde" if this did indeed work and Ungaro would become successful because of this collaboration. Talk about turning the establishment on it's head!

In any case you can decide for yourself.

PARIS FASHION SHOW VIDEOS SPRING 2010- CHRISTIAN DIOR, LANVIN, JEAN PAUL GAULTIER

Some of the world's most influential fashion designers are showing their spring -summer 2010 fashion collections at the Paris fashion week. At CanadaStyle we are bringing you the videos fo the top fashion show collections. Take a look here at:Christian Dior, Lanvin, Jean Paul Gaultier.

CHRISTIAN DIOR:

Fashion designer John Galliano has outdone himself with this 40's inspired, sexy collection. The look is very sultry in a sophisticated way. The 40's theme is prevalent in the clothes as well as the makeup and hair of the models with Veronica Lake hairstyles and bright red lips. Dior still showcases the main fashion design trends seen throught most collections such as : flowing silk, sequins, transluscent fabric, short skirt lengths for daywear, godess gowns for evening, fitted bodices.

LANVIN:

Fashion Designer Alber Elbaz says that he was inspired for his spring-summer 2010 collection by a trip to Buenos Aires where he was influenced by the different fashions worn by different generations of women. This collection has a 80's feel with ruffled and lots of puffy layered skirts and dresses. The universal fashion trend of spring fashion is still prevalent here as well: Fitted bodice, cinched in waists, short skirts, sequins.

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER

This star studded fashion show brought out the likes of Rihanna and Dita Von Teese. The wild man of fashion, designer Jean Paul Gaultier does not fail to dissapoint here with a 80's tough girl chic collection. Lots of jeanwear, tribal motifs, layers, distressed chic and a tribute to Madonna with his cone breasted corsetry. Take a look:

JENNIFER GARNER: CELEBRITY STYLE - GET THE LOOK FOR LESS

Jennifer Garner is not only gorgeous, but also versatile. She can play mommy all day and then glam it up at night for the red carpet. When your husband is hottie Ben Affleck, you have to.

Here Jenn wows us with a little black dress and hot slingback heels showing off their red accent soles. She looks great and when you break it down you will realize you don't need a stylist to look this good.

Here's how to get the look:

[via @etcanada's twitpic]

 

Shop the Look for Less @ The Brands Club Mall's stores as follows:

Tibi Holiday Crepe V Neck Dress: Pink Mascara: $212.50* - 4% = after cashback: $204.00

Betsy Johnson Damir Heel: Heels.com: $143.99 - 9% = after cashback: $131.03

Bangle Set: Dereon: $18.73 - 3% = after cashback: $18.17

Blu Bijoux White Crisscross Ring: Max & Chloe: $24.00 - 6% = after cashback: $22.56

Rolfs Batik Large Clutch: Ebags: $32.00 - 5% = after cashback: $30.40

Total outfit cost: $432.22. The Brands Club member cost $406.16 after cashback rebates.

Find Pink Mascara and Dereon under Apparel. Find statement heels and a clutch that matches at Heels.com and Ebags in the Shoes & Handbags section. Find a sparkling ring at Max & Chloe in Jewelry. 

Members of The Brands Club receive cashback rebates on all purchases including sales items, you must be a member to shop and receive cashback. Membership is FREE click here to Join. See FAQ for details.

*Prices were accurate at time of posting. Prices and availability subject to change. Cashback denotes the percentage of cashback rebates The Brands Club members receive off any posted prices at the above mentioned stores. All prices posted before applicable taxes and shipping

FASHION NEWS WEEKLY REVIEW

[image courtesy of coco+kelley's Flickr]

- In case you haven't caught on. The trend for Paris fashion week is to stream the shows live online so that everyone around the world has a front row seat. It's a great way to get people who can't afford the trip excited over the collection. Louis Vuitton will broadcast their show live on Facebook on Wed, October 7^th  at 8:30 a.m est.CanadaStyle will post a link here to the broadcast

- It may all have seemed unbelievable even two years ago,but major fashion brands such as Gucci, Chanel,Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren,Prada and of course Louis Vuitton have embraced social media such as Facebook, twitter, myspace, flickr and youtube with a vengance, reaching out directly to the aspirational and real shoppers. AND the folks behind the brands are not just posting pages they are building communities,engaging with popular bloggers ( CanadaStyle takes a bow) and even developing their own iPhone applications.

-  Ralph Lauren may be onto something with his new iPhone app. The "Make Your Own Rugby" app allows you to design your own shirt and upload a photo of yourself to see what it would look like. They are also using new barcodes that allow you to scan the product with your phone to get more details. Now there is an app for everything.

and finally for actual bricks and mortar shopping news, remember that?:

- H&M have announced their next mash up. This time Sonia Rykiel will design a line of lingerie for the dept store. And then the line will move into colourful prints and knitwear. First up though we have hold ourselves down waiting for the H&M Jimmy Choo shoes to hit stores. November 14th girls, we are close.

BALMAIN SPRING/SUMMER 2010 COLLECTION VIDEO- PARIS FASHION WEEK

Be it jungle or post-apocalyptic, fashion designer Christophe Decarnin certainly wasn't going subtle or commercial with his spring 2010 collection for Balmain presented at Paris Fashion Week.

The wunderkind designer had set fashion on fire last season with starting  fashion crazy with his military jacket. It seemed for a while that every celebrity such as Rihanna, Beyonce , Victoria Beckham and others just had to have one of the sharp shouldered creations.

Nevertheless, this new collection full of Jane ( as in Tarzan) and Tina ( as in Mad Max) mini skirts, lots and lots of metallics and gold lame and tough girl leathers has received mixed reviews. Some fashion chronicles such as Women's Wear Daily swoon and others such as the New York Magazine are not impressed. Take a look at the show:

 

 

CANADA STYLE NEWS: THE BAY REVEALS CANADIAN OLYMPIC CLOTHING LINE

It doesn't get much more Canadian than The Hudson's Bay Company or The Bay as it is more commonly known.  With 339 years of history behind it, it's Canada's oldest merchant. 

So when The Bay teamed up with our Olympic athletes to create the apparel for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, it made sense. But our style expectations were subdued.

The Bay has just revealed the line that our competitors and fans alike will be sporting at the upcoming games.

And surprise, surprise! The line is sharp and stylish.It includes red, white and black hats and scarves, sharp jackets and sweaters, and knitted sweaters.

Designs are based on four very Canadian fashion icons: the parka, buffalo plaid, the knitted sweater and of course, the toque. The traditional red and white with black detailing colors are as easily recognizable as the Canadian flag colors to cheer for during the games.

The line is available at The Bay and Zellers for $10 - $50 with sweaters and coats running you a bit more.                                                             Go Canada, GO!        

FASHION NEWS: CHRISTIAN LACROIX RESCUED

As we told you previously, the iconic house of Christian Lacroix had filed for bankruptsy and was facing liquidation. This threw the entire high fashion industry into a state of angst as clearly if one major fashion house falls, others will follow. So you can practically hear the collective, yet still tentative sigh of relief as a sheikh in shining armour has submitted a bid for the company which would preserve all operations in tact. Lacroix told WWD :

"As a Latin guy, I'll believe it when it happens," Lacroix told WWD on Wednesday. However, he added, "I feel confident," particularly because the approach came to the designer directly via his XCLX company, through which he does a variety of projects, from signature hotels and opera costumes to tramways for French cities. "They understood my true work: crossing fashion, art and design," Lacroix said.

DSQUARED AT MILAN FASHION WEEK- FASHION SHOW VIDEO

Ahh, those crazy boys of summer. We are of course talking about Dean and Dan Caten, the designers behind DSquared label. We couldn't resist in promoting our home boys with the unique : Canadiana/ summer camp / vintage/ Madonna in "Desperately Seeking Susan" fashion style of their spring summer 2010 collection shown at Milan's fashion week.

Nary a fitted, tight mini dress in chiffon to be seen... and the soundtrack alone is worth watching the fashion video! ( Lots of fun before the high fashion of Paris fashion week takes over our posts later this week.) Take a look: