On a personal note...

Okay, so a while back I was on a hunt for over the knee, thigh high boots. Determined I would find my dream boots for fall.

I called a shoe store which shall remain anonymous and described the boots i envisioned. The man on the opposite end of the line replied,

"Oh. You mean hooker boots? No, we don't carry those kinds of boots." -click.

I hate to say I told you so, but...

These are from the fall 2009 shows back in March. And if you still need convincing, take a stroll through the shoe department, open a magazine- even open the Toronto Star.

photo credit: shoeseria.com

The only simple way to become Karl Lagerfeld

Bitten by the Wildfox Vamps

Summer 2009, "All Grown Up (I can do whatever I want)" collection

Fall 2008, "Love Bites" collection

Born in none other than Californ-i-a, this label has not only been able to step out and compete amongst other LA celeb brands, but it’s story and image has truly captured my eye. Designing duo and childhood bestfriends Emily Faulstich and Kimberley Gordon have taken their vision of indie, love, native and free spirits and projected it through their brand Wildfox Couture. This label delivers an edgy, carefree and spontaneous collection without compromising beauty and sexiness. Their latest collection, Fall 2009, plays with the story of two vampire vixens getting up to no good in their hotel suite. From junk food indulgences to bed and bath time fun, the girls with the exaggerated fierce red lips and fangs easily make me jealous. The obsession with vampires is a little OTT (over the top) for me since the release of Twilight however I can see how the vampire story has opened creative doors for designers to step outside the safety box and have some fun not only with their photo shoots but their designs demonstrated in their fall 2009 collection called “Love Bites”.

In addition to the blithe feel of the line, the most admirable component of Wildfox Couture is the presentation. Every designer for the most part has a vision, and a story that they tell and project in their collection. However, if you don’t have the time to study their collection it may be hard to crack the code and find the meaning behind the looks. This where Wildfox Couture differs, their seasonal look-books take shape as, well... a story that is short but sweet. By incorporating a title, photos, storyline, inspiration page and classic “The End” footer, Faulstich and Gordon allow their vision to be easily interpreted by the viewer, thus creating a more eminent connection between designer and admirer. I recommend checking out their homepage HERE or here to view all of their story-book collections. In the meantime here is a quick peek at some looks from the summer 2009 collection, “All Grown Up” (featuring 27 “I do what I wants”) and the fang loving fall 2009 collection, “Love Bites”.

Why do I love Wildfox? Well, apart from the above, I find the casual-chic element of the collections most appealing. Let’s face it... some days (sometimes more than others) even stylish girls just want to be comfy. Why compromise style for comfort? That is where Wildfox couture comes in as their line of playful oversized tees and graphic, printed leggings allows stylish femmes to have some down time, still look irresistibly sweet with an edgy rock-and roll kick. In other words, Wildfox Couture epitomizes the ideal beauty of casual attire. 

The ladies behind the label.

http://www.wildfoxcouture.com/

Back to Basics

My web-bible www.style.com posted a phenomenal video that highlights Paris Fall fashion week 09, with designer interviews, runway clips that truly explain and define the inspiration and reasoning behind the looks we see for fall 2009. Have a look. 

STYLE PANDEMIC: Balmainia

I have caught the Balmain buzz and I simply can't contain my symptoms including euphoria, mania and an unexplainable desire to find Christophe Decarnin and bow. Overreaction? Mais non, open your eyes and ears and you will come to notice (if you already haven't) the incredible buzz this french designer has created for Balmain. He has created a new edgy, elegant and ultimately sexy collection of denims, structured shoulders and glitzy form fitted dresses. His use of denim consists of acid wash and distressed straight leggers that are careful not to draw the attention away from the sgt. pepperesque military blazers that have come to be a staple item for Balmain.
Balmain's signature is placed an almost every piece- the winged and structured shoulder. Whether its on a blazer, coat or evening cocktail dress, Christophe has created a recognizable look that has been everything but ignored.

This Balmainia is extremely contagious and mark my words it will be the best stylebug to be bitten with not only this year, but for many to come.

Gaudet Fall 2009

The Gaudet woman is “someone who is not afraid to stand out” says Norman Gaudet, describing the fall collection that he and design partner Gio (pronounced Gee-oh) debuted yesterday at Toronto Fashion Week. The luxurious collection of coats were uniquely styled with belts, scarves and prints on top of the most exquisite and colourful felt outwear.
Amongst the makeup artists, stylists, media, models and managers Gaudet designers Gio and Norman took time after the show to happily answer a few questions of mine!

Spring flowers were the dominant inspiration for their 2009 fall collection as it reminds them of their Georgian roots. Norman explained that because the Canadian winter is so extensive, they thought they would do the same with spring, resulting in colour and flowers for fall '09.

What is so unique about the Gaudet colection is that their fabric is all made from scratch, out of felt. Felt is emerging as a new must-have fabric because it is so flexible in use. The two explained the benefits they see in using felt. Not only is it eco-friendly with the use of natural dyes but it is extremely powerful. Available in every imaginable colour, felt gives designers a wide range of choice, such as collaborating fabrics like Gaudet did with lace and tulle.

I just had to ask the two what fashion faux-pas they cannot stand! Gio laughed and sighed saying that he had so many he couldn’t possible pick one! The two thought for a minute, deliberating in their foreign tongue, they reached a final conclusion: “when beautiful women in beautiful outfits wear big, ugly puffy winter coats!”. I couldn’t agree more.

I asked for some final words of wisdom for young designers abroad, norman stresses the importance of finding your “niche” and pursuing it with dedication- "and uniqueness!” added Gio.

 

Gaudet’s fall collection was a total hit with the audience, and their warmth and genuine interview will never escape my memory!

 Photos by Daniela Gysler

TFW'09 kicks off tomorrow - finally!

Finalment! the LG Fashion week is commencing tomorrow! Tomorrow is more of an exclusive day with Holt Renfrew's media reception setting the tone.

I am excited to see how David Dixon's Barbie Runway show will turn out- NYC's performance is hard to top!

The day will procede as follows:

5:30 - Holt Renfrew Media cocktail reception

7:00 - Fashion Environment's Barbie cocktail party

8:00 - Barbie by David Dixon

9:00 - Barbie after party

Grab the bubbly, the week Torontonians have been waiting for, is finally here! 

Cheers!

Hermès takes to the sky

Anyone else thinking Howard Hughes? 

(not ringing a bell? Think Leonardo DiCaprio in The Aviator!!)

Ah, the season for leather! Hermès kept its reputation for the most exquisite skins and leathers soaring high as Jean Paul Gaultier was allowed some room for imagination in presentation for the RTW Fall 09 show in Paris. 

As a result of the current recession the industry has given us an outfit to match with the "depression look". Thankfully, things are beginning to brighten up-a bit- (thankfully!) but are still hanging around the 40s. 

  
  

With propellers spinning amongst blinding headlights, JPG brings the audience into his hanger to present his vision of "les aviateurs- we are flying high" laughs Gaultier in the most delicious French accent, when asked about his autumn collection. Leather and satine jumpsuits, masculine tailored suits, Gaultier allows us to see what the 40s would have been like, if women took over the skies in sexy little black dresses. 

This show was all about the accessories including gorgeous furs, gloves and belts. And of course, pilot essentials: silk scarf, goggles and a leather flying caps. 

*Radiant red locks makes it impossible to not recognize Canadian's own supermod- Coco Rocha! That my friends is a girl who's not afraid to do what she wants, when she wants! LOVE it. 

Bon voyage!

 

  

Have a look below!

images via www.style.com

Veronica Etro delivers cultural heat in Paris

If you have been following along, I should not have to remind you of the major styles that have presented themselves for fall, varying only on based on the different interpretations of the desinger. Veronica Etro gives her collection a warm sensation by using bronze, copper and gold as her dominant colours. 

Etro plays with the forecasted fall styles: form fitting, high-waisted skirts, cultural and tribal patterns, belts, floor kissing lengths and beautiful, soft leather pieces. 

This entire collection really embraces the feeling of fall. The palette deserves a round of applause on its own, however the collection on the whole is of course, absolutely phenomenal.

all images via www.style.com

Stella-r

Stella McCartney- autumn/winter 2009 RTW

Suit up! Tailored or jump? Overcoat with underwear- McCartney does her "Stella" better than anyone else by creating a classy collection for the young working woman, and it's sexier than ever.

Tailored suits, jumpsuits to oversized overcoats with delicate lingerie slip dresses

Stella McCartney has returned to her roots as she takes a break from her Adidas line to bring us the “Stella” look that first emerged with her graduation collection in 1995. McCartney has emphasized the delicacy of femininity in her fall ’09 RTW collection. Her suits are tailored, and her oversized coats have stylishly belted at the waist which adds a flattering touch. McCartney’s long boyfriend blazers have deep plunging necklines, and are paired with skin-tight leathers, lace lined slips and mini sweater dresses.

Stella mostly keeps to a modest palette with different shades of grey, but adds some conservative and sophisticated hues as seen in the deep red overcoat, and brilliant purple numbers. Always keeping up with the latest styles, McCartney delivers a delicious, nearly sheer purple jumpsuit that looks perfect chic yet totally comfortable. My favourite part of this collection is the re-emergence of the slip dress. Stella gives us the most exquisite slips that leave little to the imagination as she pairs silk with lace, tulle and even her longer items play peek-a-boo with sheer sections breaking up and reconnecting the delicate silhouette hugging silk. I don’t even need to mention how unbelievable the slip that Lily Donaldson is wearing is. The use of turquoise is simply enchanting and gets me every time. Oh, and one more thing – black leather jacket over a killer purple cocktail mini? The epitome of fierce. 

photos via www.style.com (the greatest fashion week updates out there, I swear!)

The Recession Depression Look

  
Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Lacroix
  
Costume Nationale, Givenchy

Designers left right and center are expressing their views of recession through their collections. It seems to be a growing trend, much like the eroding economy, that designers are preparing us to dress for the era of what could arguably be the next great depression. Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Lacroix are only a few examples of the industries greatest designers who have contributed to this trend of dark, ambiguous looks. The runways are giving us heavy looks with oversized overcoats, thigh high boots, and black sheers. Think funeral.

While there are several to –die-for LBDs, don’t be fooled that this dark dramatic depression look means flattering black outfits. While black is a slimming look, the current style doesn’t seem to be accentuating the female figure. So, if you aren’t Lily Donaldson or Natasha Poly, be careful! These oversized items can often give you a heavier appearance, regardless of the slimming myth of “black”. It is essential to dress flattering to your figure while staying up to speed in the fashion world, so when choosing oversized clothes, opt for items with clinched waists or belt it. It’s in, and it’s flattering. 

Photos by Marcio Madeira

 via www.style.com 

Dsqaured²: why two Catens are better than one.

  

Dean and Dan Caten have once again stolen my fashion heart, with their ready-to-wear and too-cool collection. The designers described their look “naughty librarian” through the mixture of goodgirl pieces with rebellious accents including sexy heels, furs, fishnets, knit caps and cool shades. The style of the collection and show reminded me of the “carefree” look of young celebrities and socialites seen dashing from paparazzi in Hollywood or NYC. However, Dsquared² takes that look to a new more reasonable level proving that in adding some fashion sense to this rocker style can actually result a fierce and killer cool look.

  
  
Identical twins Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared² have a famous filled client list from popstars (they are doing the costume designs for Britney Spears’ upcoming tour) to style icons not only because of their success year after year, but more importantly because of the presentation of the label. It is their incredible energy is carried throughout all aspects of their label that make Dsquared² the must-have fashion designers they have become. The energy of the two is always present whether it be in personable interviews or through the creativity on the runway such as this year in Milan. The read-to-wear fall 2009 collection showcased models carrying Starbucks lattes while either clutching a gossip mag, checking their blackberries or casually smoking a cigarette in between strides. The show itself seems effortless with models posing on a staircase before strutting down the runway like rockstars to the classic beat of zeppelin and the likes.

  

    

From a styling perspective, the twins focused on collaborating opposite styles. For example pairing a floor length silk gown with a badass leather jacket and aviators and wearing a slip under a business coat provide that rebel style. The Caten brothers played with several “it” looks such as the boyfriend jean, dohti pants, animal print minis and accessories. The more casual the outfit, the higher and more wild the heels were and elegant pieces were toughened up with torn denim, everyday hoodies and hobo knit caps. Dan and Dean certainly achieved their goal in giving the collection a perfect badgirl twist. 

for more please visit www.style.com for the best updates in the industry!

Read-to-wear FALL

Moschino Cheap & Chic

  

  

Moschino Cheap & Chic collection could be summed up into a few key styles. Ruffles and tiered layers were present in most of the looks, pretty bows and perforated or see-through tops and bottoms were also quite common. The best pieces from this show definitely included the unbuckled-belt that seems to hold everything together, without actually being together. The shoes, which if you look closely in some looks, are half sandal, half pump, half something opposite to the alternate view. Perhaps Rosella Jardin wanted the audience to realize that sometimes, things are not what they may seem at first. What you once thought was a closed-toe pump, may be seen as a stiletto sandal to someone else. Perspective is everything. 

D&G

  

D&G’s, Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce displayed their ready-to- wear designs that radiated royalty. Bustiers and structured dresses were a common theme throughout the show, remaining in style with a very tight waist emphasized by exaggerated wide skirts and shoulders. Tiered dresses are making their way back onto the runway. One of my favourite looks from this D&G show was the printed T with the black sheen trousers. The T’s were prevalent throughout the show, giving a casual element to the beautiful draped skirts that jet out of a clinched waist. 

images via www.style.com 

Erdem Moralioglu: Une Etoile Canadienne

Montreal born designer Erdem Moralioglu has created a fabulous collection staying true to his signature romanitic style. In his fall ready-to-wear 09 collection, he presented his twist on the Little Black Dress by usuing feminie cuts with edgy colour splattered accents. Erdem Moralioglu displays a unique sophistication by taking empire waste cuts, and exaggerating the bell shapes creating a doll like look.

What I enjoy most about his fall collection is his use of colour. Through my sarcastic character and my everyday style, one might note I am quite black and white. However, I try to warm things up every now and then with colour, but when it comes to evening wear I find myself in a LBD. Erdem’s collection is a perfect solution because he creates the perfect balance between over the top bold colours and the reserved poised little black dress. Erdem uses oversized flowers as accents to several of his pieces which not only creates an edgier look, but keeps it classic and ladylike.

FALL LOOK ALERT: the bell shaped dress and skirt is going to be a signature look this fall, very form flattering empire waists, heartshape boddesses create the ideal cocktail dress.

One final part of his collection that I absolutely adore, is the all black look, with the bright paint-splattered-like boots. tres belle!

Its great to see such brilliant work coming from Canada, and I will defiantly be following Erdem as he makes his way to the top!

see his collections @ http://www.erdem.co.uk/

or see photos from his show @ www.style.com

NYLON TV presents Alexander Wang

This is why I love NYLON magazine so so much. Check out the awesome runway remix they did on the Alexander Wang fall 2009 show!! 

video credit: Nylon TV (obviously...)

my love, my BETSEY

BETSEY JOHNSON fall 2009

Betsey Johnson. The coolest, spunkiest person in the fashion industry for over thirty years! Always knowing how to break or bend the rules, Betsey AGAIN delivers a unique and radical collection for Fall (see www.style.com or www.betseyjohnson.com) 

More fun and fabulous than most, this 66 year old shares some of her thoughts with NYLON TV on beauty, fashion, boys and life in general. "Unable" (her words, not mine!) to top her last performance under the tents, Betsey Johnson presented her fall collection in "Betsey's Kitchen" which turned out to be what looked like a personable and totally cool venue! 

Have a look, this woman is absolutely amazing. 

PS. i really, really, really missed her signature cartwheels down the runway. 

Do you work? Mais oui!

Michael Kors - Fall 2009

TRENDNEWTREND* The Tailored Look

In contrast to Georgina Chapman’s Marchesa fantasy world, Michael Kors created a collection that targets the business and working world. While the economic downfall tries to threaten the industry, Kors fights back and by keeping his friends close and enemies (the economy) closer! If you can't beat em, design a look that benefits from it! Kors has created a sexy conservative collection of tailored suits with creative cuts and splashes of bright oranges, greens and yellows as wells some classical modest tans and moss hues. 

In the show, I love the way he introduces a new colour after a long stream of neutral hues with a subtle...well, not so subtle fur hat or clutch! I usually am not a fan of orange, but this bright colour is convincing me otherwise!

  

  

  

My favourite looks? TOO many to post- there are a few though!

PS. LOVED the mens look- agree?

Photos via www.style.com 

Marchesa Fall 2009

Standing like extraordinary pieces of art, a collection of models stood poised and pretty on white cubes at the Marchesa show yesterday at the Chelsea Museum of Art, NYC. 

Designer, Georgina Chapman explained that her collection was inspired by her desire to create a fantasy world for the modern Cinderellas and Snow Whites. 

Through layers of tiered tulle dripping in sequins and using petals, princess pinks and luscious lavenders Chapman played Fairy Godmother of the evening as her designs allowed the audience to escape the realities of today and  to step into the glistening fantasy world of Marchesa.

 

Matthew Williamson is tribal

Look for:

- tribal patterns **
- fur for the fall (faux fur please.)
- more peacock blues, purples and greens
- splashes of vibrant hues on neutral shades

Designer Matthew Williamson

The attention to detail that Williamson shows in this collection, is impecible. He achieves an upscale tribal-chic look by using mosaics of deep blues and purples or oranges and reds.

Please pay close attention to the shoes in this collection. Especially, the nude bootie with fuschia soles. Love - it- here are two of my favs.

photos via www.style.com