Tavan and Mitto

Montreal Fashion Week 2012 showcased local designs that spanned  wearable everyday looks to truly dramatic ones. Three runway shows are presented in this article as respective samples of easy girl next door looks, glamorous yet tasteful outfits and finally, uber high fashion styles.

Annie 50

Annie 50Annie 50

Annie 50

Music: Indie Punk, Rock

Models: Poufed, teased hair decorated with flowers and feathers. Use of Venetian masks as accessories. Fair complexion with a generous amount of pink blush on apples of cheeks.

Collection: Palette of soft, neutral and earthy colors. Standout pieces include fitted trumpet skirts, romantic long-sleeved blouses, flattering lace dresses with waist accent, Eiffel Tower printed dress.

Customer: Fresh, optimistic girl.

Tavan and Mitto

Tavan and Mitto

Tavan and Mitto

Music: Jazzy, funky love songs.

Models: Sleek ponytail with black leather bangs and headband. Neutral face makeup with a red lip. Majority of girls had red or strawberry blond hair, fair porcelain skin and high cheekbones.

Collection: Palette of mustard, cream, navy blue, tan and metallic rose gold. Standout pieces include oversized jumpers, sheer flowy miniskirts, rose gold sequined suit, lightweight navy blouse with large front pockets.

Customer: Sophisticated, flirty lady.

Duy

Duy

Duy

Music: Dramatic film soundtrack with strings and orchestra.

Models: Most recalled European and Asian heiresses. There was even a long-haired male model. They wore staggeringly high pumps and ankle boots with a needle heel. Dark intense makeup was applied.

Collection: Palette of dark colors and black used in matte, metallic and sheer finishes. Standout pieces include thick minidresses with center back zippers and lace embroidery, navy floor length long-sleeved dress, see-through panelled micro mini dress, ruffled jumpsuit.

Customer: Edgy, confident woman.

Even if runway pieces cannot be worn by everyone,  fashion is an art form with intrinsic value, even off the body. Fashion lovers acknowledge that runway shows are special events that encourage people to dream, and provide inspiration for personal style. After all, every moment of your life can become an opportunity for fashion.

Photography by Eldon Tarnowski

                          

.

Have you heard of DUY? If not, then it’s high time you did. Duy Nguyen is the Canadian designer behind DUY, the high end line created in 2001 . His work, encompassing evening dresses, suits, coats, and jackets, are often simple but always stunning.

DUY’s fall/winter 2012 collection was premiered on opening night of Montreal Fashion Week with a thoroughly gripping show. A soundtrack of haunting vocals, high strings, and the ominous piece Lux Aeterna set expectations for flair high, and the collection more than met them.

According to the DUY website, the line’s latest collection is “Grace Kelly meets James Dean.” It’s not hard to see the comparison to old Hollywood glamour. DUY’s pieces are exquisitely tailored for a gorgeous fit. The class and sophistication of DUY’s formalwear certainly evokes images of poised royalty à la Princess Grace. Where does the James Dean come in? It must be the look of effortless cool, not to mention the use of prominent, edgy zippers and leather jackets scattered throughout the collection.

.

Several of DUY’s jackets and dresses featured peplums that drew the eye to the models’ emphasized hourglass figures. Though accentuated peplums aren’t seen too commonly nowadays, Nguyen’s modern styling makes these pieces look entirely natural.

.

The stand-out pieces of the show were the full-length evening gowns.  A particular shimmery midnight blue stunner featured prominent poofs on the shoulders and a very daring deep  V-neck cut. Another, a black, sheer, and high-necked triumph, made use of lines and angles beautifully.  The use of selective sheerness was what best highlighted Nguyen’s creativity and knowledge of flattering cuts – the two qualities which made the DUY fall/winter 2012 collection a truly enviable and exquisite sight to behold.

You can find more information and pictures of DUY’s collections at duycollection.com.

Photography by Eldon Tarnowski

                          

Photography by Eldon Tarnowski

Marie4 Thumbpost Photography by Allen McEachern

                          

Toronto Gala New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise. This cruise includes a buffet dinner, disc jockey, cash bar and champagne toast at midnight. What’s more romantic than dancing your way into the night with a view of the city’s skyline on the water? Appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts and beverages are all included. Order your ticket online for $143.16 and reserve seats. Time: 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 16+ event.

Liberty Grand New Year’s Eve 2012. If you’re a big party goer and looking for a loud and exhilarating night, the Exhibition Place is where your New Year’s Eve bash should be. There’s to be 5,000 guests with music provided by DJs including Richard Salas, Gabe Gallucci, Walter Vice and Alonso Mendez. Club tickets are $60 and $100 for an added dinner buffet. Time: 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. 19+ event; upscale attire.

The Wine Bar. If you want to drink, but would prefer a quieter, low-key setting, dine out at an intimate restaurant with a special someone. What better way to start the New Year than to broaden your horizons as you put your taste buds on an adventure? You can sample a variety of menu selections, paired with the perfect wine from one of the finest lists in Canada. You can also enjoy dinner and a lesson—watch chef Bryan Burke prepare your meal as he educates and entertains you.

Niagara Falls. If you’re willing to venture outside Toronto, start the New Year off with a bang by viewing fireworks over the falls. You may enjoy them while skating,  dining or sipping some champagne or even comfortably from your hotel room, as they will be displayed both at 9 p.m. and midnight in Queen Victoria Park. But before that, catch the lighting of the falls at dusk as colors of the rainbow will illuminate the downpour of water. This would be a great family outing as Niagara Falls has many shops and attractions.

Citytv’s Toronto New Year’s Eve Bash 2012. Thousands of Torontonians are expected to be at Nathan Phillips Square, where the outdoor concert will feature performances by Howie D, Karl Wolf, JRDN, Neverest, Aleesia and American Idiot. If you’re hoping to stay sober during the countdown, this free event will be the perfect place for you as it’s also alcohol-free. The outdoor concert will be broadcast live, so you might even get your five seconds of fame. Time: 10 p.m. to midnight.

However you’re celebrating the New Year, make your outfit stylishly match the occasion and temperature  you’ll be in. But more importantly, remember not to drink and drive. The TTC will be offering free services on Jan. 1 from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m.

                          

That night, designers from parts of South Asia  could not wait to show off their designs and creations on stage. The audience was filled with a wide demographic from dancing toddlers to sophisticated grandmothers, eagerly awaiting the glimmering jewelry, delicate saris and modern dresses. The show was not only an interesting and unique take on fashion, it was also a veritable feast for the eyes.

Photos credited to PROJECTED LIFE Photography

The runway crowded many entertainers, jewellery designers and fashion creators that dazzled the audience with their vibrant colours and enthusiastic models. We had a wide assortment of styles from the traditional sari and henna artistry, to avant garde maxi skirts and dresses.

One of the most impressive and grand finales that tied up the whole night was the appearance of renown designer Vikram Phadnis, who graced the stage with one of a kind marvels and flowing pieces of art. There were splashes of magenta, navy and neon yellows meshed with traditional golden or silver accents.

Although this event began it’s debut in 2005 all over Pakistan, it has quickly and successfully grown into a cultural marvel, as many designers have taken interest in the two days and honorable sponsors began to take high interest. The show was televised on Style Duniya and is watched and followed by many worldwide. With a modern twist on a classic event It is quite easy to see why the International Fashion Festival is captivating a night to remember.

Photos credited to PROJECTED LIFE Photography

                          

 Paris graced the Toronto catwalk this afternoon at the event “Ladies of The Silver Screen” that featured five French boutiques debuting their lingerie and hosiery line.

 Featured boutiques take on a classic French look and add a modern twist to lingerie and hosiery creating pieces that would make any woman feel like it’s their second skin. From sheer lace pieces to patterned stocking tights, the lines features offered a variety of styles that will unleash the inner Goddess in you. The boutiques featured this evening included Simone Perele, Gerbe, Princess Tam.Tam, Lejaby, and Empreinte.

Simone Perele featured a variety of bustiers and lingerie pieces with a classic and elegant look. The models which ripped the runway were dressed as sexy nurses sporting lacy, barely there bra and undergarment sets which would have any man begging for medical attention. 

The next line featured came from the boutique Gerbe’s. If your legs are screaming for attention, Gerbe’s line would be perfect for you. It features edgy tights and hosiery thigh high stockings that would look great by themselves. The tights came in a variety of black and white prints and designs that could personalize any look. 

The boutique Princess Tam-Tam was up next and was one of my personal favorites of the evening. The fresh bold colours and patterns gave a new life to the catwalk and presented a very flirtatious and preppy look which would make any girl feel like a princess. The line was comprised of a variety of boxer shorts and thong undergarments with  dainty lace trim which accentuates all the right curves while leaving just enough to the imagination.

Next up on the cat walk was a line from the boutique Lejaby. Their line offers a bridal like look and show cases classic lace bustiers, lingerie and lace top garter belts in French nude and neutral colours. Lejaby’s, which looks like it is straight out of a classic French bridal catalogue, presents comfortable yet sensuous looks which is perfect for an every day look or on your special day. 

Empretinte turned up the heat on the cat walk as they debuted their burlesque inspired lingerie line. Models were adorned with pearls, feathers and fur coats.  The lingerie in this line came in the standard red, black and white colours and featured styles in lace with bottoms creating a sexy little peep show.

Currently three of the five boutiques can be found in locations in Canada; with Lejaby in Ontario and Princess Tam-Tam and Empreinte in Quebec. So whether you’re classic, preppy, edgy, or flirtatious the line offers a little something for everyone and are within your grasp!

Article  By: Racine Manradge and Vanessa Lin

                          

There are many charitable organizations doing wonderful things every day for women. Finding a charity to get involved in either as a recipient of their good work or as a volunteer can be daunting. With so many great charities doing great things how do you decide where to turn? What sets them apart?

The Look Good Feel Better charity is unique in its own right. Look Good Feel Better is a charity that assists women dealing with cancer. This charity prides itself on its ability to empower women who have been or are going through treatment for cancer by helping to improve their self-image. Launched in 1992 by a charitable foundation of the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCTFA), Look Good Feel Better is Canada’s only cancer charity that aids in improving women’s over all self-esteem when it comes to the effects cancer treatment can lay on them.

The service this charity provides is simple enough. Women are welcome to join a 2 hour workshop that will provide them with tips and tricks to help them look good and feel a little more like themselves again. Through the workshop women will learn simple cosmetic techniques, explore hair alternatives and touch on hygiene specifically based on hair and nail care. Participants will also be able to take home a complimentary cosmetics and personal care kit. The workshops are brand neutral, no brands are endorsed and as a result the women involved see a wide variety of options.

It is important to note as well that these workshops will not interfere with any medical treatments. In fact many health care professionals believe that the empowerment one might feel after taking The Look Good Feel Better workshop can have a great effect on their confidence and only encourage a positive role in their overall medical care and recovery.

Look Good Feel Better relies on its volunteers to help make the biggest difference in these women’s lives. The workshops are run by cosmetic and hair alternative specialists who volunteer both their time and their talent to the cause. If you feel this might be a great opportunity for you or you want to explore other ways to volunteer for this charity visit the Look Good Feel Better website and click on the volunteer section to download your application. www.lgfb.ca

When it comes to charitable organizations we often speak of what the participants gain from their experience with a charity, or how they feel after. However it is not only the participants who leave with a sense of worth. Volunteering your time for a worthy cause can be both fulfilling and empowering. It doesn’t matter what size of a difference you make in someone’s life, it’s putting in the effort to make that difference that counts. Please check out the Look Good Feel Better website for more information and take it upon yourself to explore some of the other charities within your area.

                          

FASH was tickled pink when we were invited to sit in the second row of LG Fashion Week’s grand finale, Line Knitwear. However, we quickly turned from pink to mustard, grey, moss and maroon to blend in with the beautiful earth tones of the design house’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection.

The words on all the fashionista’s lips when the lights came up were “granny chic”- but in the best way possible. John Muscat and Jennifer Wells have created a beautiful transition from spring to fall, sending ethereal and glowing models down the runway sporting glossy plum lips, dewy rose cheeks, and softly-brushed waves.

It was as if Little Red Riding Hood had grown up, her grandmother had turned into her personal stylist and she became more open-minded with her colour choices. The bright colours and 70′s-inspired crochet work that are some of the spring trends slowly crawling out from the clutches of the deep and dark winter are continued in Line’s fall pieces, only here brights are highly pigmented autumn colours and crochet vests and blouse detailing lengthens into long-sleeved jacket/sweater hybrids and full-length mermaid dresses.

Texture was also a key player in this show, with fur collars and cuffs, tweed trousers, velvet high-waisted disco pants and whispers of chiffon having their own moments to shine throughout.

The verdict is in- Line Knitwear’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection was one of the big players for this season’s LG Fashion Week. You heard it hear first, fashionistas: Don your turban hats and opera length gloves and dust off those knitting needles! Line Knitwear’s look scores high for the low temperatures awaiting us at the end of the year.

                          

Photos and copy by Pete Willows

TORONTO – Comrags showed their Fall 2011 Collection at Toronto’s LG Fashion Week.

Judy Cornish and Joyce Gunhouse, at the helm of this Toronto-based fashion house, delivered the goods once again.

They only show one season per year, and it’s traditionally been their Fall Collection.

We saw billowing and elegant separates, with dresses and some outerware with demonstrative and clean lines. 

We also soft pleating in necklines on dresses and neckties on satin blouses.

The separates were modest. 

We saw scoop and boatneck style, slender-fit skirts and high-waisted pants.

Marigolds, yellows and aquas splashed in floral patterns, like watercolours, which brought life to monochromatic layers.