-Nicolas Ghesquiere brought to the runway an innovative yet contradictory show.
-The flower-inspired collection showed a mixed of hydrangeas, pansies, peonies and anemones as prints
-The volume was the highlight of the show, inspired in sports cars, the designer brought to the runway belled hip volumes, stand out shoulder lines and hand-span waisted dresses all paired up with gladiator high heel boots.
-Wearable or not? Who are we to judge. Ghesquiere is one of the few designers that has his piece of the market already established.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Spring 08::Balenciaga
Spring 08::Alexander McQueen
-The show was a tribute to Isabella Blow
-McQueen brought to the runway a combination of drapes and feathers, strong shouldered suits, check jackets, draped chiffons, georgette gowns, kimono tops, trapezoid shapes, Art Nouveau-patterned blouses and lots of bird-inspired hats and prints.
-I liked what I have seen.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Spring 08::Alessandro Dell'Aqua
-The collection was inspired on the Japanese photographer Araki
-Plasticized transparencies, rubber embroideries, lingerie details, obi belts, kimono sleeves, ostrich feathers and tulle ruffles were brought to the runway
-I loved the freshness and femininity of the organza layers showcasing the sexy lingerie underneath.
Spring 08::Alberta Ferreti
-The designer brought to the runway a Greek Roman inspired collection with mini gladiator skirts, toga tunics and pleated dresses
-I love the simplicity of the jerseys dresses embellished with jewelry appliqués and draping details.
-Patent cropped jackets with metallic trimming
-Greek imagery used in chiffon dresses
-Muted colours with verdigris greens, lilacs and dark greys
-I absolutely loved this collection!
Spring 08::AKRIS
-The designer was inspired by the maritime motif shown in the vertically striped sleeveless blouse worn with leggings and tailored jackets with naval uniforms back flap.
-Bright/acid colours paired up with whites and grays.
-The designer got lost in trying to set new trends. He should have focused on his strength, building tailored clothes to elegant women
Spring 08::A.F.Vandervorst
-Transparent layers
-Plastic tranches
-Retro lingerie with bustiers, built-up bras as appliqués in nude jerseys
-Great boxy jackets with tailored lapels
-Beautiful draped dresses
-Whites, faded colours and red accessories
-Great collection!!!
Spring 08::Adam
-Romantic Expressionist influence
-The Japanese inspiration was seen in the kimono sleeves and obi belts
-Floral appliqués
-Bleached-out colours & washed-out metallics
Spring 08::Abaeté
-Retro chic mood where Art Deco meets expressionism
-Pinup-inspired silhouettes
-Colour block dresses
-Washed-out colours
-Floral details
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
SP 08 Late review
The SP 08 Europian and American collections brought to the runway a variety of trends and themes created by different inspirations. The designer’s were inspired by the Greek goddesses, the minimalist Madame Grès, the Asian culture and Art Deco prints. Muted colours were presented in the majority of the shows and washed-out metallics are still popular for next season. The runways showed a lot of layered and transparent fabrics, lingerie tops, pleated and draped details, plasticized materials, liquid jerseys, Japanese and Art Deco prints. Check out my favourite pieces of the season by designer. I hope you like it.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Costa Blanca X
Costa Blanca had launched a new concept chain called Costa Blanca X. The new concept store brings the latest trends in purses, shoes, boots, jewelry and other accessories. The store set up is completely different from the Costa Blanca clothing store layout, the white walls showcase the must have items of the season in a more upscale and refined concept at a much higher price point. It seems that Costa Blanca is trying to reposition the brand by opening a new store chain, however the disconnection in the price points might get the costumer confused.
As a former buyer I understand why Costa Blanca is trying to reposition the brand by aiming at a more profitable business model at higher price points, but as a consumer I couldn't care less about their revenue. I expect to find at Costa Blanca X an affordable trendy line that matches the brand’s perception. I find quite interesting that the chain opted to expand the brand (Costa Blanca X) instead of creating a new and fresh concept.
www.costablanca.ca
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Saniya Khan
Saniya Khan – the Ethnic spring collections brought to the runway by the designer lacked in innovation, creativity and colour. I was expecting a Pakistan-inspired collection to have a more colorful pallet than just white, black, beige and brown. The garments were not flattering at all and the fit lacked sewing skills, as a skinny model could barely walk in a tight pair of pants.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Fanshawe College
Fanshawe College presented Unbound, the spring collection of the graduating Fashion Design class. The designers brought to the runway twelve different fashion concepts, where most of them had bright colours and floral prints as their main source of inspiration. Out of the twelve, Erin Hawe, Margaret Banasik, Erin Coyle and Brandon Dwyer were my favorites. They showed a great potential to become part of the future of Canadian fashion. 
Thursday, October 25, 2007
David Dixon sailed to Newport Rhode Island
David Dixon – one of the leaders of the Canadian fashion scene, went sailing with the audience to Newport Rhode Island. His inspiration was a landscape of water and white sailboats drifting against the blue sky. Dixon brought to the runway his known muse, a carefree beautiful woman that has a sophisticated style in an unpretentious way. The collection presents a combination of well structured garments and flowy pieces, and according to Dixon he focused on a “juxtaposition of the fragile and structured”, just like his muse. The spring line brings natural linens, shine brocades, layered chiffons in a sea palette (white, beige, black and blue). Dixon is a talented designer making Canadian fashion history. I just love it.
Andy Thé-Anh
Andy Thé-Anh – one of the must-see shows of the season brought to the runway the "Send me an angel" collection that took the audience to heaven yesterday at the Toronto Fashion Week. With lightness as a theme, Andy mixed his signature - sculptured silhouettes, with light and airy pieces in a sleek and elegant show. The spring line is sexy and brings mostly dresses - with feminine details such as ruffles, righstones, sparkle beads, and also structured jackets, trench coats and skirts. I absolutely loved this collection. BRAVO!!!
Jayn Simpson
Jayn Simpson spring collection was as sweet as the desserts she was offering in the begging of her show. The designer - well known for its bridal gowns, promoted a beautiful and well-tailored show. The collection was inspired by the vintage romantic feeling from the past. The elegant spring line brings flirty cocktail dresses, feminine suiting, ruffle dresses and a beautiful bridal gown, all using high quality fabrics such as Italian silks and French laces. I absolutely loved the bustier finishes in the strapless tops and the floral hair detail. My favorite piece though is the lace strapless black dress.
Day of Dolls & Dawn of the Damzels
Damzels in this dress - one of the hot newcomers, brought in the “Day of the Dolls” collection great fashion aesthetics. Kelly Freeman and Rory Lindo presented a short video to convey the dolls mood to the audience and proved that these dolls can rock. The line brings pretty yet rocker-girl feminine dresses with bows and tulle details. The signature style - empire-weighted dresses, was also present in the runway as well as floral-printed strapless dresses.
Death on Wheels also showcased the SP 08 rock'n'roll inspiration in a short film called “Chiquita Bonanza”, aka “Death on Wheels”. The show brought by Stu and Bean had a great energy and presented the rockability throughout. Vintage t-shirts, baggy jeans, studded belts, leather jackets with skulls appliques and skinny jeans with tattoo appliqués proved that street wear can be so much fun.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Toronto Fashion Week
What: Toronto Fashion Week
When: Oct.22 to Oct. 27
Where: Nathan Phillips Square 100 Queen St. W.
Must sees: Joe Fresh, the Loblaws line by Joe Mimran and the finale of Canada Project Runway – a competition between 12 Canadian fashion designers. The twelve talented designers are competing for a top prize. Which one of the finalist will measure up? From left to right: Carlie Wong, Lincoln Cheung, Marie Genevieve, Michael Hatley and Evan Biddell.
Big Shows: Tevrow+Chase, Comrags, Joeffer Caoc, Andy The-Anh, David Dixon and Pink Tartan
Hot newcomers: Bustle, Ginch Gonch, Zoran Dobric, Nada and Damzels
Bustle: was one of my favorite shows yesterday. Shawn Hewson and Ruth Promislow presented a sexy, cheeky and sharply tailored sportswear collection. Each season, the label uses a sportif theme, for this season the inspiration was sailing. The label used styles and fabrics to express the theme. A mix of patterns – stripes, floral and sea prints – light-weighted fabrics together with sailor-inspired coats, men’s stripped skinny pants, stripped suits, double-breasted vests, mini shorts, all grown into a chic and well tailored collection. I just loved it. 
Ginch Gonch – the Vancouver designer brought to the runway an entertaining show with amazing dancing performers, beautiful models and a daring collection all wrapped up in a “jungle fever” theme. The theme had inspired a provocative and colourful line with stories such as erect eagle, monkey business, tickling tiger and panther play. The label also brought to the runway the homosexual discussion with open touch lingerie and same sex couples flirting. My favorite line was the native-inspired totem collection in the black, white, teal and red colours. I personally was expecting a bit more from the collection itself, it is cute and daring but not spectacular.
Zoran Dobric – was inspired by a retro futuristic look with a French twist. The palette used was mainly black, white and gray with some pieces in cobalt blue and metallic accessories. Dobric’s runway show had '40s inspired silhouettes with linen balloon skirts, pleating tops, and abstract patterns. My favorite piece was a PURPLE retro-inspired dress with Art Deco printed motifs. I thought the collection was a bit dark and somber for a Spring Summer launch and it lacked inspiration and freshness. Based on his great Fall 07/08 collection and on his highly developed skills – he was educated at the Instituto Marangoni in Italy, I was expecting way more than what I have seen.
Nada Shepherd Nathalie Atkinson promoted a fresh and inspiring show yesterday. The former neurobiology student proved that her fashion aesthetics can combine brain cerebella with amazing style in a great collection. Using the '40s –mostly the pretty and feminine style - as inspiration, she brought to the runway a wearable and sexy collection for a “real women with real body”. The spring collection brings yellow patent- linen fabric combination as trench coats, Italian lames used in cropped jackets and dresses, brocade skirts, sexy white linen jumpers and beaded embroidered dresses. Great show.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Scandinavian Inspiration
I absolute LOVE the Scandinavian inspiration Anthropologie used for their FW07 collection. The richness of the details are everywhere-from furniture to accessories- and the combination of handcrafted crochets, embroideries, laces and bold prints bring fun and interest to the collection. Too bad that Anthropologie stores can only be found in America.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
New pant shape: DROP-CROTCH TROUSERS
Get ready to put aside your skinny jeans as a new pants style is coming to town – the trendy baggy drop-crotch trousers are returning this season.
According to Derick Chetty - star stylist - in his piece to the Toronto Star dated Oct.12, the new pants trend emerged on the streets of Paris and New York during this past fashion week. Chetty’s trend timing and place might be controversial since the same pants style was shot in Milan by the thesartorialist.blogspot.com prior to the Paris or NY fashion week. No doubt the trend has hit the streets, whether it was first seen in Milan, Paris or New York, the new trend is becoming so relevant that some people are even saying that it might become the new jeans. The style is a sexy and cool alternative to the old tired jeans. Our challenge might be to find drop-crotch trousers in town now before the Spring launch. 
Trend Researcher tip: be aware that baggy drop-crotch trousers might not suit all types of bodies. The leaner and longer you are the better these pants will suit you.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Raul Midon at the Harbourfront Centre
OUTSTANDING.
Nothing short of outstanding was the performance by Raul Midon yesterday at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. Aside from being talented, Midon is also extremely friendly and his performance mixed Latin, pop and jazz with a show-stopping voice, amazing guitar expertise and unexpected trumpet-vocals that blew the whole crowd away.
Raul embraces the New York style in the way he dresses and in the way he talks. As a good New Yorker, he is the personification of cool...If you are a R&B fan and don’t know his work, please check this out....
Hot Fuchsia
Fuchsia is one of the hot colors that made the transition from Fall 07 into the Spring Summer 08 collections. This vibrant hue has been adopted by many celebrities in occasions such as Oscars and MTV awards - a good indication of the importance of the trend. From clothing to accessories and house decor, the hot fuchsia is here to stay. 
Trendresearcher tip: make sure you have the skin tone to wear fuchsia, the darker the skin the better. I am too pale to cope with this vibrant hue myself.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Magic Pony
Art, fashion and design are concepts connected by its creative nature and whimsical characteristics.
In one of my searching trips I found this unique place at Queen St. West, called Magic Pony, a gallery, studio and retail space that mix art, design and fashion in an unique location. The assortment is quite impressive, and the art exhibitions give the place a gallery-appealing look. I also love their ad line, “a shop for creative animals”, reflecting the peculiarity of the products on display, Japanese inspired dolls, western figures, books, wooden little creatures, art, etc…
I was able to see Gary Taxali's solo showing - amazing pop artist. The upcoming event is the exhibition of Mega Mega Wibbied Mindthicket by Derric Hodgson and I am sure it is worth to check it out.
Magic Pony 694 Queen St West. Tel: 416.861.1684. www.magic-pony.com
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Carl Lagerfeld Confidential
Carl Lagerfeld Confidential is a film by Rudolphe Marconi that unveils the daily life of the star through a documentary where we see Karl Lagerfeld designing dresses, giving public interviews, his work at Chanel, the models, actresses, seamstress, his life.
You can see the Lagerfeld Confidential film preview at http://www.myspace.com/lagerfeldconfidentiel
Friday, October 5, 2007
Think Green
The winter has not yet started and I am already bored with this season's trends. Even though I have the motivation to start talking about Spring 08 after the amazing runway collections shown last month, I feel that I still need to cover some important winter trends such as the powerful green colour and the snake-inspired accessories.
I absolutely LOVE this Elle Sep shot that shows the richness of the green sweater and the serpent-inspired green accessories all surrounded by a natural background. It is also important to notice that the addition of the purple lipstick gives a fashionable spin to this trend composition.
I also like the black tights and woolly gloves in the Marni composition below.
The snake accessories trend was inspired by María Félix, a Mexican beauty who died in 2002. Her personal style combining eccentricity and luxury and her fascination for reptiles inspired many designers this Winter 08. From Cartier serpent-inspired jewelry line to Valentino shoes, the reptiles are a stylish choice to accessorize your outfit.
Source:life with Andre. Vogue issue Oct.
I believe that nature-inspired motifs and green colour will be in vogue for the next seasons. The world is starting to think about the environment and is starting to react to global warming issues. This change in behaviour will influence the fashion industry, it will reflect on the way we dress and on the materials we use to build garments. "Think green" is a new behaviour and a new culture that we need to embrace to live in a better world.
Decoration Challenge on a small budget
The inspiration: I got inspired by the composition below that works using the contrast of natural forms against a colourful background.
The challenge: freshen up the look of my bedroom by creating a focal point, on a small budget.
The solution: lend interest to the focal point wall by bringing colourful and creative frames that incorporate the floral theme of the bedroom and integrate the colour scheme.
How to: Choose two frames with a square shape. My suggestion is the low cost 50cmx50cm Ikea EDEN (1). Take the back wooden board that holds the frame and have it sprayed with the colour selected (2). Choose a picture or print that complements the theme of your room and have it printed in black and white. (3). Create a 12x12cm template to serve as a support for your picture by using a back coated foam (4). Stick the picture onto the foam and finally stick the template onto the center of the previously painted board.
Total cost: $102.98 for both frames vs. $129 each oil paint canvas at Ziggy's at home (inspiration frames)
-Ikea frames $39.99 each
-Spray paint: $5
-Black coated foam $8
-Prints $10
The result:
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
MUST HAVE knee high sock
I can't start talking about Spring 08 trends before talking about the importance of the knee high socks. I particularly love the style and I am extremely familiar with the trend since I used to wear up-to-the-knee socks in the 80's. Oh boy, I am getting old...
The trend was shown in the Fall Winter 07 collections, took the streets - as seen in the thesartorialist.blogspot.com and in the http://stylebubble.typepad.com/style_bubble/accessorize/index.html- and it is returning strong in the SP 08 collections.
Don't be afraid to invest in a colour block two toned knee high sock -like the Prada one seen in Vogue - or if you want to go safe, you can always buy a single toned one. If you go for the light tones such as beige or light gray you can re-use them in the next summer. Be stylish, embrace this evolving trend...
Mixing textures and materials
I absolutely LOVE the contrast of textures and materials in this shot. A casual slouchy sweater paired with a sparkly skirt, soft tights and a white shirt creates this great and fresh look.
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