Blush: MakeUp Artists Compete

From make-up counter to mascara marathon, nine make-up artists are the next runners up in the reality tv saga - competing to win BLUSH: The Search for the next Great Makeup Artist.

Contestants will be vying for a grand prize of $100,000, a beauty contract with international cosmetics giant Max Factor, and a one-time gig on an In Style® photo shoot. With models as their canvas, creativity and fantasy are put to the test as contestants create the most avant-garde looks during their challenges. Each week, one contestant is eliminated until “The Next Great Makeup Artist” is left standing.

BLUSH: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT GREAT MAKEUP ARTIST makes its Canadian premiere Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT exclusively on Star! – Canada’s Entertainment Channel.

Project Runway Canada 2

Well, I finally got around to reading the list of the 14 Canadian fashion designers who'll appear on the upcoming Project Runway Canada 2 - and by perusing the designer BIOs, this is sure to be an edgy competition!

Of the 14, almost all are formally trained and have many years of experience under their belts working on their own labels such as local boys Jason Meyers, and Sunny Fong (the only self-taught) or working for top brands such as Jeff MacKinnon, Danio Fragella, Jaclyn Murray and Genevieve Graham (who worked as creative director for Obaaki).

Some of the other contenders have their own smaller fashion brands: Christie Clayton "Carny Love", Camille Prins "Dutch Blonde", Kim Cathers "kdon", and Margarita Voultsos "Proper Apparel".

Other contenders include Ryerson grads Jessica Biffi and Adejoke Taiwo and Fanshawe top grad Brandon Dwyer.

At the end of 12 weeks, one winning designer gets a cover and feature spread in ELLE Canada, a professional portfolio photo shoot courtesy of L’Oréal Paris, a ‘Runway to Retail’ business mentorship with Winners, and $100, 000 to start their own fashion line!

PREMIERES ON GLOBAL: TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2009 – 10PM ET/PT
ON Mondays at 10pm ET/9pm PT beginning February 2

TSF PSA

This is just a friendly reminder that MANNERS are always in style. It is polite to offer your seat to elderly and less-abled on buses, subways and trains.

This is something that really bothers me as a TTC user - especially because I try to be very conscientious about the people who actually need to sit down. Yesterday I watched an elderly lady with a cane stand until someone reached their stop - and then on another streetcar, elderly people had to walk all the way to the back before someone finally offered a seat.

Gross. Just please, be aware and give up your seat. Thanks.

Market is Crashing and Toronto Girls are Cashing In!!!

The Market Crash Bash at 69 Vintage Buy The Pound (1234 Bloor St. W) was an old fashioned cowgirl-clothing-swap for the times! No money?! No Problem! Vintage girls and boys know how to score a deal even when times are tight, and this was no exception! There were finds a plenty to be had, from knit sweater vests to leather coats, previously loved puma's and even an Ungaro original!!!

Join the facebook group for future swap dates! 69 BTP is also offering a free hour of sewing lessons for the month of December, when you buy a pound of clothing!!!

Photos courtesy Meaghan Orlinski. From top left: 1.Deadly Nightshades Big Red and Meg O were in attendance 2. Swapping Heaven 3. Entrepreneur Extraordinaire, 69 Owner Kealan Sullivan 4. More Swapping Heaven

Rage December: Gift Picks

If you haven't already, head over to the Rage online at www.ragetoronto.ca and join up for the Kensington indie-haven's monthly newsletter.

This month, the Rage lists its top picks for gift giving; let's us know about the last Ndeur shoes available and also highlights other great shops in the area to make Christmas shopping easier!

The Rage offers the biggest selection of clothing, accessories and beauty products from local designers.

Rage, 13 Kensington Avenue
Also available on Etsy at therage.etsy.com.

Layout by John Mong

Stu-stu-studio Warming Party for Philip Sparks!

Toronto menswear designer Philip Sparks launched his new showroom - located in the historic Burroughes Building, 639 Queen Street West, Suite 505 (5th floor).

The Philip Sparks menswear line is rooted in heirloom tailoring techniques twisted to create a nostalgic but modern piece. The collection is sold in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver at Balisi, Delphic, Espace Pepin, Gotstyle, Holt Renfrew, Simon’s and UPC Boutique.

Open to the public every Saturday between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

All photos courtesy of Meaghan Orlinski

klutch

klutch bags, handmade in Toronto, keep business simple by offering only a few styles of well crafted, beautifully lined clutches that are "not to be carried, but to be worn".

Toronto designers Victoria Selano and Sonia Pinto craft their limited run clutches out of leather, Italian silk and natural linen with magnetic closures and hand straps to make carrying even easier.

The district is long and lean, the savoy small, while the metropolitan has curved edges ($100-$165). klutch bags may not be cheap, but this kind of classic quality will last a life time (and besides, being style savvy is not cheap)!

Available online at Shopgirls (new online boutique) or for the same price point at their Etsy shop klutchbags.etsy.com

Call for HOST: New Fashion/Make-over Show

PROPER TELEVISION, producers of Canada’s Worst Driver and Canada’s Worst Handyman, seeks a stylishly brazen HOST to lead their new lifestyle series. This new makeover format swoops in to transform women who dress inappropriately and dangerously outside their age demographic. In every episode, our style expert embarks on a journey to revamp the look of one participant whose style is somewhat questionable. With a bit of imagination, and some stylishly-clever tactics, our style expert will fix one fashion disaster at a time, helping women redefine how they look, feel, and dress at any age!

Are YOU THE HOST?

Seeking a real fashion savant. Someone who is, whether in experience or training, a true style and beauty expert. A professional that can transform how people look and feel about their look. Someone who can guide others in their wardrobe choices and makes the task of dressing appear less daunting. Someone who possesses a true designer spirit, can work with anything, maximize people’s strengths, and redefine someone’s image. A real opportunist who sees the possibilities in becoming the face of a new national lifestyle series and the reward that comes with empowering women across the country to dress their absolute best for their age.

YOU ARE:

- In your 30’s or 40’s
- A true professional and experienced in the world(s) of fashion/styling/beauty/design
- An image-maker and full of fashionable tips and tricks
- Outgoing, outspoken, likeable, cheeky, charming and confidant.
- All personality, have a on-camera presence, and posses the power to empower

Those interested in becoming the HOST are encouraged to forward a photo, bio and resume to Catherine@propertelevision.com by December 21, 2008. Selected applicants will be called for an interview and camera-test.

Fashion Takes Action Gala

One of a Kind Gifts until Dec. 7

by Daniel Wilson

(photos from One of a Kind Blog)

The One of a Kind Show is an oasis of darling crafts, stylish threads and funky bobbles in the freezing, wind-blasted wasteland of the Exhibition Place. Each vendor has the chance to create their own little nook expressing their visual aesthetic like tiny islands of style in the cavernous airplane hanger of a venue.

After sipping a perhaps slightly indulgent 9 a.m. vodka and orange juice in the all white press lounge, I wandered around the hanger as exhibitors set up. Sadly, the press breakfast was at 9 and the show did not open until 11 a.m., so most exhibitors were probably sound asleep in their hotel rooms with their booths safely covered up.

Of the people there I met the lovely Katia Dion of Agence Ka in Montreal. Her agency helps support independent Montreal designers by aiding in their PR, selling their clothes at shows and representing them in the Montreal boutiques. I helped Katia shift around the rolling racks of clothes in the awkward, corner booth they had given her and the booth looked much better.

This year's One Of A Kind Show promises to be a great source for gifts for those hard to buy for loved ones, yourself included!

Until December 7th at The Direct Energy Centre at Toronto Exhibition Place.

Call for Art/Fantasy Fashion

The 11th annual Gallery 1313 Fantasy Fashion Show is looking for fashionistas, designers and artists interested in putting their most radical work on the runway for the sake of fundraising, frivolity, and fun.

Gallery 1313 is looking for fashions that push the envelope, the more controversial and extreme the better.

This year's Fantasy Fashion Show will be held on January 28, 8-10 p.m., @ Gallery 1313, 1313 Queen Street W, Toronto

Deadline for proposals is January 9, 2008. $20 non-refundable submissions fee.

Further details available at g1313.org or call 416-536-6778.

Competition: Via Rail needs new Uniforms!

Winner receives $10,000 in VIA RAIL travel. Public awards ceremony during Fashion Week, March 2009.

One lucky Canadian designer could be on the fast-track to style stardom with the launch of a contest to create a new look for Via Rail Canada employees. The national passenger rail service is teaming up with the Fashion Design Council of Canada to present the Via Rail redesign challenge. Designers from across the country are invited to try their hand at creating a fresh new styling of Via Rail uniforms for both station and on-train employees.

Production and manufacturing of men's and women's uniforms will be done through Via Rail.

For information and details for entry, go to FDCC website >>

Ottawa Online Glossy

We love hearing about new Canadian rags! In an enjoyable and convenient magazine format, The Dinner Jacket is a three issue in, monthly online glossy - hailing from Ottawa - that features local fashion photography and arts & culture articles.

It's super easy to zoom in, save your favorite pics and navigate through the entire issue.

www.thedinnerjacket.com

Trendy West 49

I've never stepped into a West 49 store but know it is very popular among 12-20 year olds. I'm personally not into generic street labels that are highly coveted by Teen Vogue readers (Roxy, Billabong, DC, Hurley, etc..), but have to commend Canadian chain West 49 for its success with providing youth styles in Canada.

Until now, I didn't know West 49 Inc. is a Canadian company. Specifically, a specialty retailer of apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment related to skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, motocross, and the music industry. West 49 was founded in 1995, and currently operates 73 stores across Canada. Impressive!

And now I know the perfect place to shop for my nephew and nieces!

Stores everywhere - go to the Store Locator here >>

FIVE New Labels Semi-Finalists

Five Ontario-based fashion designers have been selected as semi-finalists in TFI’s 2009 New Labels Fashion Design Competition:

Jody McMillan for Jody Leigh
Jenn Sadzak for The JenSa Collection
Cheryl Gushue for GushueSwim
Sonja den Elzen for Thieves
Faren Tami for Faren

They now advance to stage two of the competition. In February 2009, the judges will decide which three or four finalists will participate in the runway show to be held on April 23, 2009, at the Metro Convention Centre.

The winner of the TFI New Labels competition will be announced at the conclusion of the runway presentation. The winner of the competition receives a prize package valued at over $25,000 from ELLE Canada, including a full-page editorial in the magazine, a cash prize and an exclusive interview on ELLE Online.

Moda 1 Year Anniversary

It's another mammoth, international clothing company that offers stylish clothing at great prices. And like most European clothing chains, we love the selection. And love that we can afford it!

Toronto's MODA carries a large selection of the two contemporary Danish brands, “Vero Moda” and “Selected Homme” (stemming from Vero Moda, a Dutch company with over 700 stores around the world) and recently celebrated its 1st year anniversary on Toronto's Queen Street West with local media, bloggers and shoppers.

We got to take a closer look at 'Vero Moda' - the womens line that offers $30 blouses and $80 coats; and 'Selected Homme' - mens clothes with $55 waist coats and $270 winter wool coats.

Frankly, I'm a little surprised that more people don't flock to this store. Its much smaller that the typical H&M or Zara but that adds to the 'boutique' experience and makes it all the more easy find great items including top trends like velvet leggings, lacy accessories and chic clutches.

Moda, 632 Queen St. W.

Professional Help for Industry

Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) Introduces a New Team of TFI Consultants

Need some direction and advice to get your business moving in the right direction? TFI's Industry experts are available to help with advice and knowledge about the industry.

Members Only
TFI Outreach Members exclusively receive 120 minutes of one-on-one scheduled consultation time with volunteer expert consultants per membership year. Whether about retail, PR, exporting or sponsorships - this is an amazing opportunity to take advantage of.

TFI members also benefit from many other resources including networking events, a resource centre and production facility, meeting space and media events. $130/year. www.fashionincubator.com

Thrifting

Three belts for $12 at Value Village (would've been $6 two years ago!)

The news is so bleak these days when it comes to the economy and its impending doom. The message should be clear to all now: stop over-spending, stop hoarding, beware, save... For the majority of us who aren't ripping out our hair over stock losses, this means good news when it comes to SALES and price drops.

But, I do think that second-hand stores like Value Village and Goodwill will become even more popular. People are purging - and even more want deals; all which can be found at our local thrift shops.

Over the past few years, both Value Village and Goodwill have seriously increased prices (ughhhhh!!). However, there are still amazing deals to be found and mountains of stuff to go around!

Gifts for Gals: My Tagalongs

Gifts for gals on the go - especially the ones who already have everything!

My Tagalongs are travel/purse accessories, packaged into pretty little organized kits. The Purse Hooker (have you seen these in restaurants?) is a collapsible hook that can sit on table to help keep your bags off your chair and off the floor. And it works! ($15)

There's the Emergency Valet which has a tampon tube, eco-tote, sticky notes, a sewing kit and a little floss. ($30) I'm thinking the teens will be all over this.

My fav though is the Jet Sets - perfect for flying. It's two empty/refillable airless pump jars that are airport friendly ($18).

My Tagalongs are available in the handbag section of The Bay stores across Canada.

Drake Hotel General Store to open this weekend

(thanks for the E-mail from Rock-it Promotions)

The Drake Hotel General Store, located directly adjacent to the hotel at 1144 Queen West, will be a curiously edited shop catering to the sensible and the hedonistic, the traveller and the neighbour. Slated to open Saturday, November 22, it is a destination for fine goods and goodies with a sense of whimsy and nostalgia.

Merchandise will range from French hotel housewares to jewellery from NYC’s In God We Trust ($60-$100), Le Cool guidebooks ($39), Malin+Goetz apothecary products (Essential Travel Kit $42), candles ($39) and totes ($45) from Opening Ceremony, a wide array of vintage postcards and much more. Like the Drake Hotel, the General Store will contain a healthy dose of Canadiana and art curios, including Hudson’s Bay classic striped throws ($150), vintage Toronto and Canadian souvenirs like key chains, matchbooks and badges, ninja stars by local industrial designers Mat/Cult (box of 3/$14) and naughty colouring books by local artist Mallory Diaczun ($30).

The Drake Hotel General Store will also carry much of what you would find in a classic general store with a Drake twist, including tortoise shell toothbrushes and black toilet paper alongside eccentric items like Marie Antoinette action figures and Mexican good luck packets that surprise and delight. New merchandise will appear monthly.

Store designers and directors Carlo Colacci and Joyce Lo, the duo behind local clothing label Shared, are renowned for their recent Toronto pop-up shop and have based the design of the store on the combination of a Queen West gallery within a retail shopping environment. Recycled French country meets urban sophisticate, the 350-square-foot interior will feature reclaimed wood cabinets and mismatched tables crafted from aged materials sourced locally throughout Ontario, and set upon a vintage inspired custom diamond-patterned floor. The exterior sign is a neon cross, reminiscent of traditional European pharmacies. Keeping with the overall Drake mix of high and low, kitsch and chic, the design makes for a retail concept that truly inspires the imagination.

The Drake Hotel is located at 1150 Queen Street West (between Dovercourt and Dufferin), and can be reached at 416.531.5042.

More Masquerade for United Way

Photos by Coko Galore


Conveniently held after Halloween, the Rouge Masquerade ball, a fundraiser for United Way, was held at The Suites on 1 King St West.

Guests in black and red donned feathers and masks - yet even at a masquerade ball, the most interesting looks were created with the shoes, belts, earrings and ties.

GREEN Christmas @ One of a Kind Show

The One of a Kind Show's Green Neighbourhood has almost doubled in size since its inception in 2007. It features some of Canada's most innovative craftspeople including:

Rabbit Green - Dismayed by the amount of kids clothes made overseas, cheaply and in unknown working conditions, they set out create it on their own! Their original, eco-conscious and cool threads for tots are made from reclaimed clothing and each are up-cycled into an original one-of-a-kind item.

Ironwood Bowls - Inspired by the beauty of the natural surroundings of New Brunswick woodlands, their bowls are showcased in a form that can be appreciated by people around the world. Cutting methods from the 1800's are used which allows for very little wasted wood.

League of Lovers and Thieves - Motivated by the evolving state of nature and natural environment, the men's and women's fashions are made from sustainable materials including soy blends, organic cotton, hemp, bamboo and organic wool.

Earth to Body - Earth to Body's handmade all natural skin care cosmetics contain no mineral oils, synthetic substances, synthetic preservatives or dyes. Their products contain only medicinal herbs, essential oils, natural emollients and natural emulsifiers. These products are carefully blended with proven age-old recipes to moisturize, revitalize, and soften the skin.

Truth - Truth makes 100% animal friendly belts, handbags, bracelets, necklaces and bamboo T-shirts. A favorite of many vegans and vegetarians, all Truth products are made in Toronto.

ZUT DESIGN - Modern design with a craftsman's touch. Keeping in mind their goal of protecting the environment, all of the products are made out of recycled rubber and are functional, long lasting and show off the latest in design. They offer products for the office, school, home and travel.

One of a Kind Show & Sale, Nov. 27 - Dec. 7, 2008

Lisa vs. Ceri

I came across a blog post from 'Canadian Magazines' blog where the blogger quotes a Forbes Magazine article that states Cindi Leive, the editor of Glamour magazine, is America's most influential fashion editor (not Anna Wintour).

** What's most interesting is the slew of comments on who could be Canada's most influential fashion editor - between Fashion's Ceri Marsh and Flare's Lisa Tant. **

Cindi Leive was named because apparently Glamour reached its highest circulation ever (taking online circulation numbers into account). I'm certainly no expert on the subject, but I hardly think that is what secures the title of 'Most Influential Fashion Editor'. The people at Forbes are definitely not reading Vogue or InStyle daily.

In Canada, however, where numerous new magazines have popped up (and folded) in just the past five years, most people aren't familiar with the leading ladies behind our top fashion mags (or couldn't care less). Through further Googling, I came across these interesting articles featuring Canada's apparent Top Two:

Ryerson Review of Journalism (2006)
Fashion magazine editor-in-chief Ceri Marsh shows that good manners still go a long way

Fashion editors may look like Barbie, says Flare's Lisa Tant. But we're GI Joe underneath. Meet one of the toughest...

Auntie Fashion:
The Lisa Tant Interview
Lisa Tant vs. Ceri Marsh

----

For the record, Canada has more that two fashion mags (I'm talking print-only):
Elle Canada
Style
Lou Lou
Lush
Zink Canada

Lifestyle:
Canadian Living
Chatelaine

Rachel Schwab

FAT Call for Creative Entries

|FAT| Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week is back April 2009 for it’s fourth year of fashion, performance, visual art and music.

Deadline for all applications is December 22, 2008

It is our pleasure to invite all creative individuals exploring fashion design, performance, visual art and music to participate in presenting their work in this extraordinary festival.

Starting this month, those who are interested in participating can apply directly at the |FAT| website: WWW.GETFAT.CA. Currently, |FAT| is accepting applications for:

FASHION DESIGN: Women's Wear, Men's Wear, Wearable Art
VISUAL ART: Photography, Video, Installation, Sculpture,
MUSIC: All Musical Forms Of Expression Welcome
DANCE/PERFORMANCE ART

For more info, contact:
| Vanja Vasic | email: vanja@alternativefashionweek.com | 647.834.0061 |

Doc Martens in Toronto

Could it be?! Docs are making a premature comeback as a hot new trend among the tweens along with a multitude of other 80s styles.

Already, the clunky, laced-up boot is being bought up in faraway places such as Hong Kong and Glasgow. However, like most shoe companies these days, Dr. Martens and its air cushioned soles are now available in even more options: patent pinks, flourescents - I've even seen vegan options!

Apparently, there are 70,000 possible varieties of Dr. Martens, starting at 3-eye and rising to a 20-eye boot. They were popular for postmen in the 60s, then became notorious when skinheads and bad boys donned them through the 70s. In the 80s, the masses adopted the style and they became uniform for rockers and musicians.

In Toronto
You can find Docs in many shoe and goth stores on Queen Street West (around Spadina).

As the first store ever to offer Dr. Martens, Neon, 391 Queen St. W. has brought them back again with a huge selection to choose from claiming that they charge $30 less than other stores.

Shown:
Dr. Martens 1460 8 Eye Boots in Pink Smooth, $109.99
Dr. Martens 1460 8 Eye Boots in White Smooth, $109.99
Dr. Martens 14 Eye 2 Zip Boots in Red Patent, $129.99
Dr. Martens 14 Eye Side Zip Boots in Silver Broken Promises, $139.99
Dr. Martens Phoenix Alexia Rigger Boot in Black Mirage, $129.