Daria struts on Canada's Walk of Fame

Canadian supermodel Daria Werbowy on the cover of the September issue of FASHION magazine | On her first FASHION cover Winter 2001 | Summer 2001

Canadian supermodel Daria Werbowy joins Bryan Adams and Steve Nash as the new 2008 inductees to Canada’s Walk of Fame on September 6, 2008.

Werbowy’s modelling career began at the age of 14 and since has appeared on several covers of Canadian and international magazines; has done international ad campaigns for Prada, Gucci, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent; and runway appearances for Hermès, Valentino, Missoni and Versace. Werbowy currently has a multi-year contract with Lancôme and recently launched her own unique line of makeup blends with the company.

Daria graced the cover and pages of FASHION seven times over the years - see the slideshow here >>

The Canadian Walk of Fame runs alongside King Street, east of John at Duncan.

Fashion Style Makers at Home

In stores for a couple of weeks now, the September issue of
Canadian House and Home presents The Fashion Issue - and goes into the stylish homes of cover couple Joe and Kimberly Mimran (Joe Fresh/Pink Tartan); Susie Sheffman (FASHION magazine), and Paul Sinclaire (Tevrow&Chase) among many others.

As well, fashionistas Kumari Colson (Kumari's), Sandra Pittana and Margaret Morneau unveil their spacious dressing rooms; stylist Conrad Nadeau showcases his over-the-top Montreal condo and ten other Canadian fashion designers share their top must-haves and things they can't live without!

Canadian House and Home

Atlantic Canada Fashion Week - Call for Designers

This was in my INBOX - and I don't have any other details as of yet...

Sept 6 - 12, 2008

Fashion & Design Week for Atlantic Canada is the first ever to be organized and launched for the entire Atlantic Coast of Canada. This event we are welcoming designers and fashion merchants from Toronto, Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Canada.

Contact if you are a new designer and/or are interested in getting involved.
888-530-3380 - shows@eastlink.ca

Deconstructing Hipster - Call for Entries

Until September 19, 2008

Labspace Studio's Deconstructing Hip is a sociological investigation and cultural excavation, a romp into the lineage of hip culture from Ginsberg to Williamsburg, scene to mainstream, hepcats to hipsters. The show will examine the barrage of trends and icons that have shaped, shifted and defined hip as we know it.

What We're Looking For:
Work that addresses, analyzes, deconstructs or reconstructs the hipster phenomenon throughout the past and into the present.

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES:
-Painting, Collage, Photography, Drawing
-Video, New Media
-Writing, Spoken Word, Text
-Performance
-Dance
-Installation
-Music, Sound
-Advertising/Commercial Media

Please submit work or project proposals via email, with a brief description of your proposed piece(s) as well as supporting/portfolio material of the described work or other work recently completed in a similar medium. More Here >>

The Lab Sessions 4.0 will be held on October 25th at the Labspace Studio.

Rad Hourani from Paris to New York

Young Montreal stylist turned designer Rad Hourani is showing his Spring 2009 collection in New York during fashion week, September 12, 2008.

Last fall, Hourani debuted an androgynous line-up of 'seasonless' tops and bottoms in Paris then moved the show and his high-profile model friends to New York in the spring. He garnered instant attention from reputable media including making the list of Style.com's Top Ten New Faces. The line was picked up by Holt Renfrew.

For a talented man with no formal training in fashion, Rad has managed success with intense creative vision and plentiful inspiration. He began working in fashion in his teens - styling for major fashion magazines and Canadian designers such as Denis Gagnon and Renata Morales; and in photography and film.

In only his third season designing, his clothes have been compared to Ann Demeulemeester and Helmut Lang. Read more at The Business of Fashion >> or PaperMag's Q&A >>

UNIQLO International Competition

UT GRAND PRIX 2009 - Until September 21, 2008

PRIZES $30,000/winning designs in UNIQLO stores worldwide

UNIQLO has actively developed its global expansion as a casual wear brand from Japan, opening flagship stores in New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Korea and China, and also shown the global promotion campaigns that world people can participate such as UNIQLOCK and UT LOOP!

Based on the concept of “T-shirt Design Olympics”, UT Grand Prix calls for T-shirt designs from young & upcoming creators from all over the world. Works will be chosen from more than 10,000 submissions in the first and second phases of judgment. In the final stage, 20 designs will be selected by presiding guest judges and sold as UT (UNIQLO T-shirt) at UNIQLO stores.

For rules, regulations and submission details go to http://ut.uniqlo.com/us/utgp/regulation

Peach Berserk's Silkscreen Manual

by Irene Stickney

Do you dream of turning your plain old tee's into works of art? Wishing your fall wardrobe wasn't quite so... minimalist? Take your cue from the froufrou frocks seen above on Rebecca Zimmerman and Petrina Abersek, the newest editions to the design team at Peach Berserk!

The original Peach-Dream-Team Kingi and Annalisa have recently published a 'learn-to-silkscreen' book/DVD called 'Peach Berserk's Silkscreen NOW' ($40). It takes you step-by-step through everything you need to know to be a pro silkscreener! So, what are you waiting for???

Available at Peach Berserk, 507 Queen Street West

Want to give it a try first? Peach Berserk has been holding Sunday silkscreening workshops for as long as I can remember at its Queen West shop. Check the website for upcoming dates.

Art of Fashion Seeking Canadian Designers

Deadline for Submissions
August 18, 2008

The Art of Fashion will once again hold its annual design competition, as an independent project of the 2008 Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, Toronto's all-night art exhibit on October 4, 2008. As part of the competition, the Art of Fashion challenges designers to interpret and bring to life their expression of the 2008 artistic theme, "Between the Lines".

Design and Exhibit Competition
Saturday, October 4, 2008

Art of Fashion Trunk Show
Thursday, October 16, 2008

Designer Skivvies on Queen West

Almost Naked is a new specialty shop in Toronto offering super hot designer underwear, luxe-loungewear and accessories from European lines Diesel, Energie and Miss Sixty; UK designers Fred & Ginger and Shultz; and even Canadian label Ginch Gonch. They also carry Ed Hardy boxers and briefs and boast the largest Canadian collection of provocative Marlies Dekkers (Netherlands) among others.

The new two-level boutique has an earthy feel with its poly-resin panels with real bamboo branches embedded in them, hardwood and concrete floors and a wooden trough of white stones lining the staircase. Two corner change rooms with mirrors inside offer a private haven for trying on intimates.

Almost Naked, 479 Queen Street West

Fashion Weekly Online

Fashion Weekly (FW) is a new, online fashion publication based in T.O., with content ranging from local shop profiles, international trend reports and photo features.

The second flash issue to hit cyberspace focuses on GREEN initiatives and includes a six-page photo spread with locally available clothing and finds from green is black- a company that sells mens and womens designer items made of hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, and soy, as well as reclaimed, recycled and vintage materials.

Can't wait to see how the e-mag evolves...

Clothing Show Call for Models/Designers

The Clothing Show presents RUNWAY Fashion Shows Fall 2008! We are looking for Fashion Designers and Models to be part of the show this September 26 - 28th at the Better Living Center, Exhibition Place.

DESIGNERS
Please submit 5 -10 images of your work and a one paragraph BIO to sarah@theclothingshow.com for review.
•All designs must be ORIGINAL
•Minimum Submission: 4 complete outfits

MODELS (M/F)
Please send 2 head shots & 2 full body shots to sarah@theclothingshow.com
Include accurate measurements Waist: Bust/Chest: Hip: Height:

For more information on The Clothing Show, please call Sarah Power at 416-516-9859

Holt Renfrew backs unknown T.O. designer

There are fashion designers and then there are people who know the fashion business (occasionally you will find someone who excels in both disciples). Many of the 'designers' I meet in Toronto who are actually making money in the field know the business - and not necessarily fashion but business in general.

This is why it is not overly surprising to learn that leading luxury retailer Holt Renfrew has recently brought in the JUZD Bamboo label (which we first featured here) - a collection of graphic tees made with bamboo.

Designer Jing Liu of JUZD (pronounced “joost”) has no formal training in fashion or design; no work experience in the biz or no art background but has managed to find a niche product that Holt Renfrew is confident will sell.

According to Liu, his success was foreshadowed in feedback from boutiques and consumers, “The fabric’s potential revealed itself when it was shown to boutique sales staff members and stylists. These are the trendsetters – they live and dictate style in our culture. Their excitement at the fabric and graphics really kept the dream, and motivation, alive from the beginning.”

The JUZD collection is scheduled to appear in Holt Renfrew in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Edmonton as early as next week.

Toronto Urban Fashion Week? Call for Designers

Apparently, July 31 to August 4, 2008 there will be a Urban Fashion Week thing happening in Toronto which conveniently coincides with the Caribana Festival.

From what I could discover (which is not much), this is actually three days of club shows and parties showcasing urban lines to potentially a massive market celebrating Caribana, to be held at The Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown, 1 Blue Jay Way. Hope to keep you posted!

* Casting for Local Models/ Designers
Time / Date: 7pm – 9pm, Wed July 16, 08
Location: Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown Ballroom

Pride Fashion Faux Pas

Maha & Cristabel rant about What NOT to Wear - including thongs and crocs, at PRIDE in this month's FAB Magazine:

PRIDE FASHION FAUX PAS
Every year we see more and more fashion crimes committed in the name of Pride. With so many offending outfits and atrocious accessories everywhere, who can we depend on to show offenders the true scope of their visual assaults? fab saw a light at the end of the tunnel courtesy of celebrity stylist/scene whore Maha and ultra-fashionista/clubland superhero Christabel who gave us these warnings, musings and suggestions aimed at this year’s top 10 worst Pride outfit choices.

Coco on FASHION

FASHION magazine August 2008
featuring Coco Rocha (these scans do NOT do the photos justice!), photographed by Miguel Jacob and styled by Tammy Eckenswiller. The make-up is incredible (wait til you see your own copy) by Hung Vanngo (Wall Group).

If Hermes made Flip Flops...

by Daniel Wilson

If Hermes made flip flops they might be acceptable. They would be tasteful, maybe a cherry wood sole with black or Hermes orange alligator straps; they would be subtle and elegant. But Hermes does not make flip flops and the ones that are out there are simply not acceptable.

From queers in the Village to the ginos and 905’rs at Circa - people in Toronto are universally slapping their way around town this summer with that irritating sound unique to this hideous footwear.

The argument in favor of The Flop is that it’s easy: you can just slip it on and go; and that it’s comfy. A driving shoe, a loafer, a deck shoe and a cowboy boot, a Vans skate shoe, a moccasin or even a Croc. All these footwear options are easy, as with flip flops, they don’t have the problem of those silly and confusing laces some shoes have… And they’re comfy! Flip flops have no support or cushioning for the arch, ball or heel and they come with the irritation of that little piece of cheap plastic between your toes.

Maybe some people think flip flops are sexy, it’s one step closer to naked after all.
I myself don’t find a calloused, hair flecked foot particularly appealing, and I fall short of imagining a lifestyle that allows time for twice weekly pedicures and toe waxing, but that’s just me.

Consider, if you will, the hygienic implications of flopping down for a roll in the linen (crisp and white as snow), with a person who, essentially, has been walking barefoot through the filth and offal of the streets or the grunge and scum of a night club.

Finally I plead to The Flop wearer to think of your own safety. We live in a city and the ground is full of hazards unknown. Used needles and broken glass, dog pooh and cigarette buts, stilettos poised to stomp on your toes and drunken revelers holding slippery beer bottles ; do you really want your feet, tender and pink, exposed to that?

Hermes does not make flip flops, but they do make a lovely driving shoe. Try one on. It might change your life, or at least save you a tetanus shot.


Last photo of chemical reaction of cheap flip flops - see story here >

What not to wear @ PRIDE

by Coko Galore

A shirt apparently. Tops were completely optional during Pride Week this past month. Many opted out and embraced the idea of "no tops" in a trendy and fashionable way.

This year's 2008 Pride weekend, although tame by comparisons to the previous ones I've attended, still brought out some sexy and fashionable eye candy. A new and worthy trend to note, using the body to make a statement by painting words on yourself. Others used accessories as point of fashion focus. Fabulous... The body is becoming an accessory making its own fashion statement. It's great that there is at least one weekend every year where the human body is celebrated and embraced by those who put it on display and those who are observing.

This, Toronto, is one thing we should be proud of.
More PRIDE photos in Street Photos >

FASHION Reporter Search Top 20

The entries are in, the submissions are combed and the competition is fierce for FASHION Magazine’s Reporter Search 2008. The editorial team has short listed 20 finalists. ONLY ten will make the cut to join Canada's best read fashion magazine for one year!

VOTE! for contestants from across the country at www.fashionmagazine.com/reportersearch

Winners will be unveiled in September 2008 and the one candidate who generates the most public votes will win a trip to New York City, provided courtesy of NYC & Co.

Lomography Design for Threadless - Design Competition

The Lomographic Society International (dedicated to experimental and creative analog photography) and Threadless are challenging designers to create a tee inspired by one of the “10 Golden Rules of Lomography” including:

Lomography Rule #1: Take Your Camera Everywhere you Go
Lomography Rule #2: Use it Anytime, Day and Night
Lomography Rule #4: Try the Shot from the Hip
Lomography Rule #6: Don’t think
Lomography Rule #7: Be Fast
Lomography Rule #10: Don’t Worry About Any Rules

Up for grabs are the ultimate tools needed for photographers to commmunicate, absorb, and capture the world including the iconic Lomo LC-A+ camera with LC-A+ wide-angle lens, the DianaF+ with fisheye lens, the world's first compact fisheye camera (Fisheye 2), 10 rolls of LomoX-Pro film, and a lot more. In addition, the designer chosen gets $2k in cash.

Deadline for entries is July 5, 2008
http://threadless.com/loves/lomography

Etsy: Crafting Cupcakes!

Of course by now we're all aware that cupcakes are a sweeping global trend. People are paying $3 for two wee bites of deliciousness; they're wearing the colorful cups on clothing and crafters are knitting, painting and molding faux petite-gateaux.

We LOVE these Etsy finds and could have easily spent many more hours going through hundreds of pages of cupcake crafts - not only original and hand-made, but affordable!

LilyBaySoap
Soaps handmade from scratch using mostly all-natural ingredients and vegan friendly. Yummy scents include vanilla, blueberry, raspberry, etc...$4.25 each (+ $2 shipping)

JooJoo Polymer Clay
Mini magnet cupcakes with strong magnets on the bottom to decorate appliances or anywhere else you think of. Many choices. $15 for 3.

Frosting Couture
"Sweet to the Bone" hat with beaded wool felt cupcake. Many other yummy fashions mostly for kids. $18

3 day Aquafresh Challenge for a Brighter Smile

With a promise to noticeably whiten teeth within 3 days, I underwent the not-so-comfy task of wearing Aquafresh White Trays pre-filled whitening gel (hydrogen peroxide) teeth trays for 30-40 minutes each night (courtesy of our friends at Strategic Objectives).

I had previously tried Crest's whitening strips (the Classic version) - but didn't have the patience to see the results as they required 14 days of treatment (there are now quicker options).

Night 1: Ew - can barely talk and need tissue dab at goo coming out the sides of my mouth. Is this stuff safe to swallow?
Night 2: Less inconvenient - barely remember the 40 minutes of clumps. Teeth may be a little brighter!
Night 3: Well my teeth do look whiter (but can definitely benefit from the remaining four days of trays). When I asked my friends if they noticed a difference I got a few nods.

I will use the remaining trays and anticipate a gleaming smile! Will keep you updated!
P.S. Aquafresh White Trays and the various other teeth whitening products are widely available everywhere for under $40. Word of caution though: whitening systems may cause sensitivity in some people.

Queen Street Market

Kealan Sullivan of high-style shop 69 Vintage recently announced a new marketplace for art, craft, fashion and vintage lovers - The Queen West Market, upstairs at 1100 Queen Street West.

The second floor space (previously Spin Gallery) will be the new home of the market and its 35+ artsy vendors - including a farmers market.

Open every Saturday and Sunday, 10 - 6 all year round.

Designers and Merchants: There are many options available to sell your wares from renting small carts to larger spaces. For vending opportunities and more information, go to www.queenwestmarket.com.

What's in my polish?

OPI has some great new neon nail polish for sale at salons (Mod about Brights) I found $1 (much cheaper) versions at my local dollar store. This obviously requires a few more coats to get intense color but eventually does the job.

My concern, however, as I'm revelling in this great bargain is what exactly I'm putting on my nails. At what cost is this really?

My Dollar Store Nailpolish (made in the US):

Toluene & Formaldehyde Free (both cancer causing)
Ethyl Acetate - common solvent used in paints, perfumes. Known irritant and hormone disrupter. Used to decaffeinate coffee et al.
Dibutyl Phthalate - Dangerous to environment and unborn babies. All major producers stopped using in 2006 although there are many organizations that claim its safe for humans. Banned for use in cosmetics by European Union although phthlates are used in many other industries.
Camphor - On Health Canada's 'Hotlist' of Prohibited or Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients for hazards to children
Benzophenone-1 - UV Blocker used in many cosmetics. Approved for use although proven to be highly toxic and negative effects on brain, organs and nervous system.
Other ingredients include color and finishes.

Conclusion:
Although nail polish is horribly toxic, I learned that many of the ingredients are in hundreds of other products that we're exposed to. I also learned that cheaper polishes are not necessarily more full of chemicals as one might think.
When choosing polish, stay away from toluene & formaldehyde. Try new products with mineral colorants. And if you care enough, you can find natural nail color at stores in Toronto like Noah's or at Carrot Common on the Danforth.

For more on what you're putting on/in your body, check out www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

Monika Schnarre never looked better!

Canada’s Sea Queen (made by Phantom) launches a hot new swimwear collection with its exclusive new SwimTech ContourLift Bra - modelled by Monika Schnarre (chosen to appeal to women 35 and up).

Created by an actual bra designer, SwimTech ContourLift Bra features malleable moulded cups that maintain a natural shape. Flexible underwires are fused within the cups’ thin foam fabric so they never poke or prod. A comfort band wraps around the rib cage for enhanced support.

The new line of bathing suits come with empire waists, wraps, belts, halters and tankinis. They're fashionably 'molten' gold, animal printed or in an exotic jungle print - all in an Italian micro-fibre to maintain a luxuriousness and smoothing effect.

Sea Queen swimwear ranges in price from $80 to $120 CDN and is available across Canada through The Bay and fine specialty retailers. For more information on Sea Queen and complete list of retailers, please visit www.seaqueen.ca.

Fashion Flash @ Luminato

Time stood still as a flash mob of more than 100 people froze in Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto. The urban art installation, presented by FASHION Magazine in partnership with Luminato, invited participants of all ages to strike a pose alongside models from Elite Toronto. [Photo: Claudia Hung/FASHION Magazine].

Luminato continues in Toronto until June 15, 2008 with creative arts events happening all over the city.