Thrilled at the exclusive opportunity we’ve received through The Society to attend the official Canadian launch of the Halston Heritage Collection with my fellow Advocate Miss Angela Young, I eagerly began searching online for previews. What a gorgeous collection. Each piece was so simple yet so powerful, beautifully structured and to be honest, belongs in my closet.
From a style standpoint, the 70’s were such a breathtaking era. Flowy dresses, floral, jersey and silk with soft pleats (think Bianca Jagger and a young Lauren Hutton in a backless floor sweeping gown). It was the era of high waisted trousers, disco glamour, patterns, prints (Emilio Pucci is still a cult favorite) and effortless chic. 
I adore so many trends that emerged during this time and Halston Heritage revives my favourites. They perform a flawless throwback to era that oozes glamour. Every piece evokes a classic take on a Studio 54 effortless chic. Very 70s Hollywood and absolutely timeless. They do a beautiful Charlie’s Angels’ inspired halter jumpsuit in a classic black jersey and a tie dye short version that I would wear every single day this summer if I could only get my hands on one. Their dresses are simple yet anything but basic. I love the vivid blue floor length caftan with the golden belt piece and the peach one shoulder mini. What incredible items to revive from such an important time in fashion.
I’ve only been able to find bits and pieces from the collection all over a range of online shopping sources and most sites are already very limited in selection and sizes. Absolutely looking forward to seeing these in person.
Now for the major question: do we wear Halston to the launch? Since the collection is fairly small in size I’m a bit worried about showing up in an outfit 20 other women may be wearing. A better idea may be to pay homage to the 70’s glamour evoked by the Halston pieces and go vintage for an original look. Can’t wait for the planning to begin.
Filed under: 70's, Angela Young, Halston Heritage, Lauren Hutton, the advocates | 4 Comments
Spring. That beautiful time of year where fashionistas shed their parkas, store their Sorels and dash to the shopping malls as if in a religious effort to celebrate the end of winter and the return of sunlight, warmth and the spring/summer collections of their favorite labels and designers.
With sturdy help from numerous issues of Vogue, other fashion blogs and of course, the inspiration I daily experience living in downtown Toronto as well as my own costume shop of a closet, I’ve compiled a top 10 list of major spring trends I love, including items I would recommend looking into adding to your wardrobe this spring season.
Ever the lengthy writer, I’ve divided it into two posts: clothing and accessories. Accessories coming soon.
Spring Must Haves: Clothing
1) The Military style jacket
Yes, I know this isn’t a new trend, but military style jackets are perfect transitional items from spring to summer. They add a harder edge to any outfit and look gorgeous paired with everything from structured trousers and minis to casual cuffed shorts and denim. Balmain makes beautiful high end pieces but you can find less expensive versions at stores like Zara and H&M. For a cool retro take, check out Flashback in Kensington. The lower floor of the second store stocks old band uniforms with beautiful detailing, most in great condition although would probably need to be altered for a better, more contemporary fit. (A big bonus at Flashback: if Roger, the store owner, is around, he will happily assist you, even taking you to the behind the scenes; basement or back of the store; to help you find the perfect item. True customer service.) Below: Alice and Olivia and Balmain
2) The Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are the new little black dresses. Massively popular in the 1960s and moreso in the 1970s (my 2 favorite fashion eras), they’re coming back in a big way. Must have in your closet. There are so many diverse flattering versions out there right now. Opt for a piece that is either looser on the bottom and more fitted on the top for a flattering fit and try to avoid fabrics that are easily wrinkled because you’ll risk looking like you’re in your pjs. The short versions are a great layering piece and can be worn with tights or leggings. They look chic and take the guesswork out of putting together a great outfit. Please stay clear of all over spandex, denim and most animal prints. Below: Antik Batik and DVF.
3)The French-striped boatneck
Long are the days when horizontal stripes are considered not flattering (right?). A simple long sleeved striped boat neck tee can serve as a trusty layering piece in a revolving wardrobe in any season, its magic being that it makes any outfit look effortlessly chic (showcased ever so cleverly by Audrey Tautou’s character in Coco Avant Chanel) as well as its sheer ability to never go out of style. Today’s versions offer a myriad of options. I’ve seen great ones anywhere from American Apparel and the Gap to (most recently) a trip to an army supply store selling “authentic” Russian sailor style lightly woven versions (for men, but would look great as a looser style on women) for around 40$ in beautiful clean white and royal blue stripe. Below: Audrey Tatou and Thread Social.
4) The leather vest
The new leather jacket. Find them new or vintage, distressed or shiny and new, a leather vest transcends clothing and becomes a unbeatable accessory. Go for fitted version and be careful with the hardware. Make sure zippers, buttons and snaps look structured and not overkill. Too much metal and you begin to look more punk than high street fashion. Throw them over tank tops, t shirts and even flowy dresses to balance out the hard edge. I love the updated versions with assymetrical zippers or flowing sides. Below: Barlow and Mike and Chris.
5) Anything lace and satin
Lingerie themed pieces emerge from hibernating underneath winter wool. Think pale colors; rose, taupe, cream and textures like lace, satin and yes, even mesh. Show some skin, but stay away from anything too sheer without the proper underpinnings. Looser camis and bodysuits layered with blazers and blouses are a discreet way to play up this trend. I love vintage slips and corsets worn with lots of layers and accessories. Careful buying vintage lace and inspect carefully for rips. Below: Dolce and Gabbana corset and David Lerner leggings.
Filed under: Audrey Tautou, balmain, dolce gabbana, DVF, mike and chris, penny lane, spring must-haves, spring/summer collections | 6 Comments
WxW Media Coverage
03Mar10
New Article featuring the career of Arline Malakian on Sympatico – check it out!
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Hello world!
27Feb10
Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!
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When I spoke to Lindsey Drennan while arranging the WxW filming schedule, she indicated that she had envisioned her shoot to take place in a church.
In my mind, I had my reservations. Why? Because the last time I stepped foot in a church, I went to a Catholic high school and was forced to go to mass- what, with the long flowing robes, and the worship, and the wine that only the priest got to savour ‘What gives!? I’m underage and want a taste of the sweet nectar too. Instead I have to settle for this piece of shit cracker. Boo.’ And why did I go to a Catholic high school when I was a big fat non-religious fake? They had a superior Arts program; which as you can see, is doing me a lot of good. Anyhow, for the record I took communion like a champ. Plus I think the church I was looking for was Anglican….
So I lead us to a big downtown church thinking it has to be the right church, because I don’t know many churches, and I think ‘It’s in the area’ so I don’t bother to Google map it cuz I’m known for making gross assumptions like that. Then we walk in and ask the church ladies, who look at us all cockeyed, thinking we must be all high on “the pot” or something, because “there’s no fashion shoots going on here” and they were just about to start a service. Fail. Plus I already put $4.50 in the parking meter which bought us a fancy hour and fifteen minutes at King and Adelaide, when I could have paid $1.50 down the street where I was supposed to be. Epic Fail.
Off to the Little Trinity church where we finally hunt down Lindsey Drennan and her crew for their series is entitled “Golden Graces”.
Found it. Shot it. Love it. Can’t wait to show it.
Producer: Andy Vanderkaay
Stylist: Diana Onu (Plutino Group)
Makeup Artist: Julie Lynas (Plutino Group)
Hair Stylist: Lynzee Corbett
Models: Jenna (Ford Models), Nicole S (Next)
Photo Assistants: Brendan Meadows, GP Testa
Filed under: Andy Vanderkaay, Brendan Meadows, Diana Onu, Ford Modelling Agency, GP Testa, Julie Lynas, Lindsey Drennan, Next Modelling Agency | Leave a Comment
One of the most ambitious shoots that took place as a part of this season’s WOMEN x WOMEN fashion photography exhibit, was Renata Kaveh’s series entitled, “Deserter”. She and her crew of 5 travelled to Nevada to shoot an impressive series of 12 images which embodied her modern, romantic style.
Renata described her vision for the series: “In ‘Deserter,’ land and life are captured together in a liminal space between paralysis and transformation. Imprinting the charged inky swell of an unconventional and luxuriant feminine figure onto the blankness of a desolate landscape.”
Lucky for us, she also left the cold Canada temps with her Polaroid in tow and snapped some awesome behind the scenes shots.
For more behind the scenes shots and WOMEN x WOMEN news join the Facebook Fan Page
Note: Another little tasty tidbit about Renata is that she just joined the ranks of Poor But Sexy Magazine (one of our “new mags to watch”) as a photographer on Volume II. Congrats!
Art Direction & Photography: Renata Kaveh
Stylist: Dwayne Kennedy (Plutino Group)
Hair Stylist: Diana Dagher (Plutino group)
Makeup Artist: Aniya Nandy (Plutino Group)
Model: Sophie (Envy Model Agency)
Cinematographer: Christina Woerns
Filed under: Death Valley, Envy Model Agency, fashion, LG Fashion Week, Plutino Group, polaroid, Poor But Sexy Magazine, Renata Kaveh, the advocates, WOMEN x WOMEN | 3 Comments
WOMEN x WOMEN Behind the Scenes
22Feb10
Last week, we set out to assist Director extraordinaire Billie Mintz of ARC (Artists Raising Consciousness), with the seemingly impossible mission to document the 12 WOMEN x WOMEN photographers’ shoots. Our travels brought us from a cathedral in Corktown, to an antiques & vintage shop in the Junction, to a tiny cottage on a lake in rural Quebec- not to mention countless spectacular studios across Toronto and Montreal. I shit you not. 12 shoots in 8 days. Eat that Anna Wintour.
I’m proud to report that I wore the same green cargo pants to every single shoot. I’m not kidding. I don’t know how it happened. Maybe somehow, subconsciously I thought I was going into the WxW playoffs and it was for good luck. Maybe I rationalized that since I was going to be graced with the Canadian fashion industry’s most striking models, that it wasn’t even worth shaking a stick at or whatever the kids are doing these days. Plus, carrying camera equipment up several flights of industrial stairs is a bitch. You try doing it in stilettos. Excuses or not, my sense of fashion fell completely by the wayside that week, and I’m sure I made quite the dazzling impression showing up sans makeup, to a set full of our country’s finest purveyors of glamour. Epic fail.
Back to the point. I had the pleasure of being on the front lines of the action this year, meeting all the insanely talented artists and industry professionals who all come together in some miraculous way to make such beautiful images. Each set told its own story. Each team had their own dynamic. Their own vision and inspiration. It was quite something.
We’ve been editing the footage down for the this year’s photographer vignettes, which will be shown along with the photographers’ high fashion editorials at the WOMEN x WOMEN exhibition as well as displayed online. That’s why it’s been a touch quiet on the blog horn as of late, but not to worry my pretties…
TONS OF VIDEO ACTION COMING YOUR WAY PEOPLE… BRACE YO’SELF.
Here’s some behind the scenes stills to tide you over in the meantime. Enjoy.
NOTE: We would like to extend a MOST SPECIAL thank you to Billie Mintz and ARC for their generous sponsorship of WOMEN x WOMEN. This is their second year of being involved with the event, and we are so appreciative of the support and enthusiasm that they have shown since day 1. Muchas gracias!
Steven Turpin (Folio) at Genevieve Charbonneau’s studio
Lindsey Drennan walks down the aisle
Lily (One part of the Lily & Lilac Photographer duo)
Arline Malakian putting on the final touches
Asha (Ford) on set with Kat Torgashev
The boys are assigned to snow removal duty at Maude Arsenault’s shoot
Jessica Lewis (Elmer Olsen) donning a veil and a gold painted hand at Malina Corpadean’s shoot
FILM STILLS BY: Billie Mintz (Director)
Filed under: Arline Malakian, Artists Raising Consciousness, Billie Mintz, Elmer Olsen, Ford Modelling Agency, Jessica Lewis, Lily and Lilac, Lindsey Drennan, WOMEN x WOMEN | Leave a Comment
I never would have guessed when I got a Canada Goose jacket that I would have to watch over it like the protective mother, that I so clearly am not. Like, when you go to a bar that’s really packed and doesn’t have coat check and everyone just flings their shit everywhere, resigning to some form of communal trust because we are all drunk and “in this thing together man!” Well I don’t buy it. Maybe at The Beaconsfield, but not this time.
Case and point: My first jaunt up to Le Petit Castor. If you have not been there. It is stupidly packed on Thursdays. Packed to the point that you are sardined into the cramped space, and you can’t even move to let the busboy go by. Ah, the eternal question, “Do I give the ass or the crotch as he shoves his way by?” I’d rather not have to make that decision and have my little space bubble violated, but this is the price you pay for going to a bar with overpriced drinks, and all the fabulous people you pretend you don’t see at every other stupid party.
But I digress, so there we are- looking for places to put our coats and there are none. I not-so-cleverly tuck mine in-between two of the booths as we sip our martinis, holding them away from our chests so as not to have them spilled all over us by passing drunkards. We polish them off and agree to bounce. I lean in to grab my jacket and as I stand back up, I see one of the cougars situated in the den *ahem* booth getting all fired up as she announces to her cougar friend loud enough that I can hear, “OH. MY. GOD. That girl is stealing your jacket.”
“Come again?” I say
“I believe that jacket belongs to my friend.” She hisses
“Uh, no, it’s not. It’s mine. But thanks for making that gross assumption.”
“Well, then she has a jacket just like it!”
“Oh, you mean like every other fucking guy that has a black Canada Goose jacket in this place? Like this one and that one and that one and this one? Keen observation.” The place actually was littered with them. It’s a shame they’re so effing trendy, but man, are they warm.
Their whole cougar pack is giving me cut eye at this point. Mind you, you wouldn’t be able to tell from the obscene amount of Botox injected in their leathery faces, thus removing any evidence of expression. It’s gross how women who have plastic surgery and shit don’t look younger, they just look like women who have had plastic surgery. All pulled and stretched and taut like that. Ick.
I bid them goodday and turn to leave in some dramatic, poignant way, only the place is so goddam packed that I hit a wall of people, and am left awkwardly negotiating my way to the door.
When we finally push our way out of the front door, it feels like LPC literally shat us out of its bowels. Fun times had by all. On to the next one!
Stay tuned for Episode #2 in Montreal
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Fashion designer Alexander McQueen has taken his own life at age 40. His office confirmed his death, saying: ‘It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family.’ He was found at his home in London.
McQueen’s secondary line, McQ, was to be presented TODAY as part of New York Fashion Week. KCD, the PR company handling the show, says the presentation is canceled.
Source: The Huffington Post
This is such a tragic loss as Alexander McQueen was internationally recognized as one of the most innovative and leading fashion designers in the world. His artistry spanned beyond the runway and challenged the fashion industry in many ways. For me personally, when I saw his SS’10 collection, I was truly inspired, and in some weird way, fashion and art and media made sense to me. His creativity has most definitely influenced our mandate of always daring to be different when envisioning projects and he will be truly missed.
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What’s more fun to do on a Sunday than round up your friends for a jaunt down to Sears Portrait Studio? Gather up your most fabulous friends and associates and head to fashion photographer duo Lily and Lilac’s uber trendy studio off Queen West, with 5 garment bags in tow stuffed with hoards of primo Canadian designer threads, for an afternoon of whimsy and magic.
A million thanks to the amazing crew:
Photographer(s): Lily & Lilac
Stylist: Claudia Da Ponte (The Artist Group Limited)
Hair & Makeup: Cia Saldutto (The Artist Group Limited)
Cameras: Billie Mintz & Jon Pottins
Music: Sweet Disposition (The Temper Trap)
Filed under: Alice Keith, Angela Young, Carolyn Quinn, Kate Mullin, LG Fashion Week, Lily and Lilac, the advocates, Toronto Fashion, Vanessa Morcom | 1 Comment
THE ADVOCATES 
