There are many professionals who work behind the scenes to create the stylish and glamorous veneer that is fashion. These people deserve recognition too, so I'm pleased to share a brief interview and some of the work of Susana Hong, a hair and makeup artist represented by Toronto's Plutino Group.

What made you decide to become a hair and makeup artist?
Being able to transform someone has always fascinated me - starting with my barbies, markers and kitchen scissors.

I broke an unspoken rule I had with myself - I don't do fashion shows related to undergarments.

Most shows end up being hosted in a club, where I can view the best in Playboy underwear, with models on risers (and way too much to be seen). This is great if you are a guy or a lesbian, but I'm usually just interested in the clothes when it comes down to it. The models are just hangers and I don't want to be distracted by their crotches. Note: Ginch Gonch is an exception, because, well, there are hot men in their shows.

Mikhael Kale is a Toronto-based designer and after two seasons his namesake label is sold in Holt Renfrew. He studied in London at Central Saint Martins and worked in Milan. I'm a big fan of his tall, sleek, and sexy style. I had a chance to speak with the designer and pick his brain.

How did you get into fashion?
Funnily, I never 'got' into fashion, it got into me. I have always been drawn to garment design and construction.

When did you start sewing?
Age 10.

What are you inspired by?
Simply everything. Garment design and construction are my first language.

Do you have a design philosophy?
Yes. To express the architecture of existence, and to have this work actuated by women to create their own experience.

Describe the inspiration for Fall 2008?
It was inspired by the strength and plight of the post World War II woman; where construction and colour, or lack thereof, were utilized to shape a position and posture.

Who takes their annual mega sales more seriously, Fashionistas or Crafters? This was going through my head when I saw the email for the More than Just a Yardage Sale. You gotta take the textile artists into account - they will be there in droves. Who's willing to do whatever it takes for that one of a kind piece? That's what I want to know. I know what Umbra fans will.

Alexandra Leikermoser has been a student of yogo for 14 years and made the move to teacher for the last 5 years. Trained in classically Hatha Yoga, she has presented workshops and seminars across the country and the USA.

With that large base of experience she started yogagurl.com in 1996. "I intend for the pieces in the yogagurl to empower women to celebrate their own unique expression," says Alex. There is also an environmental aspect to the line, which incorporates bamboo & organic cotton sourced from the US in order to reduce the carbon footprint.

Welcome to The Shop Crawl, the weekly post where I provide you with a listing of sales for the week. The crawl covers retail, warehouse, and sample sales.

reia N studio Sample Sale. May 7 - 9. 555 Richmond Street West, Suite 706.

Canadian Spirit and Johnny Yiu Designer Sale - May 9 - 10. 130 Commander Blvd, Scarborough.

Next Door's 1st Anniversary Sale. May 10 - 11. 433 Queen Street West.

Rodan Menswear Sample Sale - May 8 - 9. 543 Richmond St. W.

Mode Spring 2008 sale - May 1 - May 18. 632 Queen Street West.

Shimmer's Fun Fabulous Jewelry Sale - April 26 - May 11. 2778 Dufferin Street, suite 103.

Fabric Clearance Centres Moving Sale - Starts on May 1, 2008 till all stock gone. Fabric Clearance Centre, 4884 Dufferin St. Unit 6.

PYA Importer Ltd. Men's and Women's Annual Sample Sale & Inventory Clearance - May 1 - 16. 15 Apex Rd.

Agency One Sample Sale - May 7 - 10. 10 Wingold Ave, 2nd Floor.

C2 Apparel Designer Brands Sample Sale - May 7 - 10. 63 Wingold Avenue Suite 208.

Gsus Sindustries Sample Sale! - May 7 - May 9. 543 Richmond st West.