NEWS

At the end of this month, Ford Models is closing its Toronto offices (the agency's only Canadian location), based on a decision by its New York higher-ups. Though the powerhouse company brought so much to the Canadian fashion industry - including more than 250 talented models, some of which were featured throughout Toronto Fashion Week - it is the smallest of Ford's markets. This unexplained move immediately sparked a frenzy amongst other agencies to sign the city's best talent. An official statement (hopefully explaining Ford's motives) will be released later this week.

Miu Miu, a brand I like to call Prada's super hip baby sister, is leasing space on the ground floor of Holt Renfrew (50 Bloor St W). The shop-in-a-shop will be the brand's first Canadian boutique, and will carry its quirky clothing and accessories. According to Retail Insider, the new store to open early next month.

Ports 1961 in Yorkville (151 Bloor St W, Unit 101) - a trendy fashion empire born in Toronto and nurtured in other parts of the world - is shutting its doors to focus on distributing to The Room at The Bay, Harry Rosen, and the like. The too-small space will close at the end of the month, leaving their Montreal location the only one in Canada. On the bright side, they'll be offering extreme discounts on all of their merchandise from now until they (sort of) bid Toronto farewell.

EVENTS/PARTIES

This week, Uniiverse is offering the opportunity for Torontonians to discover new hobbies via Rookie of the New Year - a series of five introductory workshops taught by renowned experts. Though class for suspension yoga and 3D printing has come and gone, Silkscreening 101 is still open to all eager/confused design rookies. Taught by Peach Berserk's Kingi Carpenter, the workshop will be held tomorrow (January 17) at 81 Shaw Street for $49 in advance, and includes all supplies.

Eclectic bazaar 101 Markets is setting up at 3030 Dundas Street West once again this Sunday (January 20), as it does the third Sunday of every month. As always, an assortment of vendors will be ready to offer vintage pieces, original art prints, handmade doodads, and edible delicacies. To find "everything you didn't get this holiday," stop by from 10:30 am until 5 pm.

SALES

eLUXE is giving customers a chance to browse and buy their typically virtual designer products by having a two-day warehouse sale tomorrow (January 17) and Friday (January 18). Find garments by designers like Pink Tartan and Rebecca Taylor for at least 50% off the regular price at 355 Adelaide Street West from noon to 7 pm.

Headmistress, a local brand offering handmade headdresses ranging from floral crowns to extravagant feather headbands, is having an end-of-season sale right in their very own studio (521 Queen St W, Suite 200). Drop by from 3 pm until 8 pm on Friday (January 18) or from noon until 6 pm on Saturday (January 19) to snag a fall/winter 2012 piece at up to 75% off.

Photo courtesy of Ports 1961