Name: Brian
Occupation: Student
My Style: Urban, I guess.
Favourite Item: My chain.

Name: Molly
Occupation: History Student
My Style: Uh, like this.
Favourite Item: These pants from Topshop.

Name: Andrew
Occupation: Hospitality
My Style: I'm not too sure... casual.
Favourite Item: I would say the blazer.

Name: David
Occupation: Shipper and Receiver
My Style: Comfortable.
Favourite Item: I really like this sweater.

Name: Mat
Occupation: Student
My Style: I just wear what I like.
Favourite Item: The shoes. They're really comfortable.

Name: Ryan
Occupation: Student
My Style: I don't know.
Favourite Item: Probably this jacket.

Name: Susan
Occupation: Student
My Style: Whatever I like.
Favourite Item: My sweater.

This Street Style was compiled in honour of National Sweater Day, though — in fairness — not everyone was aware of the festivities.

Beauty lovers: Sign-up now for Dermalogica's mini-summit on skin health
Next Thursday, skin specialists from Dermalogica — the only brand I'll let touch my face — is hosting an education and self-motivation workshop with its experts and Wedding Barbells fitness coach Jay Arzadon. Spaces are limited, so consider this your advance warning. Held at Dermalogica's Training Centre on King West, the $20 admission includes a two-hour presentation, fuel by Liberty Village's Raaw Sushi and a Derma-approved swag bag. All proceeds benefit joinFITE, the brand's philanthropic project aimed at helping women entrepreneurs get a leg up. For more information, or to RSVP, e-mail skinsavvy@dermalogica.ca or call 416-368-2286 x 522. Yes, registration is mandatory.

Philip Sparks' End of Season/Clearance Sale
Starting tomorrow, look for 75 per cent off menswear, womenswear, boots and accessories. There's also deeper discounts on samples and one-of-a-kinds. Shop online or visit 639 Queen St. W., 5th floor. 12 p.m. until 6 p.m., ends Sunday.

Get thee to UPC Boutique — it officially closes next Monday
Months after the announcement that the best independent boutique Yorkville has is closing, it's finally time to draw the curtain. So there are still massive deals. Until February 13, take advantage of the blow-out sale of the week with 60-80% off all remaining stock. 128½ Cumberland Street.

Canadian e-retailer Ukamaku opens up showroom for 'Be Our Valentine' Sale
Feeling a bit patriotic? No? Okay, but at least visit Ukamaku's showroom this week for a chance at Canadian labels at reduced prices. Until February 14, the usually online-only store will bring you v-day deals on top-tier jewellery from Pslams 91:1 and Marlu, accessories from Nella Bella, clothing from ahead-of-her-pack Rachel Sin, and more familiar faces. 219 Dufferin St., Suite 224C, weekdays open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekend 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo from Philip Sparks

Name: Christine
Occupation: Writer
My Style: Flirty-thirty hipster chick with exotic flare!
Favourite Item: My fascinator from ASOS

Name: Bailey
Occupation: Having fun!
My Style: Shiny
Favourite Item: My gloves.

Name: Loretta
Occupation: Stylist
My Style: Tonight — Ann Demeulemeester from my archive
Favourite Item: Pierre Hardy Shoes.

Name: Brock
Occupation: Music management + Tiny Danza
My Style: Humphrey Bogart
Favourite Item: My underwear.

Name: Kwasi
Occupation: Musician / Actor
My Style: Kanye West
Favourite Item: Curdone Bow tie worn as a regular tie.

Name: Justin
Occupation: Designer
My Style: Colour, classic, texture
Favourite Item(s): A dead guy's coat + Vans + Joe Fresh.

Name: Carli
Occupation: Copywriter
My Style: Cheap and easy
Favourite Item: My dress. Borrowed from a house guest (the least she could do).

Name: Daniella
Occupation: Community Manager
My Style: Audrey Hepburn
Favorite Item: DVF wrap dress.

Name: R.T.
Occupation: Director of Film
My Style: Renaissance Para Military
Favourite Item(s): Furry Peacoat + WWII cargos + Indian Scarf.

Photographed and compiled by Paul Hillier

Name: Alex
Occupation: Designer
My Style Tonight: I'm usually a "jeans and t-shirt" kinda guy but I had to spruce it up a bit.
Favourite Item: To tell you the truth, my boots because they are the most comfortable thing I'm wearing.

Name: Ray
Occupation: Interior Designer
My Style: Eccentric, a little bit of retro and a little bit of punk rock.
Favourite Item: These pants are John Galliano.

Name: Alexandra
Occupation: Social Media Expert
My Style: Casual and comfortable.
Favourite Item: My Dolce Vita shoes.

Name: Leo
Occupation: Graphic Clothing Designer
My Style: Just straight casual.
Favourite Item: My favourite would have to be my Adidas shoes.

Name: Jade
Occupation: Owner of a marketing company
My Style: Sort of vintage chic with a little bit of western.
Favourite Item: I would say it's my ring.

Name: Yaman
Occupation: Interior Designer
My Style: Warm, fall, with some English.
Favourite Item: My tie.

Name: Shani
Occupation: Collections Agent
My Style: As casual as I can get away with for business professional.
Favourite Item: My shirt from French Connection.

VAWK designer Sunny Fong to launch an affordable new diffusion line
One day, hopefully soon, we can stop constantly referring to Sunny Fong as a "Project Runway Canada alum" like it carries any sort of cachet for him anymore (oops, I just did). Anyway, the seasoned designer has made a strong case for his longevity, outlasting even the show itself. Case in point: Vawkkin, the thrifty-er little sister of Vawk, set to launch this spring with a probable combination of day-to-night separates. He also recently dressed Elisha Cuthbert for the People's Choice Awards - and everyone saw her on TV. So, yeah, there's that.

There's a new thing to see in town: KayTran eyewear, launching today
M.B.A. grad Kathy Tran is officially introducing us to KayTran, her new line of eyewear intent on "redefining fit and bringing an alternative to the mass-produced, cookie-cutter, [ill-] fitting eyewear in the marketplace." It's all designed right here at home, and every pair is handcrafted by pros in Italy. The debut capsule collection consists of 20 frames in seven silhouettes for every face, in every shape, for every whim. View and shop the spring 2012 offering online, or, starting today, see pieces in person around town at Goldstein Boutique, Optic Zone and Pink Eye Optical.

OH, AND BY THE WAY...

InFashion's Glen Baxter is throwing a party with DJ Alexandra Richards - for the children. On February 23, Baxter and co. will take over the Thompson Hotel's "private penthouse level" for a fundraiser to help kids stay active and be tiny superstars themselves. It's exclusive, but, like, you can buy tickets here for $175; they're 60 per cent sold and tax receipts are available. Sooo...

Remember when I said Toronto's fashion week was getting a new sponsor? Yup, totally happened. Introducing... World MasterCard Fashion Week. I know, my thoughts exactly.

Image from KayTran Eyewear

Cobblers Corner, 13 Erskine Avenue (416.486.7463)
This place just sounds like epitome of old-school shoe repair. Off of Yonge a few blocks north of Eglinton, Cobblers Corner is generally an one-man operation that will do everything from repairing broken heels to salvaging salt-stained sneakers. Prices are very reasonable, and service is always friendly.

Kaner's Handbag and Shoe Repair, 110 Bloor Street W (416.920.9982)
Ask anyone in the Yorkville area who to trust with your prized Jimmy Choo's, and they'll inevitable direct you to Kaner's. A bit of a hidden gem on the concourse level of Bloor Street between Bay and Avenue, Kaner's prices are incredibly low despite its typical high-end clientele. Kaner's will even replace the red soles of your Louboutins if you're reckless enough to actually wear them outside.

Village Cobbler, 260 Durie Street (416.769.0586)
Village Cobbler is Bloor West's answer to old-fashioned shoe repair. While the retail section of the shop offers a small selection of purses, bags, belts, and other accessories, the repair service is clearly the bread and butter. Village Cobbler also does stretching, dying, and custom details.

Shoe Therapy, 1108 Bay Street (416.916.3928)
A little pricier than some of the other spots on this list, but Shoe Therapy does it all — including creating custom pairs of shoes. Beyond catering to the Bay and Bloor crowd, Shoe Therapy makes its services available to those throughout Canada and abroad (call it confidence, or whatever) through its online order and delivery service. The shop also offers one-day turnaround and free cleaning with all repairs.

Nick's Shoe Repair, 169 Dupont St (416.924.5930)
Nick's is a family-owned shop at Dupont and Davenport known as one of the best places to go in Toronto for a custom pair of boots or shoes. And since they know how to make them, they obviously know how to repair them too. This is the shoe repair shop for you if you've worn your Birkenstocks down to a hard, foot-molded frame, or you want to get at least another few winters out of your old UGG boots (for some reason). Staff are extremely knowledgeable and generally help you to get the best bang for your buck.

Sandalman Leathercare, 1181 Davenport Road (416.533.6335)
Despite its name, this throwback-style shop at Davenport and Oakwood does more than just sandals. Operated by Cory Bernatt, this is the place to go for leather re-conditioning, alterations, zipper work, and even upholstery repairs. Pretty much all leather service can be accommodated here. Oh, and the custom-made sandals and sandal repair services are top-notch, too.

Novelty Shoe Rebuilders, 119 Yonge St (416.364.8878)
Novelty has been on the same spot on Yonge since 1932, and though owner Paul Abate retired a few years ago, the team left to take over the reign has maintained his reputation for precision. Novelty has replaced zippers and repaired buckles for the likes of Julie Andrews, Gordon Lightfoot, MIckey Rooney, and can too help restore your leather boots if you forget to protect them before heading out in the salt and slush. If there's one place in Toronto that's likely to take on your difficult shoe request, Novelty is probably it.

Rocco Shoe Repair, 1432E Danforth Avenue
This tiny shoe repair shop is nothing much to look at, but the work speaks for itself. Rocco knows his way around a heel (plus dying, stretching, resoling, etc.), and will also do basic repairs on belts and other accessories. Rocco's has a cobbler-in-the-country type feel, with a much more accessible Danforth and Coxwell location.

Sole Survivor, 16 Kensington Ave (647.995.3306)
Equipped with an awesome name (which is perhaps a subtle commentary on the state of the cobbling industry), Sole Survivor in Kensington Market does not, unlike most others, have a 75-year-old man listed as proprietor. Instead, it's 20-something Katie Reed who, despite her youth, uses those same tried and true old-school techniques to amend and repair your shoes, boots, and heels. She probably won't blink if you ask for vegan leather either.

Mr. Presto Shoe Repair, TD Centre (416.216-8628)
This hole-in-the-wall repair shop is well-placed to repair the diamonds on the soles of Bay Street's power-brokers. Not a specialty store, you're pretty safe bringing in all your shoe repair needs here, where you can expect professional service and decent turn-around times. They'll also give you a quote on your service needs before you commit, so there won't be any surprises.

Photo by Stephen Caissie in the blogTO Flickr pool

Name: Jeremy
Occupation: Film Producer
My Style: "Found in my closet" style.
Favourite Item: My jacket. It's actually a Zara jacket.

Name: Katia
Occupation: Fashion Reporter
My Style: I went for the classic "bond girl" look.
Favourite Item: I love the dress. It's a vintage Calvin Klein.

Name: Matt
Occupation: Studio Artist
My Style: Very James Bond.
Favourite Item: I think it would be the bowtie.

Name: Cindy
Occupation: Advertising
My Style: Vixen glam.
Favourite Item: The dress I just got in LA.

Name: Tyler
Occupation: Print Sales
My Style: I don't think I have much of a style tonight. I'm just wearing the suit I'm wearing.
Favourite Item: The suit.

Name: Melanie
Occupation: Copywriter
My Style: I like to call it "invited last minute to a party."
Favourite Item: This vintage purse I got in Paris.

Name: Dave
Occupation: Operations Manager
My Style: Kind of a Sammy Davis Jr. type.
Favourite Item: This hat by Billabong.

Name: Armin
Occupation: Creative Director
My Style: Colourful
Favourite Item: My watch.

Name: Christopher
Occupation: Financial Advisor
My Style: Carey Grant
Favourite Item: My suit. It's made to measure.

Name: Leigh
Occupation: Industrial design student
My Style: Quirky indie cowboy
Favourite Item: My boots.

Name: Malcom
Occupation: Interior designer.
My Style: Casual & comfortable
Favourite Item: My pants

Name: Sean
Occupation: Merchandizer
My Style: Urban
Favourite Item: My vest.

Name: Tala
Occupation: Fashion student
My Style: My own
Favourite Item: My top.

Name: Lina
Occupation: Design consultant
My Style: Modern but comfortable
Favourite Item: My shoes.

Photographed and compiled by Kyle Burton

Public Displays of Affection for 40 Oaks
The Toronto-based design organization Public Displays of Affection has engaged designers and the community at large to create furniture for the new 40 Oaks Community Centre, which is part of the Regent Park revitalization project. PDA brought together over 35 designers and students along with area residents to brainstorm and conceptualize ideas and bring to life products that are fashioned out of 80-90% reused materials. This project was also integrated into courses at Sheridan College and Institute without Boundaries at George Brown College. At the end of the exhibit, all the furniture will be permanently set up in the actual units and community centre. Join the opening reception at the community centre 40 Oak Street, Friday January 27, from 6-10pm and for a PDA artist talk Sunday January 29, 1-2:30pm.

Ideacious CO_LAB Session - TO DO Edition
Josh Brassé, founder of Ideacious, is bringing his unique online store to a pop up shop in the Financial District. Along with products that have already been made, Ideacious features those that exist at the conceptual stage, which buyers can bring into reality via purchase. For TO DO, Ideacious has created an interactive collaboration. All attendees will voice their ideas, opinions and feedback on the "Wall O'Posts," which will be used to launch a product on the Ideacious website. Interactive fun! Drinks, music and games will be on hand as well as other products for sale on the Ideacious website. Ideacious studio, 176 John Street, Suite 408. Saturday January 28th from 7pm-11pm.

Not Forkchops
Also taking the interactive approach is Not Forkchops. Hosted by 'imm living', the exhibit will present a number of different designers, each with a coloured sticky note assigned to them, and their product. When visitors enter the exhibit, they can vote for which designer they like the most, placing the designers assigned sticky note onto a blank wall. The designer who has the most votes at the end of the exhibit will get to team up and work with imm living on the creation of a new product. The Department, 1389 Dundas Street West. 10-8pm Wednesday, 10-6pm Thursday-Friday, 10-8pm Saturday, and 11-6pm Sunday. The opening reception is Saturday January, 28th from 4-8pm

Losing Parkdale
Still very much a hot topic, the rise of condo developments around West Queen West and now Parkdale inspires this look at a local community of wood-workers who are slowly being displaced as development moves westward along Queen. Featuring the work of Dennis Lin, among others, this should be of interest to those who like both small and large-scale woodworking. Runs until Sunday, February 26th.
Ontario Crafts Council Gallery at 990 Queen Street West. 11am-5pm Tuesday - Friday, 11am - 6pm Saturdays, and 12 - 5pm Sundays.

LOVE Design Party
Once you've hit all the exhibits about town, you can stalk your favourite designers at the 9th annual edition of this party at the Gladstone, which is also hosting Come Up to My Room. No cover, lots of design talk, and DJs Denise Benson and Joe Blow will take care of the beats. 'Nuff said.

For more information about TO DO, check out the exhibition calendar.

Yet the allusions to vintage and salvage at IDS 2012 are subtler than, say, at your friendly reclaimed furniture shop. With the exception of booths such as that of Urban Tree Salvage, which boasts log round end tables and reclaimed wharf benches, many designers have seamlessly incorporated reclaimed steel into their displays (Ridgely Studio Works), vintage furniture along with new (Mazen Studio), and even borrowed ideas from centuries-old religious practice (Patty Johnson, "Vodunuvo").

But like any good interior design show, there's still plenty of design and technological innovation, meaning a glut of powder-coated aluminum and appliances that take the guesswork out of seemingly every type of household task.

I got a sneak peek of this year's show during a media tour, which started with an introduction to the "Strip Tease" entrance exhibit. Unfortunately, the exhibit was not as exciting as its name might suggest, though I know there must be some people who get a special thrill out of salvaged felt. Before heading up to the showroom floor, we toured the Onsite/Offsite space, which is new to the main level this year.

Guiding us through the exhibit is IDS co-founder and vice president Shauna Levy, who tells us that the nine designers and six school invited to participate were asked to create something "interactive." While Moss & Lam's mammoth dancing polar bears and certainly fun and whimsical, they strike me as more "observe and enjoy" than "this would look great in the living room."

Onsite/Offsite has a mix of the gallery-worthy and the pragmatic, including works by Kathryn Walter, whose felt designs are featured in the newly designed Melody Bar, and DesignGenNext showcases by Canada's leading design schools.

Next, we ascend to the main IDS space, which features 300 exhibitors of up-and-comers right through to multinational companies. Obviously, there were several that stood out from the pack, including that by IDS 12 International Guest of Honour Piero Lissoni. The beautiful, sleek white space was characterized by ivories, nudes, and beiges; colours borrowed, it seems, by the pages of aged books stocking every inch of the exhibit's bookshelves. When prodded, Lissoni simply described the space as, "A white space. With some furniture inside."

Another highlight was getting to know the Toronto-based design teams participating in the "How Do You Live?" exhibit, which focused on multi-dwelling spaces. With the idea that many homeowners in the city are living in tight condo spaces with rooms that serve more than one function, the design teams of Tas DesignBuild, Mason, Jill Greaves Design, Mazen Studio, L'Atelier, Casey Design, and Quadrangle Architects each took the inside of actual shipping containers and transformed them into multipurpose, beautiful spaces. My pick was Mason's bathroom/kitchen hybrid (I know, I know), which featured a running fountain running through a kitchen counter.

The oddball award goes to the Miele display, which featured a fully decked out kitchen, living room, and "fashion station," all of which was behind glass, with the president of Miele Canada pacing behind. "Welcome to the Apple of high-end appliances," he said into his headset microphone, which boomed through the speakers on the outside of the display. Hear that, investors? Get your pens ready.

We were then treated to a short skit about poor Mrs. Cooper, who was trying to explain that her car was stolen to a detective who was more interested in her three-chamber wine fridge. I couldn't tell if they were trying to be funny-funny or ironic-funny, but it was a shame not to be able to actually touch the appliances.

My hands-down favourite exhibit of the show came right at the end. On display near the exit are 20 Magis Julian chairs that have been "re-imagined" by various designers. There's the "Buddy" chair by Philip Sparks, covered in the signature Mongolian lamb hair that's used in many of his pieces; Debbie Travis' "Painted Dog" of multicoloured paint splotches, toting markers in his pack; and Joe Mimran's "Catwalk" chair, which is wearing a bright orange neoprene coat, characteristic of everything that is Joe Fresh.

While the chairs will be auctioned off in support of ONEXONE during the opening night party, the exhibit will be on display all weekend. And it's probably best to call them "re-imagined;" leave "upcycled" for Queen East.

Additional Photos:

Photos by Tom Ryaboi

Name: Dave
Occupation: Art Director
My Style: Helplessly casual.
Favourite Item: My socks

Name: Eva
Occupation: Filmmaker
My Style: Abstract.
Favourite Item: My dress

Name: Helen
Occupation: Augmented Reality Designer
My Style: Augmented.
Favourite Item: My handmade vintage dress

Name: Kasia
Occupation: Marketing & Events
My Style: Sophisticated sexy.
Favourite Item: My necklace

Name: Natalie
Occupation: Office coordinator
My Style: Audrey Hepburn.
Favourite Item: My pants

Name: Rafi
Occupation: Curator
My Style: Eccentric.
Favourite Item: My hat

Name: Sam
Occupation: Real Estate Developer
My Style: Office.
Favourite Item: My shoes

Shot at the Spoke Club for Gary Taxali's launch of five coins for the Royal Canadian Mint

Compiled by Kyle Burton

IDS Opening Night Party
The only way to properly lubricate for a week of design and inspiration is to sample sliders and other mini finger foods, of course. The night will feature live performances by Rob James (remember McMaster & James?), Conteur Dance Co. and dancers from Stomp and So You Think You Can Dance, with DJ Karim Rashid spinning from 9pm to 11pm. The evening will also play host to the IDS Cherish Auction where guests can bid on one of Magis Julian chairs that have each been "re-imagined" by a different designer. Tickets for the party and preview are $55 online, $60 at the door. Thursday January 26 7pm - 11pm, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St West. Afterparty starts at 10:30pm, The Thomson Hotel Lobby Bar, 550 Wellington.

Interior Design Show (IDS 12)
This year's event features many favourite returning exhibits, as well as a few new programs being tested out this year. Among some of the featured exhibits are the "What's Your Design Dilemma?" booth where attendees can get free 15-minute consultations with an ARIDO Registered Interior Designer (though I think such "free" consultations will be a theme at most booths). There's also the "DesignGenNext" exhibition returning this year, featuring the work by design students at OCAD, Humber, Ryerson, and other schools, as well as the "Art of Travel" display highlighting the best in travel design. Tickets are $19 online, $22 at the door. Trade Day Friday January 27, General Admission Saturday January 28 10am - 7pm, Sunday January 29 10am to 6pm. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St West.

Come Up To My Room 2012
This is the event where the Gladstone invites you up to its rooms, without even taking you to dinner first. An annual favourite, Come Up To My Room is now in its ninth year with 11 exhibition rooms on the hotel's second floor, as well as 14 public space installations. Artists and designers are given free reign to create site-specific exhibits, which are then opened to the public to discover and explore. The event is $10 for general admission, which runs January 27 (12pm to 8pm), January 28 (12pm to 10pm) and January 29 (12pm to 5pm). Thursday January 26 to Sunday January 29, Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St West.

MOTO at Domison
This event seeks to bridge the gap between Toronto and Montreal, at least when it comes to furniture and design (yes, the hockey rivalry may thrive, alas). My and Thien of Domison have curated a collection of new and iconic works from Toronto and Montreal designers, and have staged them in their showroom for a free four-day exhibition. MOTO is open January 26 (10am to 8pm), January 27 (10am to 8pm), January 28 (11am to 8pm) and January 29 (12pm to 6:30pm). Thursday January 26 to Sunday January 29, Domison, 35 Jarvis St.

The Devil is the Details
Part of MADE's Radiant Dark series, The Devil is the Details is where Julie Nicholson and Shaun Moore of MADE introduce new Canadian designs and detail the challenges of creating unique pieces. With an emphasis on materials and construction, their exhibition runs 12pm to 6pm and admission is free. Thursday January 26 to Sunday January 29, 859 Dundas St West.

Associates: New Design Collections
With the creators of Heavy Metal and Tools at the helm, Associates: New Design Collections is an exhibition highlighting creations of unique objects by 15 designers. Prominent designers including Jimenez Lai, Zoe Mowat, Noam Lamdan, and Rob Southcott, are asked to create two or more unique objects that are somehow correlated. Explore the relationship of objects, and all of that. The exhibition is free and held January 26 (1pm to 7pm), January 27 (1pm to 10pm), January 28 (1pm to 7pm) and January 29 (1pm to 6pm). Thursday January 26 to Sunday January 29, Cooper Cole Gallery, 1161 Dundas St West.

Photo by Dennis Marciniak

Model Citizen
If such a thing as a "silkscreen community" existed in Toronto, Julian Finkel would probably be leading the pack. Those who admire his designs, which are on display (and sale) in his Kensington Market shop, have the opportunity to learn the skill from him firsthand by enrolling in one of his workshops. Usually offered a couple of Sundays a month from noon until 6:30 p.m., the classes are intentionally small (six people) and include everything you need to make your own designs (and you can take home the screen). $175

Peach Berserk
Original screen printed pieces occupy every inch of this store, so it's no surprise owner Kingi Carpenter and her staff offer their own silkscreen workshops. They're usually held one Sunday a month from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., with the option to stay until 10 p.m., making your day at Peach Berserk almost a full 12 hours. At which point you'll probably see everything through a veil of crinoline. For $179, the workshop includes all you need to know to make your own prints, including the materials necessary to make two screens.

Habourfront Craft Studio
The Craft Studio at the Harbourfront Centre hosts a crash course in silkscreening, as well as an extended five-week course. The one-day workshop is held usually once a month on a Saturday and teaches you the basics of how to make your own original prints ($155+HST with the option to take home your screen at an additional cost). For those who want to take a more in-depth approach to silkscreening, the five-week course (three hours per week) explores using multiple colours, different ways to prepare screen positives and more, for a total cost of $250+HST.

Wise Daughters
The danger of attending this workshop, of course, is that you'll probably leave with an armful of crafts and gifts you just happened to pass on your way through the market. Oops. It helps that this silkscreen class is among the cheaper workshops in Toronto, offered for $80 for the program with all materials included. (Live Green members get an additional 10% off as well.) The four-hour class guides you through creating your own stencil and printing your design on various fabric and materials. Typically offered once a month.

Kozo Studio
At Dundas and Broadview, this studio/gallery/store/workshop hub lists "silkscreening" among its many classes, though the process taught here is more of a traditional stenciling. In any case, after three and a half hours you'll learn how to take your original design and create custom prints on t-shirts, aprons, scarves, and other materials. The classes are usually held the last Sunday of the month, and cost $65+HST.

Contemporary Textile Studio Co-Op
Workshops are open to members and non-members alike, with silkscreening led by Sharon Epstein among the winter offerings. There are two sessions; a January/February session and a March/April session, where classes are offered Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The course provides instruction on preparing stencils, exposing images onto screens, and printing on a variety of different materials, and costs $270 for the session, plus $65 for materials.

Photo by networkcultures on Flickr

Under the leadership of architect Roland Rom Colthoff, RAW Design has been at work on the concept since October, over which time a few curveballs have been thrown its way. The designers had originally wanted to use string, but due to problems sourcing the sheer amount needed for the installation, they decided that felt might be a better option. That's when Tholen entered the story. He was contacted by RAW because he's known as an expert with the material. He then used his contacts in the industry to get a hold of a whole hell of a lot of leftover felt pieces from the Brand Felt of Canada factory in Etobicoke.

When assembled, the installation will also incorporate an interactive component that will enable visitors to manipulate its shape with digital technology. Talk about ambitious. Although it was admittedly difficult to get a sense of what all this felt is going to look like when it's coordinated and hung, given the amount of material that's been bagged up for the trip down to the convention centre, it's a good bet that the scale of the exhibit will be "grand," to say the least.

PHOTOS

New store opening — with an all-day party: Of A Kind on College St.
This Friday, a new vintage and vinyl shop, Of A Kind, will open on the outskirts of Little Portugal. Look for men's and women's fashion, plus a healthy selection of music. (I think I even spotted Nirvana on vinyl, so...) It's great to see some new life on a pretty quiet strip, so show your support. Find out more and see some pictures of the space here. Opens Friday, 1037 College St., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

It's coming back again: Afrotropolis Wanderland happens February 4
The names behind Supafrik, last summer's well-received African-inspired pop-up in Kensington Market, are reincarnating a "fashion experience" that pays homage to — and also reinterprets — contemporary African culture. Afrotropolis Wanderland, which debuted originally in April 2011 to high praise, will explore themes of "resistance, African ideography, power of words and musical ancestry." The one-night-only, multi-sensory art exhibition will also feature a fashion show and short film presentation showcasing designs from local print and pattern master Chinedu Ukabam of Chinedesign. February 4, 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., The Gallery @ 99 Sudbury, $25 at the door. Find out more here.

New uniforms at The Thompson Hotel from Greta Constantine
Next time you hit the Lobby Bar at the Thompson, it will be just like you finally scored a proper seat at — or at least an invite to — Toronto's most notoriously-packed, highly-anticipated, non-LGFW fashion show. The boys behind Greta Constantine will now be dressing the hotel's female staffers, joining the growing list of its Canadian collaborations with Jeremy Laing and Bustle. The custom design is a "scarlet, sleeveless jersey cocktail dress with an across-the-shoulder draped detailing" — and it pretty much looks just as good (and expensive) as any other Greta garment on the runway. Fancy indeed.

And, lastly, today's rumor we can't confirm (yet) - and that maybe no one cares about
Deep from within the tents at LG Fashion Week, it appears L'Oreal Paris may not be returning as official beauty sponsor this season. The brand set to take over the bi-annual event? Who knows? Maybe Maybelline, like it is in New York, or Proctor & Gamble's Covergirl, or perhaps Joe Fresh's line of makeup? (Kidding.) Either way, we'll find out soon enough. Next Wednesday, the Fashion Design Council of Canada has invited media for an "important announcement for our business of fashion." Any guesses?

Image from Chinedesign's Afrotropolis Collection