blogTO | Posts by Anita

Do you want to be part of the Art of Fashion?

Anita — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:20:21 PDT

Art of Fashion is a non-profit organization that supports and raises funds for emerging Canadian apparel and accessory designers by creating a platform for exposure. Every year, they hold a design and exhibit competition to further their cause.

The theme of this year's competition is Between the Lines, and is described as: "the divide between good and evil, black and white, heaven and hell, dusk and dawn, or even an everyday juxtaposition. It is an exploration that unites cultural, historical, and community boundaries. It is the elements that have helped shape one's own life and the way it ties lives together, bringing life from the past, to the present and into the future. Combining fashion with art gives you, the designer, the chance to create a personal realm that tells your tale and communicates it back to the public. You will be required to explore what lies between your own lines, and bring your personal expression to life through your themed collection and presentation."

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Silkscreen Now with Peach Berserk

Anita — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:35:14 PDT

Peach Berserk is a Toronto institution. Even if you haven't ventured into the colour and print madness that is the Queen Street store, it manages to catch your eye. Kingi Carpenter is the Queen of the Silkscreen. She has workshops, a ready-to-wear clothing line, and provides custom designs (you can choose from numerous different patterns in the Peach Berserk pattern bible).

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Distill Gallery presents Urban Product

Anita — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:31:45 PDT

Distill Gallery, in the Distillery District, will be showcasing the work of Urban Product until July 27, 2008. Urban Product is a design firm based in Toronto with a focus on small scale products and industrial design. Stephen Lindsay is an OCAD graduate who is heavily influenced by Canadiana and ecological awareness.

His work takes everyday objects and transforms them into items for the living room, bedroom and kitchen. Stephen's quirky and modern style incorporates functionality, affordability, high quality and uniqueness.

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Hot Sales in the Summertime

Anita — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:04:00 PDT

It's a good time for sales in the city, as some favourite haunts are selling their wares. First off, the Juma Studio Sale will be going till July 11, 2008. Aila and Jamil are making room for the next season and you can get great deals on clothing from Spring 2008. Fall 2007 is 70% off, spring 2008 is 50-70% off and items start at $25. Head down to the studio at 224 Wallace Ave, Suite 414, 416-829-6566.

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Susana Hong - Hair and Makeup Artist

Anita — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:54:44 PDT

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.

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Seduction at the Carlu

Anita — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:34:56 PDT

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.

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Designer Files: Mikhael Kale

Anita — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:03:28 PDT

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.

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13th Annual More than Just a Yardage Sale

Anita — Thu, 22 May 2008 10:35:17 PDT

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.

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Designer Files: Alexandra Leikermoser

Anita — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:05:58 PDT

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.

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The Shop Crawl: May 9 - 15, 2008

Anita — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:43:02 PDT

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.

Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels Design Competition 2008

Anita — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:34:38 PDT

The Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels Design Competition kicked off the Elle Show Thursday night at the Direct Energy Centre. The night was a far cry from last year's event. It was a slickly produced venture with a venue that didn't enforce separation between the VIPs and us regular folk. Instead of two rooms (which was the arrangement last year), there was a single elevated runway for all to see the show at the same time. There was seating for most everyone, which was a departure from last year. I chose to stand because I wanted to get better pictures and my seats were too close to the beginning of the runway.

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Fashion Bites April 22 - 27, 2008

Anita — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:47:18 PDT

Welcome to Fashion Bites, a weekly round-up of fashion news in Toronto.

Buy Design is on this Saturday, April 26, 2008. Dress in your best Studio 54 outfit and grab a ticket to help the Windfall Clothing Service, Canada's only new clothing bank. Tickets are $75. If you buy 5 you get 1 free.

TFI's new labels Fashion Design Competition and Fundraiser kicks off the Elle Show on Thursday, April 24. Guest tickets are still available for $50. Find out who wins the New Labels contest while raising funds for the Toronto Fashion Incubator. Famous fashion people will be at the Elle Show this weekend. Check out Tim Gunn and Coco Rocha. I really don't understand why they invited Steven Cojocaru, Can you call people who cover celebrities, celebrities?

The Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles and Costume is now open on the 4th floor of the Crystal. The collection is a good representation of textiles and costumes from across the ages. I was impressed with the Egyptian tapestry square from the 4th century and the perfection that is an Azzedine Ala�a suit.

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The Shop Crawl: April18 - 24, 2008

Anita — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:10:10 PDT

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.

The Great Kids Stuff Sale - April 19. St. Leonard's Anglican Church, 25 Wanless Ave.

Sixty Canada Spring Summer Sample Sale - April 24 - 25. 460 Richmond St. West, #600

Cutesy Clothing Auction - April 20. Hotshot, 181 Augusta

Shopping Addicts Spring 2008 sale - April 17 - 20, 2008. 639 Queen Street West

Absolutely Vintage Sale - April 19. Maple Cottage, 62 Laing Street

CK Semi-Annual Sale - April 4 - 21. 150 Bloor Street West

Geox Spring Warehouse Sale - April 10 - 19. 14 Advance Road, Etobicoke

Casalife Hip Decor Clearance Sale - April 1 - 30. 170 - 171 East Liberty Street

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Fashion Bites - April 17th,, 2008

Anita — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:10:10 PDT

Welcome to Fashion Bites, a weekly round-up of fashion news in Toronto.

The TFI New Labels Fashion Design Competition kicks off the Elle Show at the Direct Energy Centre on April 24, 2008.
LFTO Knitivism is looking for knitted items to donate to Jessie's Centre for Teenagers and Anduhyaun Emergency Women's Shelter. They are looking for hats, mitts, scarves, slippers, children toys, blankets, baby clothes and other baby stuff. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
West Side Stories - 1499 Dundas West
Red Tent Sisters 810 Danforth Ave
Ryerson Women's Centre, Jorgenson Hall Please call ahead. 416-979-5255 ext.2350.

The Damzels are premiering their Spring Collection today. Head down to the Queen East shop and enjoy cocktails while you shop. 5pm - 8pm.

Afiya Francisco at LouLou met shoe designer Stuart Weitzman.

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Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week 2008

Anita — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 14:00:20 PDT

I was starting to feel rather jaded about Toronto fashion events until I walked into the Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery District for the first day of Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week aka [FAT]. The space is incredible and it gives off an old school European vibe. I really enjoyed the diversity of the people in the crowd, who provided such positive energy to the event. It was quite remarkable.

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