World MasterCard Fashion Week: Mercedes-Benz Start Up Award pt 2

Happy Halloween!!

Welcome back to my delayed World MasterCard Fashion Week special!

As I mentioned in my last post, I'll be featuring the candidates for the Mercedes-Benz Start up Award. The screen shots below are featured from the WMCFW which I've taken off the website.

Without further ado,

BLAK.I

Founded in 2010 by Helder Aguiar and Diego Fuchs, the focus of their designs is to "bring out a woman's inner cool." They consider their pieces a foundation to build on, but they are beautiful on their own. The patterns are bold and silhouettes are flattering.

This maxi dress looks incredibly comfortable. I'd probably wear it out at night, just like the model is styled here. I'd probably change the shoes to something more fun and colourful though.

The silhouette of this dress is simple, it's high neckline is demure and contrasts with the print in a modern way. It is perfect for experimenting with unconventional jewellery like the body chain capping her shoulders. I also really like the piping that goes down the front of this dress.

The pattern reminds me of computer rendering, with everything coming up floral. Like I mentioned in my previous post, fashion can be infused with multiple elements. It's fun to wear your interests.

I'm also a fan of this cut, it's super comfortable and creates a nice draping effect.

Laura Siegel

Based out of New York and Toronto, this designer works with artisans from Asia and Latin America to create a globally inspired fashion line. She works with everything from Silver to knit wear. Her website has this explorer feel to it, kind of channeling an Amelia Earhart meets the modern incarnation of Laura Croft (of the Tomb Raider franchise).

Another thing to mention about Laura Siegel is Project Eleven27, which she founded after the tragic collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh nearly two years ago. Scarves are made by artisans to honour the lives lost and to raise awareness for the unethical treatment of garment workers. Proceeds go to families of those effected in the collapse. 

Shop Project Eleven27

I can't pass up a great maxi dress, it's my weakness. They look so great with the right styling, the necklace the model is wearing is fantastic. The disks are playful and they contrast against the vertical elements of the dress really well. I especially like the layering of the choker with the length of the silver necklace, which somehow manages to look incredibly light.

The layered choker and necklace repeat here, I like them paired with the cuffs around the wrist and biceps. what I liked most about this look was the colour block and pattern. On the top you have this light airy material with the lined pattern (which appeared several times during the show) and it just looks like it's floating over the body. Look down and you have this block of black fabric that takes the dress to a midi level anchoring the dress down, this visual balance is just so pleasing.

The recurring pattern also appeared on a washed out lavender fabric on a few other pieces. The fabric in the skirt just floats away from the body beautifully, while the block pattern creates length. The use of opposing textures lends to balance here. Silk and leather are as far away from each other as you can get, it makes for a jarring combination. The scarf and hardware tie it all together.

I just wanted to include this outfit because I felt it was out of place with the rest of the collection, and that's not a bad thing.  I think this is the perfect thing to wear while transitioning from the cooler temps or maybe something you might wear at the end of August.

Let me know what you think about these designers in the comments below!

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

World MasterCard Fashion Week: Mercedes-Benz Start Up Award pt 1

It was the 2014 World MasterCard Fashion Week (for Spring/Summer 2015 collections) and while I was at home focused on my city's civic election, I was lamenting about not having been able to write daily posts like I had hoped to in September, but sometimes things don't always go as planned.

I find it's always a little strange writing about Fashion Week because the collections shown in fall are always Spring/Summer and the collections shown in spring are always Fall/Winter. It's a big tease right now because the weather is still pretty nice over here and in the back of my mind, and in my bones, I know it's all about to end, winter is coming.

I'm sorry if I've made you cry, but that's just what happens after every October. At least we are treated to a gorgeous collection of natural colours as the sun sets and makes the leaves look like they're on fire. I like to think that Fashion Week gives us something to hold onto while we wait for the Earth to circle the Sun until it's summer again. It's a refresher and it works the same way in the spring when we have mastered looking good in layers and layers of thick, rich materials. Oh the boots, coats and scarves, the best part! Yes, I love summer but I also feel sad putting away my favourite sweaters for next season. When Fashion Week is over and the winds really start to chill, I'll get excited about my sweaters but not today!

Enough about winter, onto Spring/Summer '15! Instead of giving you one incredibly long post about the designers up for the Mercedes-Benz Start Up Award, I'll post in a few different posts, not only because it's overwhelming but because the beauties aren't going to be released until 2015 also I find that less is more.

(by the way, if you click over to WMCFW you can link to bios and videos of the runway shows)

First up: Sid Neigum
The recipient of the Mercedes-Benz Start Up Award.

Born in Alberta, trained in NYC and based out of Toronto. He has a website but I was having a little difficulty navigating it.

My favourite thing about this designer is the texture of his clothes. The sumptuous materials shone under the lights but stayed in a neutral colour palate of greys, warm whites and deep black. There was a lot of visual interest, texture and shine. Each piece tailored and comfortable, visually looking like an absolute pleasure to wear.

Take a look at this beautiful dress and wrap. Don't tell me you wouldn't wear this on a date. It shows the perfect peek of skin on the shoulders paired with a rouched high collared minidress. This is what I think of when I think about the sexy balance between concealed and exposed skin.

The cutouts here are on-trend and yet they are in new playful geometric shapes which remind me of diamonds, Marilyn did say they were a girl's best friend! In all honesty though, this is perfect for going out at night, it looks sexy and demure, I think I'd wear it out with a fitted coloured blazer and some simple two strapped sandals like the ones p pictured

Of the lighter neutrals, this was my favourite. I love it for the sleek lines in the draped cape, and how they flow while in motion. The contrasting lengths have this balanced element to them, the high-low contrast of the hem lines and the draping over the torso create a visual interest. 

Vaiken by Valerie Tolila

Born in Montreal she studied law before going overseas to work as a stylist for 13 years. She returned to Canada to study fashion, and mentored in Portugal before launching Vaiken.

In the biography on her website she sums up her mission statement.

"I want to create real clothes. Many pieces are for everyday use as well as a night out. The quality of the fabric used and the fit are most important to me."

I love this minidress because the detail reminded me of film strips. 

I love film and careful, deliberate details.

It's a way that fashion incorporates another art form onto itself. The adaptability of dressing yourself to your moods and interests is one of the reasons I really love clothing. You can choose to pay homage to anything that speaks to you and it becomes timestamped by the trends of the time.

 This dress is poolside decadence. I like the touch of sparkle loosely hung around the waist, framed by the not-so-dainty bows on the hips. The best detail? Functional pockets.

It's an effortless glamour and it's so easy, I don't think I'd wear much more than a pair of metal stud earrings and a thin ring for the evening and maybe swap out the heels for flats sandals and wooden rings and bangles for day time wear.

LOULOU PoloPark Shopping Event

Happy Friday!

I'm about to head out for the LOULOU shopping event tonight at PoloPark (5-9 PM if you're free and local). I'm specifically looking for some boots, maybe... I don't know what I'll walk away with tonight but I know I'm definitely making a list of all the stores I want to hit.

Click here for a list of participating retailers for tonights event.
Don't worry if you're not from Winnipeg, the left side of the page links to other events in the country.

I'll post a follow-up before the weekend is up and I'll let you know what goodies I've picked up.



Have a great weekend!

Sweats

Hi there everyone!

I've been sick for the last few days and have just been kind of lazy and physically exhausted from the poor sleep and coughing fits. I wasn't really thinking about much this week besides dressing comfortably. I decided it would be a great time to talk about sweatpants. 

Yes, sweatpants.

I've never been the person who would wear sweats often, even at home. I'd just throw on some pyjamas and hang out in those all day. My brother bought me a pair of sweats for my birthday a few years ago, they are so comfortable and cozy, and I love a pant with pockets. 

Why was I against sweatpants again?

Sweats are having a fashion moment these days, so you won't be limited to just wearing the shapeless pair with that suspicious stain on them (no judgments). They are cut a little closer to the leg to streamline the leg so you don't end up getting lost in a sea of fabric, warm, cozy, fluffy fabric.

I think I might just have to grab some tea in a tumbler and go buy some sweatpants. I've been thinking about it for a while and they are perfect for school. If you pick the right pieces and back it with confidence you can wear them almost anywhere else. I'm thinking the right combo would even make a pretty great holiday party outfit.

The key to wearing them is to keep everything else tailored. 

My ideal sweatpants outfit would be to keep them in greys, between a heather grey and coal, pair it with a bright satin or silk top to balance the texture and top it with a great fitting tailored blazer, and of course stilettos.

Or an alternate would be to pair a cropped sweater, maybe with a little embellishment for fun with a high-waisted pencil skirt over a button-down shirt, patterned tights and great pair of booties.

Of course because sweats are typically soft and heavy, they leave you with a lot of room to play around with texture. Maybe you might want to swap the blazer for a leather jacket? or maybe a wax coated skirt to add shine if embellished sweaters aren't for you.

If you're not comfortable wearing sweats like that maybe consider just replacing your cardigan or blazer with a cozy jersey knit topper over a crisp white button-down or a delicate shell to keep you warm while still playing with textures.

Also because they can be such neutral pieces, you can go nuts with your accessories. Yes, go put on that statement necklace! Cocktail ring? Go for it!

Here are some of my picks

Roots Slim Pocket Original Sweatpant

Roots Cozy Sweatpant

Also available in a beautiful Olive colour.

Dynamite Sacha Cuffed Soft Pants With Buckles

Dynamite Sacha Cuffed Soft Pants

Also available in Black but the print is lovely and not just for shirts.

Ricki's Sheer Sleeve Sweatshirt

Also comes in a gorgeous Peach tone.

LE CHÂTEAU Knit Zip-Up Throwover

Also available in Olive and Red.

With the temperature falling fast now is the perfect time to play with this trend. Would you wear them only for Netflix binges and long-haul travel or have I convinced you to wear this on a night out?

David Dixon

Designer Spotlight:
DAVID DIXON

Is this name kind of familiar? It should be if you shop at the Bay or Town Shoes.

David Dixon is a Canadian designer who studied at Ryerson University in Toronto. Elle Canada once dubbed him Canada's most romantic designer and that's not without merit. Dixon has cultivated a celebrity following with Canadians Jeanne Beker, Coco Rocha, Nelly Furtado, Alanis Morissette and big international names like Iman, Katie Holmes, Meg Ryan and Nicole Kidman too.

"His belief is that women respond first to colour and texture; when silhouettes are kept simple and modern, he can play with fabrics." After Dixon graduated from Ryerson he joined the Toronto Fashion Incubator, a group that works to promote young local design, until 1999 when he stared his own studio.

Anyone getting married soon?

The perfect example of his romantic reputation are the bridal designs that made their debut this spring for Hudson Bay's Kleinfeld boutique (why yes, that is the boutique from TLC's Say Yes to the Dress).

* Fun fact: he actually watched a marathon of the show to prepare himself for designing bridal gowns.*

Global News has the video feed from his show on March 18, 2014 for Toronto Fashion Week this spring. Go watch it now and read about Dixon designing wedding dresses.

What do you think of this Canadian designer? If you're getting married, would you wear one of these Canadian designs?