• Toronto,  Vancouver,  WorldWide

    Dubai Designer: Canella Hostal Couture VFW’17

     

    Have you ever been curious about designers and their thought-process before going in front of thousands of people and live television? I have! I’ve also, been reluctant to voice a question such as “what were you thinking?” for fear that my question will be received with an intense glare and angry bird eyes. In my quiet voice, a “sorry” would be uttered as I back up and run far far away.

    Attending four previous fashion weeks in Toronto, this year, I was invited to Vancouver Fashion Week for the first time. For a full week, VFW Founder and Producer Jamal Abdourahman introduced me to various designers showcasing their creations – my question nagging in the back of my mind. By the fifth day, I was seated next to a lovely woman designer – Canella Hostal – whom I discovered would be showcasing her designs the following evening.

    After talking for awhile and watching another runway show, I blurt out “When you are creating a collection, what is going through your head? Do you ever look at other designer collections, compare or think they are nuts?” I cringe, waiting for angry bird eyes. Canella laughs and explains “The runway is the one place where a designer gets to show off just how creative they are. Sure, you can make the designs mainstream, but on that one day, you get to show the world just how creative you are – you want to go all out. Every piece expresses an emotion, impression or feeling you were having at a particular time. Musicians express it through music, Artist with art, and Designers with each piece.”

    Backstage with Designer Canella Hostal
    Backstage with Designer Canella Hostal

    We have become so accustomed to cheap and mainstream clothing that the thought of clothes being art never crosses the majority of our minds. How we piece each item together gives one “self-identity” but what about the cuts, fabrics, and colours? What story do they tell? Fashion week allows designers, local and internationally, to express themselves through designs and materials that are sometimes not considered by the mainstream consumer. For sure they dictate what the next trend is by including it in the overall design and it’s easy to spot, but after this conversation, I now know what to say to that person who blurts out “what is that?” while attending a fashion show.

    Canella Hostal is a French-born, Dubai-living Designer and Teacher at Esmod Dubai. Lines, stripes, flowers and tropical feelings inspire her newest collection ‘Tropical Symphony’ – This is the identity for the collection.

    Canella commented, “Mixing flowers and playing with the stripes were very challenging and I loved it! Flowers and stripes are quite the opposite of each other; flowers reflect spring and summer and are soft and delicate. On the other hand, stripes are straight to a point with no limits and totally free.” Canella Hostal Couture SS17 follows her authentic touch, by combining colors such as; blue, red, white, orange and pink. Her new collection includes menswear for the first time.

    Model
    Male model wearing an intricately embroidered suit.

     

  • Asian,  Austin,  Australia,  Baltimore,  Bitty,  Chicago,  Las Vegas,  London,  Los Angeles,  Miami,  New York,  Seoul,  Toronto,  Vancouver

    IT Cosmetics Goes PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

    Spread the love during Breast Cancer Awareness Month with IT Cosmetics NEW Love Beauty Fully Love is the Foundation brush!

    A must-have for every IT Girl’s brush collection, this ultra-chic brush has a beautiful ombré pink handle and a specially designed heart-shaped head, perfect for applying powder and liquid foundation.

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    This limited-edition brush is luxuriously crafted—and supports a good cause! For every Love Beauty Fully™ Love is the Foundation Brush purchased, IT Cosmetics™ will donate one to the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better® program to help women face the effects of cancer with confidence.
    You’ll be giving the gift of joy and beauty to another woman, and to yourself, and that’s a beautiful thing!
  • New York,  Toronto,  Vancouver,  WorldWide

    VFW’17| Lesley Hampton and Bahareh Memarian

    These are the gowns that left us speechless this Vancouver Fashion Week SS17.

     

    Model: Sophia Rupprecht Dress by: Bahareh Memarian
    Model: Sophia Rupprecht
    Gown by: Bahareh Memarian

     

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    Gown by: Bahareh Memarian
    Gown by: Lesley Hampton Model: Siena Hutton
    Gown by: Lesley Hampton
    Model: Siena Hutton

     

     

    lesley-hampton

  • Asian,  Austin,  Australia,  Baltimore,  Las Vegas,  London,  Los Angeles,  Miami,  New York,  Seoul,  Toronto,  Vancouver,  WorldWide

    Get The Look: NYFW Edition

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    GET THE FRONT ROW FIXTURE LOOK: EMILY BLUNT WITH SARAH POTEMPA (below products are available at Beachwaver.com & Ulta.com):

    1) Create a natural middle part and loosely blow-dry with The Beachwaver Co. On Set Styling Brush.

    2) Using The Beachwaver Co. Darby Clips, section the hair starting at the bottom and working your way up. Curl the hair with The Beachwaver Co. BEACHWAVER S.75, but leave 2″ out to create soft, natural wave.

    3) Smooth over the ends with The Beachwaver Co. Coast Pro Styling Iron and add pomade for a subtle texture on the ends.

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    GET THE LOOK: NICOLE MILLER WITH TOMO JIDAL FOR PHYTO PARIS

    INSPIRATION:  A modern take on the French woman

    LOOK: French beauty meets boho-chic, fringe and grunge

    1. Apply PHYTO PHYTO Phytokeratine Repairing Spray and PHYTO Intense Volume Mousse, section by section.
    2. Then distribute PHYTO Phytolisse Serummid-lengths to the ends.
    3. Blow dry while raking fingers through the hair.
    4. Use tongs of a 1 inch or half inch curling iron (depending on hair length) to create a ridge sort of texture on hair. Style large sections at a time.
    5. Brush out the hair with a large comb or fingers.
    6. Attach the fringe/bangs clip (match extensions color to hair color) in which have already been texturized using the PHYTOIntense Volume Mousse and PHYTO Phytokeratine Repairing Spray.
    7. Cut the fringe to the right length.
    8. Apply PHYTOPhytovolume Actif Spray all over then shake the hair out.

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    GET THE LOOK: JILL STUART SHOW WITH DIDIER MALIGE

    1. Prep the hair withPHYTO Phytokeratine Repairing Thermal Protectant Spray from root to end.
    2. Add a pea size amount of PHYTO 9or PHYTO 7 from mid-shaft to end, depending on hair texture.
    3. Section hair in the fringe area and add a few light mists of the PHYTO PhytoPlage Protective Sun Veil.
    4. Sweep a section of hair behind the ears, leaving the fringe section up front.
    5. Smooth and set the hair close to the head with hands.
    6. Add a pea size amount of PHYTO Professional Strong Sculpting Gel from root to eye line.
    7. Diffuse hair with a sock diffuser.
    8. Throughout the diffusing, sprayPHYTO Phytolaque Soie Light Hold Hair Spray to set the hair]

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    GET THE LOOK: PHELAN SHOW WITH TOMO JIDAL FOR PHYTO PARIS

    INSPIRATION: The hair mixes masculine and feminine elements for a tight, soft, yet structured look.

    LOOK: Sophisticated juxtaposition. 90’s minimalism meets graphic realism.

    1. Prep and saturate hair with PHYTO Phytokeratine Repairing Thermal Protectant Spray.
    2. Comb and smooth hair. Spray PHYTO Phytovolume Actif to create texture and a wet look.
    3. French braid hair from the crown of the head to bottom. Secure with elastic.
    4. Create hair wisps around ears for a soft, romantic look.
    5. Finish with PHYTO Professional Phytolaque Soie Hairspray.
    6. Smooth ponytail end or flyaways with PHYTO Phyto 7or Phyto 9.

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    GET THE LOOK: THE BROCK COLLECTION SHOW: SKINCARE WITH TATA HARPER SKINCARE

    LOOK: Beautifully-undone

    1. Begin by cleansing skin with Tata Harper Refreshing Cleanser to remove excess oil and makeup, revealing a balanced, luminous complexion
    2. Spritz the face with Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence to deliver long-lasting, oil-free moisture and minimize the appearance of pores
    3. Apply Tata Harper Concentrated Brightening Serum to promote a visibly healthy, radiant appearance
    4. Use Tata Harper Rebuilding Moisturizer for balanced hydration with a smooth matte finish
    5. Apply Tata Harper Restorative Eye Crèmearound the eye area for a bright, rested look
    6. Finish with indulgent Tata Harper Fortifying Body Lotion for intense hydration and a glowing body from head-to-toe
    7. Lastly, to create a relaxing backstage experience, apply Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment and Tata Harper Aromatic Irritability Treatment to pulse points inside wrists, on temples, and each side of the neck. Rub onto palms and inhale deeply for the ultimate calming experience.

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    GET THE LOOK: TOME WITH TATA HARPER SKINCARE

    LOOK: Natural with an edge of universal and tribal (Dinka Tribe)

    1. Cleanse skin with Tata Harper Refreshing Cleanser to removes excess oil and makeup for a fresh, radiant start
    2. Spritz the face with Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence to deliver long-lasting, oil-free moisture and minimize the appearance of pores
    3. Apply Tata Harper Concentrated Brightening Serum to promote a visibly healthy, radiant appearance
    4. Use Tata Harper Rebuilding Moisturizer for balanced hydration with a smooth matte finish
    5. Apply Tata Harper Restorative Eye Crèmearound the eye area to refresh and restore
    6. Finish by applying Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment to pulse points inside wrists, on temples and each side of neck. Spread over palms and inhale deeply for a luxurious, relaxing experience

     

     

     

  • Toronto,  Vancouver

    Tips for the Fashion Week Newbie

     

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    Hurray! It’s Vancouver Fashion Week, but what do I wear?

    Going to your first fashion week can sometimes seem a little daunting.
    After all, there are designers, models, artist, actors and the creme de la creme of the “beautiful people” world. Hold up! While this may be partly true, keep in mind the event is about fashion, having fun and looking good doing so.

    Your purpose is to check out the new collections; What are the “must haves” fashion pieces for next season and the newest and hottest designers to watch for next year. Let’s be honest; it’s also about seeing and being seen while showing off what YOUR style is. Yes, you may not be on the runway but you are attending the event and your appearance is important.

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    Naz, Stylist- Mandy Carnahan, Shawn Carnahan, and Janai

    Here are a few tips to get you through this exciting event.

    1. Be yourself – You are your best self when you are comfortable in what you are wearing. By comfortable, I don’t mean wearing flats, Lulus, and a t-shirt. I mean the outfit that states “this is me, and I look stunning.” Be current, but be yourself.

    2. Trend statements – trends are constantly changing, hence the word “trend.” Changing your wardrobe every season to keep up with other fashionistas doesn’t mean, dare I say… you have YOUR style, it means you are a follower. Don’t be a follower, be a trendsetter. You can get statement pieces that are “trendy”- rock the bow tie, wear polka dots with stripes. If it’s you, be BOLD and own it!

    3. Shoes – Shoes make all the difference to an outfit. You could be wearing the most expensive attire and have a poorly made shoe, and it would ruin your outfit. Start your outfit out by picking your shoes than work your way up. The last thing you need is to have the perfect outfit, get to your front door and not have a pair that compliments what you are wearing.

    4. Confidence – Nothing in your wardrobe is more important than confidence. If you don’t have the confidence to pull it off, it won’t matter what you wear.

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    Model: Siena Hutton

    5. Have fun – Sure people are judging, I’m judging right now, it’s human nature and who cares? When you sit in that chair and realize you get to watch your favorite designers showcase their newest collection LIVE, nothing else will matter.

    6. Remember – You can never be too overdressed. This is so true and even more true for fashion week.

    Janakie Singham
    Janakie Singham
  • Toronto

    Cabinet Éphémère travels to Toronto

    Montreal’s nomadic fashion boutique Cabinet Éphémère travels to Toronto

    Toronto, ON – This October Québec’s top designers will join forces with their Toronto counterparts to offer a glimpse into their vision and creative process with the 7th edition ofCabinet Éphémère – the Conseil des Créateurs de Mode du Quebec’s nomadic pop-up shop at the famed Rally Gallery, a cultural showcase and meeting space at 12 Ossington Avenue in Toronto’s trendy west end.

    From Wednesday, October 5 to Saturday, October 8,, 2016, Toronto fashion lovers can shop Fall/Winter 2016 direct from the rack and pre-order Spring/Summer 2017 from some of Quebec’s and Toronto’s most famed women’s, men’s and accessory designers.

    One of Canada’s most celebrated designers and a pioneer in the Canadian fashion industry, with three decades of tradition and excellence, Maison Marie Saint Pierre has chosen Toronto as the location to launch her menswear focused capsule collection. Accustomed to drawing from the masculine aesthetic to dress women, Marie Saint Pierre makes her first foray into the world of men’s fashion. Having noticed a growing number of clients opting for her most androgynous looks, the designer decided to create a number of unisex pieces to appeal to both genders. Visitors to Cabinet Éphémère in Toronto will be the first to purchase and see this new collection in person.

    www.mariesaintpierre.com

    MAISON MARIE SAINT PIERRE | PHOTOGRAPHY: LEDA & ST.JACQUES | STYLIST: SARA BRUNEAU

    Quebec-based designers also presenting their collections will include original jewellery for the independent-spirited woman from Anne-Marie Chagnon; environmentally conscious high-end leather goods from By Kilani; Eläma, a line of sophisticated fashion-forward fur and outerwear pieces recently featured on Dragon’s Den; timeless fashion with a modern touch fromLAMARQUE; ready-to-wear pieces from Les Poupounes de Luxe who are setting a new standard with their clothing for women of all sizes; Louve Montreal‘s assertive minimalist handcrafted jewellery; avant-garde unisex designs by Pedram Karimi; elegant cocktail dresses and gowns from Rush Couture; Wallo’s sleek designs and colourful printed womenswear; genderless apparel from the creative design team from WRKDEPT; and bold, edgy menswear from Xian.

    Toronto is represented by refined and trendy womenswear from Amanda Maria; Cara Cheung‘s high fashion luxury with urban street style clothing for women; and elegant evening and modern sportswear from menswear designer Christopher Bates.

    Bilingual media personality and fashion ambassador Glen Baxter hosts the four-day pop-up shop, starting with a by-invitation-only VIP launch reception on Tuesday, October 4 where distinguished fashion media, celebrities, personalities, bloggers, influencers, and buyers will meet the designers in person to preview their Spring/Summer 2017 collections and shop from their current Autumn/Winter 2016 collections before the event opens to the public.

    “Montreal’s Cabinet Éphémère is no ordinary pop-up shop!”, exclaims Baxter, “I am thrilled to see this highly curated concept come to life here in Toronto for the first time with some of Quebec’s hottest designers sharing the floor with some of Toronto top talent.”

    This is the first time Cabinet Éphémère has travelled outside of Quebec after a number of successful runs in Montreal. The concept shop was initiated in 2013 by designer Marie Saint Pierre – then President of CCMQ. The idea was to bring together a group of talented designers to offer fashion consumers a carefully-edited selection of high-end and couture collections. Her intuition was right; over 4,000 visitors attended the first edition, held in a trendy sector of Ste-Catherine Street West. In May 2014, the event was held during Montreal’s innovativeC2MTL event and later that same year at the prestigious Ogilvy department store where a collaborative partnership emerged and has been getting stronger ever since. The event is now in its 7th edition with Toronto and it’s planned to span several seasons.

    The CCMQ is on a mission to bring together the best in established Montreal fashion with the best in Toronto fashion to empower local fashion, facilitate market and network opportunities in order to ensure growth and sustainability of their businesses.

    The Cabinet Éphémère is an event fully funded by the members of the Fashion Designers’ Council of Quebec,’’ says Linda Tremblay, General Manager of the association. “This pop-up was created to be an adaptable and flexible event to promote the high-end collections of Council members. The event has now reached its maturity level and we feel confident we can successfully launch it in Toronto, where our designers’ collections are very well-received by fashion consumers and have been celebrated through their participation in the past during Toronto Fashion Week.’’

    For interviews with Glen Baxter, Linda Tremblay, Marie Saint Pierre, high-resolution images, samples, or further information, please contact Gail McInnes at gail@magnetcreative.ca or 647-283-1931.

    ABOUT CABINET ÉPHÉMÈRE
    The CABINET ÉPHÉMÈRE is a new kind of pop-up boutique that offers a privileged foray, a confidential glance at the creative process of fashion designers.  In a trunk show atmosphere, both eclectic and organized, these architects of objects without boundaries propose their collections to the public. The main objective is to bring together, in one venue, designers with a similar creative approach and vision and the product originality and quality that draw consumer attention.   It’s a most inventive answer to the standardized and commonplace mass-market clothes boutiques. The concept is simple and, today, we have proof it is effective. For more information, visit cabinet-ephemere.com.

    ABOUT CONSEIL DES CRÉATEURS DE MODE DU QUÉBEC
    The Fashion Designers’ Council of Québec is a professional, nonprofit association, founded in 2011.  Its mission is to promote the talent of more than 100 Quebec fashion designers (accessories, clothing, and jewelry). The Council is a confluence point for emerging and established designers that proposes to them promotional and commercial projects – such as Cabinet Éphémère – locally and abroad. To learn more about the organization, go to the association’s Facebook page at facebook.com/mode.ccmq.

    ABOUT MAISON MARIE SAINT PIERRE
    Maison Marie Saint Pierre has been an established Montreal designer label for over 25 years. It is a true institution on its way to becoming one of the top luxury brands in Canada. The importance of its creator’s work was honored in the recent Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards with the Prix d’Excellence, presented to celebrate the exceptional career of a fashion designer. Marie Saint Pierre has an approach that combines artistry, intellect and innovation. Her creations are based on significant amounts of research and development focused on clothing functionality. The company employs a team of artisans who work closely with local manufacturers, allowing a 100% local production.

    ABOUT GLEN BAXTER
    Glen Baxter is a Brand Ambassador, Content Producer and bilingual journalist specializing in fashion and design. He is best known as the Host of CTV’s IN FASHION, which aired across Canada and around the world for over a decade. Over the years, he has interviewed A-List celebrities and fashion heavyweights like Tom Ford, Valentino, Vivienne Westwood, Roberto Cavalli, Gianfranco Ferre, Donatella Versace and Karl Lagerfeld just to name a few. He has appeared on Canada’s Next Top Model, Canada AM, The Marilyn Denis Show, eTalk, CP24, CTV News Channel, The Morning Show on Global, CTV Morning Live and the Breakfast Television shows across Canada. A world traveller, he has visited more than 50 countries with his camera and has exhibited his photography in five solo shows, raising money for various charities. He is a recipient of the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

    cabinet-ephemere.com
    #CabinetEphemere