Fashion week: True Wow Factor or Major Hype?

I am finally back from Toronto where I was, to attend the L'Oreal Fashion Week. It was an experience filled with pleasant surprises, great collections, pure genius, festive ambiance and awesome networking opportunities. But what would be such a great time without its not so good moments? Something too good to be true of course! But Back to fun stuff for now.

The whole event was very well organized and executed to perfection, most Fashion shows started on scheduled time or 5minutes later at the most. The Canadian Creme de la Creme was Au Rendez-vous, from Model Stacy MCKenzie, Fashion figure and FTV Host Jeanne Becker, Project Runway contestants turned renowned Designers Lucian Matis, Carlie Wong and Evan Beddell, and many more...On the Runways, there was no major Model Fall or Catastrophy, maybe a few stumble, here and there but nothing alarming.

As for the accomodations, 2 runway stages served during the 5 days, one in the L'Oreal Tent and a smaller one outside called the Studio (very small). Inside the tent, a private lounge with wireless connections and PCs was set up for members of the Media, food and beverages were served and countless swags distributed - mostly Flick razors, Townshoes discounts and L'Oreal Products.

Everything went pretty well, except that I found that all the hype, glamour and bling surrounding this event didn't quite measure up to the overall Fashion Experience...

Let me explain: Fashion - in my opinion - is a total package of Originality, Creativity, Wow Factor, Functionality (or not), Drama, Unexpected & Fame Just like this red dress by Thien Le!

The Collections were way too safe, wearable but not creative enough. Too much black, white and grey - what's up with that??? - not enough intricated designs or construction details, no Drama to enhance the quality of the show, tasteless music for the most part and well....more black, grey and white.

Added to that, the Fashion Statement went from the Runways to the tents where almost everyone was proudly dotting their latest LVs, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabanna's, Gucci's, Prada's somewhat forgetting what the show was really about.

Whatever happened to simply gathering for the true appreciation of raw talent and pure Art? Maybe this didn't happen because this Fashion Week spent more time in the Functionality, Fame and Media departments rather than taking things to the next level, and bringing out of the ordinary collections and over the top creations.

But thanks to the Fashion Gods, Shows like those of - Andy-The Anh, Lucian Matis, Thien Le, Damzels in this Dress, Mellinda-Mae Harlingten, Bustle and Carlie Wong - truly give me hope for the Future of Canadian Fashion, they made it worth while with their unique approach, attention to details, understanding of body's proportions and of course sense of style.

Long Live Raw Talent!! I will post more pics soon - once they are all sorted out of course!!!

(Lucian Matis - wedding dress-->)

Besides that, I need a Photographer - HELP - lol

Fashion & Style in Toronto

I arrived in Toronto at 7-30pm, after a long 5 hours trip, courtesy of Greyhound.

As we entered downtown, my eyes met a Huge Dior Ad - a common thing for Toronto but I stopped and stared, because sadly enough, we don't see those in Ottawa - which made me realized how much Fashion and Style are part of Toronto's DNA.

You can feel it, especially at night with the flashing decorative lights from cars and high rise buildings, the streets filled with Fashion conscious people, the stylish restaurants, the multiple add campaigns and of course the Fashion District, all blended in modern architectural designs.

Being in Toronto makes me feel alive, as if I had spent the past 9 months in Ottawa in a complete coma - a Fashion Coma. But that's about to change now that I will spend a week of Fashion here.

I took a cab from the Bus station to go to my friend Miss K's place, where I'll settle for the entire week. My journey starts now...

I will go pick up my Web Media Pass tomorrow and then will head to the Nathan Phillips Square to attend the shows scheduled for the day including Diesel Kids, Jason Meyers, Bustle, David Dixon and many more, from 2PM to 9PM. This promise to be exciting, I can't wait!!!

Talk soon!

Miss SLY! @ L'Oreal Fashion Week...3 more days to go!!!

Fashion Weeks are HERE!

International Fashion Hot spots like New-York, London, Milan and Paris have been enlightening the most reknowned Runways with their Spring 09 Collections, source of great style inspiration and remarkable trends forecast for all Fashion admirers out there.
In a logical continuation of things, Canada's Fashion Elite is gearing up to own the Runways as well. Montreal just launched its 15th Edition of the Montreal Fashion Week - from October 13th to 17th - hosted at the Bonsecours Market, Vieux Montreal. The event is showcasing major international and Canadian Brands, Buyers and Designers. I will get as much info as possible to report it back to you.

Toronto will take over right after to livin it up with the L'Oreal Fashion Week, Spring 2009 Collections Event - from October 20th to 25th .

I am so excited about spending the entire week in Toronto, to cover the event as member of Web Media. I am a bit nervous but that's what makes it so much fun and adds a cherry of nervousness on my cake of nerves, but I can handle it and it will definitely be worth the trip.

I will report my findings and excitment on this unique experience with you of course, so stay tuned and wish me luck (I have heard there are a bunch of sharks wearing sharp stilettos in this Industry - and I just mastered swimming...in heels, so there should not be a dull moment!)

L'Oreal Fashion Week - 3 more days to go!!!

Ciao for now!

Spring 2009: Trend # 1, Revealed!

With Fashion weeks blooming in our beloved trendy cities - from New-York, London, Milan to Paris - Top trends for Spring 2009 are being revealed for fashionists and fashionistas, to take cues from the Runways and bring these styles to the streets with an added "Touche Personnelle".

Let's reveal Spring 09 - Trend #1 , (have you guessed it?): Bright Sunny Shades - A great dose of vitamin C is what everyone needs, especially after the long Sunless days of Winter just ahead of us.

Ossie Clark & Louis Vuitton -

keep the colour down

Orange it is for dresses at

Giles and Ossie Clark

At Bottega Venetta & Versace

dresses come in Yellow

Yellow hues for Christian Dior

and Giles mini dresses

More Yellow dresses seen

chez Celine & Mulberry

With these splash of bright on the Spring Runways, next season clearly announced Les Couleur de la Joie de vivre.

Spring 09 - Trend #2 - Coming next!

Designers revive our spirit with a splash of brights on their Runways, to announce the colours of the next season: Fun and Joie de vivre.

Fashion Count Down - 17 days to go....

...........October 03rd, 17 more days to go.

As we get used to the idea of Fall just settling in, the world of Fashion is fast-forwarding to Spring 2009 (Yes, already!).

From Ottawa, Montreal to Toronto, Major Fashion events are undergoing huge preparation to showcase the next best thing created by well established and upcoming Canadian and international Designers. This will be the perfect occasion to spot some serious Fashion and Style, while getting some inspiration to reinvent yourself with the next season's Must-Haves.

Will trends like Old Hollywood Glamour along with Vintage chic of the past eras, Super Hero vibe of the moment or Contemporary Art inspired clothes turn out to be "One hit wonders" or will they sustain the Fashion test of time - once again for certain?

A suivre.....in 17 days.