Last Ottawa Post

All good things come to an end.

Think of your first Designer bag, so out of condition now that the word vintage wouldn't be of appropriate use to qualify it.

Your cherished pair of Louboutin, in no shape of form today, to grace your feet with that magic they were once known for.

Your beloved Tiffany charm bracelet...finally hitting its breaking point, breaking your heart along with it.

Or the cute French guy you met during your first summer vacations in Paris, eating croissant in the morning ...

And enjoying romantic walks on the Champs-Elysees at night ...sadly, you had to say "au revoir mon amour"

These are things, moments, little treasures and precious souvenirs that make our personal stories so unique and so great.

We reminisce and smile at the thought of a moment that could no longer exist.

My years spent in Ottawa will be one of those moment, and although it is neither the most vibrant nor the all time Fashionable city in comparison to Montreal, where I am heading next, I have enjoyed every minute of it, every small Fashion shows and every New store openings.

Only Great memories...

From completely freezing my toes during a cold winter night - what was I thinking, wearing these high heels on a snowy NY Eve ???; chasing down buses for work, countless hours strolling through the aisles of Chapters, sipping on a White Chocolate Mocha, to celebrating Canada's Day squeezed among millions in front of the Parliament Hill.

Plenty memories have been collected and I will forever cherish them.

On that note, it is now time to pack, kiss and say goodbye Ottawa, and HELLO Montreal, I am READY!

Montreal 1st Fashion Assignment:

Cover the Festival de Mode et Design de Montreal.

Until my first Montreal Post, Tataaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

Graphic source: Monsieur Z

Rendez-vous @ Fashion & Design Show

HEAD WILL TURN TO THE METROPOLIS From June 17 to 20 when Fashion takes over the street ...

I am officially moving to Montreal in 7 days, this means that I won't miss the 9th edition of the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival (MFDF) , taking place from June 17 to 20. An exciting event combining Fashion, design and music, that promises to be the most effervescent event of the summer in Montreal!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The greats of music join forces with the greats of Fashion!

With 50 outdoor parades, 150 designers and manufacturers, many parties and many special events, the 2009 edition of the MFDF also offers the richest musical content ever, with performances by the likes of K-OS, Beast Sound System, The National Parcs, Omnikrom and Fritz Helder & The Phantoms

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

And thanks to the new Fashion Musique concept presented by Heineken Music, festival goers will discover DJs from here and elsewhere, and showcasing artists fusing fashion, design and music in one unique experience.

The outdoor runways, set at the very heart of downtown Montreal’s prestigious McGill College Avenue, will turn the streets into a huge open-air urban lounge - You just can't miss it!

I am finally getting a taste of Montreal strong Fashion sense as a Fashion Critic, it's exciting. I know what expect from Marie St-Pierre's love of frills, ruffles and asymmetrical shapes, but I want to see something else, something new, du classic peut-etre?

Montreal is very Fashion savvy, more Risqué than others sans doute, and this is what's I like about the city. I will be my Awesomenesseurs frenzy for a while, so bare with me.

For more details on the MFDF, click here

Until then, Tataaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Source: Sensation Mode

Miss SLY! Spotted by Fashion Magazine

It was last year, at the L'Oreal Fashion Week Spring/Summer 09 Collections, in front of the Nathan Phillips Square, that I was spotted and immortalized by Photographer Angela Martin's lens.

This time, the tables were turned and I was the one stopped and asked to strike a pose for the camera - what a funny feeling!
I went for the "Hurry and take the Picture Dahling, I have a Fashion show to catch"look here.

I had completely forgotten that this outfit was featured in the Fashion Magazine Lovelies blog, but since I got few questions about it, I thought I'd share it here:

About my outfit...

- The large resin sun glasses are from french label Sinequanone
- The Vintage scarf is from a good friends closet
- The 3/4 bell sleeves coat is from french label ETAM
- The ruffle-front blouse and High waist flare pants are both from ZARA

My goal was to wear something chic, feminine, strong and most importantly warm, because it was in October and I don't need to tell you how cold it gets then.
I was comfortable (that was the point) and the camera loved it, so I say: Mission Accomplished.

There you have it folks!
Now I must return the favor and find my next bunch of Lovelies to be featured on Miss SLY!

Until then, Tataaaaaaaaaaa!

Another reason to Love Shoes!

OK, just admit it - you are falling for this one too!

Christian Louboutin's Dillian Shoe for Phillip Lim 3.1 Spring 09 RTW Collection, has me head over heels!

This extravagant and very high heel shoe has everything.

From the twirly flowers, to the sexy straps and of course the inevitable red heel...

I am not one to resist, seriously, how could I?

It's about time that Designers shoes step up their game, because I've had enough of the countless "It list" of purses, dresses, hairdos, socialites, etc...name it.

Statement earrings this, statement necklaces that...Out of the way, clear the space for Shoes that are made for Show.

Louboutin's Dillian is both romantic and dangerously sexy, in black especially.

I like how powerful and confident she looks, without being overwhelming. It is in my opinion, the perfect piece to take a ready to wear look to couture level in 4 simple straps, without overdoing it.

This spectacular shoe is also available in colours and snake skin. And for the less risque out there, there is also a flat version, if you'd rather stay at ground level.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For my part, I will now send my wish-list to "Santa" for an early Xmas gift.

Until next time, Tataaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Pictures source: Style.com

Fashion comes in all sizes!

Matthew Weiner, is one of America's most influential show runners, Producer of the critically acclaimed AMC TV series Mad Men set in New York City, in the ruthlessly competitive world of Madison Avenue advertising executives in the 1960s - full of style, glamour, cigarettes, politics and scandals, this Golden Globe®-winning series has it all.

~*~*~*~

And although I haven't caught up with this sexy and provocative take on the 1960's yet(Entourage & The Tudors are first on my list), another Weiner's stylish creations particularly caught my attention, while I was browsing for style and info on GQ Menstyle.com.

It literally got me glued to my computer screen, for too long to be healthy. It wasn't another TV series, it was much better than that...

An 8yrs old 2nd grader, who clearly understands Fashion and Personal Style, his son Arlo Weiner. Named after singer Arlo Guthrie whom he also listens to.
This young lad touching up his hair, loves Frank Sinatra, watches old English movies, knows how to pull off an Ascot, wears plaid pants, Beret, owns many ties and uses a leather satchel as a school bag, and as if this wasn't enough, he doesn't like to wear Jeans, Pardon!!!
Arlo's sense of style and charisma have already captivated many, including myself. Even in L.A., a city where half the populace dresses to be noticed. I say Style sensation at 8, Renown Fashion Designer at 15.

Chuck Bass would be impressed and proud - Co-sign the clothing style, not so sure about the evil plotting yet -

Arlo stays true to himself it seems, wearing what suits him, defining Fashion in his own words, acting his age but most importantly, having fun with it all.

He plans to start designing his own clothes as soon as his mother gets him a sewing machine - Mrs. Weiner, please hurry .
With his touch of style, love for mix and match, and bright colors + patterns, his clothes are something I look forward to, rendezvous in 6 years Mad Boy.

This extraordinary piece of man leads to question whether, we all know who we are supposed to be and what we are meant to do from a very young age? Before "reality" weights in, and starts influencing and sometimes guiding our life choices.


Whether it be flying planes, sewing clothes, writing stories or serving in the army, I am confident that if we all dig deep in ourselves, we will find, covered in dust, with all sorts of obligations, bills, taxes, stress all over it...the "IT Factor" that makes us who we truly are. Arlo's interest and passion for Fashion seem to be "IT".

So, what were you doing in your Arlo's years? What did you aspire to become? Are you doing anything close to "IT" today? It could be interesting and very revealing to look back and see.

Arlo Weiner's personality is simply mind blowing to me, and looking beyond the clothes and quirkiness of this 8 years old, I see an inspiration, perhaps even a role model, at such a young age, it certainly puts things back in perspective.


I leave you on this.


Until then, Tataaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Source: (GQ MENSTYLE )

Fashion Casting: Festival mode et design de Montreal - 2009

What would a Fashion show be without Models? A plain showroom, a sad display of lifeless garments, a boring market? I am not sure. But one thing the upcoming Festival mode et design de Montreal is making sure of, is to bring that life and glamour aspect to their Runways, by gathering over 200 professional models (men and women) during a major casting event, where 75 models will be selected to walk down the outdoor runways of the Festival.

~*~*~

So if you are in Montreal or if you can make it there (I am relocated there YAY!), don't miss the most anticipated Fashion casting of the year, Wednesday, May 20th at 10AM at the Eaton Center in Montreal. Come see over 200 professional models auditioning, for a unique chance to make it to the very flamboyant Festival mode et design de Montreal ,to be held from June 17th to June 20th.

~*~*~

Models invited to participate in this renown event, come from Montreal most famous modeling agencies: Giovanni, Folio, Editing, Next, Scoop, Specs, Sybille Sasse, Belle and Sevasti Mundo.

~*~*~
The selection committee will consist of Sophie Lanza, designer for several fashion magazines including Wink and fashion director for the Festival, Chantal Durivage, co-president of Sensation Mode, Amanda Mancini, Festival Designer as well as Ariane Lasalle, in charge of the Festival’s artistic production.

~*~*~
Remember that you can see the selected models at the 9th edition of the Festival mode et design de Montreal, which will gather over 500 000 Fashion, design and music lovers!

~*~*~

Please Note that the festivities will take place from June 17 to 20, on McGill College Avenue between Cathcart and Maisonneuve streets.

~*~*~

CASTING REMINDER

Location: EATON CENTRE MONTREAL
705, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest Level 3
(Level Sainte-Catherine) - opposite ALDO

Date: Wednesday, May 20 2009

Time: Between 10AM and 12PM
Casting professional models (men and women)

Source : Sensation Mode , Festival Mode & Design Montreal


See you there!

Until then, Tataaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Holt Renfrew Shopping Spree - for the needy

Hello Fashion lovers, readers and friends, Recession has finally made its way to my closet, and I've been hit hard, so to speak. Be generous and Spare some clothes for the needy.

...OK, I am kidding of course - well, half kidding - I am actually entering a contest to win a Shopping Spree at Holt Renfrew, with FASHION Magazine.

FASHION is looking for someone to star in an upcoming story. To enter the contest, participants must write in their 250 words story, telling why they need a new wardrobe.

The lucky winner will get to spend the day at Holt Renfrew, perfecting his/her closet with the help of a personal shopper from the store. MAJOR DREAM COMING TRUE!!!

How awesome would it be to land in Montreal with a brand new stylish Wardrobe? So I obviously plan on winning ^_^ - can you blame me?! But I am generous enough to tell you all about it, so take advantage.

Check it out and be my competition, I don't mind - as long as you share your goods with me afterwards of course.

Deadline entry for the Casting Call Contest is May 29th -

GOOD LUCK! or rather WISH ME LUCK ;)

Pictures source: Miss SLY!

Live Runway: Morales @ ELLE Show

This was by far, one of the best showcase of the bunch
at the ELLE Fashion & Beauty Show.

The garments always look better in movement
so I am glad I was able to capture some of it on film.



Enjoy!

Video source: Miss SLY!

Spring in high Morales

When finally comes Spring, after a long and dreadful winter, I am always eager to rediscover bright colours, enjoy sunny days, listen to birds singing in trees along with sporting dresses in the lightest fabrics. It all contributes to revive my moral, once washed out by the cold weather.

My moral was at its highest when I made my way to the past ELLE Show, where I enjoyed a Canadian Designers showcase, including collections from Simon Chang, Andrew Majtenyi, Marie St. Pierre and many others.

But one who clearly stole the show for me was Renata Morales who embarked the admiring crowd in an enchanted dance, with her birds-like dresses floating in a romantic rhythm on the runway.

Surprisingly, I could barely recall seeing the beauty and uniqueness of Renata Morales designs, at the SS/09 Toronto Fashion Week, either because I hadn't taken any pictures then or I didn't have a good seat.

The ballet of chiffon dresses, gold sequins, braids and pleats of organza, in white, yellow, baby blue, red and black, all accessorized with her original spray-painted flower head-pieces adorning the models head, made a strong statement.

Enough said, enjoy few shots from the show few weeks ago and for more on the SS/09 collection, see here.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This Blood bird dress opened the show

the intricacy of details on every dress

is amazing - stop, watch and appreciate.

My favourite of all had to be this Bleeding blue

bird dress, very graphic and both soft and edgy

The unusual splash of red gives attitude to the dress

This Blue inside dress is more subtle than the

bleeding number above, perfect for the true

romantic and feminine.

Most dresses showed intricate, pleating,

and tucking in the front, to balance the bare

backs just like in this White inside dress

Cute Yellow birds glitters dress and

Black birds dress, ideal to go from

day-chic to dramatic-night look

This black Bondage dress will do wonders

at a cocktail party in the Upper East Side -

I'd see Serena van der Woodsen wearing it

A short Yellow flowers/black feather dress

I like how the head-piece is almost symmetrical

to the feathers on the dress

After the frills and drama of previous dresses,

the show ended with this heaven likebaby blue

Water dress - which I loved.

Something about the intricacy of details, the pleating, tucking of the chiffon and organza she applies, added to the mix of colours, brings something a little Rodarte to her designs in my opinion.

In the Designer's defense, I could probably afford a Morales dress soon, but would need to hold off that Rodarte dream for now. After all, Morales is just as beautiful and original, plus its Canadian, A definite YES! It's unbelievable how much talent we have in Canada, when you take the time to really dig deep.

I wish they had shown more pieces of this exquisite and wearable Art straight from Montreal.

I have heard from a reliable source that the Designer is not focusing so much on Fashion right now, so I'll manage to get a word with her, in hopes that she doesn't consider putting an end to her wearable Fashion Art - gasp -

Until then, Tataaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Pictures source: Miss SLY!

Glimpse in the Future of Canadian Fashion

When attending a Fashion event, I always expect to have a coup de coeur , a newly discovered artist who's vision and talent would swept me away . And the TFI New Labels Competition Gala last April 25th was no exception.

The Carlu was packed with a crowd buzzing with excitement and anticipation. In this madness, I managed to find my assigned seat in the audience, after all I had a spot reserved just for me.

For once, I wasn't attending as Media and instead of the competitive and heavy atmosphere of the Media Jungle, I was seating among other civilized guests...But surprisingly and quite honestly, it felt weird, odd and almost abnormal.

Every Fashionista would dream to have an assigned seat, but the "hic" is: I am neither a Fashionista nor another Fashion lover...I am reporter. And having a great angle from which I can shoot the garments as they come down the runway is Major to what I do.

But nonetheless, I managed to take few usable shots from my seat, avoiding the bald heads in front of me. I took some notes when unable to capture a nice shot, and in all this craziness Faren’s collection stole the show.

Every single piece acclaimed by the crowd, with applause and Ahhhhhhh’s …It was the type of Fashion true connoisseur long for, the kind that you can’t stop talking about and that makes you want to know more about the artist and his/her vision.
And this is how Miss SLY! Fell for Faren futuristic magic.

The looks were unique and clever. The mix of black, blue, silver, white and yellow was sharp, timeless. The identical and almost robot-like silhouettes amused me, they looked like girls from the 60's lost in a space ship somewhere in the Galaxy, looking for a new world to conquer with their witty charm and sophistication.

In the end, she was crowned winner of the TFI New Labels Competition 2009 edition. Her collection was one of the strongest I have seen in a while, she opened the Capsule of Canadian Fashion to come.

I willl managed to get an interview with Faren Tami, to learn more about the Designer behind the brand, as I am sure there is plenty more to discover. What a great show it was.

Until next time, Tataaaaaaaaaaaaa!