Barbara Palvin

A star is born? Check out rising star Barabara Palvin in this new Chanel ad. Gorgeous! She looks like a young Natalia Vodianova.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbF_M8s4X1A

McQueen at the Met Costume Institute Gala

It was incredibly thrilling to find out Alexander McQueen is being honoured at the annual Met Costume Institute Gala this year. Unfortunately, he was recognized for his amazing work posthumously. Not as many guests wore the late designer's creations as expected but here is the red carpet of the east coast's best and brightest in McQueen.

From top to bottom, left to right: Naomi Campbell, Karen Elson, Daphne Guinness, Raquel Zimmermann, Salma Hayek, Sarah Jessica Parker, Hamish Bowles, Gisele, Chloe Sevigny, Anna Dello Russo

Images: The Cut

Things to hope for in 2011

The end of the year and the start of another marks a time for reflection. What happened in 2010 that we would like to forget? What will stick around for awhile? My love for Rodarte grew

as the hype died down. Military jackets will give way for 70's glamour.

This spring, Lee Alexander McQueen will be remembered with a exhibit called Savage Beauty at the Met.

The following is a few other fashion predictions you may see in 2011:

Camel, beige and nude, which are basically the same colour will be as popular as ever.

American Apparel, Camel Knit Pencil Skirt, $55

According to NY Magazine, Circles are in!

Here's a example from Canadian designer Andy The Anh

Colourblock is always fun! With patterns big for spring, look for colourblock garments as a safe alternative to the trend.

Forever 21, Colourblock skirt

This coral, orangey colour was everywhere on the runways, but everyone knows it's a slippery slope from looking glamorous in orange to looking like a pumpkin. At least this swimsuit has rusching!

Michael Kors

Jumpsuits are here to stay (for now). Yet with the 70's trend all over the runways for Fall 2011, I can't see them going anywhere soon. Bold colours, strapless styles mixed with a layer or two can create a more sophisticated look.

Pink Tartan

Animal prints are one of those trends that aren't really trends. They are as classic as a little black dress or a string of pearls. I don't know if it was Edie Sedgwick's pillbox hat or the iconic leopard coat Kate Moss wore but it was relevant then and it's relevant now.

Zara, Leopard Rain Coat

Images: thecut.com, americanapparel.com, andytheanh.com, zara.ca, George Pimentel (LGfashionweek.ca), forever21.com, michaelkors.com

Holiday Gifts for the Fashion Inclined

Sometimes it's hard to shop for the fashion inclined friend. Many of us can't afford to shop at Holt Renfrews for $1,200 dresses, so there's refuges like Winners to save us on high prices while purchasing great gifts.

The following is my picks for fabulous stocking stuffers or gifts for friends.

Pret-a-port Tea Bags features your favourite faces in fashion all ready to join you for a tea

party! Available at Rolo (24 Bellair Street) for around $12.

There's nothing like a taste lip gloss for all that kissing under mistletoe action. Find this Philosophy four pack at Sephora for $20.

Headbands have had a huge surge in popularity, which means more retailers are supplying us with a larger selection. Check out the selection at H&M for headbands ranging from $5 to $15. New Years Eve is coming up soon.... which means feather headbands people! Let's get festive!

I'm a huge Betsey Johnson fan, but anyone can appreciate keeping your toes warm with funky socks. Winners has a great selection of socks packaged for the holidays in cute little boxes labelled "Naughty or Nice", "Wild Thing" and more. Retails for $7 -$10.

I wish this was my life...

I would love to have red and pink confetti drop out of the sky every 15 minutes while drinking martinis. Spectacular!

Kanye's style meets Toronto street fashion

Kanye West is my male fashion icon. He understands the importance of being an artist. To go beyond music and create a clear vision with sound, visuals and style. Even if you may not wear it yourself, it's good to appreciate style and the gesture of creativity. Anyway, my point is I discovered a convergence in my world's style-o-sphere - independent street style and main stream style.

Kanye West wore something very similar to the best dressed participant at Baby Huey's New Years' Eve party this year.

Kanye image: NY Daily News

Perry vs. GaGa: The New East Coast vs. West Coast

The NEW East Coast Vs. West Coast

With the release of Lady GaGa’s Alejandro and Katy Perry’s California Gurls side by side, their rivalry returns. Created by record companies, gossip mags and my friends, Perry and GaGa seem to always be pitted against each other. Probably because they’re smart, talented, outlandish, opinionated pop musicians who are close in age and rose to fame in 2008. While they have much in common, they could not be more different. Perry represents the East Coast. GaGa represents the West Coast. Perry wrote California Gurls to represent her home state and compete with all the great New York based songs, including the latest mega hit out of the big apple “Empire State of Mind.” GaGa began her career in the Lower East Side club scene and she’s always gushing about her love for New York. It really becomes a comparison of taste for New York or California. Let’s see the differences for the NEW East Coast Vs. West Coast rivalry.

West

Both ladies are publicity machines. Katy Perry utilizes the new school way (think of The Hills Stars, Heidi and Spencer) – sharing every opinion, sharing personal information, having a public relationship with another celebrity and doing whatever it takes to get your name constantly in the press.

East

While Lady GaGa prefers the old school method (think Marilyn Manson) – withholding personal information, expression through shock videos, dramatic costumes, calculated opinions and elaborate performances.

West

Both ladies have buzz-worthy wardrobes. Perry’s wardrobe is full of colour, vintage and camp. When she started her career she made sure to stand out from the sexed-up crowd of pop stars with high-waisted shorts, halters, 50’s, polka dots and fruit adorned clothing.

East

GaGa done changed the game. In a world of stylists, worst dressed lists and celebrity-designer endorsement contracts, celebrity fashion has become predictable and too safe. Now everyone is scrambling to compete with GaGa’s stand out assortment of latex, hair bows, bubble dress, disco sticks, capes, lace masks and body suits.

West

Worst line: “I’m like a fatter version of Amy Winehouse and a skinner version of Lily Allen!”

Best Lyric: “You’re so gay, you don’t even like boys”

East

Worst line: “Pop stars don’t eat”

Best Lyric: Tie between -- "Russian Roulette is not the same without a gun / And baby when it's love if it's not rough it isn't fun”

“Find your freedom in the music. Find your Jesus. Find your Kubrick.”

West

Perry’s music is catchy and fun. She also has the vocal chops to sing live. While I’m not a fan, she definitely has no problem climbing to the number one spot of the charts.

Her latest video for California Gurls is ridiculously campy. At first I thought ‘Great. Another fergalicious video of a girl trying to be sexy on a pile of candy.” However, Katy’s adventures in make-believe Candyland are visually entertaining, even with the whip cream and cupcake tits scenes. (I get it. Straight guys will not listen to your music or watch your videos unless you are naked on a cloud.) I find this kind of degrading but the rest of the video looks like a Willy Wonka playground. Candy is my weakness.

East

GaGa has delivered some of the best dance anthems in the latter half of the decade. While her music is danceable pop with an edge, this lady has much to write and sing about - fame, love, obsession, society and fear. Her biggest strength in my opinion is singing acoustically with her piano. Pure magic.

Her latest video for Alejandro is dark yet beautiful. Steven Klein directed this video, which includes themes of religion and military control versus sexuality and freedom.

West

Perry has supported the following charities: Music for Relief, Project Clean Water and Keep-a-Breast – where she auctioned off her molded breasts to benefit breast cancer.

East

GaGa has supported the following charities: Alzheimer’s Association, Artists for Peace and Justice, Stand Up to Cancer and multiple other projects. Her most vocal stance has been for gay rights and for women. In the recent Viva Glam campaign against AIDS and HIV, she stated “We want women to feel strong and feel strong enough that they can remember to protect themselves. To have this lipstick as a reminder in your purse, that when your man is laying naked in bed, you go into the bathroom, you put your lipstick on, and you bring a condom out with you…There are no exceptions.”

Everyone has a favorite??? Check out the latest videos from Lady GaGa and Katy Perry.

Summer Fashion 101

Whites

The all-white look is a staple for summer fashion. Club Monaco has a wide selection in all-white, light weight clothing to keep you cool on hot summer days. Avoid white leggings and super tight white jeans this summer (as I fear intense camel toe will ruin your intentions), instead try white hosiery. In addition, ruffles are still trendy but a well-draped skirt is the best wardrobe investment. Burberry's chiffon knot skirts have all the romance without the frilly pouf of ruffles. For better value, try Club Monaco's Catherine Silk Chiffon Skirt.

Purples

Purple has been in the spotlight for sometime now. With bold fashionable Torontonians venturing into dark purple lipstick (like Cyber from Mac Cosmetics), I believe great Grape finds will continue to pop up everywhere.

Trends: Florals, Rompers, Mesh and Denim

Tiny floral prints are in high demand. Break the H&M Garden Collection mold with the original flower child, Betsey Johnson or Montreal brand Barila (found at Model Citizen or Pho Pa.) Rompers are a trend that isn't going away anytime soon. Although not for everyone, many brands are offering a super cute selection ranging from sexy to sophisticated. The Americana all-denim look is back with vests, jackets, rompers, button-up shirts, skirts and shorts finding a place in your wardrobe. Side note: The lighter the denim, the better. The lingerie/underwear-as-outwear trend hasn't really taken off in Toronto yet. For those more modest, a sheer top captures the look with minimum exposure.

Top Left to Right: Baril Clothing, Floral Jumper; Betsey Johnson, Floral Jumper; Joe Fresh, Floral Dress ($29.99)
Bottom Left to Right: The Gap, Denim Skirt ($49.99); Urban Outfitters, BDG Dolphin Shorts ($29.99); American Apparel, Mesh Top ($39.99)

Christian Siriano proves to be as savvy in business as in fashion

I just finished watching Christian Siriano on The View. As he showed off a few pieces from his Fall 2010 collection, I couldn't help but be impressed. Not just by the extravagant clothes, but I was mostly impressed by how savvy he is. As most Runway alumni fail to keep relevant after winning, Siriano cleverly built a solid foundation to support his runway collections. For example, his Payless Shoe Collection which keeps getting better every season. This is a great example of when talent, no matter how extraordinary, is not enough. With a sea of designers in today's markets, you need to offer something more than two collections a year. New fashion designers need to be their own marketing and pr dynamos. Consumers need to be reminded of why they need your brand in their closet. It's refreshing that designers are making deals for affordably priced Target/H&M/Payless/Gap lines. It's simply smart, since it widens your audience and it's an ideal press opportunity. With luxury sales down and fast fashion chains imitating high fashion anyhow, why not get in on the profits.

Images: The Cut

Best Looks on the Red Carpet

Left to right: Gwen Stefani in Lamb, Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein, January Jones in YSL


Left to Right: Diane Kruger in Calvin Klein, Brooke Shields in Michael Kors, Giesel Bunchen in Alexander Wang

The MET Costume Institute Gala, "the Oscar's of the east coast", always brings out the hottest names in fashion and the models and actresses that wear them. While long sleeves were surprisingly popular, most opted for classic ball gowns with trains. American designers were the choice of the night, since the exhibit was titled American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity.



From left to right: Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen, Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger in Chanel, Gwyneth Paltrow in Giorgio Armani

Cate Blanchett decided to kick off the Cannes Film Festival by paying tribute to the late Alexander McQueen. The dress was part of his Pre-Fall collection.
Also, Diane Kruger embraces one of her favorite designer, Karl Lagerfeld, at the Chanel 2010 Resort Collection. And Gwyneth looks chic at the Iron Man 2 premier.

Images: Harper Bazaar, The Cut, Entertainment Weekly, Huffington Post

Robin Givhan and Jeanne Beker talk fashion

On a particularly stormy night last Friday, Robin Givhan, fashion critic and style writer for The Washington Post, and Jeanne Beker, host of Fashion Television, finished a series of conversations dedicated to architecture, music and, of course, fashion. New to the Hot Doc film festival this year, Critical Mass is a conversation exploring cultural subjects related to film. Robin Givhan is a huge name in fashion right now. Instead of moving fashion forward by design, she elevated fashion journalism by winning the Pultzer Prize (a first for a fashion writer. ) Although Givhan claims she is still trying to figure fashion out, she seemed to have a pretty clear vision of where fashion fits into our cultural dialogue. They discussed the pitfalls of fashion, such as designer's narrow visions of their ideal clients, the link between the ideal beauty shrinking while obesity rises, and design being influenced from sponsorship. Yet the one major change that stood out was the "demoncratization of fashion." With increased exposure to fashion and style, people are taking an invested interest in the matter. What that could mean for the industry is public pressure to progress fashion into something more realistic, such as the presence of more mature models on the runway and more pragmatic designs. The end of glamour and teenage models? Maybe not, but the times are changing and the people are finding their voice in fashion. Jeanne also offered up a little tidbit of news. She will be venturing into a new clothing line "Edited by Jeanne", which will soon to be available at The Bay.