As the discourse around the new Barbie movie reaches a fever pitch (I mean, have you seen the trailer!?), Gap has gone ahead and made it a family affair. In a new collaboration, Gap and Barbie join forces on a bold and bright-pink collection, featuring a range of apparel and accessories for the whole family, including pet clothes.

Mejuri has a new flagship

Like FASHION, Mejuri calls Toronto home, and now the beloved and buzzy Ossington Avenue is site of its stunning flagship store. Stop by this weekend to check out the new space and add some bling to your spring wardrobe. Need a recommendation? Launching in tandem with the shop is the Toronto Mosaic Dôme Ring, which was inspired by the city and will be sold exclusively at the Ossington location.

Joyin Rey wants you to get that bag

 

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Everyone needs a mammoth-sized bag that can carry all of their belongings, hopes and dreams, right? This week, Toronto-based label Joyin Rey has unveiled upcycled vinyl handbags that can fit just about everything, including the kitchen sink! But what makes the That Bag collection (available on May 30) truly special? It began as an array of vinyl scraps sourced from a local upholstery manufacturer, so each sack is uniquely one of a kind.

This Toronto-based event is all about sustainability and fashion

Conscious fashion enthusiasts, listen up! On May 28, non-profit organization Fashion Takes Action is hosting ReMode, an event focused on promoting the longevity and circularity of clothes. Taking place at Evergreen Brickworks in Toronto, the full day event will feature industry leaders discussing a range of sustainability topics, as well as a market full of vendors that expertly reuse, resell, repurpose, upcycle, rent and repair garments. Bring the well-loved pieces that you’re ready to part ways with, as the event will also have a ReFashion clothing swap.

Lululemon releases a powerhouse running shoe

Lululemon’s latest running shoe, Blissfeel Trail, has got you covered on all terrains, from smooth pavement to rugged turf. As the brand’s first-ever road-to-trail women’s running shoe, these kicks address the gender gap in performance athletics and celebrate just how capable women are. It’s a perfect pairing if you’re planning to run the brand’s six-day ultramarathon next International Women’s Day (March 8, 2024). Let the training begin.

Lambert launches a new line of bags for summer

Our wish for a never-ending summer may never come true, but Lambert’s arguably more attainable Soleil Soleil collection certainly helps. The fun, colourful assortment of purses is versatile enough to withstand the following: summer activities, travel plans and nights out on the town with your besties.

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The post Gap Joins the Barbieverse + More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Fendi has had some major designer collaborations in recent years (think: Versace, Tiffany & Co. and Skims), but its new partnership with Marc Jacobs is an undeniable highlight. As part of the Fendi Baguette’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, the Italian luxury house enlisted the talents of the American designer to reinvent the iconic bag and other Fendi staples. The result is a marriage of uptown chic and downtown cool that adds new life to old favourites.

Aurora James’s new book Wildflower: A Memoir is available, wherever books are sold

 

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Call it a labour of love. After two and a half years of writing, re-writing and editing, Wildflower: A Memoir has finally hit shelves. Newly-minted author Aurora James (FASHION’s April 2023 cover star) recounts her life so far as she navigates a world of uncertainty in the fashion industry and beyond. Through sharing the challenges she’s faced, the entrepreneur and activist hopes to provide inspiration and guidance for each and every reader.

Smythe unveils a Love is Love blazer ahead of Pride month

Can one blazer save the world? No. But Smythe’s new shrunken blazer is giving us the energy we need to do so. Embroidered with the words “Love is Love” in rainbow thread, this new release comes just in time for all of the Pride activities on the horizon this summer. What’s more, a portion of profits made will be donated to It Gets Better Canada, a charity focused on uplifting the nation’s 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

Séda and the SHN Foundation work towards improving geriatric healthcare

Say philanthropic fashion partnership five times fast. Quite the tongue twister! Another great challenge? Caring for the elderly. In a new joint mission between outerwear brand Séda and the Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Foundation, geriatric healthcare is brought to the forefront. For the rest of 2023, a portion of proceeds from the sale of any Séda garment will be donated to the SHN Foundation to recognize the importance of caring for an elder.

An outdoorsy collaboration has blossomed

Whether you’re a hiking hero or pitching a tent for the first time, Roots and Alder Apparel want to welcome you to the great outdoors. The collaboration combines the outdoor heritage of Roots with Alder’s ingenuity to challenge old-school stereotypes of who is considered “outdoorsy.” Expect to see 11 size-inclusive pieces that serve both form and function like this fresh spin on a classic sweatshirt.

With files from Annika Lautens

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

The post Fendi by Marc Jacobs Is Here + More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

It’s hard to believe that Pleats Please Issey Miyake turns 30 this May. The iconic label — which, since its inception, has strived to create clothes full of freedom and joy — is celebrating with a special series of pleated pieces that are covered in abstract lettering and colourful hues. Combined with its stretchy, comfy and easy-to-care-for fabric, you’ll surely be hitting the dance floor in these wares.

Kotn arrives in Toronto’s Leslieville

 

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Right on cue with Toronto’s spring awakening, Kotn is opening its second retail location in the city on May 6. Set in the heart of Leslieville, locals and visitors alike will be able to peruse the relaxed yet polished storefront, which not only features the latest Kotn styles, but has a rotation of artisanal rugs, textiles and other unique home goods. What’s more, the shop is connected to a new Maha’s café. So as sunshine strolling and outdoor shopping resumes, re-up your summer wardrobe with the best quality tees and tanks (cotton-blended, of course) with an Egyptian-inspired cardamom latte in hand.

H&M’s Curvy Collection is here

Flattering, comfortable and irresistible is how H&M describes their newest release. Made to embrace every curve, the Curvy Collection is designed with extra room at the hips and thighs, with a tapered waistline for a sculpted effect. Prepare for a summer of fun, because this array of dresses and fresh fits come in the brightest of neon hues.

Holt Renfrew is offering Obakki home goods (and more) for a limited time

 

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What’s so good about home goods? They’re an extension of our style and personality, of course. In an exciting collaboration, Holt Renfrew’s Bloor Street location in Toronto is hosting an Obakki pop-up featuring a beautiful selection of thoughtfully designed and handmade homeware. Whether it’s a new vase or a set of stemmed glasses, it may just be time for a little redecorating.

Inland’s Spring 2023 pop-up is a must-visit

Inland’s founder and director Sarah Power is elevating the Canadian fashion shopping experience, one curated pop-up at a time. This year’s marketplace will be held in a gorgeous space at 157 Bloor Street West within Toronto’s premium shopping district and will run from May 5 to 7. Not only will more than 70 of Canada’s most defining brands be showcased (think Dorian Who, Heirloom Hats, Lesley Hampton, Narces and Christopher Bates), but Toronto Metropolitan University fashion students and alumni will be showcasing and selling their concepts and designs, too.

The post Pleats Please Issey Miyake Turns 30 + More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Mention the first Monday in May to any fashion lover and they’ll immediately know what you’re talking about. Each year, the star-studded Met Gala takes place on this date, in partnership with The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and brings with it some of the most incredible fashion looks we’ll see in the year. From larger-than-life ballgowns to radical suits, there’s no limit on self-expression on style.

RELATED: The Best Met Gala Beauty Looks Ever — Period

Ahead of the 2023 Met Gala, we dove into the event’s archives to relive some of the Met ball’s most memorable fashion moments. Ahead, see more than 90 of the Met Gala best looks of all time.

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Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

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Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

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Photography via Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Cardi B in Atelier Versace

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Hailey Bieber in Saint Laurent

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Janelle Monáe in Ralph Lauren

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Blake Lively in Atelier Versace in 2022

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Emma Chamberlain in Louis Vuitton

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Alessandro Michele and Jared Leto at the 2022 Met Gala

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Teyana Taylor in Iris Van Herpen

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Gigi Hadid in Atelier Versace

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Paloma Elsesser in Coach

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Michelle Yeoh in Prabal Gurung

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Alexa Chung in Christian Siriano

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Jodie Turner-Smith in Gucci

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Kate Moss in Burberry

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Bad Bunny in Burberry

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Dakota Johnson in Gucci

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

SZA in Vivienne Westwood

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Bella Hadid in Burberry

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2022 – Gilded Glamour

Lizzo in Thom Browne

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Hunter Schafer in Prada and Evangeline AdaLioryn

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Sophia Roe in Halston

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

A$SAP Rocky in ERL, Rihanna in Balenciaga Haute Couture and Bulgari

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Zoe Kravitz in Saint Laurent

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Lil Nas X in Versace

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Kaia Gerber in Oscar de la Renta and Omega

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Iman in Gucci and Harris Reed

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Kendall Jenner in Givenchy

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Barbie Ferreira in Jonathan Simkhai

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Justin Bieber in La Maison Drew, Hailey Bieber in Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co.

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Bilie Eilish in Oscar de la Renta

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2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

Timothée Chalamet in Haider Ackermann and Rick Owens

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Lizzo in custom Marc Jacobs

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Billy Porter in The Blonds and Baz Luhrmann in Prada

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Celine Dion in Oscar de la Renta gown and Noel Stewart headpiece, Law Roach, and Zendaya

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Michael B. Jordan in Coach, Cara Delevingne in Dior and Jared Leto in Gucci

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Lena Waithe in custom Pyer Moss and Kerby Jean-Raymond in custom Pyer Moss

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Cardi B in Thom Browne

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Kim Kardashian West in Thierry Mugler, Jennifer Lopez in Versace, Kylie Jenner in Versace, and Kendall Jenner in Versace

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Ciara in Peter Dundas

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Darren Criss in Balmain

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Awkwafina in Altuzarra

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Laverne Cox in Christian Siriano

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez in Versace

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Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell in 2019

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2019 – Camp: Notes On Fashion

Harry Styles in Gucci and Alessandro Michele

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2018 – Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination

Katy Perry in custom Versace

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2018 – Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination

Lana del Rey in Gucci and Jared Leto in Gucci

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2018 – Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination

Rihanna in Maison Margiela

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2018 – Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

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2018 – Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination

Jasmine Sanders in custom H&M

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2018 – Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination

Cynthia Erivo in custom Valentino

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2017 – Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between

Ashley Graham in custom H&M

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2017 – Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between

Blake Lively in Atelier Versace and Ryan Reynolds

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2017 – Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between

Zendaya in Dolce & Gabbana

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2017 – Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between

Cara Delevingne in Chanel

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2016 – Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology

Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein

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2016 – Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology

Florence Welch in Gucci

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2016 – Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology

Kanye West in Balmain (jacket) and Fear Of God (jeans)

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2015 – China: Through The Looking Glass

Grace Coddington

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2015 – China: Through The Looking Glass

Kim Kardashian West in Roberto Cavalli

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2015 – China: Through The Looking Glass

Beyoncé in custom Givenchy

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2015 – China: Through The Looking Glass

Rihanna in Guo Pei

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2015 – China: Through The Looking Glass

Katy Perry in Moschino

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2014 – Charles James: Beyond Fashion

Lupita Nyong’o in Prada

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2014 – Charles James: Beyond Fashion

Mary-Kate Olsen in vintage Chanel and Ashley Olsen in vintage Gianfranco Ferré

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2013 – PUNK: Chaos To Couture

Kerry Washington

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2012 – Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations

Karolina Kurkova

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2011 – Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

Beyoncé in Emilio Pucci

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2011 – Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

Blake Lively

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2011 – Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

Naomi Campbell in Alexander McQueen

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2010 – American Woman: Fashioning A National Identity

Jessica Alba in Sophie Theallet for Gap

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2008 – Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy

Anna Wintour in Chanel

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2007 – Poiret: King of Fashion

Jennifer Lopez

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2006 – AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion

Victoria Beckham in Roland Mouret

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2005 – The House of Chanelves

Rolf Snoeren, Karolina Kurkova in Chanel, Viktor Horsting

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2004 – Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion And Furniture In The 18th Century

Scarlett Johansson in Calvin Klein

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2003 – Goddess: The Classical Mode

David Bowie and Iman

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1999 – Rock Style

John Galliano

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1999 – Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron

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1999 – Rock Style

Whitney Houston in Dolce & Gabbana and Bobby Brown

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1997 – Gianni Versace

Iman and Ferré Gianfranco

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1997 – Gianni Versace

John Galliano

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1997 – Gianni Versace

Salma Hayek in Versace

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1996 – Christian Dior

Donatella Versace and Gianni Versace

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1995 – Haute Couture

Naomi Campbell

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1994 – Orientalism: Visions of the East in Western Dress

Iris Love

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1990 – Théâtre de la Mode: Fashion Dolls: The Survival of Haute Couture

Naomi Campbell and Francesco Scavullo

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1985 Costumes of Royal India

Cher and Bob Mackie

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1981 – The 18th Century Woman

Diana Ross

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1981 – The Eighteenth Century Woman

Calvin Klein and Iman

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1979 – Fashions of The Hapsburg Era

Jackie Onassis

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1974 – Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design

Anthony Perkins, Berry Berenson and Marisa Berenson

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1974 – Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design

Cher in Bob Mackie

The post A Look Back at the Best Fashion Moments in Met Gala History appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Hot off the heels of its successful debut, Simons boutiques are rolling out a second Édito collection. The assortment is spring-focused and features 10 pieces made out of high quality textiles, rich colours and timeless silhouettes. From the botanical watercolour silk dress to the sophisticated poplin collared shirt, the discreet-yet-luxurious clothing is surely a sign of the times.

Knix releases new leak-proof swimwear

Knix has debuted their 2023 swimwear and it’s got everything you need for a carefree summer. From built-in Leakproof Technology to proper bra support, these vibrant bathers are both fab and functional. What’s more, the collection comes in sizes XS to 4XL, with a cup range from A to G.

Pucci and The Webster launch a festival-inspired capsule collection

Here’s a partnership that is as groovy as it is chic: Italian fashion house Pucci and luxury multi-brand retailer The Webster have come together for an exclusive collection. Inspired by one of the most attended music festivals in the world, Coachella, and aligning with the opening of The Webster’s Palm Springs location, the Iride capsule perfectly captures a vibrant, free-spirited and playful energy.

The Terry Fox Foundation collaborates with Ryan Reynolds on a limited-edition T-shirt

Ryan Reynolds has teamed up with the Terry Fox Foundation to make an impact on Canadian cancer research. With the help of the Fox family, Reynolds has designed a limited-edition #DearTerry T-shirt which has already helped raise over $1 million dollars in pre-sales alone. What’s more, it’s kicking off a series of inspirational #DearTerry messages from the nation. In Reynolds’s own message, he said, “I’ve been taking part in the Terry Fox Run since second grade and can’t think of a more enduring and lovely legacy for one person.”

Joe Fresh and Roxy Earle launch a vacation-ready collection

Whether or not you’re jet-setting this summer, get ready for some pre-vacay jitters. Hotel Roxy, Joe Fresh’s latest collection in collaboration with long-time partner Roxy Earle, is a one-stop shop for all your summer travel needs — from swimwear and activewear to accessories and footwear (which now goes up to a size 11!). “For many, it’s not easy finding great vacation wear that is size inclusive and [at] a great price point,” said Earle in a press release from the brand. “I have always found ‘girls trips’ and bachelorettes difficult… I have worked hand-in-hand with Joe Fresh so you don’t have to feel that way.”

Zoë Kravitz stars in the This is Tiffany campaign

In Tiffany & Co.’s latest campaign, This is Tiffany, individual style leads the way. Just take a look at the house ambassadors donning pieces from the Tiffany T and Tiffany HardWear collections. Zoë Kravitz is rocking an edgy-yet-feminine chain link, BTS’s Jimin is sporting cool, white gold tones, and Gal Gadot is dotted with dainty diamonds.

The post Simons Taps Into Quiet Luxury + More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Eloquii has just launched a swimsuit collection that deserves applause for its unique designs and fiery colourways. Designed in collaboration with Gabi Fresh, one of the first influencers to provide a resource, voice and safe space for fashion lovers sizes 14+, the statement suits and graphic resort wear will have you looking for the soonest flight south.

The Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama collaboration continues

Doting fans of Yayoi Kusama will be pleased to hear about Drop 2 of the Japanese artist’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton. Even more handbags, like the iconic Capucines and monogrammed Neverfull, are covered in new variations of radiant pumpkins, flowers and infinity dots, welcoming the brave and bold into Kusama’s avant-garde world.

Allbirds creates the world’s first net zero carbon shoe

While aiming for a greener future, Allbirds shot for the moon — and didn’t miss. The eco-conscious brand has created the world’s first ever net zero carbon shoe, aptly named M0.0NSHOT, and it’s completely restructuring the footwear game. “We believe this will revolutionize the path to net zero, and act as rocket-fuel for the entire industry,” said Hana Kajimura, head of sustainability at Allbirds, in a press release. “The scientists have shown us what’s possible — now it’s time for the fashion industry to carry the open-sourced learnings from M0.0NSHOT forward.” The shoe’s official reveal will be in June 2023 at Copenhagen’s Global Fashion Summit.

Lululemon is running for mental health

To many, running is a form of therapy, which is why Lululemon has tapped L.A.-based lifestyle brand Madhappy to co-create a run collection in support of mental health. Launching on April 4, the limited-edition assortment of technical products features a sunset-inspired palette and tie-dye prints, driving home the idea that there’s joy in a balanced lifestyle. What’s more, both brands will be making a collective donation of $40,000 USD in support of the JED Foundation, a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults across America.

Make way for an On x Ssense exclusive

An Ssense exclusive is a pretty big deal, and Swiss sportswear brand On is the latest to receive this treatment. Its high performance Cloudflash running shoe has been refreshed through the style-centric lens of Ssense, and features a new colourway of earthy brown with neon lime accents. Consider the shoe both practical and cool.

Own the moment with Bulgari’s new Octo Roma releases

The refreshed Octo Roma collection is a flawless example of modern-day haute horlogerie. Best characterized by its versatility, sophistication and elegance, these new Bulgari timepieces embody a contemporary style while still staying true to the technical precision of Swiss watchmaking. Plus, they’re distinct enough to stand out amongst the masses: the octagon-shaped case — and name — is a nod to the city of Rome, where the high jewellery brand was founded.

The post Eloquii Drops Its First Swimwear Collection + More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Thrifting Tips for Spotting Rare Gems Amid the Duds

Common Sort

 

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LOCATION: Toronto
SPECIALTY: Trendy fast-fashion and designer-label gems
WHY WE LOVE IT: Like most consignment stores, Common Sort can be a grab bag when it comes to style, catering to both Gen Z Y2K enthusiasts and designer snobs alike. Despite the disparate racks, what everything has in common is an affordable price tag; high-quality vintage pieces can be had for less than $30, and designer items rarely go for more than $100. With three different locations across Toronto — each catering to its unique neighbourhood locale — Common Sort will fulfill any bargain hunter’s bloodhound-like nose for a deal.

Stella Luna

LOCATION: Toronto
SPECIALTY: Pristine rare 1960s vintage
WHY WE LOVE IT: Open only two days a week, Stella Luna is perhaps Toronto’s best-kept vintage secret. Owner Crispian Underwood has been hawking Oleg Cassini blouses and sleek alligator pumps to discerning Torontonians since the mid-’90s from her west-Parkdale storefront with its celestial motifs painted on dusty-orange walls. Prices are scandalously affordable; a stunning 1960s beaded cardigan clocks in at only $30. Ask nicely and Underwood may let you into her treasure trove of a basement for a peek.

Mintage Mall

 

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LOCATION: Vancouver
SPECIALTY: Novelty graphic tees and perfectly-worn-in denim
WHY WE LOVE IT: As the name suggests, Mintage Mall is a mall full of vintage. Located in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, it houses wares from some of the city’s most reputable vintage sellers under a single roof. You’ll find Billy Joel concert tees among kitschy salt and pepper shakers, sports jerseys, wedding dresses and much more spread out over several floors. With its penchant for ironic novelty items, it caters to a younger audience, but root around for an afternoon and you may leave with something wholly unexpected. Also, keep an eye out for the $20-or-less sales!

Seconde Vintage

 

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LOCATION: Montreal
SPECIALTY: Designer clothes in bold, brazen silhouettes
WHY WE LOVE IT: Opened in 2021, Seconde Vintage is a newcomer to Montreal’s brimming second-hand-store scene. Its well-curated selection of high-end vintage makes it the perfect place for anyone who wants to find pristine Prada pumps without looking too hard. The inside is jam-packed with unexpected and quirky pieces from Thierry Mugler, Chanel, Issey Miyake and The Row that you might not find anywhere else. Some of the outré styles on offer are not for the faint of heart, but a statement piece or two will elevate your wardrobe to the next level.

Collective Will

 

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LOCATION: Vancouver
SPECIALTY: A covetable designer handbag selection
WHY WE LOVE IT: Shopping at Collective Will is like going to a clothing swap with your most stylish friends. The sunny, light-filled boutique in Vancouver’s historic Gastown district boasts the city’s most impressive selection of vintage and second-hand designer goods, including an abundance of Prada, Furla and Gucci bags. Most of the offerings are fairly pricey, but the store has frequent markdowns to clear out space, so with enough patience, you can snag a great deal on something you love. Perhaps the best news of all? They ship online orders worldwide.

Boretski Gallery

 

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LOCATION: Belleville, Ont.
SPECIALTY: Antique accessories and jazzy formalwear
WHY WE LOVE IT: Owner Marina Boretski’s crowded downtown-Belleville shop is ripe with treasures, and she often lends out her unique wares to wardrobe and prop stylists for use on Netflix shows. Dazzling 1920s evening gowns, lace bonnets from the Victorian era and 1950s cotton swimsuits are all items you might stumble upon while combing the racks. Boretski, whose boutique has been open since 2003, has an encyclopedic knowledge of her stock and can help locate pieces you might have missed on your first pass through the store.

Swish Vintage

 

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LOCATION: Edmonton
SPECIALTY: Flirty, femme vintage dresses
WHY WE LOVE IT: In a city not typically known for its stylistic prowess, Swish Vintage is a rare gem. Owner Angela Larson is a self-described “treasure hunter, storyteller and stylist” who has been uniting special items with their rightful owners for 20 years. (The name comes from Larson’s grandmother, a fashionista who used to describe stylish people as “so swish.”) The store specializes in the feminine and eclectic: Jackie O. dresses from the 1960s hang on racks next to floral cotton dresses from the 1980s. Some finds — like a custom-made leopard-print three-piece skirt suit from the 1960s ($395) — must be seen to be believed.

La Petite Boutique/The Little Shop

 

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LOCATION: Montreal
SPECIALTY: Antique textiles and costume-y clothes
WHY WE LOVE IT: Located outside of Montreal’s crowded vintage scene, La Petite Boutique may be the most beloved friperie (French for “thrift store”) of them all. Spanning three floors, the crowded shop boasts an eclectic array of handmade quilts stacked all the way up to the ceilings and a hodgepodge of hats. Nearly everyone who goes in — from puff-sleeved-prairie-dress lovers to ironic e-girls — will find something to satisfy their sensibilities. And lucky shoppers may end up being treated to a tray of tea and cookies in the afternoon by store owner Jill Moroz.

Elsie’s Used Clothing

 

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LOCATION: Halifax
SPECIALTY: Quirky high-end jumble sale
WHY WE LOVE IT: With its canary-yellow exterior and racks of clothing enticing customers to come inside, Elsie’s Used Clothing is a mainstay on Halifax’s Queen Street. The interior looks like the dressing room of a quirky aunt, with walls covered in vintage tapestries, thrift store framed photos and hangers displaying some of the frothier wares. You’ll find an assortment of luxury goods, like a 1980s Balenciaga purse ($350) and a vintage fur-collar coat ($280), at standard (read “not cheap”) vintage prices. Head there soon because the building is slated for demolition sometime in 2024.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s April 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Canada’s Best Vintage Stores appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Introducing Canada’s Most Stylish Thrifter, Aldeneil Española

Still don’t believe us? Below we’ve rounded up 11 sustainable upcycled pieces that prove our point.

1/11

1/Off

Top Scarves Long Sleeves 03

($505, 1/Off)

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2/11

Maguire

Bai Ice Blue Sunglasses

($95, Maguire)

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3/11

Ganni

Small Occasion Hobo Bag

($325, Ganni)

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4/11

Bode

Crochet-Design Button Shirt

($2,075, Bode)

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5/11

Colville

SY Upcycled Skirt

($1,905, Colville)

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6/11

Completedworks

"Notsobig" Crumple

($370, Completedworks)

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7/11

Veja

Rio Branco Alveomesh Low-Top Sneakers

($390, Veja)

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8/11

OAMC

Re:Work Parachute Shirt

($1,270, OAMC)

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9/11

PH5

Lorenzo Wavy Bra Top

($255, PH5)

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10/11

Nike

ISPA Sense Flyknit

($260, Nike)

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11/11

Collina Strada

Metallic Green Multi Crushed Chain Necklace

($455, Collina Strada)

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A version of this article first appeared in FASHION’s April 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post Elevate Your Wardrobe With These Upcycled Pieces appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Former Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott is known for his cheeky, irreverent style, so it’s no surprise that his latest gig designing a couture collection using upcycled car waste is a bit “outside the box.” Shown at Seoul Fashion Week on March 22 as part of Hyundai Motor Company’s Re: Style initiative, the project addresses the environmental impact of both the fashion and automotive industries and proves that treasure can be created from trash. The designs effortlessly transformed windshield wipers, wheels, seat belts, tail lights and wires into something shockingly beautiful.

Fashion Art Toronto returns with its biggest event

 

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Fashion Art Toronto is back for its Spring 2023 showcase. From April 27 to April 30, 50 Canadian designers (including L’Uomo Strano, Lesley Hampton and Narces) will present their creativity in a variety of runway shows and presentations. Taking place at Black Creek Assembly, the venue will also feature a fashion playground filled with interactive areas for guests to enjoy. Get your tickets now.

Dior goes for gold in its latest capsule collection

Everything Maria Grazia Chiuri touches turns to gold — figuratively and (sometimes) literally. Just look at her latest reinterpretation of the Dior Or capsule, a selection of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories that have been laced with a gilded touch. You’ll find subtle yet luminous gold tones featured on items like the iconic Lady Dior bag, the Bar Jacket and the Walk’n’Dior sneakers. And since gold has been a key pillar in the brand’s identity since the late Christian Dior was designing, it’s the perfect marriage of old and new.

Van Cleef & Arpels paints a picture of spring

Many think of spring as a time of new beginnings. Van Cleef & Arpels agrees, adding four new pieces to its Lucky Spring collection. An expression of luck and joy, ladybugs and dainty floral motifs adorn the hardware of two necklaces, a ring and a bracelet. Drenched in a palette of rose gold, white mother of pearl, onyx and carnelian, you can expect this jewellery collection to shimmer as elegantly as a dewy spring garden.

Veronica Beard arrives on Canadian soil

Chic and contemporary ready-to-wear label Veronica Beard has touched down in Canada for the very first time. Founded by sisters-in-law Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard (no, you’re not seeing double) in 2010, the modern, feminine label fits right in within Toronto’s Yorkville village where the storefront is open and ready for perusing. “Toronto happens to be one of our favourite cities, with an energy unlike any other,” shares Miele Beard in a press release. “We wanted VB Toronto to capture the distinct spirit of Veronica Beard as well the spirit of Toronto — warm, lived-in and inviting.”

Ashlee Simpson-Ross joins Ashley Freeborn in designing a new Smash + Tess collection

Now, if you think you’re seeing double this time, rest assured you are not. Ashlee Simpson-Ross has collaborated with Smash + Tess founder Ashley Freeborn on a retro-inspired collection of rompers, dusters and dresses for men, women and children. Canadian-made and slow-fashion focused, these size-inclusive pieces are fit for the whole fam.

The post Jeremy Scott Designs Couture for Hyundai + More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: 8 Things To Know Before Buying a Watch

While in this salvaging frame of mind, I noticed a rivulet of gold on an old brown espresso cup after dinner at a friend’s place. The cup looked like it had had a mini volcanic eruption. Gleaming 24-karat “magma” slithered down from the rim in a meandering diagonal. My friend, a ceramic artist, said: “It’s bootleg kintsugi. The cup was cracked so I just mixed some gold powder with epoxy and glued it back together.” Had any masters of the 15th-century Japanese art form been at the table, they would have spit out their tea. But to the rest of us, who didn’t know any better, gold glue made for a nifty repair job.

“Kintsugi” means “to join with gold.” As the legend goes, a shogun named Ashikaga Yoshimasa’s favourite celadon-glazed bowl was broken so he sent it to China to be repaired. What returned was a Frankenstein-style mend job held together with metal staples. Yoshimasa ordered his own people to come up with a better patching technique.

Thus was born kintsugi — a slow-as-molasses fix that uses gold-dusted urushi lacquer to glue broken pieces of pottery together. The lacquer is made from the sap of the Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree, a member of the sumac family, which grows in Japan, China and Korea. Urushi trees are finicky and can only be harvested when they are between 10 and 12 years old. Each tree produces roughly a single cup of pale urushi sap, and once that sap has been extracted, the tree is cut down. So, urushi is like the blood of trees. Obtaining it requires a botanical sacrifice, true, but one that is not irrevocable. Nature kicks in, the slain tree regenerates shoots from its stump and the slow cycle begins all over again the following spring.

Immense work goes into tapping urushi trees and processing the sap, which is done by hand. The sap will have different qualities depending on which season it’s collected in: Spring sap contains more water, while summer sap has a higher concentration of urushiol, the chemical compound that gives urushi lacquer its indestructible hard glossiness. The sap is poured into wooden vats and placed under a heat source or outside on hot days. Workers stir it continuously by hand.

Kintsugi has traditionally been used to mend pottery, but jewellers have borrowed the technique to dramatically upcycle flawed and fractured gems. The well-trained lacquer master carefully cleans each fragment of stone. Deftly, they coat the surfaces of the fissure, join the pieces together and leave the glued-together gem to set, which requires a high humidity of up to 80 per cent and a temperature of 24°C. It takes the lacquer several weeks to form a matrix of molecules over the surface, bonding the gem pieces together for what will now be thousands of years. The urushi glue is then sanded down, and gold is dusted over the lacquered cracks.

Besides the immeasurable value of time and skill poured into patiently reconstructing a broken object, it is the materials — the gold, of course, but also the lacquer — that make the repair as precious, if not more so, as the thing being repaired. Perhaps this is what Japanese jeweller Milamore is hinting at in its kintsugi-inspired (but not kintsugi-repaired) floating pavé diamond gold rings and necklaces.

Italian jewellery house Pomellato has introduced a kintsugi collection consisting of reclaimed broken gemstones. Tokyo artist Maya Higuchi is collaborating with Pomellato to create rings, pendant necklaces and earrings from damaged jet and volcanic opals called kogolong. Her gold-slashed repair work gives the pieces their contemporary abstract chocolate-box aesthetic. The kintsugi also makes each piece absolutely one of a kind.

Many fine-jewellery clients who buy “nothing but the best” won’t understand plunking down a few thousand dollars for a glued-together ring. But kintsugi philosophy is seeping into a West that is trying to be more sustainable and less blinkered about perfection. More than just a way to fix broken things, kintsugi is a philosophy about broken things — that we don’t discard them, that we fix them and that we fix them by elevating their brokenness, not concealing it. People are taking kintsugi to heart and baring the unique chips and cracks of their life experience to others. And in high jewellery, where poorly placed flaws reduce gemstones to a sliver of their worth, kintsugi is turning trash into shimmering treasures.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s April 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post Jewellers Are Using Kintsugi To Upcycle Broken Gems appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Introducing Canada’s Most Stylish Thrifter, Aldeneil Española

For me, the bounty represented not just an accession of style but an escape from the confines of social class. When I was growing up, my mom sewed most of my wardrobe herself, which at the time marked me as someone unable to afford brand-name labels. But at the thrift store, I could find Lacoste sweaters and vintage Armani suits for less than a pair of jeans at the Gap. All of a sudden, I was dressing better than my classmates. The entire world opened up when I no longer had to choose between quantity and quality. Over countless hours — no doubt at least the 10,000 that Malcolm Gladwell says are required to achieve true expertise — I developed a truffle-pig-like ability to spot treasures, like made-in-England vintage Dr. Martens and Brooks Brothers button-downs. Apparently, all it takes to look expensive is to have a good eye.

While I still love thrifting in theory, in practice, the fluorescent overhead lighting has begun to feel less like a symbol of promise and more like a harbinger of doom. Nowadays, the overwhelming thought I get upon entering a thrift store is “How can I get out of here as soon as possible?” I used to be able to walk into a second-hand shop and stumble across a pair of knee-high made-in-Italy leather combat boots that fit perfectly for $20. Now, all I can find are pilling mall-brand knits and flammable halter tops from Fashion Nova or Shein that fall apart after three wears. After a few minutes of half-heartedly rifling through the crammed racks, I head to the housewares section, do a quick scan for Le Creuset and kitschy figurines and then leave.

This precipitous drop in inventory quality isn’t because more people have caught on to thrifting — though according to a ThredUp study, the second-hand market is projected to experience more growth than any other clothing sector (including fast fashion) between now and 2031 — it’s because clothing brands have engaged in a race to the bottom with regard to garment construction in order to turn a profit. Clothing is one of the rare consumer categories that has actually decreased in price over the past 30 years, even with inflation. When a T-shirt costs less than a carton of eggs, you know there’s a problem. Thrift stores are not just places where unwanted garments move on to their next stage of life; they’re a graveyard where inferior clothing goes to die.

The reality is that thrifting has become such a poignant reminder of the dilemma of consumerism that I would rather avoid it altogether. Instead, I find joy in saving up to thoughtfully acquire new pieces from ethical independent designers.

That said, it isn’t impossible to find good stuff while thrifting; it’s just become much more difficult. If you know what you’re looking for, you’ll still be able to walk away with a few rare gems. Here’s how to spot first-rate finery amid a sea of trash.

Avoid synthetics

Always keep your eyes peeled for items made from natural fibres like wool, cotton, silk and linen. Organic materials are often more breathable than synthetic ones, and they typically have a smaller eco footprint than materials made from petroleum by-products.

Check fabric quality

Designers refer to “the hand” to describe the sensation of a fabric against your skin. For example, how does it feel in your hand? Is the material silky and soft or slippery and staticky? The way a garment feels helps determine how often you will wear it, so be sure you like the fabric just as much as — or even more than — the style before putting it in your cart.

Learn to read labels

A clothing label provides almost as much information as a book — if you know how to read it. It can tell you the age of something, whether it’s high- or low-end and where it was made — all important clues for determining a garment’s quality. Clothing made before 1990 and items made in Italy, England, the United States and Canada tend to be valued for their superior quality (bonus points if the piece is union-made). Notice a designer label? Congratulations! You’ve hit the jackpot.

Assess the workmanship

Examine the garment to see if there are any loose threads; if so, pull them to make sure the piece doesn’t fall apart. Look at the stitching. Is it perfectly straight or wonky? If there’s a pattern, does it line up at the seams? Cheaper-quality garments are usually held together by looping serged hems instead of stitched seams.

Practise patience

Thrifting isn’t like heading to the mall and picking a shirt out of a lineup of acceptable options. Instead, try to have an open mind and allow yourself to be surprised. Keep an idea in your head of what you’re looking for, but don’t get discouraged if you don’t find it immediately. Sometimes it takes years of searching before the Thrift Store Gods deliver on their promise.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s April 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post Is the Golden Era of Vintage Shopping Long Gone? appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

I’ve always had a fixation on and a love for hair. I can even remember being four years old and drawing stick figures with super-long hair. My parents were always very into beauty and fashion, so I think they were a big influence when it came to me being expressive with my looks. My sister was also a huge contributing factor, especially when it came to my colourful aesthetic. She used to have locs, and I would watch her colour them all sorts of hues. I always thought that that was cool, and as I got older, I wanted to be able to do something similar but in my own unique way.

RELATED: Texture Talk: How to Repair Heat and Colour Damage

My colour choices are very reflective of where I am in my life. Spiritually speaking, colours have their own energies and vibrations. For example, my hair was pink last summer — a time when I needed to embrace more self-love. (Pink is associated with love, inner peace, balance and harmony.) I’ve also rocked brown to be more grounded and blue for more calming and healing energy. As I go through transition periods and phases in life, my hair colours mirror them.

 

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When it comes to my curls, I’m a volume girl; I like to add extensions to my natural hair to accentuate it but mostly to achieve my colours — I’m terrified to dye my own hair, especially any bright shade. Extensions are fun, versatile and safer for the health and longevity of my hair. I love wigs for these same reasons. I’ve learned to make braided wigs — plaiting my own hair isn’t always the most convenient thing for me because I like to switch up my style a lot — and I’m in the process of learning to make lace-front wigs.

With my hair-care routine, I try to be mindful of not over-consuming products; I try to stick to a plan — like deep conditioning once a month and investing in good hydrating oils — and not go overboard with formulas. And I’ll reuse wigs and certain types of extensions until I basically can’t anymore. I think that it’s important to buy quality products that will last, as opposed to constantly purchasing new ones.

A hair-care routine can be such a spiritual thing, too. Like, at night, I wear a really big bonnet — I often laugh at myself when I have it on because it kind of looks like the mushroom hat from Mario — to preserve my curls, but I’ve also noticed that when my hair is covered, I feel protected in a way. I think that comes from my experiences: Rocking really big curls out in public, I’ve had random people touch my hair without asking and ask me questions like “How do you sleep?” or “Is your hair heavy?” For the most part, I understand that those types of encounters are coming from an innocent place, but sometimes, unfortunately, there are situations that feel like microaggressions.

When I was younger, I was very insecure about my looks — I literally thought I was ugly. But once I entered my 20s and did a lot of self-reflecting, healing and growth work, I felt a shift — a transformative perception of myself. It’s taken a while, but I’ve learned to really appreciate my style and my beauty, even if I do have days where I’m like, “Am I too much for people? Too expressive, too flamboyant?” I have to remind myself sometimes that the right people will appreciate me for who I am. I’ve learned to accept myself, and I know that I wouldn’t want to be any other way.

 

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Love to experiment with wigs or extensions? Check out 5 brands bettering the hair-extension game:

The wig and hair-extension market is a multi-billion-dollar global industry. But many are made with landfill-bound strands of plastic (which often have an alkaline coating that can cause skin irritation), while various human-hair versions raise ethical issues surrounding sourcing. Here, discover brands bettering the game with their transparency and practices, like using premium Remy hair (strands cut or shaved straight from willing donors who are compensated in return, plus all the protective hair cuticles are preserved for sleekness and shine) and recyclable alternatives.

Photography courtesy of Ayune Hair

Photography by Colin Gaudet courtesy of Luxy Hair

Photography courtesy of New Village Braid

1/5

Ayune Hair

Body Wave

(From $111, Ayune Hair)

This Australian company sources hair from Southeast Asian women who collect their naturally shed strands for additional income. The extensions are piped (a chemical-free process) to create signature “body” and “water wave” textures.

Buy Now

2/5

Larin

Yaki Straight

(From $146, Larin)

Based in the United Kingdom, Larin offers dye-friendly styles, all of which are made of Remy hair from Vietnam. Donors are compensated fairly, and the brand’s partner factory ensures fair working conditions.

Buy Now

3/5

Luxy Hair

16" Peekaboo Halo Hair Extensions

($250, Luxy Hair)

Beloved by A-listers like Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Lopez, this Salt Lake City-based Remy hair extensions brand has a recycling program for old units through Matter of Trust, an organization that felts hair into absorbent mats used to help clean up oil spills.

Buy Now

4/5

Mulberry Hair Extensions

Topper

(From $1,490, Mulberry Hair Extensions)

This made-in-Canada brand offers hand-crafted, tailored human-hair extensions sourced responsibly both domestically and internationally.

Buy Now

5/5

New Village Braid

NVB Eco Pre-stretched 26" in “Platinum Blonde”

($11, New Village Braid)

This PVC- and alkaline-free faux braiding hair won’t cause irritation and can be sent back to the brand’s Virginia headquarters post-use to be recycled instead of tossed in the trash.

Buy Now

This article first appeared in FASHION’s April 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post Colourful Hair Is the Ultimate Form of Self-Expression for This Astrologer appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Sylvia Mantella’s Gucci-Filled Closet is an Ode to Alessandro Michele

This thinking explains how Karas (known on social media as @lordwarg) has compiled a collection of over 500 Jean Paul Gaultier pieces, all of which line the walls of his small Chelsea living room. “I like to see everything,” he smiles, sitting cross-legged on the floor, looking up at his stockpile. “I promised myself I would never get a storage unit because then my collection would truly be endless.” Yet already, you can’t open a drawer, turn a knob or lean on a wall without hitting various Gaultier garbs. The space is overflowing with enthusiasm and dedication to the French designer, and Karas and his husband have been reduced to working, living and sleeping in one room. (Don’t worry! They’re in the process of moving to a bigger space.) But Karas wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

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His experience growing up in Cannes, France, was more “grungy motels, food banks and homelessness” than international film festivals. He began shopping at vintage stores for practical purposes (read “cheaper clothes”), not passion. Still, even from a young age, he’s always had a particular aesthetic, which his mother encouraged. “I once got sent home from school because I had spikes on my shoes,” he laughs.

It was actually his mom who introduced him to Gaultier when he was around 10 years old. The local French news would often report on the designer’s collections, and she would call Karas down to watch. After his years of being violently bullied for “looking effeminate” and “dressing flamboyantly,” watching Gaultier’s creations walk down the runway changed his life. “There was not a lot of gay representation back then, so to see him — a proud gay man — being celebrated was very powerful,” Karas says, getting emotional. “He was the first person who showed me I could wear whatever I wanted and still be accepted. So my collection is very much a labour of love.”

 

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While Karas initially found a few $1 Gaultier T-shirts and other basics in thrift stores and on eBay, it wasn’t until he moved to New York in 2010 — and gained some financial security — that his hobby became his way of life. He admits that he sometimes searches through his “catalogue of online bookmarks” from morning until late at night for rare Gaultier finds. “My collection is made of patience and then some money,” he shares, revealing that he found most of the wares in his wardrobe for about $200 each. “I don’t drink. I don’t do drugs. I take the subway. Gaultier is what I spend my money on.” As such, Karas considers himself an archivist and one day hopes to host an exhibition at The Met with all of his finds, most of which hail from the ’90s, his favourite Gaultier decade.

Despite his devotion to vintage, Karas doesn’t think of himself as an environmentalist. “My clothes come wrapped in plastic,” he says. “I don’t know how they were produced. And by posting on social media, I make people want to buy more clothes. I don’t feel comfortable with that.” But his gaggle of Gaultier does deliver endless joy. “I think because I was broke when I was younger, I’ve always tried to surround myself with stuff,” he shares. But upon reflection, he adds: “It’s just amazing to think about the hundreds and hundreds of people who worked on these clothes and that the items are still in use today. I’m just so proud to make them live again.”

Click through the gallery below for a glimpse of Karas’s Jean Paul Gaultier collection.

Makeup, Tia Rivers/Dior and Goldfaden MD. Photography by Nathan Sweet

Photography by Nathan Sweet

Photography by Nathan Sweet

Makeup, Tia Rivers/Dior and Goldfaden MD. Photography by Nathan Sweet

Photography by Nathan Sweet

Photography by Nathan Sweet

Makeup, Tia Rivers/Dior and Goldfaden MD. Photography by Nathan Sweet

Photography by Nathan Sweet

Photography by Nathan Sweet

Makeup, Tia Rivers/Dior and Goldfaden MD. Photography by Nathan Sweet

1/10

Wildest Dreams

Karas briefly met Jean Paul Gaultier at the French designer’s Fall 2022 couture show wearing this iconic tattoo print. After Karas thanked him for changing his life, Gaultier looked at Karas’s outfit and replied: “Oh yeah. I can tell you love Gaultier.”

2/10

In the Heights

Karas loves a platform, so as soon as he saw these boots — created in collaboration with Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing — coming down the catwalk at the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2022 Couture show, he knew he had to have them.

3/10

Never Enough

Coco Chanel said you should always take one accessory off before you leave the house, but Karas argues: “You should add two! You can never have too many.” This explains why the collector has over 100 pieces of Gaultier jewellery.

4/10

Multiple Choice

With so many Gaultier garments, it can be hard to decide what to wear, but Karas reveals that his daily ensembles are all about how he’s feeling. “I love these pieces, but there are some days when I can’t go outside in a skirt — your confidence level needs to be really high.”

5/10

Plaid, Please

Karas is a walking Gaultier encyclopedia. He can not only name the year and the collection of each garment (Fall 1997 for these plaid pieces) but also recall the inspiration for it (in this case, the British skinhead subculture).

6/10

To the Point

There would be no cone bra without Jean Paul Gaultier. While the designer first debuted the piece in his Spring 1984 collection — and Madonna made it famous in 1990 — Karas purchased this pink velvet iteration in 2021.

7/10

Comic Sans

It took Karas over 10 years to find all the pieces in this comic-book look. The first, the blazer, was purchased in 2011, and he bought the shirt in the fall of 2022.

8/10

Seeing Dots

Besides bustiers and sailor-inspired attire, Gaultier’s cyber-dot print is one of his most recognizable signatures. Though it made its runway debut in 1995, the pattern has recently had a resurgence, thanks to the Kardashian-Jenner family.

9/10

World Wide Web

Karas has met Gaultier fans all over the world. During a trip to Carcassonne, a small medieval town in France, he purchased this faux-denim shirt on eBay from someone who lived five minutes from his hotel.

10/10

Follow the Leader

“If too many people like me, I’m doing something wrong,” Karas says of his eclectic punk wardrobe. “I don’t follow fashion; the story behind the clothing is much more important. Just don’t ever tell me I look pretty.” [Laughs]

This article first appeared in FASHION’s April 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post This Jean Paul Gaultier Devotee’s Collection Is About More Than Clothes appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Stylist Cary Tauben’s Vintage Track Suit Collection Will Make Your Jaw Drop

We found all of that and more in Aldeneil Española, a 24-year-old university student in Saskatoon. His submission — which included a full-on fashion shoot inspired by Frida Kahlo, among others — put him at the top of a very impressive list of entrants from across the country. But what set Española apart was his artistic eye and deep connection to what he wears.

“Clothes are so much more than just fabric covering the body,” Española wrote in his application. “I am a queer POC artist who uses clothing to tell stories. Clothing is one of the quickest ways to communicate who you are without uttering a single word. I hope to show the younger generations behind me that it’s important to be visible and that clothing can be an extension of your personality and being.”

When I meet Española on Zoom, he is dressed in a vibrant floral shirt from Value Village that seems better suited to a beach in Maui than his small apartment in sub-zero Saskatoon. His cheeks are glowing thanks to a combo of Fenty Beauty and E.L.F. blushes and Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb highlighter. He describes how he began thrifting menswear and then shifted to the women’s aisles. “My earliest women’s find was a fur coat with the label, the year and who the coat was made for,” he says. “I felt like I had a connection to the person who wore it and I was carrying on their legacy. That was a big shift in my mind.” Española also began to see the value in vintage clothing, which was made to last, as opposed to the fast fashion that fills so many thrift-store racks. “I love the feel of vintage leather,” he says. Among his treasures is an armadillo bag, complete with head and feet, that he carries like a football because of its shape: “I have never seen anything like this, and it probably cost way more than what I had to spend for it.” The first designer item he thrifted was a pair of Calvin Klein boots from the Raf Simons era that he wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise.

As Española shares his story, it becomes clear that at one time he dressed for necessity, not personal expression. Born in the Philippines, he was 12 when he landed with his family in the tiny town of Gravelbourg, Sask. “It was the middle of nowhere and we didn’t have a lot coming into Canada,” he recalls. “We arrived in March, so it was still pretty cold. The Filipinos in that community gathered a lot of second-hand clothes, coats and stuff — things we didn’t need when we were in the Philippines because it’s always hot.”

There was little “fashion” in Gravelbourg, population 986, or among Española’s very conservative churchgoing family. “I definitely just dressed to fit in,” he says. But that first experience of wearing only second-hand clothing had a profound impact. “It opened my eyes to the possibility that it’s literally fine for me not to have anything new,” he shares. When Española moved to Saskatoon at age 19, he continued to thrift but began to notice a difference in how people dressed. Social media expanded his world even further, and that, combined with the freedom to break away from his parents’ constraints, ignited a passion for experimentation. Around the same time, Española saw a documentary on Alexander McQueen that confirmed what he had already been sensing. “McQueen was the first person who showed me that clothing can be an art form and a visual language,” he says. “And that really inspired me to explore this part of myself.”

It was also the beginning of his path to self-confidence. “Fashion was the first place I saw evidence that I was good at something,” he says. “And then I thought I could apply that same principle to other forms of art.” Española is now in his second year of a fine arts degree, and he often shares his expressive drawings on Instagram and TikTok, interspersing them with the fashion shoots he collaborates on with other Saskatoon creatives. He is also part of a stylish small group counted on to bring energy to brand events and parties. “This helped me have endless belief in myself,” he declares. “I know that no matter what I want to do, I will always be there to catch myself and bring myself back up.”

Española would love to find a way to combine his passions by creating wearable art and is experimenting with prints, dead stock and painting on blazers. Turning found fashion into art is just one of the reasons he believes thrifting will always have a place in his life. The other is his unapologetically exuberant style. “Clothing costs a lot of money, and thrifting is a really good way for me to be able to create extravagant maximalist looks without going broke.”

Aldeneil Española shares his top thrifting tips:

1. “I don’t shop online a lot unless I’m looking for a specific piece. Clothing acts differently on different bodies. You need to be able to try it on to see if it lies properly, if it moves the way you want it to move.”

2. “Feel the fabric with your hands, and then try the item on. The more senses you bring to clothes, the more you’ll appreciate and understand them.”

3. “I wear basics that cling to my skin so it’s easier to try clothes on overtop. It also feels better to wear something underneath as you don’t know where the clothes have been.”

4. “Travel light. I sometimes bring my own grocery bags and maybe a handbag. Other than that, I rarely carry anything.”

5. “I’m not very fun to go shopping with. I’m very specific, and I need to think. I can’t be having a conversation with someone. So I like to do it alone.”

6. “I prefer it when there are less people in the store, so I go in the evening. It’s usually the only thing on my agenda as I like to take my time to look through the whole store. No time constraints makes the experience more enjoyable.”

7. “Staff in smaller stores are more likely to strike up a conversation. This way, I’ve found pieces that are not yet on the floor. Even though a store is filled, they likely have more stock in the back.”

8. “It’s powerful if you can do alterations. That’s how I got into sewing. I hem pants and take in shirts, and I’ve reconstructed thrifted pieces for other people, usually to make them fit.”

Photography by MOLLY SCHIKOSKY. Makeup by KACIE HANCHEROW. Photo assistants: BERIT JOHNSON. 

This article first appeared in FASHION’s April 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post Introducing Canada’s Most Stylish Thrifter, Aldeneil Española appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Canadian Race-Car Driver Samantha Tan Shares Her Beauty Must-Haves

The Brazilian-born influencer has Hanhart syndrome, a condition that can lead to missing limbs at birth; her birth mother abandoned her, and her birth father “had already left her for another family.” Plans were put in place to send Adams-Wheatley to America for medical treatment, but what actually came next was an adoption by a family in Utah. And she hasn’t stopped since, pushing herself to evolve from teenage dance enthusiast to motivational speaker and, more recently, makeup-tutorial maven.

“I first got into makeup because I used to be a dancer in high school,” says the Salt Lake City-based entrepreneur, who only recently came out as trans. “I remember coming home one day and telling my parents I needed to get some makeup. I come from a very conservative religious background, and the reaction was ‘Men don’t wear makeup.’ I explained that every TV actor and news anchor wears it. So, they let me buy some products and said, ‘You can only wear them when you’re performing.’”

But Adams-Wheatley found herself sneakily putting it on before she’d leave for school. “I didn’t know what I was doing,” she admits of her initial attempts to apply blush, bronzer and beyond. It was one of her brothers (Adams-Wheatley is one of 14 kids and the only adoptee) who motivated her to get more serious about the pursuit. “That jump-started my interest in wanting to get better,” she says. “I watched a bunch of YouTubers and saw how they were doing their makeup. Then I modified it in a way that I was able to do myself.”

Adams-Wheatley uses a tool called a dressing stick for wardrobe changes, which vary from sequined frocks to sweater vests. But she doesn’t typically use adaptive makeup tools during her videos, since not everyone with a disability would find them of use. “Each person’s disability and needs are different,” she says.

Yet that doesn’t mean she hasn’t let viewers in on her technique. Folks who follow Adams-Wheatley’s tutorials, which range from “Let’s Do a Euphoria Makeup Look” to special-occasion transformations, are familiar with how she rests various products and tools on a tabletop to help her apply them. Her husband, Adam, was crucial in helping her finesse her routine.

“When I first started doing my makeup, I would do it while lying on the floor,” recalls Adams-Wheatley. “I’d have a towel placed under me, so I wouldn’t get product on the carpet or on the hardwood floors, and I’d have a mirror right in front of me. For my 22nd birthday, my husband surprised me by buying an Ikea desk and chopping its legs down to my height. He then bought me a ring light and a few products. That’s when TikTok really started happening for me.”

 

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A post shared by Gabe Adams-Wheatley (@no_limbs_)

Adams-Wheatley has since found herself sitting front row at New York Fashion Week, walking the red carpet at Loveloud Festival, visiting the White House last year for a Pride celebration and working on major campaigns. “A year ago, you wouldn’t see somebody like me doing an ad for Dermalogica or Estée Lauder or other brands that are marketed to the everyday person,” she says. “It’s so nice to be able to be the face for so many different communities and know that they all have my back and support me. It’s also rewarding when younger kids come up to me and say they watch my videos. Or parents who say they use my videos to teach their children that it’s OK to be different and that we need to celebrate that.”

Adams-Wheatley does admit that, with over four million followers on TikTok, being in the public eye comes with its challenges, including online bullying and fans who don’t respect personal boundaries. And even though she describes her success as “overnight,” she admits that she takes it one day at a time. “I feel that proving myself is something I’ve been doing my whole life,” she says.

And she encourages others to follow her lead — and try out her tips for a perfectly blended smoky eye — as they accompany her on her journey. “People are always going to tell you that you can’t,” she says of what has kept her motivated over the years. “But you can. And the ‘sky’ is not the limit — you create your limits.”

Browse the gallery below for the beauty products Gabe Adams-Wheatley can’t get enough of.

1/6

Dermalogica

Daily Milkfoliant

($25, Dermalogica)

“It’s so satisfying to watch this exfoliating powder turn into an oatmeal-y texture, and it’s really fun to put some on with a brush and pretend you’re at the spa.”

Buy Now

2/6

One/Size

Turn Up the Base Butter Silk Concealer

($37, One/Size)

“It lives up to its name — it’s very buttery!”

Buy Now

3/6

Kristin Ess

Moisture Rich Curl Shampoo and Curl Conditioner

($19 each, Kristin Ess)

“This shampoo and conditioner are my favourite hair products. They leave my hair smelling good for days and strengthen my curls.”

Buy Now

4/6

Haus Labs

Triclone Skin Tech Foundation

($59, Haus Labs)

“This foundation has a skinlike finish and isn’t heavy.”

Buy Now

5/6

NYX

Wonder Stick

($19, NYX)

“This contour meets highlighter is really good for everyday use.”

Buy Now

6/6

Marc Jacobs

Daisy Eau de Toilette

($146 for 100 ml, Marc Jacobs)

“The scent is divine!”

Buy Now

This article first appeared in FASHION’s April 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post Content Creator Gabe Adams-Wheatley On Her Makeup Journey appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Michael Kors is nodding to the noughties with the revival of the Astor bag, a 2004 style that was crafted as an homage to New York City’s Astor Place block. The handbag’s distinctive stud hardware gives the handbag a chic edge while staying true to the posh glamour known to the label, and although the Astor is nearing its 20th birthday, it still feels relevant to the way we are all living and dressing today. “The Astor bag is truly one of those things in your wardrobe, like a great pair of jeans, that gets better and better with time,” shares Michael Kors in a press release from the brand.

Hilary MacMillan reveals the first drop of its Rococo Revival collection

Spring is here and Hilary MacMillan is celebrating with drop one of its Rococo Revival. The collection, which is inspired by lush foliage and the whimsical characteristics of birds, features unique lace detailing, contemporary cuts and asymmetrical designs. With a focus on being eco-friendly, the Canadian label’s captivating dresses and co-ords are a one-stop shop for basking in the spring and summer weather that’s just around the corner.

Julia Roberts is Chopard’s newest brand ambassador

 

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A post shared by Chopard Official (@chopard)

Chopard loves cinema — just think of all the Chopard jewels that get to attend movie premieres, film festivals and the Academy Awards. Now, the brand is tapping one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons, Julia Roberts, as its newest brand ambassador. To debut Roberts as the face of the maison’s entire women’s Jewellery and Timepiece pillar, they’ve created a series of videos (debuting March 19) capturing the very essence of the star. You’ll see her joking around off-camera, knitting, finding something nice to say about everyone, trading in glamorous shoes for trainers and cuddling her adorable pup Myrtle.

Tommy Hilfiger and Shawn Mendes collaborate on a capsule collection

If there’s one thing we can all agree to love, it’s a timeless classic. Tommy Hilfiger’s latest release is just that, but with the added magic touch of Canadian musician Shawn Mendes. The partnership recreates the brand’s most iconic clothing items with high-quality fabrics and recycled and innovative materials, embracing Mendes’s and Hilfiger’s shared vision of sustainability.

Ahiri’s Spring 2023 collection is here

Toronto-based ready-to-wear label Ahiri has dropped its entire Spring 2023 collection, and it’s full of holographic prints and playful hues. Think pastel pinks, blues and purples on a variety of skirts, blouses, dresses and lightweight coats. With a focus on elevated beauty and escapism, there’s no better way to welcome warmer weather.

The post Michael Kors Revives an Early Aughts Archive + More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Aurora James On the 15 Percent Pledge, Almost One Year Later

As we chat, the 38-year-old appears effortlessly fresh-faced and energized. She has just spent Martin Luther King Jr. Day contacting and announcing the 10 grant semifinalists of her game-changing non-profit organization, the Fifteen Percent Pledge (15PP). James’s life, like the lives of so many others, was drastically altered in May 2020. As North America reeled amid the racial disparity following the death of George Floyd and citizens on both sides of the border were looking for a way forward to greater equality, her now-historic Instagram post created seismic change in a flash. In it, James put forth a simple ask: that a handful of major retailers commit 15 per cent of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. She chose that number because it represents the percentage of Black people in the U.S. population. “When an institution is broken, you have a few options: You can leave it as it is, you can try to burn it down or you can try to rebuild it,” she says. “So, how do you use that structure to lift up more people?” With that goal in mind, 15PP was born. Having since gathered commitments from 29 notable retailers, including Hudson’s Bay, Indigo and Sephora Canada, 15PP has become one of the fastest-growing social-justice non-profit organizations while redirecting $10 billion in revenue to BIPOC-owned brands. But the effort it takes to reform a retailer with upwards of 80 stores plus a robust online business is not lost on James. “The Bay taking the 15 per cent pledge was big for them because it’s a lot easier to just not do it,” she acknowledges. “The Bay has to confront all these different things that, quite frankly, are painful. That first step is really what it’s about, because so many people are afraid to take it.”

Forward-thinking, fearless leaps and a love of fashion are part of James’s DNA. She recalls bantheplasticbag.org as one of the first URLs she bought as a teenager. “That was a lifetime ago, but sustainability and thoughtfulness around consumption have always been really important to me,” she says. James, whose father passed away when she was a young girl, was raised in Mississauga, Ont., by a single mother who instilled in her a deep appreciation for sartorial craftsmanship. “My mom was adopted at birth, and she spent a lot of time trying to understand different cultures through apparel,” James says. “She would collect all kinds of different things, like Japanese kimonos, Danish clogs and cowboy boots. She would talk to me about them — why they were made and how their materials were sourced. She really taught me about fashion almost through an anthropological lens of understanding different groups of women — where they came from and how they use clothing and accessories as tools of communication.”

Jeanne Beker is another female figure who played a key role in James’s journey. Watching Fashion Television, hosted by Beker, was a regular family affair in James’s house. “The way that Jeanne covered fashion, she was very serious about it, like a war correspondent backstage,” says James. “That was really when I felt that fashion was something I would likely spend large swaths of my life working on.” Years later, Beker and James would connect IRL at a Yorkville gym in Toronto, where James worked the front desk. Their casual conversation led to Beker’s offer of an internship, which landed James behind the scenes of the iconic show. “Canada really nurtured the fashion lover in me and made it happen,” she says.

In 2013, James founded the Brother Vellies accessories brand with $3,500 of her savings. Her premise was to create sustainable jobs for African artisans by featuring traditional African design practices and techniques at the luxury level. “For me, at least, it’s so much better to find joy in community and to win together,” she says. “I’ve always had a tough time advocating for myself. I do a lot better advocating on behalf of others.” She started selling her designs at a New York City flea market and just two years into her venture was named a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards winner. The $300,000 award, plus a year of mentoring, elevated James’s brand on every level. “When you’re an entrepreneur, you throw your heart and soul into it,” she says. “I was probably working 18 to 20 hours a day. Half the time would be spent on my business and the other half on part-time jobs to be able to cover my bills.”

These days, her work hours are just as hefty as she splits her time between L.A. and NYC. But the tasks that demand her attention have evolved. Last December, in a full-circle moment, James was elected one of the vice-chairs of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), along with Nepali-American designer Prabal Gurung. In addition to creating opportunities for new designers to enter the fashion space, her to-do list includes helping shape the future of luxury. “With the rise of the conscious consumer, our standards are changing,” she says. “We’re really starting to redefine luxury under a new set of criteria. It’s not just about interlocking letters anymore.” The exclusionary era of branded logos and the values behind them is over — a message loudly broadcast by the Brother Vellies gown emblazoned with “Tax the Rich” that James designed for Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the 2021 Met Gala. For James, who counts Christopher John Rogers and Canada’s Greta Constantine among her fave labels, ensuring that people are paid sustainably and fairly, leaving the planet in better shape than you find it and advocating for the rights of consumers and the community are integral to her definition of a modern luxury brand. “In our company, it’s something that we’re always going to be working on,” she says. “People are always going to want to buy things. I just want to make sure that consumers have more positive options.”

James’s impact on the lives of others is only destined to amplify, especially with the first Fifteen Percent Pledge Achievement Award given out this year. Five Black business owners, including Christina Funke Tegbe of beauty brand 54 Thrones and red-carpet hitmaker Sergio Hudson, received nearly $400K in grant support to scale and grow their companies. “It’s really difficult for people to become successful entrepreneurs and even more difficult for Black Americans, people of colour and women,” James says. “Trying to do anything that we can to level that playing field is critical.” This latest initiative — celebrated during the star-studded second annual gala in February with a dress code of black tie and Black designer — underscores James’s biggest accomplishment to date. “I’ve talked to a lot of those women,” she says, referring to the growing number of Black female founders who have raised a million dollars or more in venture capital in recent years, “and they tell me how much the pledge has impacted their business, their access and their opportunities. Knowing that the work the team’s doing is actually driving change — that part is everything to me. Having actual receipts for the work is really what I’m most proud of.”

James hopes that sharing her own challenges in Wildflower: A Memoir will provide inspiration and guidance while encouraging perseverance. “Part of the reason I wrote my book is so that people can track the journey of my life — see how I did it — and maybe learn both what to do and what not to do,” she says. The book’s title serves as a gentle call to action, summoning others to reach their full potential. “It’s about being able to bloom in places where no one would ever expect it, under the harshest climate, and blooming in your own way,” she says. “Be wild about it, because it’s your own personal self-expression. That’s really where the beauty of life is.”

Photography by ROYAL GILBERT. Creative direction by GEORGE ANTONOPOULOS. Styling by TIMOTHY LUKE GARCIA. Hair by JACOB AARON DILLON. Makeup by UZO for A-FRAME AGENCY/NARS. Photo assistants: HUEY TRAN and TIMOTHY FERNANDEZ. Fashion assistants: ALEC MALIN, BROOKLIN PHELPS and ANYESE KIRKLAND. Producer: NALIMA TOURÉ.

The full April 2023 issue will be available March 20. Click here to learn more.

The post Aurora James Is <em>FASHION’</em>s April 2023 Cover Star appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Enter Your Villain Era with These Patent Leather Pieces

Achieving the aesthetic is quite simple. A cool pair of shades is the safest entry point, while a good racer jacket (new or vintage) completes any look with minimal effort. And for a little extra va-va-vroom, opt for a checkerboard print or some stripes.

Below we’ve curated a starter kit to help you nail the racing fashion trend.

1/9

House of Sunny

The Racer

($340, House of Sunny)

Buy Now

2/9

Dior

Dior Snow S1U

($960, Dior)

Buy Now

3/9

Stella McCartney

Workwear All In One in Citrus

($3,745, Stella McCartney)

Buy Now

4/9

Rhude

Rhude Racing graphic-print hoodie

($1,183, Rhude)

Buy Now

5/9

Diesel

Denim Dress

($1,395, Diesel)

Buy Now

6/9

Tarin Thomas

Samuel Ring - Checkered

($510, Tarin Thomas)

Buy Now

7/9

A Better Mistake

L.F.O. Cropped Racer Top

($294, A Better Mistake)

Buy Now

8/9

Theophilio

Stripe Leather Trouser

($1,716, Theophilio)

Buy Now

9/9

TAG Heuer

Carrera X Porsche Orange Racing

($8,800, TAG Heuer)

Buy Now

A version of this article first appeared in FASHION’s March 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post Get Up to Speed on Motorsport Style appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Cartoon Fashion Is In

Try mixing pinks, pastels and other light hues for a dose of dopamine. Douse yourself in pearls — real or costume — and add a pair of candy-coloured sunnies to complete the look. If you’re aiming for a high-fashion approach, look to the accessories seen on the Spring 2023 runways: Chanel revealed a pink quilted purse with a heart-shaped buckle, while Moschino paired earrings to headpieces that can be mistaken for Malibu Barbie’s pool toys. The choice is yours.

Below are our favourite doll accessories, fit for a fun-filled season ahead.

1/9

Chanel

Leather Flap Bag

(Price Upon Request, Chanel)

Buy Now

2/9

Celine by Hedi Slimane

Set of 3 Triomphe Coloured Hair Claws in Varnish Brass and Steel

($620, Celine by Hedi Slimane)

Buy Now

3/9

Aldo

Nevada

($198, Aldo)

Buy Now

4/9

Moschino

PVC Teddy Studs Pumps

($865, Moschino)

Buy Now

5/9

Kate Spade

Pearls on Pearls Statement Necklace

($265, Kate Spade)

Buy Now

6/9

Emmanuelle Khanh

Square Acetate Sunglasses

($625, Emmanuelle Khanh)

Buy Now

7/9

Acne Studios

Chandelier Charm Earrings

($290, Acne Studios)

Buy Now

8/9

Dior Men

B9S Skater

($2,700, Dior Men)

Buy Now

9/9

Louis Vuitton Men’s

Clutch Box Rainbow Playground

($14,200, Louis Vuitton Men's)

Buy Now

A version of this interview appeared in FASHION’s March 2023 issue. Find out more here. 

The post Channel Your Inner Child with These Doll-Inspired Accessories appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

I confess that I’m a former gloves hater. Every mor­ning before school, my mother would beg and plead with me to put them on, and every morning, I’d meet her with a resounding “No!” It took years of my fingers verging on being frostbitten before I gave in and real­ized she might be onto something.

RELATED: How to Style a Maxi Skirt 

Fast-­forward a few years (OK, more than a few!) and long gloves have had a grown-up makeover. Demna first dreamed up mitt mania at the Vetements Fall 2018 show before making the accessory a mainstay at Balenciaga, where he’s been the creative director since 2015. (He worked for both brands until 2019.) Two years later, the pandemic promoted gloves — albeit latex, not leather, ones — as personal protective equipment, which sparked a brightly­-coloured­-hand-­covering trend on the runways that was known as “surgical glove couture.” And soon after, Bridgerton broke the internet and the renaissance of Regency­-era looks commenced.

But despite the countless celebs (Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, etc.) who have since rocked gloves on the red carpet and the designer brands (Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton Men’s, etc.) that have promoted them on the runway, it’s taken a while for the general public to embrace the accessory as a fashion statement. Why? Admittedly, this is a hard look to pull off. When it’s done well, you look like a character from Euphoria, but when it’s done wrong, you look like a discount debutante.

So, for anyone looking to avoid a major fashion faux pas, I’ve broken down how to make this opera accessory more accessible. Trust me, you — like my former (and stubborn) self — will thank me later.

Short Story

I love a good short sleeve, but since I live in Canada, most of my arm­-exposing clothing hibernates until June. So, to get the most out of your closet, marry one of your pieces with a pair of neutral long gloves. You’ll be warm enough to survive the early days of spring but cool enough (pun intended!) to blend in with the chicest of crowds.

The Cold Shoulder

Does anything ever truly go out of style? Not according to Gen Z TikTok creators who are bringing Y2K and 2010 trends back to life. If it helps, think of over-­the-­elbow opera gloves worn with sleeveless tops as 2023’s version of the cold-shoulder cut-out — just more refined. Bonus points if your arm accoutrements match the rest of your ensemble.

A Pop of Colour

I know how easy it is to wear only black (hello, I work in the fashion industry!), but to be honest, it’s a little basic. So, if you’d like to elevate your midnight-­hour attire, try a pop of colour. I recommend choosing a warmer hue, like pink, red or orange, to add some oomph to your outfit.

Thinking of giving the glove a go? We’ve rounded up a few playful picks to get you started.

1/4

Dries Van Noten

Green & Black Long Crushed Velvet Gloves

($410, Dries Van Noten)

Buy Now

2/4

Collina Strada

Pink Floral Fingerless Gloves

($175, Collina Strada)

Buy Now

3/4

Simone Rocha

Turbo Crystal and Faux Pearl-Embellished Ribbed-Knit Gloves

($1,120, Simone Rocha)

Buy Now

4/4

Uncuffed Leather

Fringe Elbow Length Leather Fingerless Gloves

($266, Uncuffed Leather)

Buy Now

This article first appeared in FASHION’s March 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post How Do You Wear Opera Gloves IRL? appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: Euphoria Star Hunter Schafer on the Joy of Playing With Makeup

I’m a Nakota Sioux from Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation near Edmonton in Treaty Six Territory, and I grew up going to powwows. Powwow makeup can be many things, but one of the main looks I would see women in my community do as fancy-shawl and jingle-dress dancers is really graphic liner along their eyes, using a lot of dots in different colours and sizes. That makeup was the pinnacle of beauty to me, like the upper echelon of what it meant to be pretty.

I was a powwow dancer myself when I was young, except I was a men’s traditional dancer and I wasn’t being me. I was really scared of what people would think, so I stifled myself a lot and would always say to myself, “Damn, when I grow up, I’m going to try that kind of makeup.” Now that I’m older and not ashamed of who I actually am — I’ve come into my Two-Spirit identity holistically, and I’m really self-actualized as a person — I don’t place those restrictions on myself anymore. I allow myself to have a ton of fun recreating all of the looks that I saw as a kid and that screamed “beauty” to me — but unique beauty that you would only see if you were on the powwow trail along Treaty Six Territory.

The colours I choose to wear hold deep significance for me as well. When the Nakota, Dakota and Lakota peoples went to war, they painted their faces, and red was a colour they used to signify blood and power. In a more contemporary sense, red has been associated with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People movement, which is something I speak a lot about in my online content. So when you see me wearing red, I’m paying respect to and raising awareness for that movement in particular. Orange is also an incredibly important colour because it represents Orange Shirt Day and the Every Child Matters movement — calls of justice for Indigenous children who were taken to residential schools. And I love turquoise so much. Turquoise stones are like diamonds for Indigenous people. They represent wealth, power and luxury and have a very regal air about them. Turquoise jewellery pieces are usually handmade, and a lot of them come from the Navajo Nation. When I wear turquoise, it’s like the equivalent of wearing canary diamonds.

I also really like to match my makeup to my beadwork. I’ll build an entire look around a piece, whether it’s beaded earrings, rope, a choker, a headband or a jacket. Beadwork from Treaty Six Territory is really unique (it often represents the wild florals that grow in the prairies there), and a lot of my pieces, most of which my husband creates, incorporate materials like abalone and dentalium shells, bone, horsehair and quill work.

It took a long time for me to think I was beautiful; I was always teased and beaten up for my femininity. But now that I’m older and I’ve come into my body and how I look, my makeup really helps me package that all together and express myself in a way that pays homage to my roots and my upbringing. No matter where I go, I feel like, in a way, I’m bringing home with me.

Below are some of Potts’s makeup kit staples.

1/4

Prados Beauty

The Matriarch Palette

($66, Prados Beauty)

“This Xicana and Indigenous-owned makeup company has really beautiful palettes. This is my favourite one because it has two of my go-to colours: orange and turquoise.”

Buy Now

2/4

Cheekbone Beauty

Sustain Blush/Bronzer in “Medium"

($24, Cheekbone Beauty)

“Cheekbone Beauty is the first Indigenous-owned makeup company to be carried by Sephora Canada.”

3/4

RezGal Lashes

Auntie

($10, RezGal Lashes)

“RezGal Lashes founder Brandi Woodhouse is from Pinaymootang First Nation, and she creates really beautiful premium mink lashes with the coolest names. These ones are fluffy and dramatic — they’re perfect for drag.”

Buy Now

4/4

Binny Cosmetics

Pride Palette

($40, Binny Cosmetics)

“My good friend Brittany David is an up-and-coming Indigenous makeup and special-effects artist. She creates really vibrant pigments and beautiful glitters, which I’ve used so many times in my content.”

Buy Now

This article first appeared in FASHION’s March 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post TikTok Star Kairyn Potts’s Makeup Looks Honour His Indigenous Culture appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

In an effort to celebrate women all over the world, womenswear brand Smythe has tapped garment graffiti artist Chiara Catalano to hand paint empowering messaging on the backs of jackets and blazers. But this is no ordinary collection. The pieces are meant to continue making noise about the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran, and will be auctioned off online from March 30 to April 2 to raise funds for Amnesty International. The collection’s big reveal is set for International Women’s Day (March 8), and will be on display at Smythe’s Toronto store all month long.

Introducing luxury outerwear brand Séda

Luxury meets outerwear with Séda, a new Canadian-made label launching worldwide on March 6. Blending the north’s diverse weather spectrum with unmistakable European design, each Séda coat takes tailoring to a new level. Think cozy wool, clean lines and surprising silhouettes. Plus, all their pieces are ethically produced in small batches.

Canada Goose protects the polar bears

Canada Goose’s latest release is all about the protection and conservation of polar bears. The brand has collaborated with Italian artist Paola Pivi who uses her whimsical lens to place vibrant colours and adorable baby bears on spring essentials like fleece zip-ups, puffer vests and bucket hats. What’s more, a portion of every sale from the collection will be donated to Polar Bears International in support of their efforts to preserve the threatened animal.

Lizzo’s blossoming shapewear brand reveals a new headlining collection

Lizzo really is a breath of fresh air. The four-time Grammy Award winner’s shapewear brand Yitty is using florals and bright tones across its all-new Baddie in Bloom! collection, and it’s giving us major spring fever. The shapewear has level two compression to hug and celebrate every inch of you.

Aritzia celebrates women this March

“There’s no one correct way to approach being a woman,” says D’Ara Nazaryan, an artist tapped by Aritzia for their International Women’s Day collection. Building off of the brand’s annual Women to the Power of Women campaign, Nazaryan and two other artists, Huyen Dinh and Carmi Grau, have designed illustrations for T-shirts and hoodies, each interpreting what it means to be a woman. The entire proceeds from this collection will go toward Aritzia Community partners who support women and girls, with a maximum donation of $60,000.

The post Smythe Supports the Women’s Movement in Iran + More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

How to boost your hair’s volume

Dealing with droopy, limp hair? The art to amplifying fine, flat strands with volume that lasts includes layering the proper products and finessing your styling techniques. “Fine hair needs something to adhere to,” says Greg Gilmore, global colour ambassador for Moroccanoil and an L.A.-based celebrity colourist who’s worked with Toni Braxton, Tiffany Haddish and Storm Reid. The road to big things begins in the shower. “A volumizing shampoo will give you a good base to start with,” says Jennifer Dubois, hairstylist and owner of Miyosiwin Salon Spa in Regina, which offers services that are sensitive to Indigenous culture. She recommends traditional conditioner for all hair types, to help reduce frizz and ease tangles, but those with superfine hair can pivot to a lightweight leave-in conditioning mist. “Spray it on your hands and rub it into the ends first, and then work your way up,” she says.

Using a hot tool helps build structure for fine strands; just be sure to use a thermal protectant before layering in a styling product with hold. A volumizing mousse and a two-in-one dryer brush can add amazing volume, Dubois explains. “Those tools are easy to use,” she says, noting that elevation can make or break fuller results. “At the crown, you want to pull the brush straight up, pushing the hair forward.” To create voluminous curls that last, Gilmore uses a curling iron with an extra-hold hairspray. “Spray a little bit on each section before you curl it; then allow the section to sit there or pin it up,” he says. “And don’t touch it until you’re ready to comb out the whole style.” Whichever hot tool you choose, adjust the setting to below 400°F. “High heat closes the cuticle, which makes hair sleeker and smoother,” says Gilmore. “But that doesn’t give fine hair the opportunity to have curls that last. They will have a hard time standing up against gravity.”

Try these:

1/4

Dove

Hair Therapy Strength & Fullness Boost Shampoo

($9, Dove)

Buy Now

2/4

Amika

Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner

($39, Amika)

Buy Now

3/4

Authentic Beauty Concept

Amplify Mousse

($31, Authentic Beauty Concept)

Buy Now

4/4

Conair

3Q Ionic Hot Brush

($90, Conair)

Buy Now

RELATED: Are We in a Pixie Cut Renaissance?

How to deal with excess oil

If your hair seems set on being perpetually greasy, here’s how to course-correct. To help a client with an oily scalp, Dubois switches up the basics. “It could be your shampoo that’s causing the problem, so you need to change it and find one that works better,” she says. “But you also need to give the new formula a sufficient trial period. You can’t just try it for a couple of weeks; it’s going to take a few months for your scalp to adjust.” Phasing out daily shampoos is another part of her protocol. “Using dry shampoo in between washes will help combat oiliness while also giving your scalp a break,” she says. “Some formulas have a gritty feeling, which is good for fine hair but not for coarse strands, while others have a clean feeling.” Different varieties address different hair types, so find your “fit” by experimenting.

For best results with dry shampoo, product placement counts, too. Gilmore suggests parting the hair, holding the can several inches away from your head and spraying directly toward the scalp area, not necessarily on the hair itself. “Let it sit for a second and then start to comb through the hair,” he says. “The product will start to distribute; you will see how it’s moving and can then determine if you want to add a bit more.” Where you put other stylers can also help or hinder the issue. Sprays with a dry matte texture can diminish the look of stringy strands overall, but Dubois suggests avoiding a concentration of thermal protectants on the roots and warns against using too much hairspray. “It might add to the greasiness,” she says. The quickest foolproof fix? Work with what you’ve got and lean into a fashion-forward updo. “Any extra grease gives you an opportunity to have a really nice slicked-back ponytail or a sculpted chignon or bun,” says Gilmore.

Try these:

1/3

KMS

Dry Texture Spray

($29, KMS)

Buy Now

2/3

Batiste

Naturally Green Tea & Chamomile Dry Shampoo

($13, Batiste)

Buy Now

3/3

Neutrogena

Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo

($15, Neutrogena)

Buy Now

RELATED: How to Tame Sweaty Hair After Exercising and Go Straight Out

How to keep your curls intact

Do you dream of having frizz-free, ultra-springy curls that can withstand multi-day appearances? A few key steps can make that dream a reality. Infusing your texture with hydration at every stage is an ideal strategy, and Dubois considers cleansing products made exclusively for curls to be game-changers. “Conditioner makes the big difference,” she says. “It smooths the cuticle down so it’s not frizzy and helps the curl form better.” Applying a leave-in conditioner as soon as you finish your cleansing routine, followed promptly by a styling product that suits your texture, is also a must. Light creams or gels are best for finer curls, while thicker creams and balms tend to be a good match for coarser ones. Either way, be generous with product application and diligent with distribution.

Gilmore creates definition by going section by section using a wide-toothed comb. “Then I’ll go through each section using my fingers like a rake to separate the curls that are saturated with product,” he says. From there, air-drying or gently blow-drying using a diffuser will lock curls in. “Air-drying is the longest way to dry, but it will give you the best curls afterwards,” says Gilmore. If you’re diffusing, reduce excess moisture only around the roots and use low heat and a low airflow to avoid disrupting curls, says Dubois. And at night, protecting your curls while you sleep is crucial for style longevity. Gilmore recommends wrapping a silky scarf around the hairline, to protect edges, and then putting a satin bonnet on top. “The headband pushes the curls back, so when you’re lying on your side, you’re not necessarily on your curls,” he says. For a quick morning refresh, mix a bit of leave-in conditioner with a bottle of water and lightly mist to reactivate the curling product.

Try these:

1/3

Kazmaleje

KurlsPlus Comb

($30, Kazmaleje )

Buy Now

2/3

Maui Moisture

Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie

($12, Maui Moisture)

Buy Now

3/3

Shaeri

Co-Wash

($46, Shaeri)

Buy Now

RELATED: The Best Hydrating Curly Hair Masks for Winter

How to strengthen colour-treated hair

The biggest pitfall for colour-treated strands is breakage, but with a few pro tips, you can navigate through the fragile phase and regain strength. “You will always be compromising your hair by using colour, but this shouldn’t deter you,” says Gilmore. “Hair colour comes with so many great benefits, like the opportunity to have freedom of expression.” Preventive measures are best. “If you’re investing in a colour service, you need to be investing in your home routine with colour-treated products as well,” advises Dubois. Should breakage occur, consider it a sign that something is missing. “All colour-treated clients need a [professional] protein treatment every six to eight weeks for strengthening,” says Gilmore. “Protein helps build up the hair strand and make it sturdy.”

In between salon treatments, which offer more potent formulas that help restore hair integrity, an at-home routine focused on moisture will help, too. You need to find a balance between strength and softness, says Dubois. Her go-to SOS lineup for breakage includes shampoo, conditioner and leave-in conditioner for brittle hair and a biweekly reparative mask or treatment. For blonds experiencing breakage, Dubois suggests alternating between shampoos that neutralize brassiness and more moisturizing formulas. Purple shampoo keeps blond tones bright, but it can also be very drying, she says. And excessive exposure to hot tools is another drying factor to watch out for. “Limit the amount of heat styling, and always use a leave-in conditioner and thermal protectant on colour-treated hair before blow-drying,” says Gilmore. For those using at-home hair colour, he also recommends watching out for breakage caused by overprocessing. If you start by applying dye in the same spot on your head every time, it will always be sitting there the longest while you finish the rest of your hair, he explains.

Try these:

1/3

L’Oréal Professionnel

Serie Expert Metal Detox Professional Concentrated Oil

($43, L’Oréal Professionnel)

Buy Now

2/3

Moroccanoil

Moisture Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

($30 each, Moroccanoil)

Buy Now

3/3

Redken

Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment

($34, Redken)

Buy Now

This article first appeared in FASHION’s March 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post How To Hack Your Way to Good Hair Days appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

RELATED: This Canadian Collector Has Amassed 250 Pairs of Designer Heels

Foremost in Vasquez’s OTT wardrobe is her collection of around 60 pairs of platform shoes. Her three everyday go-tos are solid black, white and blue, but it’s the novelty designs that excite her the most. Standouts include a barnyard-themed style with 3-D animals and a Halloween purchase with see-through bottoms that can be filled with Skittles (or any other amusing assortment of items).

@reganvasquez someone plz give me shoe display tips 😭#shoecollection #noveltyshoes #closetorganization #shoedisplay #closetstorageideas ♬ ABBY USED MY SOUND – livinonthedancefloor💋

“I’ve always loved shoes, even when I was a young girl,” Vasquez says. “But I hated kids shoes because they weren’t ‘cool’ to me.” Platforms intrigue her because “they are different,” she explains. “They’re a style with wacky colourways and patterns. You can do things with a platform that you can’t do with a stiletto.”

Vasquez’s impeccably dressed grandmother bought her her first pair of high heels when Vasquez was a preteen. Hilary Duff and her flatform-wearing Lizzie McGuire character and the Tumblr-centric rise of Jeffrey Campbell’s iconic Lita design were other formative fashion moments for the collector.

Since she’s only four feet tall, Vasquez’s obsession could be explained as a desire to be taller. But she says the lift is a perk rather than a goal. “It was more that I wanted to be like my mom, sister and grandma,” she says. “My sister’s email when we were little kids was literally ‘pinkmetallicpumps.’ We were just very centred on fashion.” Vasquez recalls daylong shopping trips with her mom and sister that ended with fashion shows in the living room for her dad. And the story of her grandma’s 1970s hike in the Grand Canyon, where she wore platform shoes and cut her jumpsuit into a romper because of the heat, is part of the family’s lore.

Vasquez says she does have one pair of running shoes to work out in. But everything else is thick-soled and fun, whether she’s going to the beach or on a mountain hike. She even attached crampons (ice cleats) to a pair of Zara flatform sneakers for a glacier walk in Iceland.

 

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A post shared by Regz ❁ (@reganvasquez)

Vasquez’s passion for rocking conversation-starting soles has garnered her quite the following on TikTok. There, she shares her ever-growing collection with an audience of over 26,000 followers. Colleagues at the cast-iron-skillet company where she works as a videographer in the marketing department also get a kick out of her quirky style. “I definitely push the corporate-dress-code envelope,” she admits.

But that’s nothing new. “I always did push the envelope, even as a kid,” Vasquez recalls. “I wasn’t always comfortable with it, for sure. When I was in high school, Tumblr was really taking off. All these fashion bloggers were getting popular, and I wanted to start dressing differently. Half of me was excited, but the other half was scared because I was made fun of at school. I wore a pair of sequined Ugg boots with my school uniform, and I remember everyone being like, ‘What is she wearing?’ And when combat boots were starting to come onto the horizon, I had a pair of satin Betsey Johnson ones with ruffles and thought they were the coolest things on earth. But I remember my friends making fun of me.”

In time, Vasquez gained strength from the women around her: “My mom, grandma and sister were always very confident in the way they carried themselves, and I mimicked that confidence until I really started to feel it.”

“Now that I’m 26, I just don’t care anymore,” the collector declares. “The people in my life expect me to have a statement piece. And I love that this has become my signature.”

Click through the gallery to see more of Vasquez’s platform collection.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI VASQUEZ

1/10

Power Moves

“I loved the Spice Girls and also designer Betsey Johnson,” says Vasquez of a few of her early style inspirations, all well known for their attention-getting garments — and attitudes to match. Given these references, it’s no surprise that there’s also a pair of nostalgia-inducing Powerpuff Girls-themed platforms in her closet.

2/10

Taking It in Stride

“Don’t get so caught up in trends,” Vasquez advises. “They are always coming and going. Try to find what you like simply because you like it. People are always going to have something negative to say, but your own opinion is really the only one that matters.”

3/10

With the Gang

“Some people are really impressed, while others look at me like I’m an alien or something,” says Vasquez about her collection. “But I don’t care how people react.”

4/10

Sweet Surrender

No look is too bold for Vasquez, who says her colleagues love it when she shows up at the office wearing her novelty wardrobe items. Major crowd-pleasers include Sugar Thrillz’s watermelon-design platforms and a watermelon bag by New York-based brand Susan Alexandra.

5/10

Stacked Up

A penchant for shoes that pop means that Vasquez has not one but two “if money were no object” shoe purchases she’d like to make: the infamous Chanel boots from The Devil Wears Prada and Elle Woods’s pink platforms from Legally Blonde.

6/10

Sugar High

Vasquez says the possibilities are endless in terms of what she can fill these clear-soled shoes from YRU with. She purchased them as part of her Willy Wonka Halloween costume.

7/10

Rise and Shine

“I actually use what I collect,” Vasquez says of her array of whimsical accessories. She’s even been known to buy two of the same pair — one to wear out to clubs and the other to keep nicer for daywear and display. She’s also mindful of maintaining her pieces, noting that makeup-remover wipes have been useful for getting rid of scuffs after a night out.

8/10

Riding High

Vasquez recalls wearing these pasture-printed platforms from a Delia’s by Dolls Kill collection to a bachelorette party with a cowgirl theme. “The people in my life expect me to have a shoe for every occasion,” she notes.

9/10

Assembly Line

Vasquez shops mostly online because bricks-and-mortar stores don’t always stock her size 5.

10/10

Platform Party

“Two questions that I get asked the most are ‘How do you walk in them?’ and ‘Where did you find those?’” says Vasquez about how others react to her droll footwear.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s March 2023 issue. Find out more here.

The post This Maximalist Shoe Collector Has Around 60 Pairs of Platforms appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

David Yurman’s spring 2023 campaign features Shawn Mendes, the brand’s first-ever Canadian celebrity brand ambassador. Celebrating nature as a constant source of inspiration for the jewellery brand, the “Nature’s Artistry” campaign invites us all to renew our appreciation for the world around us — and perhaps our appreciation for Mendes. “[He’s an artist] with an effortless and welcoming presence,” says Evan Yurman, president and CCO of the American jeweller, in a press release, also citing that Mendes’s qualities are enhanced by the natural and peaceful environments he is captured in.

Moose Knuckles diversifies its offerings

It’s February, we’re in Canada, the temperature has mostly been above zero, and everyone is slightly bemused. Unsure as to whether the warmth is a gift or a concern, we’ll at least conclude that the weather these days pairs perfectly with Moose Knuckles’ Spring 2023 collection. This new lineup of goods is exceptionally exciting as it features never-before-seen styles from the beloved parka brand, such as quilted separates and lightweight, down-filled outerwear. With so many ways to layer, these pieces pack a punch of carefree exuberance that takes everyday dressing to a new level.

Smythe is spreading spring fever

Smythe has soft launched its spring styles, and as always, the collection does not disappoint. Included in the mix are new silhouettes (like a cropped blazer) and bold colours (such as cobalt blue), along with loads of florals and statement-making suits. Talk about spring fever.

Tiffany & Co. unveils Bird on a Pearl

Leave it to Tiffany & Co. to offer up a conversation starter: Its latest high jewellery collection features the world’s rarest natural pearls. In an ode to the fashion house’s iconic Bird on a Rock brooch, first launched in 1965, this collection consists of pearl variations of the signature winged creature. The ultimate masterpiece in the collection? A three-strand pearl necklace of over 316 carats, dotted with glimmering birds in motion.

Mercedes-Benz and Moncler collaborate on an artistic installation

Mercedes-Benz and Moncler have announced a new collaboration that challenges expectations. On February 20 at 3 p.m. EST, a unique art piece made by Gorden Wagener, chief design officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, will be revealed on Moncler.com as part of Moncler’s London Fashion Week live show. The collaboration symbiotically fulfills Mercedes-Benz’s goal to interact with broader audiences beyond automotive and enforces Moncler’s power to evolve in the luxury industry beyond fashion.

Dr. Martens patches together parts of its legacy

Dr. Martens has tapped its 100-year-old U.K.-based factory to source surplus materials for a waste-defying collection. The drop, aptly named the Deadstock Pack, features the iconic 1460 boot and the 1461 shoe redone with exaggerated stitching, unfinished edges and kitschy, mismatched eyelets. Colour variations across each pair add extra charm. With less than 1,500 pairs in this global drop, each one-of-a-kind kick is a step toward a less wasteful future.

The post Shawn Mendes Fronts David Yurman’s Spring Campaign + More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

 

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A post shared by Paco Rabanne (@pacorabanne)

Lauded fashion designer and perfumer Paco Rabanne has died at age 88 in Portsall, France, according to the fashion group Puig who has worked with Rabanne since the start of his career. As the founder of his namesake label, the Spanish-born creative was a leading purveyor in contemporary fashion and is known for his signature space-age aesthetic. He brought surrealism and atypical materials like hammered metal, plastic and paper to the runway and chose to forgo traditional fashion rules, all while dressing posh Parisians in his unorthodox designs. It’s no doubt he helped modernize haute couture. To quote Jose Manuel Albesa, Puig’s president of beauty and fashion, “That radical, rebellious spirit set him apart: there is only one Rabanne.”

Dorian Who’s Noor Collection tells a powerful story

Dorian Who’s latest collection is an avant-garde take on battle-ready garb. In a world that requires most people to be warriors in their daily lives, the genderless label is using this drop, titled Noor, to shine a light on the ongoing desire for change and empowerment through women’s voices. With strong silhouettes and army green fabrics, it demands attention.

The Beckerman twins collaborate with Lambert on handbags

If you don’t already know the Beckermans, allow us to introduce you. Toronto-based sisters Cailli and Sam are longtime fashion creators, and they’ve just launched a collaboration with Quebec vegan leather handbag brand Lambert. Two unique designs — one a playful quilted heart, the other a more sophisticated day-to-night number — have been in production for a year now, and it’s been so worth the wait. Not only are they charming and filled with personality (just like the Beckerman twins themselves!), but both bags have been sustainably designed right here in Canada.

Showroom Canada 2023 showcases emerging local designers

This week, Toronto Fashion Incubator opened its Showroom Canada 2023, a digital platform inviting retailers, buying offices and sales agents to discover innovative Canadian fashion brands. With a focus on BIPOC-owned, women-led and slow fashion-focused brands (including Claudette Floyd and Hania Kuzbari), 17 labels have been carefully chosen to be featured, in turn receiving exposure to thousands of global retailers. The initiative will run until March 31.

The NFL and OVO launch a capsule collection

The NFL has partnered with Drake’s lifestyle brand OVO on a limited-edition, NFL-licensed capsule collection. A selection of co-branded T-shirts, hoodies and jackets (modelled by Lil Wayne) will be available starting February 3, just in time for next weekend’s Super Bowl. So whether you’re there for the football, the finger foods, or Rihanna, this launch is also a mighty fine excuse to sport some stylish threads.

Lizzo’s label Yitty is celebrating Black History Month

Lizzo’s brand Yitty is kicking off Black History Month celebrations with a custom capsule collection. Inspired by Afrofuturism, wardrobe essentials such as a T-shirt, an oversized hoodie, slit pants and a corset jacket explore the intersection of the African diaspora and the future. Call it the Yittyverse, if you will. “I wanted every single piece of this collection to have that futuristic feeling and look to them. You’ll see the big round arms, puffy fabric and digital prints on the pieces. Even our logo is getting a special futuristic treatment for BHM,” says Kara Lacayo, Yitty’s vice-president of design who worked alongside Lizzo in dreaming up these styles.

Louis Vuitton updates its LV Volt collection

Unveiled in 2020, Louis Vuitton’s bold LV Volt collection has since become a core component of the maison’s jewellery pillar. But the luxury label wasn’t done pushing the envelope. This week, a new iteration of the line was released and it features glistening diamonds, a ring and an 18-karat white gold brooch.

Rudsak expands globally

 

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Since 1994, Montreal-based luxury outerwear brand Rudsak has taken the coat category by storm. From parkas and skiwear to lightweight down jackets, its edgy, contemporary twist on classic silhouettes has become the go-to for Canadians braving the cold. Now, the homegrown label has widened its scope: Its e-commerce site is finally available to international customers, too.

The post Dorian Who Releases a Thought-Provoking Collection + More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

“This is an opportunity to highlight amazing content buried within our archives that shows how Black culture has been involved in the mainstream,” says Cassandra Illidge, vice-president of content and brand partnerships at Getty and the lead on the project. “We have only scratched the surface of the amount of photography and stories that have not been explored around the Black community and its impact on history.”

Illidge and her team partnered closely with internationally recognized researchers, historians, and educators, like visual artist and NYU professor Deborah Willis. “We lived a lifetime of denying Black presence in beauty and fashion. Some of the images that circulated during the 19th [and 20th] centuries dehumanized Black people,” states Willis. “This archive is evidence — simply as that. I see it as a cure for the racist images that have been circulated for hundreds of years.”

Below, we spotlight a handful of Black men and women who have paved paths and influenced beauty and fashion along the way.

Photography by MPI courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by General Photographic Agency courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by General Photographic Agency courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by Frank Shaw courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by UPI/Bettmann courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by Michael Ochs Archive courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by UPI/Bettmann courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by Fred Mott courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by Michael Ochs Archives courtesy of Getty

Photography by David Cairns courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by Roy Milligan courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by Michael Ochs Archive courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by UPI/Bettmann courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by Michael Ochs Archives courtesy of Getty Images

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by UPI/Bettmann courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by Michael Ochs Archives courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by Frederick M. Brown courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by John Shearer courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by Alex Wong courtesy of Getty Images

Photography by Anothony Harvey courtesy of Getty Images

1/21

1800s

Escaped slave and leading abolitionist Frederick Douglass was said to be one of the most photographed men of the 19th century. Before and during the American Civil War, he fought to end the practice of slavery. “He understood dress as biography,” says Deborah Willis. “In the way that he presented himself, we see how he felt that the caricatures that represented Black people during that time period was a hindrance to his own humanity.”

2/21

1920s

Cast members of Broadway producer Lew Leslie’s famous musical revue, ‘Blackbirds Of 1926’, on the roof of the London Pavilion. “This image really resonates with me,” says Willis. “Within a 30-year, post-slavery time period, these Black female performers decided that they didn’t want to be domestic workers, but perform on stage and travel the world. To have a voice and believe in their creativity. This image shows that freedom, from the way they’re dressed to their different hairstyles. These women had a chance to play with beauty and expand their notion of it.”

3/21

1920s and 1930s

During the Jazz Age, Josephine Baker’s hair was often styled in flapper-chic kiss-curls. The famed entertainer was the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture — the 1927 silent film Siren of the Tropics.

4/21

1930s

Said to be the daughter of a sheik (the head of an Arab tribe), Princess Kouka of Sudan, who simply went by Kouka, arrived on the British film scene in the 1930s and is most known for her role in a film called Jericho (also alternatively titled Dark Sands). She also starred in several Egyptian films.

5/21

1940s

Standing in front of her white peers inside a segregated “no Blacks” hotel in L.A., the elegantly coiffed Hattie McDaniel broke the colour barrier at the 12th Academy Awards when she became the first Black person to win an Oscar for her performance as Mammy in Gone With the Wind. Although her role as a house servant is argued to have perpetuated many racial stereotypes, her win cannot be denied as an immense success story within a representation-starved industry.

6/21

1950s

An exceptional example of everyday Black joy: civil-rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. relaxing at home with his wife Coretta Scott King (we see you, elegant pin curls) and baby daughter.

7/21

1960s

No one did glamour quite like The Supremes trio Mary Wilson, Diana Ross and Florence Ballard. Motown’s most successful act, the girl group became renowned for their maximalist style and stage presence.

8/21

1960s

And no one wore beehive-like updos and thick winged black eyeliner quite like The Ronettes.

9/21

1960s

From her proud afro and signature head wraps, to her self-penned civil rights anthems, Nina Simone — one of the most sampled jazz artists of all time — never shied away from celebrating her Black culture.

10/21

1960s

Princess Elizabeth Bagaya of Toro is a trailblazer for many reasons. The Ugandan lawyer, politician, diplomat and model was the first woman from East Africa to be admitted to the English Bar and, over the years, became a muse for renowned fashion photographers and designers (she was the inspiration behind Zac Posen’s Fall 2016 ready-to-wear collection). She also briefly served as Uganda’s foreign minister in 1974.

11/21

1960s

With her March 1966 British Vogue cover, model and actress Donyale Luna became the first model of colour to grace any Vogue magazine cover.

12/21

1970s

Cicely Tyson became one of the first mainstream Black actors to confidently embrace her natural hair on national television when she wore an afro for her role in the 1963 drama East Side/West Side. She would later debut cornrows in the 1972 film Sounder.

13/21

1970s & 1980s

Grace Jones’s imprint on style is everlasting. Her geometric haircut, club-kid makeup and avant-garde fashion sense embodied the opulent disco culture of the ’70s and ’80s.

14/21

1980s & 1990s

“Now, who flat top rules in ’89?” rapper Big Daddy Kane sang in his 1989 track “Warm It Up, Kane.” His sense of style — high-top fade hairstyles, chunky chains and four-finger rings — set a number of late-’80s and early-’90s hip-hop trends.

15/21

1990s

Naomi Campbell’s nearly four-decade-long modelling career has been filled with many barrier-breaking moments (like being the first Black model to open for Prada and land the cover of French Vogue). She also helped set many iconic beauty trends, such as dark, exaggerated lip liner that ruled the 1990s.

16/21

1990s

When supermodel Iman launched her eponymous makeup line Iman Cosmetics in 1994 — a line celebrated for offering products that flatter Black and Brown skin — she became a beauty pioneer during a time when barely any beauty brands catered to the needs of women of colour.

17/21

1990s

Here’s to the queen of protective styles. From micro to box to knotless, braided hairdos have become synonymous with R&B singer Brandy ever since she sprang onto the music scene in the 1990s.

18/21

2000s & 2010s

When Solange Knowles dropped relaxed strands and straight wigs in the late 2000s, she became a natural-hair icon. Since growing out her coils, she has rocked a myriad of afro-textured hairstyles, from an ultra-fluffy ’fro to two-strand twists.

19/21

2010s

In 2012, actor Viola Davis turned heads when she decided to ditch her wigs and hairpieces and go natural for the Oscars red carpet. She’s been serving endless coily-hair looks ever since.

20/21

2020s

In 2021, Amanda Gorman became the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history when she performed at the swearing in of President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris. Another significant detail: her braided updo adorned with gold jewellery and a red Prada headband. It was the first time a protective braided hairstyle had ever graced the inaugural stage.

21/21

2020s

Since emerging on the Hollywood scene, actor Jodie Turner-Smith has commanded attention with her breathtaking fashion and beauty looks.

A condensed version of this article first appeared in FASHION’s Winter issue. Find out more here.

The post Everyone Should Know About Getty’s Black History & Culture Collection appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Luxury label Louis Vuitton has been celebrating its founder’s bicentennial birthday since 2021, and they aren’t stopping any time soon. The latest tribute? A one-of-a-kind timepiece that is simply out of this world. The Louis Vuitton Tambour Jacquemart Minute Repeater explores the maison’s core theme of journeys with a deep blue dial, cerulean gemstones and sleek titanium hardware. And although the watch is intricately made up of 480 components, the dial’s astral show is the true conversation starter: At the push of a button, a mini mechanical rocket ship launches into motion, while planets spin, shooting stars take flight and a cathedral bell chimes.

Brunette the Label collaborates with a fellow Canadian brand

 

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Two Vancouver brands have partnered on a sweet yet spicy treat for Valentine’s Day. Brunette the Label and TikTok-famous candle company Mala the Brand just released an eco-conscious cinnamon heart-scented candle. Paired with Brunette the Label’s coveted Valentine’s Day collection (also available to shop now), this wood-wicked candle is the *perfect* fuse to our match. (Boom!) Let the love day festivities begin.

Gucci unveils new high jewellery at couture week

 

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That’s a wrap on couture week, the most playful, boundary-pushing event on the high-fashion calendar. And as expected, among the jaw-dropping collections, there were flashes of dazzling accessories. On January 24, Gucci previewed new additions to its Hortus Deliciarum (latin for “garden of delights”) high jewellery collection, which includes a 35.9 carat mandarin garnet and a 38.8 carat green tourmaline. The unique masterpieces place artistry at the forefront, evoking distant, exotic and magical worlds. Lion head motifs. Cascades of dancing diamonds. The changing colours of the sky. It’s an OTT take on imagination and we’re totally here for the escapism.

Meet the newest label on the swimwear market, Patti Jane Swim

Patti Jane Swim is the new kid on the swimwear block, but it’s already cool enough to take centre stage. The Canadian, female-founded, sustainable label launched last month and uses ultra-soft recycled fabrics to craft groovy, colourful bathers. It’s an easy way to add fun to your resort-ready wardrobe — whether you’re packing for a sunny destination or just longing for winter to end.

Knix is making lace you can live in

When it comes to intimates, Knix knows that elevated style and comfortable support need to coexist. Take their newest release, the Lace Longline Bra. The wireless, all-lace garment has a deep-v neckline with adjustable straps for a customized fit, and is offered in three charming hues. Launched as part of the brand’s Own Your Sexy campaign, this innovative bra aims to boost the wearer’s confidence. Mission accomplished!

The post Louis Vuitton’s New Watch Is Out of This World + More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Formula Fig

Toronto’s popular Ossington Avenue has a new bar, but it’s not what you’re picturing. Hailing from Vancouver (the two B.C. locations are well known among Canadian political figures plus A-listers visiting Hollywood North for film projects), Formula Fig, which opened in Toronto this summer, is a science-forward beauty bar unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Inside the funky all-green space (inspired by a London subway station), a glowing white menu lists various services, including a range of 30-minute technology-driven facials, “stingers” (wrinkle-relaxing neuromodulator injections) and vitamin IVs and shots, all of which are delivered by trusted professionals. Also, the green-swathed oasis sells a curated selection of cool beauty brands, like Vintner’s Daughter, Dr Loretta, Tata Harper and Goop.

Stillwater Spa

After a highly anticipated multi-year renovation, Park Hyatt Toronto has reopened its doors as well as its Stillwater Spa, which is accented in gold with waves of watercolours and light-coloured wood. The 60-minute Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience is a blissful full-body massage and the spa’s most customizable offering. Guests get to choose a handcrafted natural oil blend from U.K.-based Aromatherapy Associates, a leader in the world of aromatherapy, to be used during the treatment as well as the music — they’re welcome to play their own beats via AirPods or headphones, or they can peruse a selection of classical, contemporary and typical spa music. Once you’re lying comfortably on the massage table, get ready to experience unique massage movements and techniques that will leave you feeling totally relaxed and noodle-like.

Radford Studio

Victoria Radford’s client list includes the likes of Fergie, John Legend and Molly Parker, and the makeup artist meets aesthetician’s Yorkville beauty studio is often buzzing during the Toronto International Film Festival, with clients booking in for makeup and custom facial services prior to hitting the red carpet. Radford’s curated facials, which incorporate skincare products from her eponymous beauty line (her 24K Gold Hydrogel Face Mask is the ultimate luxe sheet mask), range from 15 minutes to two hours and can include everything from LED light therapy and manual extractions to peels and microneedling. As for makeup services, three levels are offered: pro, principal and senior principal artist. “I wanted to offer different budget options for everyone to be able to feel like a celebrity and feel welcome in the Radford community,” she shares.

SkinByVee

Cryo (cold therapy) is at the centre of Vee Mistry’s customized facials, which she performs out of her completely private studio tucked away at the back of a Yorkville-adjacent townhouse. The aesthetician looks at each client’s lifestyle factors and treats their skin accordingly using a mix of perfected techniques — ultrasonic, lymphatic drainage, microcurrent and LED therapy — along with a cocktail of niche skincare brands to help sculpt and lift. “I love cryo because it never leaves the skin looking blotchy, red or irritated,” Mistry tells FASHION. “The water I use is very cold, my cryo sticks [for lymphatic massage] come straight out of the freezer and my sheet masks are kept in the fridge.” And be prepared for the most divine facial massage, which can combine an array of different movements — effleurage, tapotement, kneading and cupping — depending on your needs. “Your face really starts at the nipples and goes all the way to the hairline,” she says. “My massages always work this entire surface area.” Note: This in-demand facialist is often booked up thanks to her impressive roster of high-profile clients who call on her to get her signature glow, but she’s definitely worth the wait.

Miraj Hammam Spa

At the Moroccan-inspired spa in the swanky Shangri-La Hotel, a popular indulgent facial treatment is the Custom Glow Facial, which uses products from leading French skincare brand Biologique Recherche. (You can experience it in 60 or 90 minutes.) No steam or hot towels are used; nor are any extractions performed. And most of the products selected by your aesthetician throughout the treatment will depend on your skin’s needs. Do expect to undergo a thorough cleanse, an exfoliation and the application of a concentrated and targeted booster and multi-masking (which consists of a liquid-based formula and a sheet mask). A facial serum and cream are applied, and then the last step is an SPF. Bonus: A de-puffing lymphatic massage using ice-cold cryo sticks is also part of the signature treatment.

Hammam Spa by Céla

With two locations in the city, Hammam Spa by Céla is another R&R hub influenced by Eastern traditions. We recommend trying one of the spa’s exclusive body treatments, like the Seed to Skin Ritual. To start, you’ll enjoy a detoxifying eucalyptus-infused steam before being brought into a private candlelit room where you’ll lie on a heated marble table. Next, a fragrant, frothy cloud of bubbles and warm water will be poured all over your body (think of it as the most luxurious bubble bath — ever), and then you’ll be gently exfoliated with a natural scrub from the spa’s in-house line, Céla. Once the scrub is fully rinsed, you’ll be treated to a full-body cream application that ends with a head, neck and shoulder massage.

A version of this article first appeared in FASHION’s November issue. Find out more here.

The post A Guide to the Very Best Toronto Spas appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

This week, Smash + Tess released a capsule collection in collaboration with pop icon Paula Abdul. Designed for those who love to move and groove, the athleisure line features hip-hugging pants, sweat-wicking crop tops and quarter-zip knits. Plus, with pops of colour that have just the right amount of retro flair, you’ll be able to go from the gym to the mall with ease. Perfect for if you’re in a rush, rush (IYKYK).

H&M Move drops the Empower Collection

Forget New Year’s resolutions for a moment, let’s discuss new clothes. H&M Move’s newest launch is a line of seamless activewear products, including jumpsuits, tights, bras and tees. Backed by the brand’s energetic ambassadors — Jane Fonda, Zlatan Ibrahimović, JaQuel Knight and Nadia Nadim — the collection and campaign will surely empower you to move your body in any way that suits you. No resolution required.

Put your pinkies up for Smythe

The colour pink is having such a moment. Think: Barbiecore, Valentino’s Pink PP collection and, most recently, Pantone’s 2023 Colour of the Year. Now to add to the fun, Canadian label Smythe’s pre-Spring collection zeros in on shades of the playful hue with outerwear, formalwear, suiting separates and a cozy knit sweater. But if pink just isn’t your thing, this drop is dotted with pops of green, crimson and navy, with a handful of items in classic black and grey. Something for everyone!

Warby Parker launches its star-studded Spring 2023 campaign

Before asking yourself what you’d like to see in 2023, maybe ponder *how* you’d like to see. Specs specialist Warby Parker has revealed its new styles for spring and they’re looking très chic. Tapping the Y2K aesthetic with eye-catching frames and arresting colours, this unsung accessory comes to life in the brand’s new star-studded campaign, which features Christina Ricci, Jeremy O. Harris, Arpana Rayamajhi and Henry Eikenberry.

Brunette the Label enters its Girlboss era

In today’s world, many of us work from wherever. Building off this idea, Vancouver-based, female-owned brand Brunette the Label has partnered with Girlboss on a limited-edition fleet of tracksuits that can quite easily be considered your office hours uniform. Branded with slogans like “Recovering People Pleaser” and “In My Girlboss Era,” the purpose is to give you that extra boost of confidence, support and comfort when chasing your dreams.

The post Smythe Thinks Pink, Paula Abdul Drops Athleisure, and More Fashion News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.