Fall 2013 with Rudsak / Preview Event #Stardust

A couple of days ago I had the unique privilege of experiencing Rudsak, one of Canada's premiere and most sought-after Design Houses, present their Fall 2013 Preview here in Toronto at the beautiful Templar Hotel; uniquely titled Stardust. Before I start ranting about the beauty of design and how incredible it all is, I should speak first about the impact Rudsak carries with it, and why that in itself is cause for celebration enough.

Hailing from Montréal, and ruling it, Rudsak has been an inspirationally powerful brand since it's inception almost two decades ago. Possessing an aesthetic that bases itself on rich, luxurious materials; Rudsak often manages to balances the fine line of Canadian rustic-heritage with inner-city, youthful polish. Clean lines, brilliant palettes, and an urban edge balance out a traditionally strong aesthetic of functional luggage-wear and seasonally practical outerwear. The quality of their leather, being known for the way they use it, is unmatched in our market - and you honestly can't appreciate it (which is something I quickly learned) until you see it.

The Fall 2013 Preview event I attended was guided by Matt, a representative of the iconic brand, who carefully, methodically, and passionately guided us through a variety of staple looks for Rudsak's Autumn. From the get-go I was immediately smitten by the quality of the leather. I saw Rudsak present this season at World MasterCard Fashion Week but I had no idea how incredible the pieces actually were until I saw them up close. The Moto-Jackets were fiercely cut, inky black, and detailed in a Gold Lamé-esque fabric and Faux-Pony in the most brilliantly rich Oxblood. The structured boning, clasps, and zips were an embrace of a past era - 70's disco meets 90's grunge, as Matt would say, in tandem with the line's name; Stardust. And also, quite clearly, in tandem with the 90's elements we've been seeing trend enormously in Fashion this Season.

Despite the awesome aesthetic of the Collection, I was more impressed by the amount of design intelligence. Every piece in Rudsak's arsenal of leather and coats were multi-functional and incredibly detailed - from the fabric choice to the piping to the way it's worn. They are extremely high quality and you can easily get two, even three looks from almost every one of their classic Winter pieces. Many coats were multi-layered; featuring unique button closures, texturally diverse leather, nylon, and fur; and the option of removing, adding on, or altering at least one part of the coat as you wear it. Brilliant design composition - both functional and beautiful; quality meets grace, it's really quite awesome!

One of my favourite pieces of the entire presentation was a beautifully striped, cowl-necked Winter dress. It was textured in intricately lined strips of leather with black mesh in between, but it cut and curled around the curves of the body in bold triangles and shapes, creating form through it's texture. It was a beautifully detailed pieces that you could easily dress up or down in the richest black, which was a huge palette theme for the entire Rudsak showcase. Love!

Some of the best pieces of the entire showcase were the accessories. Boasting a brilliant mix of fur lined hats, chic, iPhone sensitive leather gloves, and both wax-coated and chalkboard-finished leather satchels in the richest colours. Like we've said before, Rudsak is famous for their luggage-wear, and this season's Collection is no exception. The quality of the bags are bar-none, and yet they remain totally affordable in a high designer market. Finished cleanly or distressed, the wax-coated leathers are luxurious to the touch as well as the sight. I highly recommend investing in some of their luggage if you're being introduced to Rudsak for the first time; it will give you a sense of the quality of the leather without the price tag of a full Winter coat. But, chances are, if you love the bag as much as I know you will, you will probably get the coat to partner!

Rounding out the entire showcase was a diverse mix of new Rudsak Menswear. Matt was quick to point out that Rudsak is interested in investing more time in Menswear, which, as a person who is an advocate for the evolution of Men's Design, was thrilling for me. He presented us with more brilliant black knitwear, some of which were wax-coated in glossy finishes that mirrored their brilliant coats; as well as a unique and quality collection of powerful bubble coats and classic Moto-cuts. We were smitten from beginning to end.

Rudsak continues to be an International leader in leather design hailing from a Canadian market. I couldn't be more proud nor impressed with the aesthetic, incredible quality, and amazing functionality of their Fall 2013 Collection that continue to keep Rudsak at the forefront of amazing fashion. It was an absolute pleasure!

Visit Rudsak in Downtown Toronto at the corner of Queen & John and invest in some fantastic Winter wear today. Show your support for Canadian Fashion and Canadian talent!

315 Queen Street West

Toronto, Ontario

M52 2A4

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Fall 2013 with HUDSON Jeans / Collection Preview

No stranger to vibrant attitude, HUDSON Jeans presented an unforgettably on-point and vivid Collection of fantastic denim at their Fall 2013 Preview here in Toronto. And when I say vivid, I don’t necessarily mean in colour – I’m talking attitude. We’re seeing 90’s-era grunge blend with Moto-inspired leather, patchwork textural denim on denim, and some of the sexiest, slickest washes from HUDSON as a brand yet.

I was beyond smitten from the get-go when I started seeing that 90’s element peek through. Claudia presented us with a nostalgic return to the prestige of true denim - classic blue washed, both distressed and richly inky, lined with bright yellow stitching or accented with faded tones and ripped fabric. They were two different looks from one great era; clean denim vs. destroyed denim. “Destroy & Repair” (coined by HUDSON) was something I absolutely loved for Spring; and was a major precursor to all the grunge elements we’re seeing in Fashion right now. HUDSON has taken this same idea, destroying Jeans only to wear them again, to a crisper level with darker washes and richer tones – something indicative of what Fall Fashion means. Adore.

But what’s 90’s denim without a little rock star? One of the biggest trends of the year makes a re-appearance in HUDSON’s fall lineup to an aesthetic that echoes the unabashed, biker-glam of urban London. Zipped, richly made dark denim, both shiny and matte, solidify HUDSON as a sexy, youthful legwear design house with wicked leather elements. We were absolutely taken with the gold, zipped pieces, the textural patchwork of denim on denim, and especially the rich inkiness of some of HUDSON’s most beautiful blackest-of-black pieces. This 90’s-era trend goes beyond the youthful liberation of blue denim, but instead delves far into the sexy, dark, brooding identity of punk with a chic edge – studs, patchwork fabric, and glossy textures in chestnut brown, deep black, charcoal grey, and brilliant oxblood. The wax-coated denim added to this aesthetic, and was our absolute favourite look for the entire showing! The matte yet shiny texture of the wax is not quite as powerful as leather, but not quite as understated and effortless as a pair of classic denim pants either. It’s edgy but easy, which seems to be in perfect tandem with what HUDSON is all about to begin with. Fantastic! I think I speak for everyone who was at the preview in saying that I wish every showing rack in the room was with me at home. A wonderful preview for a fierce Season ahead.

HUDSON has continued to be a remarkable source for great denim since its inception, and I can speak volumes about how tasteful each Season of HUDSON is – but I want to try and explain it in a better way. HUDSON is a company that continues to design with significance, and what I mean by that is the ability to take fresh inspiration from classic elements, all the while re-creating and re-imagining current, evolving trends. They never forget their history, pulling elements from London consistently in each Season, and always utilize creative and artistic outlets to showcase their aesthetic. Whether through insta-campaigns, performance art, or just fantastic urban street photography; HUDSON presents an identity each Season. And it’s an identity that permeates – youthful, fierce, neoteric, individual, easy. HUDSON, I think I love you.

Hilary MacMillan at The Glass Factory / Fall 2013

Spring is creeping closer and closer - it's time for some serious Fashion! Just last week here in Toronto I had the privilege to attend the Runway debut of local designer Hilary MacMillian for her Fall 2013 Collection.

Premiering at The Glassy Factory just off the Queen West strip, MacMillan boasted an aesthetic that played with glistening gold textures and damask opulence in wearable, urban forms. Creamy, off-whites and rich blacks were dotted with bright, blood reds and cool beiges (a perfectly balanced palette of what Fall neutrals should be) in classic pencils skirts, tailored 50's-era coats, and light-weight trenches. We absolutely loved seeing gold take centre stage as it beamed forward from all that neutrality; and especially the intricacy of the gold, patterned in finely detailed textural sequins in trim and even full-body forms; adding glamour, richness, and a glitzy, 80's touch to a generally clean-cut aesthetic.

Accented with the lightest fabrics (what looked like it could've been soft Chiffon) and classic Fall textures like Fur and Leather; Hilary's showcase was strong, concise, and well executed. Congratulations on your Runway debut Hilary! Hope to see all you have to offer Toronto in the future.

All Images Courtesy Magnet Creative

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Monochromatic Fantasy at One King West / Lucian Matis Fall 2013

We were enamoured from the moment we walked through the entrance. The opulence of one of Toronto's most iconic buildings, One King West, evoked a grandeur and a prestige only a Collection by Lucian Matis could rightfully equal. Huge columns arched by massive bay windows and stunning gold crown moulding throughout. I'm sure you all remember Matis' majestic and jaw-dropping Collection during Fashion Week last year at the Fairmont Royal York; we thought it was the best of the year. This year, one of Toronto's most celebrated Designers took us in an entirely new direction.

A private showing to an invite-only crowd (thanks for inviting me Lucian!), Monochromatic Fantasy took place in the Grand Ballroom of One King to a packed house of industry professionals, celebrities, designer guests, and media. We were treated to hors d'oeuvres, Bailey's cocktails, and delicious treats pre-show. Once runway began, in an unexpected twist, Matis presented an exclusive Bailey's creation gown to start the show as almost, I can only imagine, a nod to the prestige of his last showing. Featuring the same, repeated aesthetic of incredibly detailed, hand-cut patterns and a brilliant gown; this starting dress was a glimpse of nostalgia; and it, like it was in the past, was quite epic. 

Monochromatic Fantasy was everything the name suggested; a stark, clean palette presented with an air of regal majesty. Huge gowns in the crispest, angel white were dramatic and powerful in shape but simple in essence. Minimalist forms and minimalist colours evoked an aesthetic that was a total departure form the over-detailed, over-worked, and over-shiny that we are often accustomed to with a man of Matis' talent. Instead we are treated with something a little unexpected but equally great; it almost acts like the energy of the Collection as opposed to the grandeur of the material or the aesthetic itself. The clothes acted like images, and the Collection, like all Fashion Shows, existed perfectly in that moment. The white was flowing and bright, the cool greys were sharp and architectural, and the blacks were rich and chic. Dotted with textural elements of over-sized fur and the occasional matte leather, Monochromatic Fantasy was a nod to the greatness of true simplicity; something that it is uniquely difficult to do. Something like this requires the best trained hand and perhaps an even greater eye; without the option of bedazzlement or intersecting lines to create balance - the balance, the harmony of the form, becomes entirely dependent on the form itself. No line can be sewn out of place and no shoulder can be shaped differently; it calls for absolute control and absolute grace in execution. That is true craftsmanship, and simplicity of this caliber can be achieved be no one less than a masterful technician.

All incredible images Copyright 2013 to Michael Ho (Michael Ho Photography)

A brilliant, bright, powerfully soft presentation. Thank you again Lucian.

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Day 2 at World MasterCard Fashion Week / LINE Knitwear

Day 2 at World MasterCard Fashion Week featured Line Knitwear as it's second-last showing, behind the incomparable Sid Neigum to close the night. A fantastic presentation of long sweaters, over-sized knitted forms, and fantastic gold elements; Line was masterfully composed. One of our favourites of the entire day; Line was unique in the sense that it presented a Collection that was simultaneously wearable, marketable, modern, consistently on-point in terms of trend; yet remained interesting and new. Hugely draped forms were accented with eye-catching textures of leather and metallic while sharper cut pieces were grounded with cinched waists, laser-cut skirts, and fantastic ankle boots.

We especially loved the leather skirt details. Such a simple shape and form; yet the glossy black, flowing material makes it seem that much richer, that much more expensive, and chicer as a result. It turns up the knitwear as a whole, which is the foundation of Line, and takes from casual to refined. Sweaters were worn almost like trench coats, with a refinement and poise, taking the aesthetic of Line as a whole to a much more prestigious, rich level. A fantastic presentation full of diverse shapes, awesome forms, but finished with a sharp and beautiful simplicity - I'd love to own any one of these great pieces!

All credit to the amazing photos goes to Jenna Marie Wakani and Fashion Magazine

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Day 1 at World MasterCard Fashion Week / Chloé Comme Parris

Opening night at World MasterCard Fashion Week saw iconic, sister-lead Design team, Chloé Comme Parris, return to the tents with an epic Fall 2013 Runway presentation. Embodying an attitude, aesthetic, and feel that was a nod to an unrefined and urban 90's era look; Chloé presented gunmetal graphics, over-sized fits, and schoolgirl stockings re-imagined to a classic soundtrack.

We were enamoured from the very beginning. Strutting out to Nirvana, knits tied around their waists, thigh-length dresses and over-sized moto-jackets; easily adaptable, retro fits. But, I should say, smartly adapted for a modern Fashion era by using mirrored graphics, patterned stockings, shiny shoes, and fantastic, glossy leather! An awesome palette of dark olives, sheer, and black dominated the Runway; while the 90's came out brashly in midriff cut tees, spaghetti-strapped dresses, and brazenly cut coats. I can't really say too much beyond that. Describing the Collection as is is the best I can do; and just saying that I absolutely fell in love with the feel. It felt like looking into the past a little bit, but it was so modern and wearable in today's evolving market. Listening to the music and seeing the girls; sweaters around their waists and braids in their disheveled hair, took me immediately back to Summer in the 90's; just cooler. It was wicked, urban, so hip, and it didn't pretend not to be. It wasn't subtle, but it was unique. A wicked presentation.

Credit for the amazing photos to George Pimentel and FLARE

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The Top Trends of the Season! Looks for #Spring2013!

Spring is slowly dawning upon us! And that means it's time for some Spring cleaning; not only for your home, but for your wardrobe! Spring is an exciting time of year; inspiring renewal, growth, and newness with the birth of a new Season. 2012 is gone and it's time to actively embrace all that 2013 can offer for you! An updated wardrobe is a personification of that energy; and not to mention a flattering way to appear on-trend, significant, and socially aware.

So, with that being said, what should you look for this Season? This Spring we are seeing a lot of fantastic trends start to materialize in a variety of diverse ways! Straight from the Runways of some of the greatest designer showcases last Season to even the re-emergence of some 2012's most popular colours. Gone are the days of single trends and single looks. Here is my list of some of the Top Trends of the Season! What are the hottest looks for Spring 2013?

1  /  Jail Time

Monochromatics couldn't be hotter this Season. Black and White are back with fearlessness in a new way; with stripes, blocks, geometric shapes, and eye-catching orthogonals. The colour combination itself is probably the most iconic of Spring; having been the tones of choice for the last few seasons during most of the Fashion Week circuit. However, the patterns are certainly new! From Marc Jacobs to Michael Kors; stripes, lines, and lined prints of all kinds are perhaps the most prominent visual trend this Spring.

2  /  Paintbox 

It's All Colour Everything girls! Pops of colour here and there to add visual boldness will always be in style; but what's the hottest trend for colour beyond that? Match on match, bold on bold, pop on pop! We absolutely adore these bright, bold, paintbox hues that are layered and layered on one another. A total appreciation of the brilliance of colour - we are seeing Reds on Reds, Blues on Blues, Yellows on Yellows, and everything in between. Colour on Colour is an extremely confidant and fearless appreciation of colour; it takes power to pull off, but I am a firm that everyone can do it with the right attitude. And, in a sense, Colour and Colour is a real nod to a retro-era look of matching hues with hues to create balance. Remember that time when your Mom would wear that lavender cardigan with those lavender nails and that lavender bracelet? It's back, just with more boldness! The bag, the coat, the necklace, the shoes! It works, and it's fierce.

3  /  Denim Nation

The Return of Denim is probably the most exciting Spring trend for me this Season! Denim has been an obsession of mine for a while; there are few other materials that can be equally unique, worn by anyone from any style story, and still exist as a classic neutral while constantly re-inventing itself. The birth of Denim, particular the Jean, is arguably the single most prominent and significant contribution to Fashion in Fashion history; at least medium-wise! We are seeing Denim on Denim everywhere - in dark, light, acid, grunge, torn, and ombré! It's 90's, a little retro, youthful, and energetic! A throwback to a simpler time, Denim is both nostalgic and totally new. Experiment with cut-offs, embellishments, Denim accessories, and even layering Denim onto modern looks with more chic fabrics! The most versatile fabric of this Season.

4  /  Sheer Brilliance + Heavy Metals

It's all Sheer and it's all fabulous! Sheer was especially popular during much of the Fashion Week circuit for the Spring 2013 Showcases last year. Light, flowing fabrics that were opalescent, translucent, and soft; in dresses, blouses, and pants (and even creeping into the creation of some ultra-modern transparent accessories!). We absolutely love the femininity of Sheer - it's brash, uninhibited, and sexually powerful though it remains itself a very soft touch. Perfect for layering for Spring, Sheer allows endless ways to layer tones and textures upon one another; while providing every opportunity to show some skin for the Season! And what's Sheer without Metal? Metallics couldn't be hotter for Spring! We've seen them the last few seasons but they are back in a brash display! Foiled, bright, and in full head-to-toe glam; Metallics have managed to take centre-stage beyond just accessories alone.

5  /  The Mod Club

Remember all that retro we keep talking about for Spring 2013? Yeah, it's real, and it's more than just the 90's and the 80's. Designers are also pulling out fantastic Mod elements from the 60's into bright, bold, graphic design palettes for the Spring 2013 Season! Boldly cut, graphic dresses dotted with geometric lines of equal boldness are dominating, powerful elements directly from the Mod era. From Balmain to Vuitton, we are seeing Paintbox tones and Mod shapes - it's about confidence, colour, having fun and being young at heart. Yet another bold and powerful way to bring in the newness of Spring for 2013.

6  /  Leather Vision

It's Leather baby, and it's back! The single hottest material for Fall 2012 is back and totally new for Spring 2013! Yes, that's right, Leather AND Spring! Could it get any better? Designers are using the medium in new, lighter ways - Leather t-shirts, skirts, maxi dresses, and Bermuda shorts! It's all Spring, it's all athletic, and it's all glossy, rich, seductive, and brilliantly Leather. We absolutely adore this trend. Our favourite Fall fabric re-creating itself in a Spring wardrobe? What's not to obsess over? And it's not just the material, it's the boldness! Just like Denim and just like Paintbox Colour, we are seeing Leather layered on Leather take centre stage! It's about bold, bold, bold this Season! Don't hold back.

7  /  It's Too Big

Over-sized, over-dramatic, and too big! We love it when that top is a little too big; bagging over those great skinny-cut pants or that fantastic skirt. Over-sized shapes have been trendy since last Season and there's no shortage of the awesome. Another retro-nod to an 80's-90's era aesthetic, over-sized shapes evoke youthfulness in a more modern, stylish, and chic way with blouses, dramatically-cut overcoats, and perfect trenches. We love it big! And that's what she said...about her clothes!

8  /  Emerald City

Emerald is THE Colour of the Season! So much so that we can't fit it all in here! This is here to remind you that it's ALL Green and it's ALL fabulous. Stay-tuned for a full forecast about the brilliance of Emerald and the many different ways you can sport this iconic colour on my next Trending for Spring 2013 Post! For now, here's a taste of Oz.

Remember, it's not just what you wear, it's how you wear it! Look for ways to make these fantastic Spring 2013 trends uniquely yours! You will always look your best when you feel your best. Happy Spring!

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