Published Session / VIVA FRIDA for COCO Magazine

VIVA FRIDA / COCO Magazine (May 2013 Part I)

Photography / Allysa Cervantes 

Makeup / Erin Heather

Hair / Dylan Dias

Wardrobe / Joanna Plisko

Featuring / Jovana (B&M)

Working with this team creating this spread was nothing short of magnificent! Total cohesion in execution, challenging work, fantastic visuals; creating VIVA FRIDA was as exhausting as it was rewarding. A great experience and one of my absolute favourite Sessions throughout my entire portfolio. I am so glad COCO shared this epic vision spearheaded by the incredible, adorable, charming, and wonderful Allysa Cervantes. View the Magazine Spread here, where you can also order it in print! More amazing Sessions to come! Keep it locked. #SupportLocalFashion

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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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The End of LABEL Clothing

It's with extreme regret that it's come to my attention that LABEL, one of my favourite local design houses (and one of the best Toronto has to offer) is closing it's doors. Robinson and Sydoruk are one of the most talented design teams in Toronto; and we've hailed them before - for their fantastic, urban aesthetic and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability in Fashion. They are a brilliant picture of the talent this city and country have to offer the industry, and it will be incredibly sad to see their iconic line, LABEL, discontinued.

It's unclear whether the team will pursue their own, individual futures within the design world in Toronto come the end of LABEL; but one thing is for certain, their talent will be missed by so many enthusiasts, like myself, who've been nothing but privileged to see the evolution of their work and the evolution of LABEL.

LABEL will be hosting a Closing Sale & Party in light of their decision to disband. It will be an amazing chance for everyone to not only bid farewell to the Fashion House, but to also get your hands on brilliant LABEL merchandise, the likes of which you won't be able to get again! The deals will undoubtedly be insane, with items starting as low as $20 and including pieces from Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 Samples. The sale will be ONE DAY ONLY and will be taking place next Thursday, April 25th, 2013 from 12 NOON - 11:00 pm at Levack Block (88 Ossington Avenue in Toronto). Be there!

Also, if by chance you happen to miss out on this incredible chance to score some rare LABEL gems, be sure to head over to our good friends at Homegrown Boutique! Being huge LABEL lovers and supporters since their beginning, Homegrown has a fine selection on some of the best LABEL pieces to date - they will not last!

Sad to see you go LABEL! Thanks for the awesome.

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Evan Biddell Launches Online Shop

Hello Fashion! It's me again, here to tell you that Spring 2013 couldn't look any better. With the flurry of new, local lines emerging, gaining ground, and making serious headway; I have been in nothing but a positive mood. There are so many amazing things happening right now for me as well; so many things I'm excited to share with you - but it will have to wait for now. That aside, it's great to see some of the most talented people this country has to offer create some of the best pieces I've seen this Season. In the spirit of things, I thought I should let you know about one of my favourites: Evan Biddell.

The incomparable Biddell has just launched his very first Online Shop celebrating his brand. We couldn't be more thrilled being a fan of Biddell since the very beginning. Boasting aesthetics that are always neoteric and uniquely defined by bold textures, colours, silhouettes, and new interpretations; Biddell's Online Shop offers consumers and local fans the chance to taste it for themselves if they, by chance, haven't been able to make it down to Queen Street in Toronto. This Season we are being treated to magnificent Chiffon in Paintbox hues and even some select Pop Art pieces from his celebrated presentation at Toronto Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2013. We are absolutely smitten with his Collection of sheer capes, cowls, and wraps! Over-sized, flowing, and so wicked! Definitely wish I could own them all. Congratulations Biddell! It has been a fantastic privilege to see your empire and aesthetic grow and evolve.

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Published Session / Dream with Fashion Series Magazine

Fashion Series Magazine / DREAM Issue
Photography / Alyssa Wodabek
Makeup / Rachel Elizabeth Smith
Wardrobe / Aziz Vivant
Hair / Dylan Dias
Featuring / Charmaine San Pedro (Velocci)

Session / Eugenia at Home

Photography / Jeffrey Chan

MUA / Christina Calder

Hair / Dylan Dias

Featuring / Eugenia (Elmer Olsen)