#WMCFashionWeek / Did You Miss It? / Holt Renfrew Spring 2013 Trends

Holts opened World MasterCard Fashion Week with a presentation of their featured Spring 2013 trends and a slurry of fantastic, Canadian talent. Celebrating 175 Years of Fashion prestige, Holts is a Canadian-made, Canadian-owned superpower that has been known to establish and support brilliant, local talent. 

Beginning modestly in the mid 1800's, Holts quickly grew to become one of the most sought-after retail empires in the world; holding exclusive accounts with some of the greatest designers in Europe, including the likes of Christian Dior during "New Look". Holts is now Canada's premiere destination of High-Fashion retail and some of the best in Canadian design.

#175ofHolts / Hot@175

World MasterCard Fashion Week Day 1 / Pink Tartan #Spring2013

Welcome to World MasterCard Fashion Week! One week, twice a year, when Toronto glows as the epicentre of the Canadian Fashion Market. Featuring brilliant local designers (with a few international exceptions!), notable influencers from every corner of the industry; as well as the fierce and fabulous enthusiasts, writers, Editors, and models that come out for the amazing presentations, after parties, and showcases that make Toronto Fashion Week the second-largest of its kind in North America (behind only New York). Opening night began yesterday here in the city with Holt Renfrew, famed Canadian Fashion House Pink Tartan, and Montréal-born kings of regality, Pavoni.

Opening Fashion Week as the first local designer showcase, Pink Tartan boasted baby-doll inspired silhouettes and almost retro-chic cuts ranging from the young lady to the sophisticate. Sugary pastels and stunning metallics were a refreshing departure from Tartan's rich, textural, power-pigmented Fall Collection from just last season.

The real majesty of Pink Tartan's work, for me at least, is her use of fabric. The choices always seem so rich and brilliant, where the simplest cigarette pant or patterned blouse feels expensive, immaculately tailored, and luxurious for such a well-designed Prét-à-Porter line. An adorable and crisp way to start off Spring for the 2013 Season.

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Photos Courtesy George Pimentel

Fashion's Night Out Toronto in Pictures // #FNO_Toronto

Fashion's Night Out was everything it could've been and more. We had an incredible time with the fashionable and the fabulous; from Queen West to Yorkville and everything in between. Wonderful parties, fantastic shopping, and even better company. What can we say Toronto? You did wonderfully. Here's to many more FNO's to follow <3

The HUDSON Cabaret Launch Party at Parlour! #FLARE

We've been in a tizzy (and we're not the only ones!) ever since HUDSON Jeans launched their brilliant new campaign in honour of their 10th Anniversary as a leader in Fashion and Denim. Featuring the iconic Georgie May Jagger at the helm of the brand, HUDSON continues their fabulous streak with everything from colour-blocked denim, to tuxedo skinny's, to graphic printed velvet in their new Signature Collection. DylanInTheCity's been there, read about it here!

Last night in the heart of Toronto, HUDSON Jeans (in partnership with FLARE) hosted their prim and electric Launch Party to celebrate this new direction and campaign; dubbed The Hudson Cabaret. I was privileged enough to be included in the event; and I spent the evening enjoying the company of some of the industry's best as well as seeing first-hand some of HUDSON's fantastic new looks, and meeting some of the amazing people behind the brand itself.

Lauren from HUDSON, who was charming and wonderful to speak with last night, was quick to point out how appropriate it was for HUDSON to put a Launch together in an intimate, private lounge in the city - explaining that the HUDSON look is not only a celebration of Fashion liberation, so to speak; but also of individuality, art, and expression. It isn't surprising for me in the least; considering the whimsy of Georgie May Jagger and the Artistic Direction behind some of their fantastic campaign footage. HUDSON pays attention to Social Media and the power behind free images. It really is a wonderful thing to see from a growing company like HUDSON - it's intelligent, purposeful, appealing, and easily accessible all at the same time.

Here are some fantastic images of The #HUDSONCabaret Launch Party last night at Parlour!

Courtesy of The Mint Agency (Thanks Tys!) Photo Credit to Ryan Emberley / medianeeds.ca

Plus! An obligatory shot of me and my HUDSON swag! A fantastic, printed graphic tote in HUDSON Denim that I'm absolutely in love with. 

Look for the HUDSON Signature Collection this Fall popping up all over Toronto. You'll find it easy at HOLTS around the city, but be sure to also check out Over the Rainbow in Yorkville. Not only are they planning to carry HUDSON; but some fantastic window displays should be coming together really soon according to the brand. #LetYourselfGo

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Fashion's Night Out 2012 x Toronto

Before I start I need to hand it off to DaintyGirl for letting me in on this! I honestly had no idea this event was coming to Toronto until she posted it through her fantastic lifestyle blog of the same name. Now! Let's get to the gritty. FNO (Fashion's Night Out) is coming to Toronto! Yes, the New York City-based nightly event of fashion, fabulousness, and of course, retail, is finally hitting the streets of the Big Smoke.

What to expect? What not to expect! Retailers across the city are participating this year with fantastic deals on some of their best merchandise. Everything from Designer Exclusives to In-Store promotions are expected; including nightly soirées, contests, Designers appearances, cocktail events, and beauty advice from at least 20 of Toronto's freshest retailers. 

The event itself started 4 years ago as a way to boost the industry's economy; and encourage and celebrate fashion - building consumer confidence in the market as a whole. Some of the retailers taking part in Toronto's version include Yorkdale Mall, RAC Boutique, Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI), Holt Renfrew, and a slew of others hosting events across some of our most famous fashion strips - Queen West, Yorkville & Bloor St., King West.

This year FNO will be taking place on September 6th, 2012, coincidentally the very first day of TIFF, the Toronto International Film Festival. The event typically starts around 6:00pm and continues until the late evening. Empty those coin purses!

Click Here for a full list of participating retailers (so far) in Toronto.

Jeremy Laing and Holt Renfrew

Jeremy Laing continues to be one of Canada's youngest and brightest talents in the industry. He has consistently been a powerhouse of construction and form, with an eye for the finest details to create the simplest piece. A refined approach to fashion, Laing's consistent ability to remain on season but unpretentious is key to the understated chic of his clothing. Unsurprisingly, his talent has not gone unnoticed. Laing, after his early beginnings as a designer in Toronto, expanded and honed his skills through an exchange program in London, as well as landing an apprenticeship under the famed House of Alexander McQueen. Holts was the first store in Canada to pick up Laing's clothing; and ever since, his independent presence in the industry, both above and below the border, has substantially increased. Jeremy Laing, in my opinion, is one of the most inspiring young designers, with vast potential, to blossom from this city.

Holt Renfrew: Jeremy Laing from LLchemy on Vimeo.


Here is Jeremy Laing's Fall/Winter 2012 Collection from New York Fashion Week this year:



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