marant dreaming.

…these are a few of my (current) favourite things.

I was on a bit of a Zara shopping binge while visiting the folks in Abu Dhabi.
The little island scattered with too many malls went on sale far before it’s Canadian counterparts,
and seeing as the buys seem to be a little more tailored to the European market, I decided to take advantage of our strong dollar.

The knit sweater and bright green skirt are my two favourites of the haul.
I love the way the skirt pops on my dark skin,
and the sweater is so very Isabel Marant with out the ridiculous price tag.
The Topshop flat-form wedge I managed to get at a steal!
And so stupid easy to walk in, I wear them about the house just because.
I bought ‘Just Kids’ while wandering about Schiphol
ShitholeAirport.
Loved it so much, I read it twice. But then I’ve always been a sucker for raw romance.

Balenciaga S/S 2012

I’ve been wary of Balenciaga for a little while now.
Not sure why really. I have been finding it rather difficult to turn my emotions and thoughts in to words lately.

But this Spring/Summer 2012 campaign shot by Steven Meisel is fucking nice.
Yeah. Really fucking nice.

Professor Green: I think I’m in heart.

My husband – i mean, AHEM- Professor Green preforming in the most coveted Givenchy “bull dog” sweater. Which, according to interweb goss is the most coveted and totes sold out  sweater world wide. Which means my love for Pro Green has pretty much quadrupled, as this also means my “man” has one BAD ASS STYLIST. Either way, his latest track with Emile Sande is a total gem so be sure to check him and her rock out over at “Later with Jools Holland”.

London Fashion Week S/S12 Roundup

LFW is probably the only fashion week I really get excited about. That is not to say that New York, Paris and Milan aren’t major in the fashion meccas, I’ve just always looked forward to London’s madcap aesthetic style and fearless eccentricity that is completely inimitable. Mainly because London isn’t trying to imitate anything or any place else. I have noticed a slight change though, lines seem cleaner – see Antonio Berardi and Aquascutum- a shift towards the lean, clean and cool menswear tailoring that seems impossible to shake season after season? Writer and friend Sarah Nicole Prickett I believe puts it best, perhaps London has grown up?
 Christopher Kane took my breath away this season. I was expecting his usual menagerie of kooky looks, but this work was so painfully sharp and beautiful it did my head in. Acne‘s over sized and slouchy silhouettes and tangerine pistachio palette drew me in nice and quick. While I personally can’t pull off such OTT tent like pairings, I can certainly run away with a dress or seven. Erdem,although obvious, is always a winner for the super girly-girl in me. I’ve sworn countless times that it’ll be his work I rock on my wedding day! And as I have been a massive fan girl of J.W. Anderson and his work (remember when he had a jewelry line?) his “a schoolgirl raised by nuns, finally escaping the convent” concept was straight up my alley. And what of those loafer trainers? Lofainers? Toafers? An Aldo shoe collaboration that I pray goes in to production. I’ve got an insatiable appetite for ugly ass shoes! Then came the mentalists. An affectionate term for London’s true whimsical mercenaries! Scottish designer, Louis Gray kicks it all off with her most cohesive and wearable collection yet. Still incredibly true to her mis-matched punchy pairings, it looks like she’s stripped down on all the baubles and has really concentrated on the cut of the garments. Digital print wunderkind, Mary Katrantzou pumps up the colour voltage and brings back her love of what looks like melting plastic flowers. Then of course, there is Meadham Kirchhoff. I’m thinking My Little Pony and Barbie collided head first with a Texan tiny tot beauty pageant then smothered it in ruffles and sprayed it down with a rainbow of icing sugar. You get the picture, right? A super girly flirty mental fuck-you to anyone wanting to cower behind the norm.
And  I suppose that is it! My round-up. Below are a selection of nerdy GIF’s I put together saluting a few of my most favourite pieces. I no idea making this little things would be so much fun.

Acne S/S 2012



Christopher Kane S/S 2012

Erdem S/S 2012

J.W. Anderson S/S 2012

Louis Gray S/S 2012

Mary Katrantzou S/S 2012



Meadham Kirchhoff S/S 2012

B-Insider Presents The Fall

SQUEEE It’s finally up!

Early last month I was offered to take part and style a special set of videos for The Hudson Bay Company‘s online magazine B-insider. Seeing as I hadn’t played my hand in styling in much too long I immediately jumped at the chance. The concept seemed simple enough: bring in the cities top creatives and have them chat freely about their love of the fall/winter season, Canada and the power of social media. It was a two day video shoot with roughly fifty-five people and some gorgeous faces of friends stopping by to take part and racks of clothing for me to play with. The idea here was to have the participants dress in what they loved from the current collections housed at The Bay.  It was a hectic couple of days, but I couldn’t be more proud and grateful for working with such talented, fun and creative group of individuals.

The first of the three part series focuses on our love of the fall. It’s colour and comfort, despite the terror of minus degree weather looming not too far away. For more on the story and great images click here.

 



 

All behind the scenes photos by the darling David Pike.
Director and Producer Francisco Garcia. Director of Photography Wendell Collier. Executive Producer Christopher Sherman. Associate Producers Kate Corbett + Colleen Henman. Stylist Kiwi Mohamed. Hair and Makeup Natalie Blouin of Plutino Group. Production Assistant Jean Lee.



Francisco doing his thing.


Me trying to remain calm and pulling face shapes.

Rodarte x Opening Ceremony F/W lookbook

I’ve finally managed to flick through Opening Ceremony‘s latest collaboration with ethereal the Mulleavy wunder-siblings of Rodarte. As expected the Fall/Winter collection has been shot by photographer Autumn de Wilde – a favourite of the duo -
and features models/pixies Stephan Haurholm and twins Donna and Gwen Loos. You can smell the end of summer in the air, I’m actually excited to pull out my old well loved knits for another season. I especially love the simplicity of this collection and I really want to give the cream and mustard color palette a try.

The collection itself was inspired by the Nordic romance of Scandinavia and mixes billowy silk dresses with touches of ruffle, lambskin stripped leather skirts, printed shirting and Fair Isle-patterned knits. A soft palette of tones like mint, blush and ochre dominates both the men’s and women’s looks.

View the entire collection here.

Style Crush: Julia Sarr Jamois

There is something about Julia Sarr Jamois’ off beat and quirky style that splits my head in two and captures my heart. The Wonderland magazine fashion editor has this impeccable knack of mixing print and colour that I certainly can not help but envy. Be it breton stripe t-shirt with kaleidoscopic Christopher Kane print skirt or pairing a velvet blazer with ripped boyfriend jeans, Jamois makes it look so very cool and effortless. Usually papped with barely any accessories and a cigarette in hand, it is her  uncanny ability to mix chic Parisian ease with typically English eccentricity that I find to be the most beguiling. With fashion month just around the corner I can’t wait to see what visual treats JSJ will whip up for us next.


Zara acrylic sweater, $60, TopShop short sleeve shirt, $30, Miu Miu velvet blazer, $1,195

 

Christopher Kane striped skirt, $808, Adam mini skirt, $300, American Eagle Outfitters rolled up jeans, $20, Dieppa Restrepo black patent leather shoes, $191, TopShop red heels, $140, Dannijo chain bracelet, 370, Prada sunglasses, $290, Armor Lux Breton Shirt, $55
Miu Miu Trick sequin purse, $380


*image sources from everywhere.I’m just horrible and don’t know where I got what from.

Hermes x Gauguin

For the latest Hermes bracelet campaign the super luxe French fashion house have come up with a clever little concept.
They’ve incorporate the pretty little baubles in some of the greatest works by French painters Gauguin, Ingres and Courbet.
The result, total perfection in my opinion. Simply love.

 

lately…

I’ve been restless as of late. Since I’ve come back from my short little trip, I been finding it more and more difficult to sit still. To listen to my mind. I’ve been overcome with inspiration and thought.  So I’ve decided to strip my cork board of past muses and start fresh again. I feel Mother Nature thought of the same thing. Thunderstorms crack over the city, washing our sins clean and sweet fresh winds whip through my apartment.



I am cooking more and more.
My favourite so far? Salmon stir fry with a side of spinach tortellini and greens.
I sent this photo to my the Mothership, mainly to prove that she hadn’t wasted all her culinary coaching after all.



 

While cleaning/re-organizing my room I’ve managed to find a pile of dust covered disposable cameras all waiting to be developed!
I can’t even begin to imagine the images they may hold, and I am hoping they haven’t expired to terribly. I’m especially intrigued to see what the LOL cam carries and if any of the fun comic details turned out.





I always marvel at the amount of colour that saturates my wardrobe in the summer time. So bright and print obsessed, the complete opposite of my usually more muted/goth/grungy winter palette. I have promised my self that this year I will continue on the color parade right through the bleakest of our city’s winter months. A little leopard madness is exactly what I need to beat the moody blues.

Style Crush: Hanneli Mustaparta

Oh, Hanneli! What’s not to love? This model turned blogging super star is a champion at tom-boyishly charming yet minimalistic chic. It’s as if she casually picks garments up off the side of her bed, throws it all on and emerges looking ever so effortless. I’m particularly enchanted by her white Peter Jensen wide cute dress paired with the chunky Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony platform boots.  The entire ensemble is so light and breezy, perfect for a day whipping about New York City. Toasted as the second most powerful blogger on the planet by Net-a-Porter, I am sure we shall be seeing more and more of Ms. Mustaparta’s laid back, modern elegance.

Her Look My Way:

1. Riess Dress: This shirts dress is simply perfect for you can cinch it at the waste or simply leave it lose and oversized. The length of this number leaves it perfect for biking about the city as well.  Available at Asos.


2. Miu Miu leather satchel: Instead of the baby blue Mulberry satchel Hanneli is rocking, I’ve opted for this classic eggshell leather Miu Miu number instead. The strap detailing, gold hardware and supple finish paired with the dress give it a bit of a schoolgirl vibe I adore.  Available at Net-a-Porter.


3. Aldo Espadrille Wedge: A decent espadrille is hard to find, so these black lace-up pumps are fantastic for both play and stepping lively at work. Functionality and trendy, what more could a girl ask for? Available at Aldo.


4. American Apparel Nail Lacquer in Office: We’ve been rocking the latest AA pastel shades in house all spring long. Two bottles in the ‘Office” shade seems to be the most popular to date and compliments the creams and eggshell of this look splendidly. Available at American Apparel.

Markus Lupfer 2012 Resort Film

Possibly the smartest campaign video I’ve seen in quite sometime, Markus Lupfer gathers a few of his most favourite ladies for this science documentary farce directed by Tabitha Denholm. Big model names include my favourite Canadian cool kid Irina Lazareanu, current Louis Vuitton face Mary Charteris and super songbird Florence Welch as possessed little minions in Dr.Lupfer’s laboratory.
Check out the video below.

And you can shop for a few sweet Markus Lupfer pieces here.

Most Wanted: Accessories I covet.

I’ve been feeling more and more adventurous in terms of taste, well more specifically when it comes to my accessories. I’ve always been rather simplistic with my accoutrements. I may pair my Michael Kors watch with a vintage ring (as seen here) and leave it at that or layer a leather band or two around my wrist. I normally let the bold prints and patterns I wear speak for my playful moods and the clashing lace numbers are left to represent my darker, saucier disposition. There are an increasingly great number of accessory designers creeping in to my mindset and seeing as I have turned in to a magpie as of late, here are my top five pieces I am obsessing over this month.

1. Shourouk Vampiresa: This statement necklace from the current s/s 11 collection is a perfect piece to accompany the chicest of dresses and will easily glam up even the simplest of basic tee shirts.


2. Heavy Machine: I’ve been hot and heavy in lust with the genius that are these heels. This grey, green, leather and sheep skin number pairs perfectly with absolutely anything in your closet. I’m thinking frayed boy-friend jeans and patterned silk Equipment blouse for the ultimate win.


3. Illesteva: This New York based brand is being shown a whole lot of love by those fashion editirxs, bloggers and It-kids alike. Hand made in both Italy and Greece, these sunnies maybe smack on trend but the different washes have a truly timeless quality.


4. Danielle Scutt x Topshop: Sassy, brassy and loads of fun, these matte gold lipstick drop earrings are fabulous way to glam up any look. For a bit more punch pair it with your favourite deep red lipstick.


5. Christopher Kane: I’ve had my eye on this neon yellow, laser-cut gem since it appeared on the s/s runway show last September. It’s positively electric! Pile on the bright hues and be a real showstopper. I double dare you .

G.V.G.V.: A/W2011

While summer may have just come to greet us here in Toronto, I’m secretly wishing for fall. Mainly because it is spring that I enjoy most and this humidity is seriously about to set me in to a rage no one want to see coming. But there is one other reason I look forward to fall and it comes in the form of Japanese label G.V.G.V.

Aptly titled “youth cult” G.V.G.V.’s latest autumn/winter 2011 collection is certainly a throwback to my brit-pop and punk youth. Having graduated from Kuwasawa Design School, the designer simply known as Mug, has been developing her brand since 1999 and has managed to develop quite the cult following in her native Japan. With this latest offering I believe Mug’s skill lies in her ability to combine inherently British elements such as tweeds, tartans, and boarding school charm with quintessentially Japanese design finishing. There seems to be a nod to Rei Kawakubo and Vivienne Westwood, but just a touch cleaner and perhaps far easier for consumers to break down and wear everyday.

Here luxe-leather button down shirts are paired with tartan minis, and frizzy ponytails topped with bowlers. Wide legged wool pants come with cross body suspenders, sweeping maxi skirts mixed with shearling, leopard and more leather. Combine all of this with impeccable styling and you’ve got me in a total lust tizzy. Having collaborated with Black Market to create the stand out leather jacket with white slogan slashing, this collection certainly is a leap from her previous s/s 2011 sixties boho leanings, leaving me to wonder what hazy memory of fashions past she will whip up next.

Figure of Speech: a peek at Michael Mercanti’s latest gritty collection.

I had first discovered the Speech jewelry line a few years ago, when I had assisted a Globe & Mail shoot featuring the ridiculously talented singing superstar Florence Welch of Florence and The Machines. I remember being drawn to a particularly thorny silver necklace and was surprised and pleased to find out that designer Michael Mercanti was based right here in Toronto. That same necklace paired with a a super sequin Erin Klienberg sweater made for some serious CanCon and my lusting of all this Speech quickly took off. Mercanti’s past collections have always been lusciously dark. These are certainly pieces for those looking to showcase a subtle morbidity. Thorns, hammered nails, bat skulls and polished coral are hung on necklaces, battered in to delicate cuffs or hung long on silver necklaces.

It’s Mercanti’s latest collection titled, Apocalypse and the Moon, that leaves me quite excited and incredibly intrigued. From watching the teaser trailer it looks like the designer has certainly stepped up his game. While still as dark as ever, the pieces seem well made and sharp to the touch. While still using his trademark rose thorns and coral designs, Mercanti has aslo included semi-precious stones in to the mix by creating raw twisted rings and delicate necklace. While I am not sure when this collection will hit stores, if the video is anything to go by Mercanti will certainly have a hit collection on his hands.

Maryam Keyhani: my current obsession.

I’ve been meaning to write about the incredibly talented Maryam Keyhani and her ludicrously beautiful necklaces for some time now. I first spotted a Keyhani piece a little over a year ago when a dear friend was gifted a gorgeous gold and feathered number from the designer herself. Best birthday present in my opinion and like a starved magpie I’ve been coveting a piece ever since.

Born in Tehran and now based in Toronto, Keyhani sources from Paris and uses her vast education in art, sculture and intrinsic sense of style to create truly original, stand alone one of a kind pieces. These aren’t dainty confections for the faint of heart, it’s precisely the opposite. When you rock a Keyhani you will get noticed and you certainly will enjoy all the attention. I suppose what I love most is Keyhani’s ability to combine an almost vintage aesthetic and feel with a uniquely modern sculptural design twist, which is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Recently picked up by the esteemed Valery Demure showroom, she has already set the Parisian power fash-packs tongues a wagging. All feathers, chains, pearls and leather what she possess is an unquestionably talented eye and I simply cannot wait to see what she dreams of next.

Chloe en pointe.

So beautiful.
When I grow up,
I’ll be a prima ballerina.
A girl can dream right.

xo

British Style Genius: take to the streets

I’ve always had a thing for BBC documentaries.
From wildlife to big fat Gypsy weddings
and then of course FASHION.

BBC2′s British Style Genius is a five part, one hour series that originally aired back in 2008 and showcases a very patriotically English take on fashion in the nation.  The one episode I managed to find, discusses the rise and fall of street fashion and development of style tribes beginning with the post-world war 2 TeddyBoys, the Skinheads and right up to the Chavs of our generation. There are interviews with tribe heads - including Rolling Stones Charlie Watts – and an interesting look at how working class youth used street-wear as a rebellion against the elite and the establishment long before the punk revolution.

Meadham Dreaming

Designer x Highstreet retail collaborations is not much of a surprise to any one these days. It’s almost expected and appreciated by those who covet luxury pieces but can’t afford the steep prices. As a sales advisor at H&M I would sit back and watch the madness unfold around me. I’d dealt with Matthew Williamson and Comme Des Garcons but both were tame in comparison to the Cavalli and Jimmy Choo madness, and I’ve got battle scars to prove it. While these were all designers I admire, I was of course most excited about the Lanvin launch, and as I no longer worked for the company, I called upon a few friends to squat outside the store on Bloor street. Thank god for my obscene fur coat. It was a fucking cold wait! Was it worth it? I only bought the t-shirt. The experience of being drunk out on the street with friends made the event a real spectacle. Having to drag my ass to work straight after was torture. For eight hours I wanted to die and no amount of redbull was helping the situation.

As designer collaborations go I am most excited about what Topshop has to offer. And now that The Hudson Bay Company plans to house and roll out the mega-retailer across our fair nation this fall, I’m really hoping a selection of their quirkier collections make my greedy palms. I admire the eccentricity and true bonkers intellect that British designers all seem to harbour. Take the lastest S/S Meadham Kirchhoff for Topshop collection. I am absolutely in love! Their mastery in creating decaying beauty is unlike any other. Then there is Ashish and his fun foodie sportswear. The guy is totally mental, but fuck I want a sweatshirt with a fry-up on it! And finally Mary Katrantzou‘s kaleidoscopic capsule collection featuring her signature prints marbled on sweet summer dresses.

With big buys, come big bucks. I am really hoping The Bay takes this oppurtunity to showcase Topshop’s designer collabos and bring a whole lot of fun and lunacy to my city and mainly my closet. Plus I am so fucking tired of paying for shipping!

Jet Korine & the perfect coat?

I abhor the title above, but moving on.
Between my siblings and I the total amount of outwear that currently jams our hall closet is astounding. We’ve managed to nearly cover every type of casing to ensure warmth against these mental temperatures. But despite this solid collection, I am still on the hunt for the ever so perfect blanket coat. And my goodness I think I have found it!

Icelandic designer Jet Korine‘s Life Coat collection is made up of organic materials and designed to be worn in a variety of way s- coat, wrap, blanket and hooded cape – which appeals to my need for pieces with the potential of increased longevity. The soft color palettes and print play I find the most appealing. There is an almost nostalgic quality about these pieces that seem to increase my want for them. Korine’s web-shop goes live this summer, and if you like what you see well then Kiwi Says Cop This!

MYKTA Trunk Show:

SHOP THE COLLECTION //

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 + Thursday, March 24

Josephson Opticians

60 Bloor St. W. (on Bay), Toronto

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

MEET MYKITA’s FOUNDERS //In-store appearance and custom fitting with MYKITA founders, Philipp Haffmans and on Thursday, March 24 from 3:00 p.m. onwards

MORE INFO //josephson.ca