I love it when the Footwear News asks the buyers their opinions of the collections. I’m always interested in what the buyers/retailers think of the collections. For the last few seasons I’ve been posting about shoe buyer’s feelings on the show. Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 is no [...]]]>

Balenciaga Fall Winter 2010 - 2011 Shoes

I love it when the Footwear News asks the buyers their opinions of the collections. I’m always interested in what the buyers/retailers think of the collections. For the last few seasons I’ve been posting about shoe buyer’s feelings on the show. Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 is no exception.
New York

Todd Hanshaw, Fashion Director, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas
Strongest Trends:
• Ankle booties
• Fur
• Ladylike, refined styles

“Must-Carry” Styles :
• High-heel ankle booties
• Flat-sole sandals

Shifts in Buying Strategy:
“We are absolutely growing our budget and getting behind the point of view that we represent in the stores.”

Liz Rodbell, EVP & GMM of apparel, accessories, shoes & cosmetics, Lord & Taylor
Strongest Trends:
• Military- and utility-inspired boots
• Laceups and ankle booties on a wedge or platform
• Oxfords and suede platforms

“Must-Carry” Styles:
• Lace-up boots
• Booties
• Clogs

Ones to Watch:
“Key designers to watch are Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Max Azria.”

Shifts in Buying Strategy:
“Our buying strategy remains consistent. The market looks very strong for fall, and the trends are well represented.”

Tracy Margolies, VP & DMM of shoes, Saks Fifth Avenue
Strongest Trends:
• Boots in so many options: mid-shaft, tall-shaft, over-the-knee, thigh-high
• Detailing, with exposed zippers and laces
• Leopard print

Ones to Watch:
Camilla Skovgaard and Alexandre Birman

Davinia Wang, Owner, Edon Manor, New York
Strongest Trends:
• Basics
• Chunky, wooden stacked heels
• Heavy detailing and fabrics, moving away from plain and patent blacks
• Deep beige, cognac, burnt oranges and yellows for the winter

“Must-Carry” Styles from New York:
• Alexander Wang’s amber/brown, chunky, stretch ankle boot
• Joseph Altuzarra’s black, lace-up, over-the-knee boot
• Proenza Schouler’s moccasin-inspired wooden platform

Ones to Watch:
Joseph Altuzarra, Céline and Ohne Titel

Shifts in Buying Strategy:
“With the shift in the economy and people’s expectations, it’s important to add variety in my designer mix. As a boutique, I have to offer more without sacrificing my high-end vision. I have also been harder on my best-selling designers, like Givenchy, in terms of quality for the price. Many high-end designers are making [lower-quality] shoes and for [the same] high prices. So customers will tend to go for the contemporary designers for a cheaper price point but to still get a dramatic, runway-style shoe.” (source)

Milan

Linda Fargo, SVP of fashion office and store presentation, Neiman Marcus Group
Strongest Trends:
• Head-to-toe fur, including fur trimmed boots lined with shearling, or full-on fur boots
• Wedge boots and booties
• Distressed leather motorcycle boots, a bit tarnished and worn in
• Delicate and lady-like shoes
• Over-the-knee boots, which are coming in every fabrication: leather, suede and shearling, from right above the knee to thigh high
• Boy-meets-girl styles, including oxfords, loafers, man-tailored, good-year welted construction boots and lug soles
• Colored patent, particularly on the lady shoes from Prada and Miu Miu

“Must-Carry” Styles:
• The lady shoe at Prada
• Over-the-knee boots at Gucci
• Fendi’s duck boot

Ones to Watch:
• Prada
• Fendi

Barbara Atkin, VP,Fashion Director, Holt Renfrew
Strongest Trends:
• Masculine: loafer styles, lace-up oxfords and brogues
• The feminine shoe, from pumps to T-straps and ankle straps
• The sporty lace-up with varied heel heights in a variety of fabrications, from leather and suede to velvet, with capped or open toes
• Boot leggings in a second skin, or a printed leather, a neutral or richly colored suede
• Open-toes with a wedge or high heel

“Must-Carry” Styles:
• Jil Sander motorcycle boot
• Marni clog/wedge
• Prada T-strap pump (source)

Paris

Todd Hanshaw, DMM, Wynn Las Vegas
Strongest Trends:
• Texture, whether from layering suedes, multimedia or fur
• An amazing amount of work on the heels, creating new and different lines to the heel (for example, the candle wax heel from Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte)
• Feathers

“Must-Carry” Styles:
• Over the knee boots, from the extreme at Azzedine Alaïa to the more conventional at Brian Atwood
• Daniele Michetti’s [mirrored] spectator pump with napa trim and croc toe
• Nicholas Kirkwood’s leather and lace platform bootie

Ones to Watch:
• Chrissie Morris
• H Williams
• Charlotte Olympia

Buying Strategy: “Our buying strategy remains the same as far as searching for new talent and special items. However, we absolutely are growing and investing more with the vendors we have a strong history with. It really is a great shoe season. There is a lot of creativity out there and, especially in Paris, a very good energy and strong collections from many.”

Tracy Margolies, VP & DMM of women’s footwear, Saks Fifth Avenue
Strongest Trends:
• Lace-up boots
• Fur/shearling boots and booties
• Clog bottoms
• The return of the classic pump, especially with a pointy toe
• New exotics, such as frog, lizard and stingray, especially in colors

“Must-Carry” Styles:
• Fur boot
• Classic pump
• Blue, green or purple

Ones to Watch:
• Alexandre Birman
• Chrissie Morris
• Daniele Michetti
• Diego Dolcini

Jeffrey Kalinsky, President, Jeffrey New York and Atlanta
Strongest Trends:
• The lack of the shoe. Footwear is really a bootie or a boot.
• Heights are either high or flat, with not many choices in between

“Must-Carry” Styles:
• Givenchy patent leather lace-up bootie
• Thigh-high Louboutins
• All the footwear choices at Lanvin

Buying Strategy: “Footwear prices seemed expensive to me again for fall. It’s becoming more and more challenging for brands to find ways to keep their quality and their craftsmanship while maintaining retail [prices] that make sense to the consumer. There is some real opportunity out there for the brands that can figure that out.”(source)

I’m an unabashed Philip Sparks fan so it’s pretty hard for him not to please me. I love the Philip [...]]]> Didn’t get a chance to attend Philip Sparks’ Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 show? Well they have produced a great runway video of the show that includes close ups of the outfits.

I’m an unabashed Philip Sparks fan so it’s pretty hard for him not to please me. I love the Philip Sparks sailor and what great models to represent him. The presentation format was excellent. I like the half runway half installation idea and it was a nice change up. The attention to detail is always excellent and the Burroughes Building once again served as a fantastic backdrop.

I was so happy to see my favourite model David C from Elmer. The last time I saw him I was at Elmer Olsen’s Christmas party. David was going to Europe for the men’s collections. I told him I hoped to see him on my computer screen. I nearly spewed coffee over my monitor when he turned up in the Alexander McQueen fall 2010 collection. Holy Shit, David walked McQueen. I later found out that David also walked for Emporio Armani. He showed me a picture of him and Giorgio Armani on his blackberry. It was so adorable.

If you want to see some great photos of the event check out Jason Howlett’s blog, Compendium Daily and Joe is the New Black.

Harry Magazine, the award-winning publication by Harry Rosen Inc., will feature one of Canada’s top all-time athletes, Steve Nash – Phoenix Suns point guard and a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player – on its cover and in a six-page feature and photo spread in the Spring 2010 issue, being mailed today.

I [...]]]>

Harry Magazine, the award-winning publication by Harry Rosen Inc., will feature one of Canada’s top all-time athletes, Steve Nash – Phoenix Suns point guard and a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player – on its cover and in a six-page feature and photo spread in the Spring 2010 issue, being mailed today.

I have a weakness for Steve Nash. I didn’t know it when I first saw him years ago. I was a huge basketball head. I played in high school religiously. I loved amateur ball and March Madness was my thing.  I thought about trying out for York U’s team but decided to do Track and Field instead. I became a licensed referee during my last year of high school and did that for a few years. I still remember my little black and grey outfit, black runners and my Fox40 whistle. Rounding out my basketball knowledge resulted in learning the table, the scorekeeping table. I’ve performed all the jobs on a standard setup: timer, scorekeeper and statistician. The hardest job was the statistician by far. You really had to pay close attention in that position, there were no breaks. You recorded things like shot placement, shot percentage, fouls and free throws as the game was moving .  During stoppages of play you were still recording. In the old days, you had a piece of paper where you would draw the stats by hand. By the time I finished doing scorekeeping there was a touch screen computer with wired pen to enter stats. This is in the early to mid 90s.

I used to do scorekeeping duties for games that would involve the Canadian National team. I think they were part of this North American basketball league in which the Canadians were playing. This is where I first saw Steve Nash. He was young and I have to admit I didn’t think much of his playing. How was I suppose to know that 10 years later he would be running the NBA like no ones business and so turn out hot.  I think it’s great and he’s great.

So, I wrote this post mostly for a reason to put up a photo of Steve Nash and to let you in on a little Anita History.

image: courtesy Harry Rosen Inc

There is always a place for Rick on I want – I got. The Rick Owens Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 collection added some new elements: zigzag prints and geometric horn appliqués. The collection is very warrior like an urban warrior.

The only things I’m not all that jazzed about in the collection are [...]]]>

There is always a place for Rick on I want – I got. The Rick Owens Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 collection added some new elements: zigzag prints and geometric horn appliqués. The collection is very warrior like an urban warrior.

The only things I’m not all that jazzed about in the collection are the down wrap jackets.

Video – All looks

Backstage

images: nymag.com

Buy Design is my favourite fundraiser of the year. It really is the one that is closest to my heart. I’ve participated in two advertising campaigns for Buy Design and it’s always a great party.  I love an excuse to play model and get my make up done.

Buy Design Spring Social is Windfall’s [...]]]>

Buy Design is my favourite fundraiser of the year. It really is the one that is closest to my heart. I’ve participated in two advertising campaigns for Buy Design and it’s always a great party.  I love an excuse to play model and get my make up done.

Buy Design Spring Social is Windfall’s seventh annual dress up party!

On Saturday, April 10 at 8 pm, The Fermenting Cellar in Toronto’s Distillery Historic District will be transformed into a dirty thirties fundraiser featuring a mess hall auction, croquet and badminton lawns and a swinging dance hall tent. Sip sidecars, sours and planters punch and parade across the big band stage in the boater pageant. Throw darts at the Beauty Balloon Buster game and sample brown-bagged bites from the country fare stands and bake sale.

Hosted by TV and fashion personality ADRIAN MAINELLA.

Tickets are $75 each or 6 for $375.
Order online or call 416-703-8435.

images: Anna Lisa Sang

Last season I talked about Toronto based Nella Bella handbags on I want – I got. I posted about the Nella Bella Fall 2009 Handbag collection. I visited Tarek, Nella Bella owner in his studio to get a look at the Spring 2010 collection [...]]]>

Nella Bella Spring 2010 Handbags - Fiji (left), Vienna (right)

Last season I talked about Toronto based Nella Bella handbags on I want – I got. I posted about the Nella Bella Fall 2009 Handbag collection. I visited Tarek, Nella Bella owner in his studio to get a look at the Spring 2010 collection up close.  Of course I had to take pictures with all the bags.

Nella Bella Spring 2010 Handbags - Riviera clutch

Spring 2010 focuses on neutrals like black, brown and creme. However there are spots of colour with the acrylic dipped cotton prints, bright canvas, and vibrant pink PU materials. All the bags come with different colour options. There are a lot of the classic shapes from previous seasons like the London bag and the popular Vancouver gym tote, which always gets Tarek smiling when he sees them on the street.

Nella Bella Spring 2010 Handbags - cabo (left), Rio (right)

Some of my favourite styles include the Riviera clutch which also can double as a full bag with straps, the Vienna satchel, the liquid metal looking Stockholm messenger and the Rio. I fell in love with Rio on first sight. It was solidified when I touched the soft fabric. It was similar to suede in texture. Tarek was watching me drool because he handed me the Rio sample in cream snake as I was leaving.  The sample differs from the production version because of the black straps and magenta accents.  The strap is white on the production handbags and the magenta accents were dropped.

Capezio is now carrying the line. The first two photos in the gallery contain the styles available for purchase there.  Handbags range in price from $80 – $150.

images: courtesy of Nella Bella

I’m very excited to be attending one of the hottest parties in the city, Prom at the ROM, PROM V: NOIR. I’ll be bringing my trusty photographer Paul Baik with me as we try to capture the spirit and fashion of the event.

Welcome to the dark side of the [...]]]>

image: Courtesy Royal Ontario Museum.

I’m very excited to be attending one of the hottest parties in the city, Prom at the ROM, PROM V: NOIR. I’ll be bringing my trusty photographer Paul Baik with me as we try to capture the spirit and fashion of the event.

Welcome to the dark side of the ROM with PROM V: NOIR, a thrilling night of dramatic glamour and cinematic fantasy inspired by the ROM’s captivating collection of winged creatures in the newly revamped Bat Cave and the recently opened Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity.

Hosted by MTV’s Dan Levy and Jessi Cruickshank, hundreds of YPC members and guests will take a sensational step back into vintage Hollywood complete with private eyes and femmes fatales. Experience the melodrama of a dazzling Golden Age film première—with a contemporary twist—as you pose for a mob of flashbulbs on the black carpet, investigate tempting diversions in dark shadows, sip swishy cocktails, and shimmy the night away on a fierce dance floor to the sounds of a live Big Band and stellar Toronto DJs.

Channel your inner Bacall or Bogart and join us as we turn down the lights and light up the party on March 27, 2010.

Tickets
VIP EXPERIENCE 8 PM
YPC Member $275
Non-YPC Member $295
VIP tickets include a private viewing of the newly revamped Bat Cave during Earth Hour and access to the Director’s Cocktail—a sultry jazz supper club experience featuring a decadent tasting menu and bar. The star treatment continues with private Green Room Bar access throughout the PROM party.

PARTY 9 PM
YPC Member $125
Non-YPC Member $150
Party tickets include swishy cocktails and smashing entertainment. Get ready to shimmy the night away on a fierce dance floor to the sounds of a live Big Band and
Toronto DJs.

PROM V: NOIR
March 27, 2010
Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Historic Rotunda Entrance
Event ends 1 AM
Tickets can be purchased on the PROM website

I love it when the WWD asks the buyers their opinions of the collections. I’m always interested in what the buyers/retailers think of the collections. For the last few seasons I’ve been posting about Barbara Atkin’s feelings on the show. Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 is no exception.

New York

Barbara [...]]]>

Lanvin Fall Winter 2010 - 2011

I love it when the WWD asks the buyers their opinions of the collections. I’m always interested in what the buyers/retailers think of the collections. For the last few seasons I’ve been posting about Barbara Atkin’s feelings on the show. Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 is no exception.

New York

Barbara Atkin, vice president and fashion director, Holt Renfrew:

Trends with legs: “The drop in hems of skirts will change jackets and shoes; fabric folding and ruffling; camel, the new color of luxury; high-waisted full pants and bolder shoulders on jackets; enveloping coats; military details; sculptural tailoring and geometric body-conscious clothing.”

Favorite collections: “3.1 Phillip Lim for the beautiful shearlings, knitwear, dresses, outerwear and tunics; Victoria Beckham’s sensuous dresses; Michael Kors’ long knit skirts; Oscar de la Renta’s beautiful refinement and Old-World luxury; Marc Jacobs’ simple, elegant clothes; Reed Krakoff’s utilitarian sportswear; Alexander Wang; Philip Lim, and The Row — style that’s relevant to many generations.”(source)

Milan

Barbara Atkin, vice president and fashion director, Holt Renfrew: “The designer business is on an upswing and our budgets will reflect this positive trend as we focus on more depth within the collections. Clothes were steeped in luxury highlighting abundant furs, leathers and suedes, feminine lace work; artisanal use of collage and patchwork effects; accents through Lurex and lamé touches and trims, and knitwear as art wear. All of these things restore our faith and trust in Made-in-Italy clothes. Our shopping list consists of coats; leather; printed novelty skinny pants and leggings; silk blouses; power suits; knitwear, particularly sweater dresses, sweater coats and cardigans; longer hemlines for skirts and coats, and fur for coats, trims and accessories. Our favorite collections were Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Missoni and Dolce & Gabbana.”(source)

Paris

Barbara Atkin, vice president and fashion director, Holt Renfrew: “Paris was exceptionally powerful. There was the stripped-down maturity we started seeing in Milan, but it was particularly special in Paris. There was a lot of structure, architectural design and detail. It was an amazing coat season from every collection, plus fur, leather and beautiful sculpted knits. We liked the longer hemline, which signals a change in everything, starting with the shoe, which will become more feminine. We had so many favorites: Dries Van Noten, Haider Ackermann, Celine, Givenchy, Balmain. One newcomer we’re bringing in is Gareth Pugh. We’re very optimistic. We’ve seen people coming back into the stores, looking for quality clothes. Our budgets are growing for Celine, Lanvin — for all of the brands we want to build. Business is on the upswing so we want to support that.” (source)

I’m loving that Sacai is becoming more popular.  Style.com has posted the collection for two seasons in a row now.  There are more photos available of the collections and now instead of  judys we get real models.  I love Sacai’s Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 collection. Chitose Abe, Sacai’s designer,creates contradictions that work. In [...]]]>

I’m loving that Sacai is becoming more popular.  Style.com has posted the collection for two seasons in a row now.  There are more photos available of the collections and now instead of  judys we get real models.  I love Sacai’s Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 collection. Chitose Abe, Sacai’s designer,creates contradictions that work. In typical Sacai style, tweeds and knits combined with anorak details create a unique look. Items looks like separates but are really one piece.

The ropey knits are thick and substantial.

Sacai is available at Holt Renfrew.  I always take the opportunity to check out Sacai in person.  The construction needs visual inspection, so inventive and different.

images: the Fashion Spot