Toronto Moda

2012 Passion for Fashion Awards

2012-04-03T22:08:00.005-04:00

On Monday, April 2, 2012, the third annual Passion For Fashion Awards took place at the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI). Out of twelve finalists the three winners were chosen as follows:

Passion For Fashion Award Prize $1,000 cash prize, a TFI Outreach Membership, and 50 hours of business and fashion industry mentorship
Emily Woudenberg

Eveleen Dollery Award Prize $1,000 cash
Dylan Uscher

Eveleen Dollery Award Runner Up $500 cash
Consuelo McAlister

ABOUT PASSION FOR FASHIONBorn from of a partnership between two cutting-edge organizations, A Passion for Fashion marries Youth Employment Services YES’s expertise in youth entrepreneurship with the Toronto Fashion Incubator’s (TFI) success in inspiring new fashion design talent between the age of 16 – 29. Now in its third year, this exciting program gives young fashion designers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship in the fashion industry, for FREE! The program is funded by the Ministry of Ontario's Youth Entrepreneurship Program.

Hair on the Avenue Medulla S/S Trends 2012

2012-04-03T21:51:00.006-04:00

Hair on the Avenue latest short-film has been released. In collaboration with director Peter Tamlin, the team at Hair on the Avenue has put together the most sought after looks of the season in a film entitled Medulla – showcasing the movement and fluidity of S/S 2012 hair trends. See Toronto Moda's post on last year's Hair on the Avenue film launch here

Out of the forecasted trends.. this one holds dear to my heart.

Texture is intrinsic and untamed.
Influenced by tribal trends in fashion, hair is wild and free this season. Nurture the fluidity of your locks and enhance your true texture.
“Recognizing your hairs natural elements will nourish your texture and keep your hair healthy,” says stylist, Anthony Ingraldi, “Embrace your curls and let your waves flow, confidence will ensue,” he adds.

iYellow Wine and World Malbec Day

2012-04-03T21:34:00.008-04:00

iYellow Winter Wine Club has one class for this semester on April 10th, 2012 at Marben Restaurant, the theme will be California Dreams. There is still time to register at www.iyellowineclub.com.

One of my favourite events is nearing is the World Malbec Day, see here for last year's post. This year the event will be hosted by iYellow Wine Club & Wines of Argentina at 580 Lofts on King West on April 17th from 6:30 - 10:30pm. Please see the flyer below for details.

Tickets are avaiable online enter discount code Malbec10 to receive a 10% discount

Essence Launches in Canada

2012-03-08T19:45:00.003-05:00

Essence one of the top European value brand is now available in Canada. an award-winning value cosmetics brand, will enters the Canadian market March 2012. Essence feature funm flirty, and trend cosmetics that range from....get this... $1.49 to $4.99 CAD. Products include trendy lipsticks, eye shadows, mascaras, concealers, powders, nail polishes, and pencils, will be available, exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix, in over 900 stores across the country.
A couple snapshot of myself and Rachel trying out Essence make-up & nail polish.

Silpada at the Oscars

2012-03-01T16:59:00.002-05:00

Once again, Silpada Designs will be in on all things Academy Awards by participating in a pre-OscarsStyle Lounge. As always, we want share all the behind-the-scenes action with our readers.

Kevin Sorbo, asking advise what item

to choose.

Chelsea Hightower of Dancing with the Stars

is not waiting, she is going for the ear ring

Partnering up always helps.

Nice bracelet.

Dove Stylist - Oscar Hair

2012-02-29T21:40:00.000-05:00

84th Academy Awards was Sunday and everyone is eyeing the gowns and hair. Mark Townsend, Dove stylist to the celebrities is at it again, producing flawless style for Elizabeth Olsen and Kisten Wiig. I had the honour of chatting with Mark Townsend last year just before he was jetting off to another award show.

Mark styled Elizabeth's hair for the Oscar party.

Elizabeth Olsen

Mark told me that the dress inspires the hair, he creates the hair so as not to overpower the dress. At the Oscars on Sunday, we see with Kristen Wiig's hair, some might say that it is a bit casual for the event, but in fact, the hair complements the dress, the perfect combination. This is what Mark said when he saw Kristen's dress.

"I was in love with Kristen's J. Mendel dress as soon as I saw it; I was so inspired by the silhouette and colour. We wanted Kristen's hair to be full with voluminous waves and have an edgy and sexy texture"

Kristen Wiig

Visit www.facebook.com/dove to learn more and for additional style inspiration that all women can achieve.

to learn more and for additional style inspiration that all women can achieve.

Vaseline

2012-02-26T14:38:00.000-05:00

The change of weather tends to havoc with ones skin. Many of us have put up with that dry itchy winter skin year after year. Now, Vaseline have added three Total Moisture products to our favourite lotion line to stabilize the skin's balance.

Vaseline's new Total Moisture line in the three varieties arrived just in time for the rescue, the products are available now in grocery and drug stores across Canada.

Vaseline Giveaways! Prize Packs! Spring is around the corner and Toronto Moda wants to make sure our readers welcome Spring with nice smooth skin and Vaseline's Total Moisture is the answer. Send us a note at Tina@TorontoModa.com and we will enter your name into the draw.

Mercedes Benz Start-Up 2012

2012-02-25T06:41:00.003-05:00

Mercedes-Benz Canada and IMG have started their search for the next Mercedes-Benz Start Up recipient. This year the semi-final competition interviews have expanded to four cities across Canada in order to ensure accesibilty for designers coast-to-coast.

For application download and program requirements visit:

www.Mercedes-BenzStartUp.com

An follow @MBStartUp and on Facebook.com/MBStartUp.com to stay up-to-date on news & info.

Fidelity Jeans

2012-02-25T06:33:00.002-05:00

Inspired by rock and roll, the Spring 2012 Fidelity collection takes its iconic styles and updates them in new washes, from ultra soft Jett, to sexy stretch Ginza, to LSD, an acid wash. The collection comes in many different styles, and pants often come in a variety of colours and washes. Made in LA, using a blend of Italian & Japanese denim.

See Fidelity Jeans lookbook here.

Prabal Gurung x Sephora

2012-02-25T06:26:00.003-05:00

Coming this April!

Red Carpet Ready

2012-02-23T22:27:00.000-05:00

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense, the ultimate tool to intensify and amplify your eyes all day or all night long. This launch, came just in time for the Red Carpet event.

Three easy steps to get the look, it is that simple.

Allergy tested and 100% fragrance free, water-resistant. Ophthalmologist Tested, Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. They come in six vibrant shades ranging from deep black, charcoal and brown to a beautiful midnight blue, rich plum and vibrant green.

Last Minute Valentine's Day Ideas.

2012-02-10T04:52:00.008-05:00

The time of year as upon, we either ignore it, embrace it, or ... hate it. Personally, I think all holidays are a great way to take advantage of specials and deals. I bought MYSELF cinammon hearts on sale today. Here's a few ideas of let's call it... things to do or try out over the next few days. ;)

Toula Ristorante & Bar * Valentine's Day Dinner
For all the lovebirds out there (or a group of friends!), a Valentine’s prix fixed 4-course menu is available for $75/person from Feb 10 - 12th, & Feb 14th.

Malpeque oysters w/ Rockford cheese & herbs
OR
in-house cured wild salmon crostini
OR
warm mini potato truffle cake topped w/ caviar

... check the rest of the menu here. My mouth is (literally) watering and cannot finish the typing up tje rest of this
delectable menu.

Apothic Red
A few months ago I tried Apothic Red for the first time, its a full-bodied red that blends the best qualities of Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet. It pairs PERFECTLY with dark chocolate - grab the fondue (or a pot) and berries. This is the ultimate three-some.

...or a neatly packaged fragance from Thomas Sabo - Charm Rose & Charm Kiss

La Tease Event - February 13th

2012-02-09T23:18:00.001-05:00

Just in time for Valentine's. DivaGirl & Fame Media, two elite, Toronto-based entertainment companies, have paired up to bring the ultimate pre-Valentine’s “tease” for women. We’ll have him eating out of the palm of your perfectly polished hands. Have fun, be coached with exciting and interesting tips, join this fun event on February 13th and be ready for February 14th....Happy Valentine's Day!

DivaGirl Fitness, an online female community dedicated to helping women get fit, have fun, and feel sexy! On Monday, February 13, partnered with Fame Media, we are hosting our annual La Tease event at Atelier Cafe Lounge in the trendy King West area. This ladies' night out will feature a sexy dance workshop, live entertainment by the Chic-A-Boom Room's nuvo-burlesque dancers, relationship and dating tips from guest speakers and more. Early bird tickets are $15, with a group rate of 4 for $45. The La Tease website can be found here: http://divagirl-inc.com/fitness/2011/10/02/la-tease-2012-toronto-on/

Absolut Mode

2011-12-02T10:16:00.007-05:00

ABSOLUT® VODKA launched its 2011 limited-edition bottle ABSOLUT® MODE last night at Malaparte (TIFF Bell Lightbox). Spanning eight decades of fashion design, the museum-style exhibit was curated by Jeanne Beker, host of CTV’s Fashion Television.
The one-night only exhibit featured personal items of clothing and accessories from Canadian style icons like Jeanne Beker, Suzanne Rogers, Stacey Kimel, Bernadette Morra and Lisa Tant. Dresses on display included Chanel, YSL, Oscar De La Renta, & Christian door including vintage couture. Also, were fashion illustrations by Fredereick Watson and new touch-screen design technology by Nytric Limited from Ryerson University School of Fashion.

“Fashion is the inspiration behind the beautifully designed ABSOLUT® MODE bottle and the genesis of this year’s event,” says Chris Bhowmik, Senior Brand Manager for ABSOLUT® VODKA in Canada. “ABSOLUT® created this unique exhibit in consultation with Jeanne Beker to pay tribute to Canadian and international designers and fashion leaders.”

Annabelle x Marcelle

2011-11-29T12:37:00.002-05:00

Affordable brands Annabelle x Marcelle launched their Spring 2012 beauty & makeup products at the Thompson Rooftop Lounge featuring skincare and make-up treats, cocktails & hors d'oeuvres. The night featured an onsite DIY lipgloss station - I ended up with a bronze colour. My favourite product of the night is the Marcelle Vitamin C hydrating gel, using it for a couple weeks I've noticed a difference in the appears in my skin - brighter, supple, and the lessening the dark spots (which becomes more obvious as my tan fades). If you live or visiting Montreal try to stay posted on their bi-annual warehouse sales!

new 'Smudge Paint' Tutorial..

Karamea Fashion at the Toronto One of A Kind Show (OOAK)

2011-11-22T23:33:00.007-05:00

Karamea by designer Michelle Turpin, is an intrinsically feminine womenswear line renown for quality, fit, fabrication and attention to detail. This line is for the woman who embraces her femininity and the strength that comes along with it. She understands that good design is in the details, and commanding an audience can be done with subtlety and class.

It is designed and produced in Toronto: a list of retailers can be found here.

She is showing at the Toronto One of a Kind Show from November 24th- December 4th in booth Q43 in the Fashion District. For those of you that want to get a head start on your Christmas shopping, this is the place to do it (.....and pick up a little something for yourself!)

For the chance to win a $100 Karamea gift certificate that is redeemable at the show or at the designer studio, follow Karamea on Twitter or like the Facebook page. Winners will be announced Friday, November 25th.

And compliments of the designer herself, use the coupon below for $3 off online show tickets (must be purchased online, cannot be used at the door)

See you at the show!

Style Exchange & Little Burgundy Combo Shop

2011-11-20T05:45:00.005-05:00

A special evening of candy, cotton & cocktails in a FAKE themed events with fake nails, lashes, & staches at the new Style Exchange/Little Burgundy shop on Queen east of Spadina earlier this month.

a few new blogs to look at.

2011-11-04T21:33:00.010-04:00

Good company is necessary, and even better when they have a creative eye (mine is slightly lacking in that department due to my tendency to use the LEFT side of my brain). Check out four of my friends who have started their blogs in 2011. In no particular order...

Singhnature by Natasha Singh.

TRUE VAGABOND by Duane Bobbsemple.

Style Empire
by Chenessa Lam

troisxtrois
by Kristen Ullman and co.

:)

Apothic Red

2011-11-04T19:59:00.006-04:00

Apothic Red launched their 2010 blend at the Thompson Hotel in Toronto, hosted by Notable TV's Julian Brass. Event go-ers sipped on the newest blend and snacked on chocolate pairings. The wine consists of flavours of rhubarb and black cherry complemented by hints of mocha and vanilla. I absolutely LOVED it. Available at the LCBO.

Myself and Chenessa.

Baby Steinberg S/S12

2011-10-28T12:18:00.010-04:00

Eco-friendly designer Baby Steinberg took her own unique brand and style of “reduce, reuse and recycle” to the runway of LG Fashion Week. Steinberg’s collection entitled Remnants was created using the cast-off fabric and selvedge that is often thrown out.

Each dress in this 20-piece collection is a testimony to the spirit and ingenuity she had discovered while teaching the handicraft to children in the Brazilian slums of Favelas. With bright pops of colour and mixing of floral patterns Steinberg creates the perfect eco-friendly collection ready for spring with her own added Brazilian flare, from what would otherwise be sitting in the bottom of a wastebasket on the design room floor.

Fun, loose and flirty was the trend through a majority of the pieces, but was equally balanced out by some heavier knits and sleek one-shoulder silhouettes reminiscent of the 20’s. Set to the original song “Thief of Dances” by Toronto’s own Kevin Quain, I have yet to see a collection correspond to the runway song so well.

From runway to fashion installation Steinberg worked the creativity she has shown in her shows at Alternative Fashion Week by turning the runway floor into a fashion museum of sorts with all her models taking their place on pedestals and giving the opportunity for the fashion crowd to get up close and really appreciate the construction that went into each dress.

For more information of Baby Steinberg or to view her past collections visit Baby Steinberg or for a full video of the runway show be sure to check out our fashion week videos up at TOModa

photography by: Ravi Lall

Market on King

2011-10-28T10:09:00.002-04:00

This Saturday October 29th from 12-4pm, peruse the racks at Kiwe (587 King St W-corner of King and Portland)for some great finds from local designers. This pop-up boutique will only last a few weeks, so if you're in the area, be sure to come by and support your local talent.

Browse the Facebook page for more information

Caroline Neron S/S12 Jewellery Show

2011-10-28T08:08:00.002-04:00

They say all that glitters is not gold, and Montreal singer/actress turned designer Caroline Neron showed us that the saying holds true with her line of jewellery shown at LG Fashion Week for the first time.

Going off the theme of three goddesses representing the different elements of earth, water and air. The show started off with a hauntingly ethereal vocal performance as models elegantly glided down the runway, draped in swarvoski tear drop crystals, cascading gem stones and semi-precious stones only covered by nude bodysuits, sheer capes and bathing suits.

Neron represented the elements through the use of the symbolic colours often associated with these 3 aspects, The dark hues of tiger’s eye and the sheen from golden shadow crystals to represent earth, Light blue and translucent blue gems and teardrop swarvoski crystals representing water, Grey pearls and crystals with light green hues were in place to represent air.

Moving from haunting vocals to live tribal drumming, Neron combined live music and fashion for a stunning visual impact that had the audience applauding and cheering as Caroline took her final walk down the runway with her models. This talented Canadian designer has already made her mark on Montreal Fashion Week, and Toronto was just one more step in bringing her sexy and feminine jewellery to the masses.

For more information on Caroline Neron visit http://www.carolineneron.com and for information on the jewllery line including Neron Homme for men be sure to look at http://www.bijouxcarolineneron.com

Photography by: Crila Photo

Halloween Weekend Style

2011-10-26T22:55:00.013-04:00

Whether you take Halloween seriously, have a sweet tooth, or need a reason to get out after the drop in temperature. Toronto Moda has a few idea's to keep you in the spirit.

iYellow Wine Club present...Hallo'Wine' & Whiskey Party at Eight Wine Bar this Friday (Oct.28th) from 9pm-12am
*three drink tickets included

8th Annual 'White Fever' at The Bowery in St. Lawrence Market this Saturday (Oct 29th) from 10pm onwards

Or if you need a more low-key evening with friends, try this Halloween-inspired drink called The Haunted Grouse
2 oz Black Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky
1 oz Coconut Rum
3 oz passion fruit juice
Shake with ice and pour over fresh iced highball

Jay Manuel shows off his ATTITUDE

2011-10-25T17:40:00.001-04:00

Best known as a T.V. personality on America's Next Top Model, Jay Manuel shows us another side of him that focuses on fashion design for the real woman.

The show started almost an hour late but it was a packed house. Beforehand, there were many who scoffed at the idea of "ATTITUDE by Jay Manuel"- but they need to get off their high horses. The show was worth the wait proved many naysayers wrong.

Right before the show began, volunteers peeled a thin layer of plastic off the runway to unveil a shiny catwalk. As the show began, a cloud of dry ice covered the runway. Pair the dry ice with the friction-free catwalk and the result might be a slip here or there, or in Yasmin Warsame's case, an unfortunate fall. Yasmin struggled to get up but an audience member helped her get to her feet before the crowd cheered her on.

Models walked down the runway in this Spring/Summer 2012 collection, which was a stunning interpretation of the global traveler. We saw colourful separates, printed headscarves, straw fedoras, tie-died tops, silk jumpers and jersey dresses.

This is Jay Manuel's second collection for ATTITUDE and he's getting better by the season. The collection goes to show that you can look runway ready on any budget.

The ATTITUDE Jay Manuel collection is priced from $12.97 to $179.99 with sizes in 0-18 and is sold exclusively at Sears locations nationwide.

Image Credits: George Pimentel Photography

Martinis with Men

2011-10-25T12:40:00.008-04:00

Single, dating, trying out celibacy, or in a relationship - the question will always linger 'What the hell are they thinking?'. The best & only way to truly get advice on the opposite sex is from the source itself - a man.

Martinis with Men is a girl's night out event series to learn more about men while sippin' on martinis. The presentation is designed for women who are already in a relationship or looking for a relationship.

This month the series will be held at the Spoke Club with celebrity chef and co-host of the event David Adjey (Food Network series “The Opener”) & Gary Wilson, President of Eligible Inc. The evening’s topic will be “How to get what you want from your man!”

date/time: Wednesday Oct 26th 7-9pm.
location: The Spoke Club 600 King St. West (between Bathurst & Spadina)
tickets: $49.95/person - includes a martini, hors d’oeuvres, a gift bag, & cash bar (limited space available)
Seats can be reserved by paying online www.eligiblesocialclub.com or by phoning the Eligible Inc. office at 416-483-1312.