Toronto fashion people, it’s time to get dressed up in your best fits and attend the city’s longest-running fashion week, Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) – where you will experience runway shows, fashion presentations, art installations, shopping, and more!
Running from May 2nd to May 5th, Fashion Art Toronto’s 1664 Fashion Week will be held at Black Creek Assembly, with this season’s theme titled “BLOOM”.
“BLOOM” is our 1664 Fashion Week theme this season, celebrating the essence of spring and summer with collections that are bursting with emotion and imagination. Inspired by the vibrant energy of nature in full bloom, designers are showcasing pieces that evoke the feeling of a fresh start, a new beginning. Expect to see an emphasis on experimentation, play, and fun, with designers pushing boundaries and exploring innovative ideas. This season, fashion is all about embracing the beauty of transformation and growth, reflecting the spirit of the season in every stitch and silhouette.” Shares Fashion Art Toronto.
Over the four-day event, more than 40 Canadian designers, including OAMA, Caffery Vanhorne, and Storrveldi (to name a few), will be showcased.
Plus, you’re sure to be entertained in between runway shows within the Fashion Playground, which boasts 1664 Bar, a guest lounge, a 50-foot pink carpet, endless photo opportunities, two retail pop-ups with goods from over 25 local brands and artisans, and provocative fashion-inspired art installations. Sign us up!
We can’t wait to see what these talented Canadian designers have in store for Fashion Art Toronto’s 1664 Spring/Summer Fashion Week!
Check out the full schedule and runway lineup here. Get tickets here.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
The Chicest Coffee Table Books Your Home Needs
Bay Days Are Here – 10 Items We’re Shopping
Come Shopping With Us: Where To Shop Spring Fashion
Check Out These Designers At FAT This Month
19 Canadian Brands To Add To Your Wardrobe
7 Toronto Designers And Labels To Have On Your Radar
If you’re looking for a fresh wardrobe upgrade, what better way to do it than by supporting local Canadian Toronto designers and labels? Canada is full of incredible, talented designers creating unique pieces that you won’t be able to find anywhere else! From celebrity-approved labels to designers you may have never heard of before, we’ve rounded up 7 Toronto brands that you should definitely have on your radar!
Shop & follow these designers and labels!
MAYER
Toronto designer Ross Mayer founded MAYER in 2018, fuelled by his passion to create collections that meld masculinity and femininity, without restriction. At MAYER, you’ll find everything from sequin cardigans to luxurious shirts, perfect for special occasions. All of its pieces are made to be unisex, and you can shop online on in-store on Bloor Street West in Toronto.
Ellie Mae
Ellie Mae founded her self-labeled brand in 2014 with the goal of creating effortless one-of-a-few pieces, designed to remain in your wardrobe season after season. The brand began with a fringe leather jacket with the phrase “This morning, with her, having coffee”, famously spoken by Johnny Cash, and has since grown into the brand it is today, offering seasonal collections featuring Ellie’s unique and recognizable luxury flare. Shop the collection online or in-store in Toronto!
Sandy Bottom Swimwear
Growing up in St. Luca, Sanya was always surrounded by the tropical landscapes of the island. Sparking her appreciation for beachwear. Now the swimwear designer is based in Toronto, having founded Sandy Bottom Swimwear with the vision to make women feel fashionable, radiant, and sexy through her swimsuit designs. The swimsuits are made by master artisans from around the world, making every piece feel like you’re wearing actual art.
Horses Atelier
Founded in 2012 by best friends and novelists Claudia Dey and Heidi Sopinka, Horses Atelier built a name for itself thanks to its perfect-fitting jumpsuits, quality wardrobe staples, and artful designs. Every piece is ethically and sustainably sewn in downtown Toronto, and you can experience the label’s designs in person at its Walnut Street location!
Lesley Hampton
Lesley Hampton is an Indigenous-owned, women-led, size-inclusive, Canadian clothing and accessory brand based in Toronto. Founded by Lesley Hampton herself! The self-titled brand is known for creating high-quality fashion of eveningwear and occasionwear as well as athleticwear and leisurewear. Often highlighting Indigenous design elements.
Sid Neigum
Sid Neigum is a Canadian fashion designer who lives and works right here in Toronto! Sid’s designs have notably been spotted being worn by Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber – so it’s safe to say it has a celebrity stamp of approval. While shopping the Sid Neigum website, you’ll find everything from red-carpet-worthy dresses to state-making wardrobe staples.
Hayley Elsaesser
Once upon a time, Hayley Elsaesser had a boutique on Queen West in Toronto. Although the store itself has closed, you can still shop Hayley Elsaesser online, worldwide! Hayley’s designs are known for their unique, bold prints, loud colours, and nostalgic references. The brand strives to be inclusive, body-positive, and artistic, all while not taking itself too seriously.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
Exclusive: Winnie Harlow On Diversity In Fashion & Beauty
Check Out These Designers At Toronto Fashion Week This Month
Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS Has Just Launched Into Mens
Reformation Collaborates With Iconic Sneaker Brand VEJA
Uniqlo Collaborates With Clare Waight Keller On A Chic New Label
A New Adidas Flagship Joins The Well In Toronto
When it comes to this season’s ‘It’ bags, although each has its own unique and trendy aspects, one thing all these bags seem to have in common, is a classic element that will allow their wearers to continue to use and love them even has this season passes. Which is key when it comes to making a designer bag investment! Who wants a bag that “expires” after one season, anyway?
We’ve been seeing readditions of past classics alongside some fresh new designs. The playing of colours and textures has been a huge recurring theme for this season’s trending bags as well as an aspect of versatility!
Here are the designer ‘It’ bags you should be keeping an eye out for this season!
Balenciaga Small Le Cagole Shoulder Bag
Reminiscent of Balenciaga’s iconic City Bag thanks to its moto-inspired details, is the Le Cagole Shoulder Bag! It gives a touch of Y2K nostalgia with its detachable heart-shaped mirror charm. We can’t seem to scroll Instagram without this bag popping up, and we can’t get enough! If you want to get a bit of a deal, Toronto’s VSP Consignment currently has one available.
YSL ICARE Maxi Shopping Bag
The absolute anti-micro bag is the YSL ICARE Maxi Shopping Bag. There’s no way you wouldn’t be able to fit everything you need within a day, in this bag. It’s literally huge. As if its size didn’t make enough of a statement, the logo is to scale, making it pretty much impossible to ignore.
Prada Symbole Leather and Fabric Mini Bag
What’s better than one bag? Two bags! You get two-in-one with Prada’s Symbole Leather and Fabric Mini Bag. You can wear the duo together or separately – technically making for a total of three bags! Its versatility along with its unique triangle shape and pattern, mimicking the Prada logo, makes for a perfect mix of trendy and classic.
Gucci Jackie 1961 Bag
Gucci has brought its iconic Jackie 1961 Bag back in a contemporary way with seemingly endless style choices! You can bet pretty much any bag in the Jackie collection has reached ‘It’ bag status. The best part about this bag is the fact that it’s been around since 1961. This not only means you can trust that it won’t ever go out of style – making it a great investment piece. But also, since it has been around for so long, you can find versions of the Gucci Jackie all over the vintage and secondhand markets.
Coach Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag
Coach has been coming out with a ton of amazing, stylish pieces lately! Its Pillow Tabby is amongst its most popular bags of the moment, as it’s been trending for a while now. The original is definitely classic enough to take you through all seasons, however, if you’re looking for a bag stylized for the colder seasons, Coach has come out with a super chic shearling version!
Bottega Veneta Jodie
There’s just something about the Jodie bag by Bottega Veneta. This designer bag is made with Bottega’s signature intrecciato weave and has a half-moon silhouette, which seems to be the bag shape of the season! Although this is considered to be a trending ‘It’ bag, it is absolutely a classic! It comes in various colour and size options, all equally fab.
Miu Miu Wander Matelassé Shoulder Bag
Again, the half-moon silhouette making an appearance! Yet in a more structured, feminine twist this time with Miu Miu’s Wander collection. This bag is a perfect example of mixing a classic silhouette with a unique and fun texture – in turn creating another iconic ‘It’ bag. This bag has been making more and more of an appearance and we can’t wait to see all the ways it gets styled this season!
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
Fall Trends To Shop For All Of The Zodiac Signs
Fall Fashion Trends To Have On Your Radar
I Tried Thrifting 2022 Fashion Trends—Here’s How It Went
Cute Jewellery You Can Find on Amazon Right Now
25 Stores To Shop If You’re Absolutely Obsessed With Zara
10 Summer Sandals To Shop At Little Burgundy Under $100
11 Secrets About Zara Revealed By Former Employees
Healthcare professionals are the heroes that don’t wear capes. And right now, during the COVID-19 global health crisis, they’re working harder than ever. Many of them are working days without relief and are putting their own lives at risk to save others.
No words can describe how thankful we are for the doctors, nurses, and others that sacrifice their time. But there are a couple of ways we can help them and our Canadian communities. The best way is to isolate, which lowers the risk of spreading the coronavirus to others. The fewer people who need to go to the hospital, the less overwhelmed our healthcare system will feel. Another way to help out is to donate.
Two Canadian designers have teamed up to create t-shirts honouring three prominent women working in public health.
The limited-edition t-shirt collection was created by Calgary-based fashion brands SophieGrace and Madame Premier with the help of artist Mandy Stobo.
The collection features three different t-shirts, each with artwork that celebrates Canadian public health heroines of the COVID-19 outbreak: Dr. Bonnie Henry, Chief Medical Officer of British Columbia; Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Albert; and Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.
All of the net proceeds will go towards providing food security.
The cost of each t-shirt, made from 100% Airlume, is $45 plus taxes and shipping. Proceeds will support organizations that give those who need it access to food like Greater Vancouver Food Bank (Vancouver, British Columbia), Fresh Routes (Calgary, Alberta), and Second Harvest (Toronto, Ontario).
Shop the t-shirts on www.sophiegrace.ca and www.madamepremier.com.
Articles You Might Be Interested In
#SDSpringCleaningChallenge: Donate For Your Chance To Win A $100 Gift Card To The Next StyleDemocracy Sale
10 Canadian Companies Stepping Up And Doing Good During The COVID-19 Outbreak
How 8 Toronto Small Businesses Are Getting By During The COVID-19 Crisis
11 Female-Owned Canadian Businesses To Support
Local Toronto Stores Are Now Offering Free Shipping In Response To Temporary Closures
Céline Dion, Meghan Markle and More Celebrities Who Are Wearing Canadian Brands Right Now
So often Canadian fashion design is seen as the underdog. To make it, you’re expected to leave, but that isn’t necessarily the case for everyone. Canada actually has some amazing talent, especially when it comes to its fashion.
From everyday wear to glamorous gowns, A-list celebrities are continually being spotted wearing Canadian designers. From Céline Dion to Meghan Markle and more, here are the stars who are wearing Canadian brands right now.
Meghan Markle in Nonie
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlYGJ0Mn0xW/?taken-by=enews
Recently the Duchess of Sussex wore a sleeveless blush trench coat by Calgary-based designer Nonie during her visit to the Nelson Mandela Exhibition in London. If people didn’t know who Nonie was before, having a royal wear the brand is a sure way to launch it into the mainstream.
Kylie Jenner in Aritzia
https://www.instagram.com/p/BihtdSQF-hS/?taken-by=kyliejenner
Tube tops are a major trend this summer that even stars are on board with. New mom Kylie Jenner snapped a picture in a white crop top from Aritzia to prove it.
Lupita Nyong’o in Aritzia
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiUvZnRD6M8/?taken-by=lupitanyongo
Clearly, Aritzia is a favourite with many. While in Nigeria, Lupita wore this pretty, floral print dress from the Vancouver-based brand. Most recently, The Beaches’ Kylie Miller was also seen sporting the dress during the band’s set at Osheaga.
Georgia May Jagger in Smythe
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiuwOBDgDJp/?taken-by=georgiamayjagger
Smythe is a go-to Canadian favourite among celebrities and Georgia May Jagger is no exception. The English-American model was spotted at the beach with her pups in a matching floral Smythe suit that has given us pleasant reminder that powersuits are still very in.
Céline Dion in Jenny Bird
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlVQPD_Ajee/?taken-by=celinedion
Quebec native Céline Dion was seen supporting a fellow Canadian when she showed off some chic Jenny Bird earrings in a behind-the-scenes picture from her live concert series. The singer and fashion icon is wearing the Jenny Bird “Icon Hoops” in gold.
Bella Hadid in Jenny Bird
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlRXK-dHUgM/?taken-by=_jennybird
Another fan of Canadian jewelry designer Jenny Bird is Bella Hadid. The model has been caught numerous times, from New York City to Paris Fashion Week, wearing the gold “Icon Hoops.”
Sandra Bullock in Tanya Taylor
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjLKvk-FgGP/?taken-by=tanyataylor
While out promoting Ocean’s 8 back in May, acting queen Sandra Bullock represented Canada in a pink floral wrap dress from celebrity fave Tanya Taylor.
Priyanka Chopra in Aritzia
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmEYTXCAN1R/?taken-by=aritzia
It seems celebrities can’t get enough of Ariztia. The newly engaged Priyanka Chopra was spotted out and about with her future hubby in an all-white ensemble featuring a sheer cropped shirt from Aritzia’s in-house brand Talula.
Samira Wiley in Greta Constantine
https://www.instagram.com/p/BghiUZ1DONm/?taken-by=gretaconstantine
Actor Samira Wiley wore a navy dress with sheer polka dot details by luxury fashion designer Greta Constantine to the 2018 PaleyFest screening of The Handmaid’s Tale earlier this spring.
Meghan Markle in Birks
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhw6Cu3F67u/?taken-by=birks
It’s no secret that Meghan Markle loves Canadian designers and wears them every chance she gets. She regularly steps out in accessories from Montreal-based jewellery designer Birks. For two consecutive days, she wore the brand’s Diamond Swirl Earrings.
Featured image: Instagram/ @_jennybird
Posts you might be interested in:
7 Canadian Shoe Brands You Need In Your Closet
Much Loved Canadian Fashion Brand Jacob is Getting a Revival
Our Favourite Canadian Beauty and Fashion Brands
The 10 Biggest Canadian Store Openings of 2018
Canadian Designers That Will Up Your Jewellery Game
House of Hayla has introduced the first fully Monochromatic heel and we want to give our readers the opportunity to get their hands on a pair!
If you want to read up on the brand you can check out our post here.
To enter fill out the widget below and good luck! (This contest has been extended so if you have previously entered you are all good! Contest winners will be announced on June 29th)
For Canadian lovers of the royal family and fashion, there’s no better thrill than when a Windsor (or soon-to-be) is photographed wearing clothing by a Canadian designer. And lucky for us, it’s been happening a lot recently due to the fact that Meghan Markle (who lived in Toronto for six years while filming Suits), has a penchant for Canadian labels that doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon. In honour of the wonderful union between Canuck fashion and the monarchy, we’ve put together a list of 8 Canadian fashion brands that have the royal seal of approval.
- LINE THE LABEL
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcA6yoGB465/?taken-by=linethelabel
When Meghan Markle stepped out for her engagement announcement to Prince Harry wearing a white trench from Line the Label, the coat immediately sold out (obvs) and the company’s website crashed. The Toronto-based retailer proceeded to rename this wrap style trench “The Meghan” in the future bride’s honour.
- ARITZIA
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhPo0FegrSx/?hl=en&taken-by=aritzia
We love how Meghan Markle (or rather her stylist, Jessica Mulroney) is a huge fan of Aritzia – just like us! The future Duchess of Sussex wore the “Lawson Trench Coat” by Aritzia brand Babaton to the UK team trials for the Invictus Games in April. She was also photographed wearing the “Beaune Dress” by Wilfred to the Invictus Games last year. Much to our delight, both items are currently back in stock!
- SMYTHE
https://www.instagram.com/p/-KFDqnu3Oi/
Meghan Markle has been photographed wearing the Canadian label Smythe on multiple occasions, the most recent being a long grey trench in April. Meghan actually isn’t Smythe’s first brush with royalty – during her first tour of Canada in 2011, Kate Middleton wore a navy Smythe blazer with gold buttons (which she has since re-worn several times).
- ERDEM
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfY807MlRUs/
Kate Middleton has worn many designs by Montreal-born designer Erdem Moralioglu over the years and appears to be quite taken with his pretty printed dresses and coats.
- SENTALER
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh7KOXqgLfn/?taken-by=sentaler
Although Meghan has been photographed wearing outerwear by this brand too, many will remember it first popping up on the global fashion map after Kate wore the brand’s grey ribbed sleeve alpaca coat on the Royal Tour of Canada in 2016.
- MACKAGE
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgtdHtcgR8k/?hl=en&taken-by=mackage
Another homegrown brand that’s gotten a fair share of attention on the royal stage is Mackage. The $790 nude coat Markle wore in March demonstrated the power of the “Meghan Effect”, selling out in just an hour.
- BIRKS
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhw6Cu3F67u/?taken-by=birks
It isn’t only Canadian apparel designers Meghan loves — she’s also a fan of the fine jewellery brand Birks, which was founded in Montreal in 1879. Meghan wore a pair of Birks earrings at the royal engagement announcement and has been photographed wearing their pieces at several engagements since.
- CLUB MONACO
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfMUl0cH_Iv/?hl=en&taken-by=clubmonaco
Meghan’s love for Canadian fashion seems to have spilled over into Prince Harry’s wardrobe — the price looked dapper as ever wearing Club Monaco’s grey Twill Topcoat in February.
Which royally-approved Canadian fashion brand is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: Instagram/@Mackage
Before starting her fashion line, Michelle Shemilt was an equity trader at a global bank in Toronto. It was a job where she would wear professional work attire daily, but she was constantly frustrated by the high cost of her dry cleaning bills and always worried about getting embarrassing sweat stains on her clothes.
Desperate for a solution, Shemilt tried everything from stick-in armpit pads to wearing full-on T-shirts under her blouses, but nothing was comfortable or practical. With that, the concept of NUMI came to be.
Proudly made in Canada, NUMI is a line of sustainable, breathable undergarments for women that work to extend the life of clothing by keeping them cleaner for longer and protecting them from damaging perspiration and deodorant stains.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BejoM7Xl-DV/?hl=en&taken-by=wearnumi
Established in 2013 and formerly called Nudy Patooty, the brand evolved into NUMI to better resonate with its customers.
“We started to really dig deep into our identity and during that process, the name NUMI just popped into my head… It feels like an evolution of the previous brand, and also has a lightness to it, which corresponds to our product,” said Shemilt.
The NUMI undershirts are made from an organic Sweat-Secret Technology fabric that absorbs and wicks moisture away from the body, preventing it from seeping through to outer clothes. NUMI comes in four different shades and styles providing an option for every woman, and also features a reversible neckline, ensuring it can work with any outfit.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgupzzNj_9S/?hl=en&taken-by=wearnumi
“NUMI customers range from professional women to stay-at-home moms to retired women and girls in high school. The frustration of sweat stains is an issue that impacts all of us women in different ways at every stage of life,” said Shemilt. “NUMI attracts women who want to feel their best and feel confident in their clothes every day.”
Making women feel good in their clothes isn’t Shemilt’s only goal. She also places a high value on the sustainability of NUMI.
“I think business owners today really have an opportunity to add more value than just the product or service [they’re] creating, but also in the way [they] operate [their] business and the culture [they] create. For me, part of that means an ethical manufacturing process where I know exactly how and where our products are being made, and I know that everyone in our supply chain is paid a fair wage,” said Shemilt. “[Sustainability] is at the heart of our product development and manufacturing decisions.”
And in a world of fast fashion, Shemilt says maintaining clothes to wearable condition so consumers can keep them for longer could help to reduce North America’s waste output.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhIb0KinU_8/?hl=en&taken-by=wearnumi
“Fast fashion has turned into disposable fashion and there is a real problem with the amount of clothing waste that we produce, especially in North America. On top of making our customers feel more confident in their clothes, NUMI also helps extend the life of your clothes. We hope that women will start investing in well-made garments that really will last forever when you are wearing a NUMI to protect them.”
Shemilt was selected from hundreds of entrepreneurs across the country to bring NUMI to the Joe Fresh Centre For Fashion Innovation at Ryerson University’s Fashion Zone. The Joe Fresh Centre works to accelerate Canadian startups in all fashion-related fields, including design, production, technology and professional services.
But Shemilt never expected to end up working in fashion.
“I’ve always loved fashion but [I] never thought I would work in the industry,” said Shemilt. “NUMI evolved from a frustration that I faced every day getting dressed and realizing there was no solution on the market. When I started NUMI, I didn’t even know anyone that worked in fashion, let alone manufacturing, so it has been an exciting learning curve for me.”
It may have been exciting, but Shemilt doesn’t deny that being a female entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges.
“I think one of the biggest challenges in starting your own business is how you have to grow and develop as a person. By that I mean breaking through limiting beliefs, developing as a leader and getting clear on your vision for yourself and your company,” said Shemilt.
“From an operating perspective, one of the biggest challenges is connecting with your customer and introducing your product to the market. It’s very easy to start an e-commerce business today with platforms such as Shopify, but it takes a lot of effort to get your product in front of customers and start making sales because the online marketplace is very loud.”
Having rebranded this year and launched a new website, Shemilt says she’s confident with NUMI’s future position in the fashion market as she affixes to the feedback of her loyal customers.
“We believe in creating products that are solutions to improve the lives of our customers… I’ve really connected with our customers and learned how wearing NUMI impacts their lives and makes them feel more confident every day – that’s what really inspires me.”
Posts you might be interested in:
StyleProfile: Stephan Caras
High Style: Can Cannabis and Fashion Go Together?
Style Spotlight: Toronto Style Blogger Aram Eginliyan
Style Spotlight: Meet Kat Stefankiewicz, In-Game Host for the Toronto Raptors
Style Spotlight: Cory Lee
When it comes to Stephan and Kyriako Caras, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The design seems to be a generational thing, as the father-son duo joins forces in co-designing the Fall/Winter 18 TW (Toronto Women’s Fashion Week) collection for their label STEPHAN CARAS.
If I could use one word to describe STEPHAN CARAS it would be ‘red carpet’ because their evening gowns, cocktail dresses and suits are made to be in the spotlight. They’re practically begging to be the centre of attention as they wistfully flow behind the wearer and enchant any onlookers.
Stephan Caras Fall/Winter 2018/2019 Collection
Where does one get such prowess and skill with a needle? Caras Sr. tells me that he has ‘designed for many formidable fashions houses such as Hermes, Guy Laroche, and House of Bibas’ – so it’s no wonder his designs are so eye-catching. Add in the youthful spark of son Kyriako and you have a powerful design team quarter right here in Toronto, its Atelier in a beautiful historic heritage building on Queen East.
While we can be certain that the magnitude of a runway presentation is what really grabs our attention, every fashionista also knows the details are what makes it art. That being said, Caras Sr. tells me, “the emphasis of this season’s collection is placed on the use of luxurious textures, sophisticated lines and exquisite detailing.”
Stephan Caras Fall/Winter 2018/2019 Collection
“Plunging necklines, asymmetric treatments and fun, flirty contours connect to create dramatic silhouettes.” It’s quite seducing; not in a revealing way, but rather by alluding to what isn’t revealed. The opulence and femininity of the collection truly have so many layers, just like the intricacy of the confident women who wear it.
But what makes it even more impressive, is its scope. “We like to show many variations on how a certain style can be treated and it can be manipulated to create a timeless elegant piece,” Caras Sr. states. “There is no single piece that stands out, as the collection represents a creative flow in our design process and reflects the path of imagination we took when we approached each piece.”
Stephan Caras Fall/Winter 2018/2019 Collection
In that sense, design trends aren’t actually the source of inspiration, but women are themselves, and their ability to be in command of their own style. “[Women] are more inclined to try new colour combinations and textures and experiment with style. Confidence and self-assurance is the most interesting trend which makes the design process more rewarding,” comments Caras Sr.
With all the warped beauty ideals out there, it’s refreshing to see a collection that really celebrates beauty in such a timeless way. “This is key to me and my focus to inspire and celebrate beauty across the board. Fashion should never discriminate or personify beauty; it simply can’t because it is art,” continues Caras Sr. “As an artist, it is contradictory to create and design objectively… Beauty is an expression and not applied.”
Stephan Caras Fall/Winter 2018/2019 Collection
Along with the ability to remain subjective, rather than objective, the path to creating a captivating collection is also in the process of ‘out-doing’ oneself. There needs to be a fine balance of ‘artistically expressing yourself, materializing these concepts into reality, and making them feasible in today’s fast-paced globally driven market.’
Master that balance, and then you’ll not only get noticed by your consumer but also your peers. As records show, STEPHAN CARAS has currently been nominated by CAFA (Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards) as womenswear designer of the year.
Stephan Caras Fall/Winter 2018/2019 Collection
While thrilled, Caras Sr. states that their love for design has been inherent. “Our lifetime of designing has been geared towards evoking a response and a personal connection with our audience… This nomination shows us that we are able to achieve this at some capacity and that our peers recognize this and feel connected to our lifetime dedication and creative process.”
After seeing the collection effortlessly float down the runway at TFW I couldn’t agree more, that both Stephan and Kyriako Caras have successfully breathed life into each design. Just like women, every piece was incredibly beautiful in its own way.
Stephan Caras Fall/Winter 2018/2019 Collection
In terms of next moves, the Caras duo isn’t stopping with Toronto. “We do have a few shows lined up internationally in Dubai and in Athens so we have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.” And once that’s wrapped up, their goal is to be able to bring looks from the runway directly to the consumer base on-demand, delivering a couture piece that is accessible right after the presentation.
Want more info? STEPHAN CARAS collections are available at their atelier downtown or alternatively learn more about the brand at stephancaras.com.
Stephan Caras Fall/Winter 2018/2019 Collection
Stephan Caras Fall/Winter 2018/2019 Collection
Posts you might be interested in:
Style Spotlight: Toronto Style Blogger Aram Eginliyan
Style Spotlight: Meet Kat Stefankiewicz, In-Game Host for the Toronto Raptors
8 Canadians to Follow on Instagram for Street Style Inspiration
Style Spotlight: Hayley Elsaesser, Fashion Designer
Style Spotlight: Kiara Schwartz of TobruckAve
One of the most anticipated fashion events of the year is coming to Toronto next week and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate fashion, art and culture and support Canada’s homegrown talents.
We talked with the executive director Carolyn Quinn and found out first-hand everything you need to know about Toronto Fashion Week 2018:
1. Toronto Fashion Week 2018 will be held at the new Yorkville location from February 5-7. Known as Toronto’s most prestigious luxury retail neighbourhood and the epicentre of fashion in the city, the new venue will reflect the innovative and refreshing side of the festival.
2. This year TFW is partnering with THE COLLECTIONS™, RE\SET™, CAFA™ and Fashion Talks™. According to Quinn, these partnerships will provide new and engaging experiences on how designers present their collections to attendees, engage with fashion, and highlight an amazing roster of Canadian talent.
“One of our main goals at Toronto Fashion Week is to continuously strive to be innovative and find new ways to elevate Canadian fashion. I believe that our new and exciting partnerships will do just that!” said Quinn.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwzlBYlTTj/?taken-by=tfw
3. The programming of the festival will include studio presentations, runway shows and fashion talks. This year guests will be able to see a mix of the traditional and the new. The set up at Yorkville Village will feature everything from the classic behind-the-scenes goings-on to an open-concept area, where media, guests and the public can feel a part of the exciting show.
“From runway presentations to a studio format and a direct-to-consumer RE\SET™ 003 Designer showroom, we will be embracing it all. Each day will kick off with a live podcast taping of Fashion Talks™ with host Donna Bishop. She’ll chat with special guests about fashion, designing for the future, the Royals and costumes,” said Quinn.
4. The three-day event will be held in the new “See Now Buy Now” format. Considering the needs and the way of thinking of the millennial generation, the organisers will implement the new shopping format, which allows guests to shop collections immediately after they debut on the runway.
“This ‘See Now Buy Now’ is something new, which inspired many of our direct-to-consumer activations and addition of the RE\SET™ Designer Showroom, an engaging consumer-facing market space. This space will allow guests to meet designers in-person and shop their incredible collections on the spot.”
5. Toronto Fashion Week’s designer line up will include three new designers: Mayer Man, Eleventy, and S.P. Badu, along with Canada’s most prominent designers, such as Narces, UNTTLD, Christopher Bates, HAYLEY ELSAESSER.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BY_c0YdH8BQ/?taken-by=spbadu
6. This year Toronto Fashion Week will also be hosting Fashion Heals event to support SickKids Hospital.
“It’s a vibrant fashion show that aims to raise awareness and funds for SickKids Hospital. There will be many TV and notable personalities walking in the show, and it will definitely be a runway event to remember,” said Quinn.
If you’re interested in supporting the initiative, buy tickets here.
Are you planning to attend Toronto Fashion Week 2018? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image: Instagram/ @tw_fw
Posts you might be interested in:
5 Canadian Men’s Fashion Designers You Should Know In 2018
Top Fashion Trends for 2018 According to Pinterest
10 Books That Are Essential To Your Fashion Education
One of Italy’s Top Apparel Brands C.P. Company Makes Its Way To Canada
7 Canadian Fashion Designers to Watch for in 2018