FASHION Magazine

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We might as well pitch a tent and set up camp outside Holt Renfrew’s sleek Bloor Street entrance, because come September, it will be the place to be. Not only is Holt’s taking part in Fashion’s Night Out festivities September 6 (stay tuned for details!), but the store is also ringing in it’s monumental 175th birthday. In true Holt’s fashion, the Hot @175 anniversary will be rung in in style, with a slew of designer collaborations for sale in (what else?) signature magenta.

From its start in 1837 as a hat and cap shop in Quebec City to the go-to luxury mecca it is today, Holt’s has undeniably had a starring role in Canada’s retail legacy. To fête the occasion, everything from high-fashion designs like Christian Louboutin’s magenta-platform sling backs to fun finds like Pantone’s “Holt Renfrew Magenta” notebook will prove that even at 175, Holt’s still has it.

M.A.C Viva Glam Fashion Cares is one of Toronto’s hottest annual tickets, so it comes as no surprise that the fundraiser gala’s roster for this year’s event does not disappoint. From longtime HIV/AIDS activist Elton John (whose partner David Furnish co-chairs the event with Michael King) to new faces like Sky Ferreira (who we spoke with last month) and Janelle Monáe, the routinely sold-out gala is shaping up to be the go-to event of the fall.

Not only will there be enough musical talent on hand to easily keep you distracted all night (think everyone from Scissor Sisters to homegrown talent like Kreesha Turner), but in true Fashion Cares style, there will be an abundance of amazing fashion as well. Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED2, who are teaming up with legendary supermodel Linda Evangelista for hosting duties, are sending their designs down the runway at the gala, alongside looks from Vivienne Westwood, Elie Saab, Pink Tartan and more. On that style note, it’s worth mentioning that some of Elton John’s most memorable, famously flamboyant costumes will be on display as well as a quarter century retrospective highlighting the event’s most glamorous looks.

“It’s a blessing and a curse,” Sky Ferreira opines about the conflicting aspects of her sound, a duality in tastes that has seen her through gritty Debbie Harry–esque melodies to raw Jon Brion–produced ballads. The 19-year-old singer is a bit of a dichotomy herself: she will unabashedly profess her adoration for Britney Spears in the same breath as her love for David Bowie, and makes no apologies for being tricky to label.