FASHION Magazine

By Kate MacLennan

While flicking through the prattle and the doom that is cable television today, I recently landed on TLC’s What Not To Wear. It had been a while since I watched Stacy and Clinton trash a fashion victim and her poly-blend wardrobe, so I hung in to catch the finale—I’m a sucker for a good makeover. Sadly, that warm, fuzzy “isn’t she beautiful?” moment never happened. In fact, I think I yawned when I saw the reveal. The poor woman looked like…everyone.

By Susie Sheffman

Shown: Pringle of Scotland Fall 2008. Photography by Peter Stigter.

Seventeen hours in heels and still counting–now that’s a personal record for me! This is a marathon of a fashion week with an insanely jam-packed schedule that everyone is bitching about. I can barely recall the shows this morning, but seem to have a distant memory of mannish military inspiration and lots of lean leathers at Belstaff.

By Susie Sheffman

Shown: Just Cavalli Fall 2008. Photography by Peter Stigter.

Can someone please tell me how it’s possible that I’ve been in Italy for a mere 12 hours and have already eaten pasta twice? Say ciao bella to my low-carb plan for the week! But on to why I’m really here–the clothes!

By Leah Rumack

Shown: Biba Fall 2008. Photography by Peter Stigter.

My London Fashion Week kicked off backstage at Poltock & Walsh with super-cute Canadian stylist/magazine editor/London it-girl, Leith Clark, who styled the show (Psst! Watch for more on her in an upcoming issue of FASHION!)

The combination of early morning screenings and late night parties are taking their toll, and fatigue is setting in. Luckily, in between screenings and interviews, I can visit an eco lounge where I put my feet up and peruse the earth-friendly swag they have on offer. Standouts include Warmbat boots, which claim to be the world’s first 100 per cent all-natural sheepskin shoes, and a new line of jeans called Undune. Sure to become a cult classic, the jeans combine style and sustainable living into one stretchy pair of green-hearted goodness.

LOVE & SEX GUIDE (2008)

Glowing skin, twinkling eyes and a voice that purrs–there is nothing as addictive as the rush of a new crush. After all, whether you are a sparkler-wearing Mrs. or a single seeking kisses, every lovely needs a little something sensuous (man or latest must-have) to make her heart go all a flutter. But the question du jour remains: Should a modern-day minx wear her heart on her stylish sleeves?

By Kate MacLennan

If you’re anything like me, right about now you’re in an eleventh hour panic for at least a couple holiday presents. Exhale. We’ve got some last minute gift ideas that any fashion savvy soul could pull off as her (or his) own.*

Hunter rain boots (from $129)
*Vancouver availability listed, but most items available across Canada.

We open with Lauren and Brody on a date… a friend date, apparently, as Lauren pouts that she hasn’t been on a “real date” in three whole weeks! Brody counsels her on what to look for in her next guy: “Somebody who’s not Mr. Perfect all the time… somebody who’s gotta be a little bit of a bad boy.” He seems to be hinting at himself here, and Lauren sweetly refrains from pointing out that bad boys neither ask her to cuddle nor cry when she breaks their fingers.

Despite the parade of bomber jackets, ribbed tights and ankle boots, spring is in the air. Held at their brand new digs at Exhibition Place, the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) held their annual press and buyer’s breakfast to showcase 18 up-and-coming designers on the Canadian scene. The fashion pack was looking for two things that morning: caffeine and the coolest new collections. FASHION spotted a lot of fab new things, but there were a few standouts in this vast sea of style.