FASHION Magazine

Fall has been filled with camping chic–tweeds, heritage checks and fishing waders–but we’ve also been seeing a more nightmarish take on the woodsy trend. Animal prints, feathers and fur (real and faux) are straight out of Where the Wild Things Are or Into The Woods–the Sondheim musical’s whimsical-yet-eerie look at popular fairytale heroes amidst a haunted backwoods is an ideal avenue for inspiration.

After the jump, check out our gallery of the best delirium-inspired looks, perfect for a stroll through the enchanted forest.

Director Spike Jonze has teamed up with Opening Ceremony (openingceremony.us) and Pamela Love to launch a line inspired by the upcoming film adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are. Love’s jewellery designs pay homage to all the claws, feathers and playful headpieces from Maurice Sendak’s beloved picture book.

I tried to avoid it. In an effort to sidestep a tragically fou-for-feathers diagnosis, I pushed aside the urge to tell you all about the stunning bit of plumage I’ve had dangling from my lobe for weeks. I kept my satisfaction silent and brushed off any “Love your earring!” praise with an I’ve-had-it-for-years shrug. But when the compliments passed the half-dozen mark, I turned a feather-grazed cheek to all those who pooh-pooh plumage and reached for my laptop. This, I’ve gotta share.

The seed was planted when a funeral-themed party had me on the phone midday, trading up a lunch break for a fashion quest, locating a black half-cap and veil in one of Halifax’s goldmine vintage shops.  A few bobby pins later, and I’m hooked. Headpieces, with their drama, vintage appeal and immediate elegance, are my foible.

{FASHION WEEK SPRING 2009 TORONTO}

By Sarah Nicole Prickett

Vancouver’s Mellinda-Mae Harlingten just showed her sixth season of cute ultra-basics, so someone must be buying them. They’re certainly wearable.

By Rebecca Voight

Who needs colors when you have great lighting? At Nicolas Ghesquière’s futuristic show for Balenciaga, fabrics changed color as they were hit by overhead light beams. The shimmering collection of sequin tube dresses, metallic fringe and tiers of iridescent, crinkled ribbons sewn together for a bubbly effect, had a chic Barbarella quality in simple shifts with space-uniform seaming and drop-waist tank dresses. The glitter factor was balanced by narrow, matte trousers with intricate insets in an intriguing mix of fabrics. And Ghesquière has seen the future of the handbag as well. Balenciaga’s square clutches in shiny croc and lizard spell the end of the big, messy bag.

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!)