FASHION Magazine

Canadian designer John Hardy (johnhardy.com) founded his eponymous jewellery brand in 1989 after moving to Bali and falling in love with traditional Indonesian art. Today, Guy Bedarida is the company’s creative director—he’s previously designed for Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels. We sat down at Vancouver’s Holt Renfrew (737 Dunsmuir St., 604-681-3121, holtrenfrew.com).

By Karen Ashbee The address: Empire Collection 800 16th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-457-3443, empirecollection.ca The wait for something new to fill the coveted corner spot vacated by Focus clothing in Mount Royal Village is finally over. Its new occupant specializes in trendy casual wear: tops by Velvet, Royal Underground and Ben Sherman; sexy dresses by […]

The post Calgary: A new Empire in Mount Royal Village appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

After a few months of letting soggy weather ruin cute outfits, I’m longing for waterproof footwear that’s actually stylish—specifically, Loeffler Randall’s much-anticipated rain booties (shown, $200). Originally slated for release two years ago (there were production delays), the cotton jersey–lined lace-ups are slightly Victorian, slightly military and altogether practical. At The Block (350 W. Cordova […]

The post Vancouver: The Loeffler rain booties we’ve been longing for appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

As if Cheap Monday denim wasn’t already affordable, Vincent Park (4278 Main St., 604-879-6665, vincentpark.ca) owners and sisters Cara and Lauren Stryer have launched their very own Cheap Monday Cult Club. With every pair of jeans you purchase (shown, $75), you get a stamp—and your ninth pair is free! Being a club member also gets […]

The post Vancouver: Join Vincent Park’s Cheap Monday club! appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

There are few things left in the world that would prompt someone to put down her iPhone, stop tweeting and log off her Facebook account. I discovered one of them in my hotel room during Spring 2011 fashion week in New York: an invitation from the house of Chanel. I cracked open the thick envelope, pulled out the heavy card stock emblazoned with a regal lion’s head, and read the most joyous words known to womankind (fashion editor or otherwise): “Chanel is pleased to invite Madame Sarah Casselman to discover the haute couture fall/winter 2010/11 collection.” My first response—elation!—was followed by a wave of what-to-wear anxiety. But elation won.

Stylist turned designer Rad Hourani (radhourani.com) has a cult following for his unisex, seasonless clothing, sold at Reborn (231 St-Paul St. W., Suite 100, 514-499-8549, reborn.ws). He recently debuted a fragrance, and is launching a shoe collaboration with Aldo. Although the Montreal expat now commutes between Paris and New York (but manufactures his lines here), he says the universe is his home. It’s true—he’s out of this world.

Given my recent obsession with peonies, roses and hydrangeas (clearly I’ve got weddings, specifically my own, on the mind), I couldn’t let these darling Liberty-inspired print flats ($10, George at Walmart, fashionbygeorge.ca) escape my Bridezilla grip. They’re perfect to wear now with a favourite skirt and woolly tights and later, come spring, with Derek Lam’s sleek white trench.

By Karen Ashbee

As part of the one-year anniversary celebrations at Holt Renfrew Calgary (510 Eighth Ave. SW, 403-269-7341, holtrenfrew.com), Nicole Richie presented her latest House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate collections at the store and took a moment to chat with us.

First there was Rouge Nail Bar, and now there is Bleu Blow Dry Bar (65 Fairmount Ave. W., 514-507-3003, bleudrybar.com), which has just moved in next door to the Mile End location. Who says you need a wedding or a fancy event to get a blowout? Have a hot date or important meeting, or just […]

The post Montreal beauty pick: Bleu Blow Dry Bar appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Get a jump on spring’s hottest trend with something a little knotty. Whether you choose an oversized Michael Kors sweater or one of Canadian label Furi’s jersey and cashmere-blend pieces, which launch this spring (from $120, furidesign.com), just remember that quiet luxury is the new black.

The post Spring shopping pick: Subdued knits appeared first on FASHION Magazine.