FASHION Magazine

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.

Summer festival season finally hit Canada this past weekend with Montreal’s annual fest, Osheaga. In between some seriously stellar sets from Eminem, Janelle Monáe as well as Canada’s own Death from Above 1979 and Crystal Castles, Toronto-based photographer Phil Birnbaum was snapping the fedora and feather-wearing pretties. Check out our favourites!

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Philip Sparks kicked off the fall 2011 season in Toronto last night with the latest in a line of consistently refined collections. Stage strewn with antique toboggans, rackets and boxes with a backdrop of oversized woven deer quilts by artist Grant Heap, it’s no surprise that the designer drew yet again from the idyllic Canadian winter, a setting that has become his inspiration of choice.

Playing on his signature of mix-and-match prep, the combo line—including his sophomore outing for the ladies—was made up of his classic wool and tweed suits, Melton duffle coats and canvas parkas and nipped-waisted tailored dresses featured oversized checks and were adorned with curly shearing. A warm and watery maple leaf print made its way onto a shirtdress, pleated skirt and a capped sleeve blouse, bringing a bit of an artful quality to the mix. Close to the end of the collection, a Janelle Monae lookalike appeared in a cropped black tux with purple lapels and spectator oxfords to boot. Always the first out of the fashion week gate, Sparks’s is a collection so full of delicious details it requires multiple sets of fresh eyes. Here’s to enjoying the rest of the season with peepers similarly peeled.

View the Phillip Sparks photo gallery »

View the Phillip Sparks runway video »

R&B singer Janelle Monáe met the Kaiser himself, Karl Lagerfeld, backstage at her December 1 concert in Moscow where the two discussed their love of black and white. “I’m a black and white person,” Lagerfeld responded when Monae asked him how he felt about the hues. Illuminating. [Styleite]

New details have been released about Kate Middleton and Prince William‘s upcoming spring wedding including information about the dress (she will choose a “little known” British designer), wedding procession, ceremony and reception. Oh, and FYI: It’s Catherine Middleton to you. [Huffington Post]

FASHION is launching a new online channel to showcase stylish up-and-coming acts. Want to be featured? Upload your video link at fashionmagazine.com/music, and you might just spot your video on our site. Plus, we’ve lined up guest editors who’ll be selecting their favourite tracks. First up: MTV Canada’s Dan Levy picks his top summer tunes:

Now that we can finally start wearing our summer wardrobes, we should also be taking a quick sec to think about the songs that will make those breezy clothes dance. As guest music curator at fashionmagazine.com, I’ll be spending the next couple of months with my headphones on, compiling my ultimate summer playlist. But I can’t do it alone–feel free to help by telling us your favourite summer anthems in the comments. Our goal: To create a fashionable soundtrack to beat the heat.

Read on for Dan’s picks.