FASHION Magazine

Makeup artist Sheri Stroh was looking into ways of greening her life as well as her kit when, at 36, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

LIVE CLEAN

Sheri Stroh’s favourite green products »

More about FASHION and the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund »

About five years ago, I read the book Not Just A Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry by Stacy Malkan, which is about potential toxins in beauty products. In general, I’m a bit of an alarmist—I kind of freak out, go hardcore and then lighten up on certain things. I mean, I basically live in a cloud of hairspray, but I decided I wanted to look into green products. The book just made a lot of sense: there are so many chemicals we’re exposed to, either by eating them, breathing them or putting them on ourselves. I thought maybe I could try to lessen my own exposure.

Then, in the spring of 2009, I began to feel an ache in my right breast. My bra was aggravating something and I found a lump. It concerned me enough to go to the doctor, but she wasn’t overly concerned because I was only 36 at the time. She said my breast contained dense tissue and that it was probably fibroadenoma, and I was told the same thing at the ultrasound. They told me to come back in six months. Oddly enough, the ache just went away, so nothing really reminded me to follow up.

See the suits and matching accessories now »

All the cool girls from the best 1980s and 1990s movies wore suits. In Heathers it was a colour-coded way of life, and for Cher Horowitz, the power suit was a staple in her amazing technologically advanced closet. Everyone, and we mean everyone, knows her classic yellow plaid mini-skirt blazer combo.

Enter Fall 2012.

Valérie Dumaine (valeriedumaine.com) has been outfitting Montreal’s style set since 2004. Known for her sleek, sophisticated separates, she carries this pared-down aesthetic into her own closet too. Here, she shares her spooky sources of inspiration.

By Laura deCarufel

Michel Gaubert has a laugh that makes you want to get him alone with a gin and tonic and a confidentiality vow, and ask him to dish about his three decades in the fashion world. Rarely in the spotlight but always in the vanguard (and on the guest list), Gaubert is an insider’s insider, the style set’s most trusted DJ. He’s partied with Thierry Mugler and Jerry Hall, collaborated with Longchamp, and created runway soundtracks for power houses such as Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten and—most notably and consistently—for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel.

From ready-to-wear to footwear—check out the four designers that are on our radar.

CHLOÉ COMME PARRIS | CHRISSIE MORRIS | JOOMI LIM |
J.W. ANDERSON

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Karen Ashbee travels to Paris for a history lesson on the Hermès carré.

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Michael Kors on celebrating his 30th anniversary, staying plugged in and becoming an adjective.

All-American. Spirited. Jetsetter. You can spot Michael Kors from a mile away. Over the course of his 30 years in the fashion industry, the man and the brand have become one and the same, morphing into a mega-empire that, as rumour has it, hit a billion dollars in sales this year. Not bad for a boy from Long Island, New York. Adored by Hollywood A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez, soccer moms and First Ladies alike (Michelle Obama wore Kors for her first official White House portrait), his rise to fashion royalty took off in 1981, when he launched his eponymous womenswear line.

Only one year in business and Big Apple–based label Primary (primaryny.com) has two big benchmarks bagged: the endorsement of a star style blogger (The Glamourai’s Kelly Framel) and a resort collection. Raised in Vancouver and schooled at Parsons, designer Cleo Schroeder talks West Coast roots and quirky fashion hits.

Carine Roitfeld, the world’s most inimitably chic fashion editor, is back. She tells Rani Sheen what’s next for her.

When it was announced in December that Carine Roitfeld had stepped down as editor-in-chief of Paris Vogue, the fashion world erupted in speculation about what she’d do next. The answer, in part, lies in the book Carine Roitfeld: Irreverent ($110, Rizzoli New York), a mid-career retrospective of her most arresting shoots, notes from designers, and personal mementos. It’s a satisfying read because there is such a fascination with Roitfeld, the coolest woman in any front row. We asked her what else she’s been up to.

Cool, statement-making footwear line Fluevog (shown above, from $310) is now available in Calgary (207 Eighth Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-265-1970, fluevog.com). Update your collection this fall with a stylish (and surprisingly comfy) pair of stacked-heel ankle boots. Opt for a bright pop of colour or a rich autumnal hue, and make sure to go hard on the hardware. Studs and chunky buckles are this season’s hottest new embellishment.

Diptyque turns a favourite perfume into a body lotion, Dior does a home reno, Tom Ford takes our mind off his makeup collection, and more.

View our beauty picks now »

I never thought I’d wear a two-finger ring (too tough), but these understated slices of polished silver are so delicate and—dare I say, ladylike—that I might even wear them in stacks! At Moug ($50 each, 6737 St-Laurent Blvd., 514-276-6737; 1381 Mont-Royal Ave. E., 514-523-5551; moug.ca).