FASHION Magazine

With spring hovering that much closer, it’s finally time to recharge those warm weather wardrobes (insert smiley face emoji here). This season, there are a few key pieces that will easily transform your look, and we’re here to make that transition as easy as 1, 2, 3.

A ‘90s revival on the runways breathed new life into the slipdress, making it the ultimate wardrobe essential layered under knits, with plaid and camo. Meanwhile, sex appeal was made hip with the advent of the side-slit leather skirt on runways like Proenza Schouler and Reed Krakoff. The long-favoured bomber jacket also reappeared on the runway this season, in satin and with transparent touches at Marc by Marc Jacobs and Dries Van Noten. So get ready to ditch all that heavy winter gear and consider these three as your must-have items to elevate your look this spring

Jump to: THE SLIPDRESS | THE SIDE-SLIT SKIRT | THE BOMBER JACKET

See the Fall 2013 must-have shopping picks »

Or jump to: ’40s GLAM | BOYS’ CLUB | FUN FUR | PUNK ROCK | SURVIVAL KIT

Along with the crisp fall breeze that assures us summer is winding down comes new fashion possibilities—and what better to fill the void in your closet? With fall comes a tendency for darker attire, the bold textures, edgy colours and metallic hardware—of course, these are just a few of things to look forward to this season, and don’t feel restricted to just one!

We’ve combined this season’s boldest looks to love and layer, and they’re sure to spice up your wardrobe of neutrals and remind you that more is more. We may not be shedding skin as the temperatures drop, but we sure are showing new skins, like wine-stained leathers for trenches and tops and multi-hued furs for coats. Classic camouflage prints were all over pants and pumps that came stomping down the runways for everyone from Jean Paul Gaultier to Carolina Herrera. These pieces are not for the faint of heart or the timid to trends—but keeping warm doesn’t mean letting your style go cold.

See all the Christmas gifts
for best friends »

Buying a Christmas gift for your best friend should come as one easy task. You know your best friend inside and out, and chances are that you have similar tastes and shopping habits. But for those out there that don’t have a clue where to start, we have many ideas for Christmas gifts for best friends (and sisters and girlfriends too!) included here in our 2012 gift guide.

Christmas is a season of giving, and why not choose a Christmas gift idea for your best friend who you’ll likely be spending some of the holidays with? The affordable gift ideas for best friends featured here are all under $100, so even if the Christmas season is draining your wallet there are still cute, but cheap options out there for your best friend.

By Elio Iannacci. Photographed by James White. Styled by Penny Lovell.

Read our interview with Anna Paquin »
See Anna Paquin’s shopping picks »

You can learn a lot about an actress by the way she steps on set for a photo shoot. Some stars require the armour of an entourage; others need a personality-devoid space and monastic silence. Anna Paquin is unquestionably neither of the above. Upon arriving at L.A.’s Smashbox Studios on a scalding Saturday afternoon, the Winnipeg-born, New Zealand-raised actress introduces herself to the FASHION crew without hesitation. Serving up a warm, Kiwi-accented “Nice to meet you” to photographer James White—and his troop of all-guy assistants crushing on her—the 29-year-old talent does the rounds as if she were hosting a cocktail party. Of course, there is a reason for Paquin’s accelerated social skills. Having won an Oscar at the age of 11 for her performance in Jane Campion’s The Piano, Paquin has grown up with cameras and handshakes at every corner, starring in a mix of family pictures (Fly Away Home), blockbusters (X-Men), indie flicks (The Squid and the Whale) and, most recently, a ratings monster of a TV series called True Blood.

After changing into her favoured cover look—a Jackie Onassis-like Marc Jacobs dress trimmed with silver studs—Paquin dashes in front of the lens, occasionally cracking jokes and posing without any forced fabulousness. Her good humour remains intact long after the array of designer heels and baubles are put away and we are left alone to talk.

Today, we’re going inside the bag belonging to another of Canada’s PR power players: Natasha Koifman. President of her namesake firm, NKPR, Koifman heads up a team of 30 to work on blockbuster accounts like Stila, Essie, Kiehl’s and RACHEL Rachel Roy as well as one of the favourite gifting lounges during the Toronto International Film Festival, the IT Lounge. She’s been featured on The Coveteur and she’s also been known to host some pretty bangin’ parties at her beautiful North Toronto home. For that, we’d like to give her an everlasting shout out.

Let’s explore! »

This spring, shimmering shells, luminous pearls and treasures from the deep have sprung from the sea.

See our shopping picks »