FASHION Magazine

See Christian Louboutin Design Exchange opening party photos »

Last night, lovers of the greatest name in footwear came to meet the man himself at the opening of Christian Louboutin’s retrospective exhibit at Toronto’s Design Exchange. The designer, who graced the crowd for a moment in the VIP room on the third floor said but a few words, the most important ones being “French and Canadians, we get along ok.” We’ll take it! With that ceremonious kick-off, the party, which had been on for an hour at that point, really revved up. Amidst three floors of Louboutin goodness, the crowd, which included actress Sarah Gadon, Jeanne Beker, socialite Krystal Koo, and Design Exchange president Shauna Levy, got down to the hip hop stylings of New York-based It girl/DJ Hannah Bronfman.

The exhibit itself is a fantastical treat for anyone who not only loves shoes but the naughty likes of Dita Von Teese as well. Brought to town by the London’s Design Museum curator Donna Loveday, the exhibit is comprised of a mini carousel, a garden and a hologram of Von Teese which set the quirky stage for 250 pairs of Louboutin’s most iconic and outlandish shoes since he opened his first boutique in 1991.

See the Greta Constantine Fall 2013 collection photos »
See the Greta Constantine Fall 2013 party photos »

Continuing the tradition of showing their collections off schedule and off the grid, Greta Constantine designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong debuted their Fall 2013 offering with a restaurant meets art party meets impromptu runway show last night in Toronto. Beginning at the west end hotspot Parts & Labour, the duo hosted the city’s top media and clients for a three-course meal, interrupted of course, by many shots of Stolichnaya vodka. As Greta-clad guests including Cronenberg It girl Sarah Gadon, socialite Stacey Jordan (formerly Kimmel) and trend forecaster Carly Stojsic indulged in main courses of chicken and gnocchi, Amazonian models took to the makeshift runway (aka the bar) in the duo’s latest wares. The clothes, while heavily styled with tribal inspiration—think long braids, faux mohawks and animal skulls worn as jewellery designed by Dandi Maestre—forged ahead with last season’s new motto: sleeker, stronger and relatively pared back. Amongst the pleated and curved statement dresses, the standout look was a long and lean cow’s hide coat paired with black wideleg pants and a simple white crew neck.

See all the photos from the Toronto Life Spring Stylebook launch party »

Is there a better indication that spring has finally sprung than an empty coat check room at a party? Such was the case at the launch for the spring issue of the Toronto Life Stylebook—there was an abundance of sheer dresses, bare legs and strappy sandals but not a single winter accessory in sight. Adding to the spring atmosphere were Edward Scissorhands-worthy topiaries that dotted the Distillery District’s Fermenting Cellar and greeted guests at the party’s entrance.

Speaking of guests, Toronto Life Stylebook cover girl Sarah Gadon was a perfect fit for the role of guest of honour, wearing a sleek blue and black Greta Constantine dress from the Fall 2013 collection. Considering that many of the partygoers have appeared on most-fashionable lists (be it Toronto Life’s or elsewhere) it was hard to stay focused on one outfit for more than a few seconds. The Beckerman sisters kept things colourful with Samantha in a neon accented blouse and Caillianne in a pastel floral-print dress. Florals certainly were the uniform of choice for the party—from vibrant digital prints to whispy petals, watching the crown was like witnessing an Erdem and Mary Katranzou-themed Pinterest board come to life.

Celebspotters, you’re in for another doozy of a year with a knockout A list of Hollywood heavyweights hitting Toronto for this year’s edition of TIFF. Since we’d rather not bore you with superfluous details like why they’re coming and what they’re working on, we’re just giving you the long and impressive list of who’s coming and what we’d like to (but may chicken out and not) say to them, should we cozy up to them at an intimate gathering.

Summer weather—and the festival season that comes with it—is taking hold across the country. This weekend, we’re hitting up an all-day loft party in Toronto, a gallery opening in Vancouver, shops for runway looks (and accessories to match) and following Robert Pattinson on an epic cab ride across Manhattan (that was filmed in Toronto). Buckle up.

Read our List! »