FASHION Magazine

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Toronto Fashion Incubator crowned its annual New Labels prizewinner on Tuesday night at a glittering gala stacked with the city’s society and fashion hall of famers. For the second year in a row, Target added a red sheen to the event, promising an exclusive capsule collection to be sold nationwide next year in addition to the existing prize of $25,000 from high society’s grand dame philanthropist Suzanne Rogers.

As notables including Stacey Mackenzie, Arthur Mendonca, Nicholas Mellamphy and David Dixon (he currently moonlights as TFI president) indulged in post-dinner chocolate cake, the tables were transformed into a runway, on which the competition began. With a mix of aesthetics ranging from Secret Garden-esque to hard edged to femme to frankly, sloppy, four designers—Sarah Stevenson, Paria Shirvani, Christopher Paunil and 7/31—paraded their wears. In a decision that surprised no one, Stevenson’s pretty floral capsule was crowned the winner. With an existing reputation as Toronto’s resident floral print mistress, we look forward to seeing Stevenson’s career blossom (pun intended) following this major boost.

See more photos from Target’s Toronto opening »

On Wednesday, Target rolled out the red carpet to celebrate its arrival into our home and native land. Walking on said carpet and heading towards the aisles and aisles of goods in the Danforth location in Toronto was none other than megawatt stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Blake Lively, looking positively springy with floral details.

Both dressed in light ensembles but we saw SJP in an age-appropriate outfit with white pants, a sheer polka dot button-up and safety pinned blazer over top. What really made the whole look stand out was the oversized flower boutineer on her shoulder, taking florals for spring to a very literal place.

As for Lively, the actress extended the hemline from what we’ve grown used to on Gossip Girl and opted for a pale watercolour floral dress from Roland Mouret’s Spring 2013 collection. Lively’s pale skin and pale hair and pale dress was all tied together with a bright pair of floral “Sissi” pumps by Christian Louboutin and the look didn’t even wash her out.

After announcing plans to expand into Canada almost two years ago, Target is set to open its first Canadian stores next month. We have the latest information about what we can expect from the brand’s highly anticipated Canadian launch.

Here’s what we know so far: According to 680 News, Target’s first Canadian stores will be opening in Ontario (there are 24 of ‘em, listed here). Some of these stores will launch on an informal basis in late March for a soft launch, but the official grand openings will be taking place in April. Specific dates for each location have not been released, but we do know that Target is currently using a store in Guelph to train employees and prepare for the launch.

See all the photos from Target Canada launch day »

We’re so close to Target opening in Canada that we can taste it—quite literally, after yesterday’s blowout media preview at Toronto’s Evergreen Brickworks, which opened up with marshmallow laden hot chocolate and an ice rink fashion show fit for the Canadiana hall of fame. Kicking off what’s sure to be an amazing year of firsts, Target unveiled its list of launch partners and brands that will be available in Canada upon its various openings in March and April of this year. Babely interior designer Nate Berkus, makeup pioneer Sonia Kashuk, pint-sized chef Giada De Laurentiis (and famed US snowboard champ Shaun White via video) were all in the house to launch the Canadian openings of their ongoing Target partnerships, as well as mega-stylist Kate Young who will unveil her red carpet-inspired limited edition collaboration collection on April 14.

See the full Prabal Gurung for Target Collection »

The complete look book for Prabal Gurung’s collection for Target spring 2013 capsule collection has been released. With only a few months left before Target opens its first Canadian stores, could this be the first Target designer collaboration available for purchase in Canada? We are certainly hopeful. The exciting 80+ piece collection includes dresses, skirts, blouses, and jackets as well as accessories such as sandals, totes, and jewellery made with Gurung’s signature brightly hued and patterned signature.

In preparing the vibrant spring collection, Prabal Gurung was reportedly inspired by romance and “a girl’s journey through the different stages of love.” Fans of Gurung will recognize his graphic flowery prints that have been re-imagined for a more wearable look. “It was an exciting challenge to interpret my aesthetic into a mass-produced product,” Gurung explained to New York Magazine, “but the collection is true to my signature style.”

There are only six months between Canadians and freestanding Target stores, but to help make the waiting time go faster, Target will be heading out on a holiday 2012 road trip. The American retailer will be going from coast to coast while bringing holiday celebrations to more than 20 cities across Canada.

The road trip kicks off in Halifax, Nova Scotia at Dalhousie University on November 30 and will come to a close in British Colombia in mid-December. The first stop will feature guest performances, holiday treats (everybody’s favourite part) and even an opportunity to have your photo taken with Bullseye the dog who is, as you’d suspect, super cute. And that’s only a taste of what’s to come. You can follow the tour’s route on Twitter or Facebook to know if Target is headed to a town near you.

Canadian Thanksgiving falls in early October and is more about the pies and the turkeys than anything else. For Americans, Thanksgiving also translates to over-eating and pie, but also comes with a side of super sales— both online and in-store. Black Friday 2012, which falls on November 23 this year, is a day that has […]

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American retailer Target has made its aim clear; it’s poised for a Canadian fashion industry takeover.

The bullseye brand announced today that it is partnering with the Toronto Fashion Incubator for the annual TFI New Labels Fashion Design competition next year. For the first time ever, the winning designer will have the chance to create an exclusive collection to be sold in Canadian Target stores, in addition to the cash prize given yearly by Suzanne Rogers.

Move over Nordstrom, as it looks as though Holt Renfrew is beating you to the budget-friendly punch.

Holt Renfrew announced today that they would launch a new chain early next year called hr2, which will offer discounted designer clothing that will likely draw younger consumers into its stores. The Canadian retailer has an edge on their American counterparts, as these projected stores are set to open before Nordstrom comes into Canada in 2014. The store’s budget-conscious line, Nordstrom Rack will also be arriving in our country and will likely be big competition for hr2.

American retailers must have all set their compasses due north because yet another U.S. chain has announced plans to set up shop here in Canada. As if we weren’t already excited enough about next year’s arrival of cheap-chic retailer Target, now Nordstrom has announced plans to open four locations in the Great White North as well.

Last week it was announced that Jason Wu would bring his Target collab to Toronto for one-day-only at a pop up on King Street on Thursday. Today, we’re briefing you on exactly what to expect. Check out these looks, as promised to be available in full (handbags excluded). While the prices for each piece are not available yet, the entire collection will range between $10 and $45 and proceeds of the sale will go to the United Way of Toronto. And don’t fret if something you want is missing from our list—more items will be available on Thursday!

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Holy moly, this city just keeps getting better and better! Just when Torontonians thought we’d been shut out of the Jason Wu for Target madness, it seems that we had it coming all along! Next Thursday February 23, the golden boy himself will be bringing his collab to the city, for a one-day-only shopping event at a pop up location at 363 King Street West. Doors will open at noon, but we suggest you start lining up right about now. If the hullabaloo south of the border earlier this month taught us anything, it’s to get in early and bring our fashion warrior attitudes along with.