FASHION Magazine

As we approach September 6, three of the country’s top metropolises are prepping for Canada’s first-ever Fashion’s Night Out, a veritable fashion fiesta that began with Vogue and CFDA’s first FNO in New York City in 2009. The one-night, after-hours festivities celebrating everything fashion will see exciting events taking place in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. […]

The post Full Frontal FNO: Our complete (and constantly updated) guide to what’s going down in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal on Canada’s first Fashion’s Night Out appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

View some of the shoe designs and the renovated store! »

Vancouverites might have to do a quick double-take as they pass by the Salvatore Ferragamo storefront on Robson Street: gone is the black and white façade it’s had for years, and in its place are sleek limestone, ribbons of modern champagne-toned metal and Italian-made Mondrian walnut accents.

In addition to the revamped décor, the legendary Italian label is also offering an opportunity to grab re-imagined versions of some of their most iconic shoe styles. Included in the exclusive Creations line are three Marilyn Monroe styles (“Honey,” “Red” and “Beauty”) that were designed for the blonde bombshell herself, the scalloped gold “Leslie” flat designed for gamine Audrey Hepburn, the famous “Rainbow” platform that was created for Judy Garland and Carmen Miranda’s aurulent mirrored “Miranda” heels.

The fall collections may have already hit store floors but don’t fret; there’s still plenty of time for days on the beach and nights on the patio. And this weekend there’s also a big-city flea market, a Prairie folk festival, a big closing ceremony and some contemporary Spanish design to check out. Olé!

Find out what to do this weekend! »

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Big deal, small-boned stylist Rachel Zoe hit Holt Renfrew in Vancouver on Thursday afternoon to show off some of her Marianne Faithfull-fueled Fall 2012 collection for fans.

In Q&A with Holts’ Barbara Atkin, Zoe said the last time she visited Vancouver she was 16 years-old and came to go camping. A cloud of consternation came over the crowd, but that cleared up as soon as she admitted she “dressed very inappropriately” in platform shoes with piles of jewellery. Ah, that’s more like the Zoe we know.

A wise woman from Michigan once said, “Music makes the people come together.” Those six words have never rung truer than this weekend, when thousands from across the land will assemble in parks for a tradition as old as time: the music festival. And for those more into crowd-dodging than crowd-surfing, there’s summer fireworks by the ocean and a cuter-than-cute rom-com at the movies. Take your pick.

Find out what to do this weekend »

Plippity-ploppity goes the rain, and pippity-poppity goes the shopping. This weekend, when we’re not watching designer-clad athletes dodge raindrops in London, we’re checking out temporary shops across the country. Popping up in unlikely locales, get your wardrobe fix everywhere from frescoed-in-spray-paint back alleys to restaurants best known for their house-music brunch service. But who wants house music when you have the latest band from Edmonton on your Rdio?

Find out what to do this weekend »

Breaking away from a decade of designing for the fast-fashion industry, Vancouverite Andrea Wong has launched her own handmade accessories line, Aw by Andrea Wong (awbyandreawong.com). “It pairs my two passions—sourcing vintage and creating things with my hands,” she says. Bag one of her bright blanket totes, crafted from reclaimed serapes and leather belts, for the beach (shown, $165 each, at One of A Few, 354 Water St., 604-605-0685, oneofafew.com, and Much & Little, 2541 Main St., 604-709-9034, muchandlittle.com).

Short and sweet—that’s summer in Vancouver. But there’s no shortage of darling swimwear designed here to maximize our brief beach season. Make waves in one of these local suits that touch on summer’s hottest trends.

This snappy baseball jacket from H&M ($80, hm.com) hits on the season’s athletic trend (mesh vests at Alexander Wang, slouchy jerseys at Isabel Marant and exaggerated ball caps at Kenzo). Its striking gold and burgundy colour combo and shrunken shape will keep you looking like an all-star all season long.

For all of you Vancouver beauty-philes, Stila has packed all the ingredients necessary for a West Coast beach look into its handy Vibrant in Vancouver travel palette ($16). From North Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain to the relaxed beaches of English Bay, each colour pays homage to the city’s various treasures. The tawny coral of Tiger Lily […]

The post Stila’s latest palette pays homage to Vancouver’s signature West Coast beach look appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

The city’s cardigan quotient will see an increase this month: J.Crew has opened the doors of its first West Coast location, in downtown Vancouver (1088 Robson St., jcrew.com). The 5,953-square-foot space is brimming with preppy pieces such as ankle-grazing print trousers, bow ballet flats and sparkly statement necklaces.

This month marks the 25th anniversary of Leone (leone.ca), a local luxury retailer where Christian Dior, Prada, Versace and Alexander McQueen are among the dreamy designer labels. We asked the grande dame behind this family business, Maria Leone, about must-haves and milestones.

What was the first garment you sold at the store?
“It was a Versace flowered chiffon skirt. I definitely remember the emotions I had when we first opened the doors and cut
the ribbon.”