The Details, The Details / Balmain #Spring 2013

I can't say anything that will bring any more majesty to the glory of Balmain's stunning Spring 2013 Showcase. Jaw-dropping textures, detailing, print-work, and styling. Fashion at this level is ultimate.

#LiBingBing + Vogue China = Magnificent

A Regal Woman by Chen Man
Featuring Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, and Haider Ackermann.

Courtesy Fashion Gone Rogue

▲D

Hong Kong Pink

Shot by Jeffrey Chan with Eve Smith (Viviens Sydney)

Beauty by Ryan Wing Li

Emily Woudenberg / PARAGON

Our favourite local designer Emily Woudenberg is putting together the finishing pieces on her latest fabulous venture; PARAGON. Unique, bold, and full of statement pieces; in true Woudenberg fashion, PARAGON is a celebration and modern re-interpretation of The Art Deco Movement of the 20's. Strong, geometric shapes, bright colours, and materials that include copper, opalite, and silver are just some of the brilliance to expect once the full Collection is released.

I had the privilege of working with not only Emily herself, but a fantastic design team that she put together to help produce the Official Look Book photo shoot of PARAGON. Needless to say, the shoot went brilliantly; helmed by photographer Sylwia Bobryk and videographer Justine Arjune. Here's a preview of what to expect from PARAGON:

Join myself as well as the Woudenberg team at an Official Preview Party on Monday, October 15th from 4pm-7pm at Nyood Bar to see the full video as well as a true glimpse into the world of Emily Woudenberg and PARAGON.

▲D

Burberry Prorsum Womenswear // #Spring2013

I don't know if many people will look at this with the wide-eyed wonder that I just did. Burberry has always held an aesthetic that is eternally classic and near and dear to me. They are irreplaceable in terms of their iconic outerwear and bag design. But I just need to say, reputation and love aside, this Collection is absolute magic. I can't say much more than that without belting out an overly verbose homage to the greatness behind Burberry - it's just magic. The colours, the metallics, the obtusely-shaped trenches, the capes, the transparent satchels...everything. It's pristinely constructed, meticulously styled with ultimate taste, and executed with stunning brilliance. This Collection is one of the best composed I've seen for the Spring/Summer 2013 Season, and everything about it resonates with me. Premiering at London Fashion Week earlier this week; watch the entire presentation below and be mesmerized by the beauty.

Burberry keeps getting better. Are you obsessed yet? For only 3 MORE DAYS you can shop directly from our Canadian Burberry website to find and purchase Runway looks from their Spring 2013 Show! How rare and amazing is that?! There is a limited quantity, find your piece here!

----------------------------
P.S. The Story: Burberry Prorsum Womenswear 


▲D

Alexander Wang, Spring/Summer 2013 // Full Show

Athletic Wear meets Chic Urbanity is the only way we can describe design-phenom Alexander Wang's bright and fresh direction at his Spring 2013 showcase at New York Fashion Week. Bermuda shorts, over-sized windbreakers, and glossy boots of an almost Grecian shape ground almost every look this year; while the true majesty of the Collection is, in true Wang style, in the brilliant detailing. 

Watch each piece closely - the geometric shaping and rigid lines are absolutely stunning in an aesthetic that's almost space-aged. On some garments the pieces themselves appear to be almost floating around the body, as opposed to being worn. Accented with brilliant silver metal hardware with a constant repeat of bold shapes that echo the shapes of the clothing, as well as the monochromatic palette; the Collection is stark, powerful, and stoic, but still very bright. I love the idea of creating what seems like printed texture and graphics by cutting the fabric itself; as opposed to printing alone, which has been so popular these last two seasons. Wang has literally taken incredible garment pieces, like his over-sized coats and billowing boyfriend shirts, and cut geometric patterns into them. The textural potential in terms wearability and colour is enormous; the piece becomes so much more than just what it is on the runway.

Wait till the very end of the presentation above for a fantastic visual treat courtesy of Mr. Wang. Just another reason he is simultaneously one of the most refined yet unique designers in the world right now. Everything is in the details, take a closer look, and add a bit of whimsy.

▲D

Trending for Fall! #Teal

If you've been paying any attention to the colours of Autumn slowly emerging this Season than you'd know that we're going much further than metallics, blacks, camels, and reds like we've seen on the runways of Fashion Weeks around the World. In fact, it's a re-interpration of Spring's hottest colour! Do you remember? We couldn't shut up about how much we loved Mint this last Spring Season. And now? Say hello to it's cool, older sister - Deep Teal.

Teal has emerged as one of the hottest colours of the new Season. A pre-fall refresher, this tone is not quite turquoise, not quite emerald, and not quite full teal; but a rich, foresty amalgamation of all. Vibrant, bold, and mature; our favourite colour for Autumn is bright enough to solidify any statement piece in stunning expressionism, but refined enough to tastefully be worn head-to-toe. Here are some fantastic examples of Deep Teal, or what some are calling Dark Ultramarine, on the runway, on the streets, and on the red carpet; featuring Elie Saab, Chanel, Sonia Rykiel, Yigel Azrouel, and Jay Godfrey - done with taste.

▲D

3.1 Phillip Lim // #Spring2013

3.1 Phillip Lim has once again re-created Spring. I won't even begin to understand how he does it, season after season; but Mr. Lim, in short, continues to be one of my biggest inspirations in our Modern Fashion Era. Bold prints are one thing, and they've been hot for the last two seasons, but this collection takes the idea much further -  with bold shapes, bright words, t-shirt cut dresses, and parachute jumpers. 

Video by VOGUE at New York Fashion Week

Phillip Lim creates a fabulous and summery tribute to a 90's teenage dream - layered plaid, boyfriend cuts, and floral schoolgirl dresses grounded with bold sandals and flat footwear. I love everything about it. It's a reminder of old school Fashion; when trends were less about feminized forms and fabulous fabric, and more about the essence of Spring itself - light fabrics, ease of wear, youthful energy. The Varisty jackets are probably my favourite part, because they are the most assertive in the aesthetic; and of course those fantastic waist-tied shirts! How much do we miss these! Re-interpretation of a classic? Absolutely not. Bringing it back with style? Yes.

Phillip Lim's Spring 2013 is a celebration of teenage freedom, liberation, and identity. It is a departure of partnering textures, patterns, and shapes for unification and harmony; and instead a plunge into the mish mash closet of a young, creative girl. It's vibrant, unpretentious, and full of newness for a Spring season emerging out of the rich fabric and seriousness of the 2012 cycle; and it couldn't come at a better time. Newness is the word, thank you Phillip Lim.

▲D

#Feelin' this Track // Azari & III, Reckless With Your Love

#TDotMusic

▲D

Trending for Fall! #StudLove

Fall is the best season for Fashion for so many reasons that go beyond just layering. The scarves, the big coats, the over-sized knits and carry-alls, and of course the boots! And this season is no exception; we've seen fantastic leather, rich blacks, brilliant furs, and bold metallics dominate the Runways this year in celebration of Fall. But now there's just a little extra; studs.

Studs are an accent I like to think of as a pseudo-classic. They aren't classic in the traditional sense, as in an eternal style. They are classic as a modern accessory; as in they are multi-seasonal, and can be worn subtly with sophistication, or excessively with explosive flair. They are a fantastic and easy way to add metallic texture and colour to any outfit - whether to create a punk edge or just add an unusual sense of glamour. They are also remarkably easy to use for Do-It-Yourself projects; typically sold in bulk quite cheaply, and can be applied to everything from hats, to shoes, to pockets, and collars (just in case you need to go easy on the wallet). And they just happen to be perfectly complimentary to everything Fall Fashion is famous for; including animal print, fur, and rich leather.

Studs have quickly become a Fall must-have this season, and have graced the leather of almost every High Fashion name from Burberry to Balmain. Add dimensional flair to your outfit this season and invest in #StudLove!

▲D

Fashion's Night Out Toronto in Pictures // #FNO_Toronto

Fashion's Night Out was everything it could've been and more. We had an incredible time with the fashionable and the fabulous; from Queen West to Yorkville and everything in between. Wonderful parties, fantastic shopping, and even better company. What can we say Toronto? You did wonderfully. Here's to many more FNO's to follow <3

MOON Apparel Launches Their First Online Boutique! #MOONApparel

MOON began not too long ago as the love child between The Bay and the famed design family behind the Mimran Group in Toronto. Following the success of the collaboration, Mimran has decided to take MOON to the next, virtual level; a brand new and exciting E-Commerce website launching with the Fall 2012 Season.

Created with famed Canadian Designer Alfred Sung, MOONApparel.CA, in true Mimran style, is about affordable classics. Streamlined, modern, and fresh pieces that have been created to flatter a women of discerning style that is also the every-woman; living a busy life, transitioning from work to evening, always tasteful and always sharp. It's goal is to provide Canadian women with direct access to amazing and affordable pieces; offering free shipping and free returns. The pieces are shipped direct from a fulfillment house in Toronto, so orders will arrive within days all over the country! And did we mention the pay-off? Literally! MOON sticks to its conviction of being financially conscious. Their new Autumn/Winter Collection, which is launching with the website, features no piece over $119.00 CDN. Brilliant? Yes. This is a step in the absolute right direction with Online Canadian retailing for the Canadian market.

As part of MOON's new direction, they are hosting an exciting Pop-Up Shop from September 14th-16th in Toronto! Customers are welcome to attend the showing which will feature, in full, their new Fall/Winter 2012 Collection. The Pop-Up Shop will be taking place at 171 East Liberty Street, Suite 360, all day from 11:00am - 6:00pm. And did we mention that MOON is not just a secular brand? According to the company, they will also be launching designer collaborations in the future; perhaps with some of your favourite emerging Canadian names. Exciting to say the least!

Canadian Fashion has a new Online outlet. Buzz it! #MOONApparel

P.S. Exclusive Offer from MOON! LIKE MOON Apparel on Facebook and receive 20% off your Pop-Up Shop purchase! Only 1 week left ladies!

▲D

The Hudson Cabaret // The Art Deco

HUDSON keeps pumping out the fabulous and we aren't complaining - or stopping for that matter! Have your first view of the new Art Deco Collection, as part of HUDSON's 10 Year Anniversary, starring the iconic and whimsical Georgia May Jagger.

HUDSON celebrates 10 Years as a leader in Denim and Fashion with their Signature Collection and a Cabaret-themed, brilliant campaign in homage to the birth place of Fashion liberation, expression, and just plain great denim. We haven't stopped talking about it and we probably won't until we get our hands on some of these fantastic pieces ourselves! 

Check out our coverage of The #HUDSONCabaret Launch Party in Toronto!

And keep your eyes steady on DylanInTheCity for everything HUDSON.

#LetYourselfGo

▲D

Coco Rocha + The Yorkdale Expansion Project

International Supermodel and Canadian Fashion phenom Coco Rocha was just named the new face of Yorkdale's highly anticipated industrial expansion in Toronto. Taking a seat at the forefront of the iconic Shopping Centre's growth, Rocha will be leading the Fall Campaign and ushering Yorkdale into the exciting and massive 145,000 square feet project; the largest in Yorkdale's bold history.

Shot by famed photographer Gabor Jurina and styled by Zeina Esmail, the new Campaign will feature pieces by some of Yorkdale's newest additions to the Shopping Centre; many of which will be launching first-time Canadian flagships. Ted Baker, Kate Spade New York, Ann Taylor, Diesel, Anthropologie, just to name a few, will be featured in the brand new space.

Rocha is expected to be featured in an enormous, multi-platform campaign, digital and print, with a massive outdoor presence. The entire project is the most ambitious expansion of it's kind for Yorkdale, costing roughly $220 Million in total. We couldn't be more excited for our favourite Toronto Shopping Centre! And how could we not? The Fashion itself is enough. And Rocha taking a seat at the helm of these iconic brands while returning to her Canadian roots at the same time? Even better. #BeInspired

▲D

Lucian Matis Fall/Winter 2012 Campaign Release

Did anyone else catch a glimpse of Lucian Matis' new Fall/Winter Campaign for the Season? I am swooning! If you know this Collection, you'll know how much we fawned over Matis' beautiful, engimatic, and regal showing of it last Fashion Week in Toronto. Read about it's stunning imagery here.

We are entranced. The textures, the darkness, the softness, the lines; it's as brilliant as the clothing itself. The feathers, the harshness of the light, the strength of the owl - and yet the softness of the hair, the clothing; the romanticism of it all. A stunning collection of images for easily the most fantastic Fall showing of the year. I simply can't contain my pride for Lucian Matis' continual artistic growth - I am so excited to see what he may have planned for the Spring/Summer 2013 Season! Fashion Week here I come. And you?

Photography by Greg Swales

PA: Ashley Gesner

Hair & Makeup by Anna Nenoui-Csiki (P1M)

Featuring Leigh Hoby (FORD)

▲D