SCHOOL YOUR WARDROBE

What Works for Work: Get Your Closet Ready For Work.

As graduation is quickly upon us, some may wonder which of the latest trends are office appropriate. You want to be unique and show your own style; however you do not want to be uncomfortable and seem out of place. Follow these simple rules and you will have no problem dressing and accessorizing for the workplace.

Around the Neck

Picking jewellery to go with an outfit can sometimes be a task and picking jewellery for work can be even harder. To choose the right piece keep in mind you don`t want to be distracting with your jewellery, by being too flashy or with loud sounds it may make. You also want to be wary of long pieces where you may get caught on a co-worker; which can be awkward! Just remember to leave your big chunky or long necklaces at home and opt for more subtle pieces. You can get great pieces for a good price from Forever 21. Or for simple more expensive jewellery Tiffany & Co. might be the right place for you.

Back to Basics

Everyone needs that great basic suit, which never gets old. Because the suit is a staple item and you can get your use out of it season after season, it is an item you can splurge on. The three essentials you need in your basic suit collection are: a well fitted blazer, trouser pants, and a at the knee pencil skirt. How the suit fits is very important. You want a blazer which reaches the hip-bone or a little below, one where the button does up at the smallest part of your waist, and that the shoulder seam runs across the edge of your shoulder. There are many possibilities when it comes to trousers. Here are some tips for your body type. To balance out wider hips and thighs, look for straight legs to create a longer line. To look taller, go for straight or boot cut trousers for an elongating effect. To hide a tummy, look for a trouser that sits right below the belly button. If your budget allows it, invest in a great tailored suit from Holt Renfrew.

Inject personality

Now that you have all your basics you can add in tops with colour, textures, and patterns. This is an easy way to add your personal style. Because trends only last one to two years you don`t want to make a big investment on these pieces. Try H&M for some inexpensive feminine tops.

Low, High, Thigh

When it comes to your feet, you want to find something comfortable and something you can wear all day. You don’t want to be at work thinking, “I can’t wait to take these off!” The essential shoes everyone should have in their workplace wardrobe are: a pair of flats, classic high-heeled pumps, and a mid-calf boot. Flats are great for a position where you are on your feet a lot. They can be both particle and stylish. Wearing heels probably is not for the person who is on their feet all day. When wearing heels in the workplace, try and stay in neutral tones, nothing too flashy. When winter comes around a popular choice for footwear are boots. Just because you think UGGS are comfy and warm for winter does not mean you should wear them to work. Keep those for the weekend. Instead go for a simple leather mid-calf boot. You can go to Town Shoes to find all your basic shoe needs.

Painfully Pretty

Imagine what your beauty is doing to your body?


As ladies we've grown up with the saying “Beauty is Pain”, not realizing that this is unfortunately true. Now a days were thinking of beauty before our body. We go on with our beauty routines not realizing the harm we could be causing. Who ever said beauty is pain was saying it lightly. The effects of plastic surgery are known, but what about the everyday stuff that is missed. We as ladies probably cause more harm to ourselves then we know. For instance plucking your eyebrows, carrying that brand new BIG “IT” bag, or wearing those fancy new Manolo Blahnik, things we do everyday to be pretty.

The Big and Bold eyebrows are a thing of the past, now its all about the thinner the better. This is where plucking comes into play in woman's lives. Plucking your eyebrows may be doing more damage then you think. As we pluck each week we are not noticing the damage that plucking may be leaving. As we continue to pluck to be pretty we are causing our skin to become dry and terribly more harsh looking. Karen Eldridge, an esthetician says “ As customers come in we see a lot of attempts gone wrong at plucking that have caused the area to look dry, with pores being enlarged and ultimately not appealing”.

Don't get me wrong I love this trend, but just like every other women I pack way to much in my bag from books to a full size meal. The big bag is all the rave and continues to grow in popularity. The big bag unfortunately causes BIG problems. Women seem to follow the trend of the bigger the better, but this trend is leaving us with more lifetime effects then noticed. We are constantly carrying these bags on our shoulders causing our muscles in our shoulders to strain as well as causing terrible posture. Ending up like the hunch back of Notredome isn't what we want.

Imagine not being able to walk in the newest trend of high heels. Imagine not being able to place your foot into that new cute shoe. To most women this isn't a possibility and obviously for the most part high heels just cause us blisters, and the inevitable sprained ankle. Here comes the true, a common problem for women who decide to wear high heels everyday for most days is “Hallux Valgus” - described as being the condition where the big toes is inclined to curve towards the other toes ( emaxhealth.com ). This is due to the fact of our toes being pointed downwards with the pointed tips causing a crunch of our toes. Unfortunately no matter how gorgeous our feet look in the newest Manolo Blahnik, no band-aid can fix this and no pedicure can make it look pretty.

I'm not saying that we should stop following these trends, but i am saying that we should do it more safely. Why not go back to the BIG and bold while giving your eyebrows a break from the undeniable pain tweezers cause. Give that big bag a rest, retire it for something that is simple yet stylish like the crossover bag which are cute and doctor recommended. Another tip is to stay grounded ladies – I do mean in the area of shoes. Choose a more fashionable shoe statement like the flat. Take my words I have shared and maybe try to be healthy in body and beauty. Fashion hurts, but it doesn't always have too.

Back 2 the Future .. of Fashion

Rewind back the past to remix 2010’s Hottest Summer Trends

This Season, fashion is bouncing back from the dark ages of recession with powerful looks, and total romanticism. Borrowing from the past for fashion inspiration, and inventing a futuristic surrealist view on clothing, brings this season’s threads to an all time high on the style meter. It’s the turn of the decade and it means change. This year the trends are sexy, and they mean business. Here are some ways to get the look this spring/summer season.

Wear the pants this summer!! This season, Bottom’s are bar none. Fantastically, they’re showing that every silhouette has a place. Bloomers are back and taking over the lower half of the fashion courageous body. Floral patterns, Lace, and soft jerseys are perfecting this comfortable, blooming trend. Doll up a pair of bloomers with an interesting pair of tights, or a chunky decaled belt. For a more fitted look this season, riding pants are breeching the fashion scenes. This year’s tight trend is isn’t just for the equestrian, it’s also a beautiful alternative to the stretched out legging phenomena. These make a great couple with a pair of rhinestoned combat sandals, or spike stillettos.

Rewinding back to a time where music was still live… for the Hot Pants. This summer the shorts arent afraid of heights, so they’re making the leg the focal point this season… Ladies if you got em’, flaunt em’. Shorts are also taking an all time high with a new full look, faking the skirt, so pretty up your pair with a thin patent belt, or a chunky broach, because being sexy is in this season… Don’t be afraid to show some skin!

Go batty or have a fit. Soft collars, blown out sleeves, and firm shoulder pads are defining the jacket standard this season. Before the big thaw, fly high in batwing jackets, or cropped shawl coats featuring soft romantic florals and icy toned palattes. Pins are big this spring, so grab a cameo, or flower broach to accessorize your jacket! Cropped fitted jackets are all the craze in 2010. Taking a tip from the 80’s powersuit, this seasons jacket has tightened up the waistline, and padded up the shoulders, to bring a new shape, and excentuate the natural waist. These jackets are great with a pair of hot pants or a sexy dress, and accessorized with a simple waist clinch belt.

This season the top trends are flouncy chemises. From underwear to outerwear, these flirty tops are detailed and decaled in bold rhinestones, beading, and metal studs, for an edgy feminine look. Lace is taking the lead as this summer’s favourite fabric. Not just used for subtle detailing anymore, this year the lace chemise is finding its way into every collection. Full sleeves and structured shoulders are another way to be top notch in 2010. From the simple short edwardian puff sleeve, to a more futuristic boxed shoulder, this year the exaggerated sleeves are a gotta have item!! Accessorize this look with a bold crystal necklace or belt to balance out the dramatic sleeves.

Alice in Fashionland

How the new 2010 Alice in Wonderland film inspires designers.


There is one name in 2010 that will not be forgotten as an inspiration to fashion; Alice. Who would have thought that Tim Burton’s new Alice in Wonderland film would spiral out into the fashion world and become the newest trend? Many designers have taken this little girls fantasy world to the next level by designing a fresh new look for 2010.

Designers all want a piece of Alice. Designers such as Alexander McQueen, Ann Demeulemeester, Bernhard Williams, Christopher Kane, Stella McCartney, and Sue Wong (who has designed more than ten dresses), have all made their own Alice inspired collection for spring 2010. Each designer has taken a little bit of each character from the film for their inspiration which include: Alice, The Red Queen, The White Queen, and the Mad Hatter.

Clothing is not the only place to find Alice. Jewellery and accessories have also made their way into the trend. Swarovski and Tom Binns have designed a wonderful collection of necklaces’, earnings, rings, bracelets, pendants, and broaches. Some of their featured designs in their collections include: hearts, spades, tea cups, muffins, watches, keys, rabbits, and flowers. Each piece has its own unique style and is sure to stand out in a crowd.

No Alice look is complete without the hair and make-up! Following the Alice apparel, many websites are offering tips on how to created waves in your hair like Alice, or how to do your make-up like the White Queen. Not to mention OPI that made their limited addition nail polish colours featuring: “Off with Her Head!” and “Thanks so Muchness!” shades of red, “Absolutely Alice” in a glittery blue, and “Mad as a Hatter” in a black-multi glitter. Other Alice style items include: a pink Heloise shoulder bag, green Casadei heels, red Lancome lipstick, and Nina Ricci – Nina Precious Eau De Toilette. Alice in Wonderland has also become a popular theme for Weddings, Baby Showers, and Birthday Parties.

How to wear the Alice look: Taken an interest in this new trend and want to try it yourself? It’s Easy! For starters, the Alice look can be interpreted in different ways and you can pick one that suites you! The gothic look which features the Victorian period style, includes designs such as lace, bows and ruffles with vibrant details through the use of as red and black inspired by the Red Queen, or white and black inspired by the White Queen. Not interested in the gothic look, then the baby doll look is the perfect fit. Baby doll dresses in pale colours such as red, baby blue, yellow, and especially pink is the way to go. If you are looking for a crazier way to show off your Alice style, using Tim Burton’s abstract film ideas is a perfect use of inspiration. Sharp styles in a mixture of bright colours with black, such as green, gold, orange, and purple are signature looks inspired by Johnny Depp’s character the Mad Hatter. Looking for another interesting look? Try your own look with inspiration from other characters such as: Tweedledee and Tweedledum who wear a black and white striped shirt with red suspenders, the White Rabbit who wears a white blouse and blue jacket, or the Flowers which can be interpreted into classic outfits with purple, green, and yellow.

We can’t seem to get enough Alice! What began as a novel in 1865, followed by a classic Disney animated film in 1951, and is now a fashion icon film for 2010, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland film has certainly created a whole new outbreak of the Alice craze in the fashion world. And it is certainly true that we just can’t get enough Alice. Her fantasy world has made a great impact on fashion and beauty while she has taken all of us under her magical charm to create for us a Wonderland of fashion.

Jean shopping doesn’t have to be hell

Denim Heaven is just Over the Rainbow…

The famous denim wall consisting of over 1500 pairs of jeans can be found in the quaint shop on Yorkville Avenue. For over 35 years Joel Carmen has been selling denim and building relationships, while ensuring to find the perfect pair of jeans for everyone that walks through those whiny wooden doors. For those new to the world of denim, you will learn everything you need to know about your perfect fit when visiting the store, from pocket placement to colour stories. And for you denim experts, you can explore the destroyed skinny jeans, dry Nudies, raw Naked & Famous, salvage AG’s, or the hottest jean on the market, the 4-way stretch Citizens of Humanity.

This Spring/Summer season denim is everywhere, we’ve come to a time where rips are hot and bell-bottoms are not! The destroyed skinny jean is being seen everywhere from top celebrities to the Milan Spring 2010 runway. Over the Rainbow can make this seemingly impossible trend possible, as they carry many brands in the latest cut for every body type! Denim is being seen in everything from button up shirts, boyfriend cut jeans, baggy shorts and even jackets as D&G displays in the ready-to-wear runway show for this season!

The vintage fixtures, old building, rainbow coloured lit sign and jar of jujubes all remind customers of when they were younger, which was Joel’s intentions when creating this store. The atmosphere of the store makes denim shopping enjoyable and of course indulging in jujubes isn’t so bad either!

Over the Rainbow ensures your jeans compliment your behind while also complimenting your lifestyle. There are many different washes of denim that can still be in style and fit your day-to-day schedule. There are many dark washes for evenings out that are also suitable for your workplace. They also stay up-to-date with the trends in fashion so where you can get your office wear you can also get your light wash short for your vacation. The fashion savvy staff will match you two different looks of denim with a James Perse button front blouse that can be worn at all times of the day!

Next time you think about shopping for jeans, take a deep breathe and head over to Yorkville, take a couple (or a few!) jujubes and trust one of the sales associates to fit you into exactly what your looking for! They will be hemmed and tailored exactly to your body with their in house tailor and you will walk away with fashion-forward jean to fit your body and lifestyle perfectly!

Good Luck!

Big Shoulders

A REVIVED FASHION TREND WHICH KEEPS ON BOOSTING YOUR EGO

Big shoulders were extremely popular in the 80s, and now they’re back; still making you look chic, sexy and tough. It’s a spicy combination! Here you will learn about how to easily handle the big shoulders trend. Bubbles, ruffles, epaulettes – you choose how to spice up them big shoulders this summer! This trend will make you the one in control. It’s time to show the world that you are the leader!

Power Dressing: The 80s
In the 80s, the role of women in the workplace increased tremendously. Their status raised and they now had more power and control. This of course affected women’s fashion and resulted in a new look: masculine blazers with oversized shoulders. Just wearing such a blazer made a woman look and feel fierce. Shoulder pads became an irreplaceable and a must-have part of women’s wear. This look was also widely spread among artists who combined it with big hair and heavy makeup to create this strong, rebellious in a way, image.

Big Shoulders’ Comeback
Big shoulders stayed in style until mid-90s. However, after that they became reduced to smaller and smaller shoulder lines. The trend to shrinking the shoulders in the last years resulted in the ridiculously tight-fitting jackets. I even remember myself a few years ago looking for a professional blazer and finding nothing but shoulder-padless jackets! But as it always happens, fashion has made its comeback! Big shoulders are in again and we see them everywhere! Especially on celebrities. Beyonce has embraced the whole Viking-diva image. Her latest tour I Am...Sasha Fierce outfits were all about showing the woman’s power by emphasizing her shoulders. Rihanna’s on it as well. She’s been numerously seen wearing blazers and jumpsuits with oversized shoulders. Anne Hathaway has even pulled it off with a dress which looked quite chic.
The point is: the 80s look is back and improved. Big shoulders are hotter than they’ve ever been!

Bubble Sleeves For A Bubbly Personality!
Here is one version of the big shoulders: round puffy sleeves which look like bubbles. They are great on tops, blouses and dresses. You can wear your puffy-sleeve top with anything you want: a skirt, jeans, or formal pants. Rihanna smartly combined her puff-sleeved purple top with a pink bubble skirt, and looked absolutely phenomenal in that outfit! What’s great about this kind of shoulders is that they may look formal and playful at the same time! Perfect for a formal dinner, a date, or a girls night out!

Romantic Ruched Shoulders
Ruched sleeves are cute and girly. They are made by ruffling the fabric and result in a “princess” look. Ruched sleeves work great for women with all body types, because the volume of the sleeves instantly makes the waist look smaller and balances out the hips. Very flattering! Ruched shoulders are especially nice on cardigans with mid-length sleeves or dress shirts that could be worn to work.

Epaulettes for Miss Tough
Epaulettes are ornamental shoulder pieces which show the rank in armed forces. They are also part of fashion! You can see them on blazers and jackets. These shoulder pieces look especially hot on leather jackets. And they sure do show your rank, Miss Tough! If you’re wearing an epaulette jacket, remember to keep it simple: epaulettes speak loudly for themselves. They are big and shiny enough to get all the attention, so there’s no need for heavy jewellery. Enjoy, officer!:)

Less is definitely more!

Are you brave enough to bare? Or have things become a little too transparent for you? Either way, sex is in with a bang.

We are all familiar with the motto “sex sells” and in this case, sex is selling fashion. Long gone are the days of seeing your favourite celebrity in floor-length Oscar de la Renta ball gowns at the Grammys and forget about flowy Valentino dresses on the red carpet. The hemlines have risen to an all-time high. It seems as though everywhere you look, things are getting sexier, from mini-dresses to lace, knee-high boots to nude-colour fabrics. Innovators are bringing the bedroom to the bar.
Dolce and Gabbana have been doing sexy for years but now you can find amazing looks from couture designers such as Jean Paul Gauitier as well as hipster designers including Alexander Wang and Jason Wu. Lots leg with hot pants ruled the spring/summer 2010 fashion runways. Blame it on Lady Gaga. Her creative individual style has made her a fashion icon in her own right and designers have taken notice from the songstress. Armani designed all three of Lady Gaga’s dresses for this year’s Grammys. A scan of John Galliano’s 2010 Haute Couture shows the designer is also a fan of Lady Gaga and her high sex appeal look. For Christian Dior’s Haute Couture 2010 collection, he mixed old school class with pantless and topless models. Dior’s spring/summer 2010 collection continued on the underwear as outerwear trend, offering a mix of sheer fabrics, lace and corsets. And designers hope all women unleash their inner lady of the night, pairing black bras under sheer white tops and mini skirts above of over-the-knee boots.
While Rihana can pull off wearing nipple pasties and a blazer, novices should start slow and let the look grow on them. The most important thing when you wear anything is to be comfortable enough to work that look to the fullest. For beginners, you can start by wearing sheer blouses under your blazers for a sexier look, or lace cocktail dresses with opaque tights. Corsets look great paired with a skin-tight pencil skirt and killer heels for a night on the town. And there really is nothing hotter than working your inner Carrie Bradshaw strutting in skin tone numbers. Flat over-the-knee boots look great paired with jeans for a more casual vibe, while high-heeled thigh-highers are best left for an evening out.
Trendsetters everywhere are having fun with fashion, loving the free spirited essence designers are sending down the runway. But remember, less is more. Edit is the operative word here. A lace nude-coloured dress with over the knee-boots is overkill. Finally, there is only one Lady Gaga (thankfully!). So fashionistas everywhere, take note: hot pants are one thing but please leave the bodysuits to the dancers.

Heaven Scent

A guide to all the top perfume scents for the new season.

As we go into a new decade, many young professionals heading out into the work force are interested in finding their signature scent that will be both memorable and reflective of who they are and what they want to be.
Flower Power
Floral fragrances are young and fresh and the ultimate in feminine fun. Women who enjoy flowery notes are more in touch with nature and demonstrate a very carefree and joyful attitude. Try Lola by Marc Jacobs ($85). This perfume has notes of rose, fuchsia peony, and geranium, which travel from day to night and are trapped inside an adorable flower bottle for a little extra charm.
Sweet Surrender
Women who enjoy smelling sweet like candy are fun and youthful and enjoy spending their time remembering their youth. These women attract men like a bee to honey (or a cupcake!) and enjoy being a girl. Try Aquolina’s Pink Sugar ($59). This perfume smells like vanilla and caramel with notes of raspberry, licorice, strawberry, and cotton candy. The playful bottle is decorated with pink ribbon just waiting for you to unwrap it and spray yourself with glee.
Modern Mystic
Today’s modern woman is full of layers and dimensions. She is hardworking and determined, yet sassy and full of life. She needs an equally multifaceted perfume that will take her from day to night and last in between. Try Dior’s Hypnotic Poison ($68). This perfume, like its wearer, is full of contrasting notes that entice anyone to learn more. Smells such as bitter almond, caraway spice, cinnamon, vanilla, and musk all blend together in this beautiful perfume that bewitch the minds and the noses of everyone around. The opaque red bottle is sleek and sexy while still being minimal and instead letting the scent do the talking.
Classic Cinderella
The process of getting ready to go out can be quite an exciting and fun way for today’s woman to spend her time. She loves to pick an outfit and make sure that the end look is put together in such a way that will make heads turn. She is confident in who she is and what she wants and needs an equally strong perfume to stand up along side all her charisma. Try Stella by Stella McCartney ($98). This beautiful perfume encapsulates all the smells that a woman wants when she is the princess for the night. This perfume includes notes of rose, amber, and mandarin which combined a equally feminine and elusive. This perfume’s notes, found in a deep purple crystal-like bottle, continue to change throughout the day, emphasizing different parts and encouraging everyone to take a large deep breath in and enjoy the ride.


Health Hipster
Many women today are concerned with their health and wellbeing and are looking for a subtle perfume that will remind them of fresh breezes and the sweet smell of grass and rain. These girls are not looking for any type of smell that seems too manufactured or artificial. They want to be natural. Try Be Delicious by DKNY ($70). This perfume has a refreshing and unique scent that will perfectly complement the wearer. It includes notes of apple, cucumber, grapefruit, rose and violet and held in a apple-shaped bottle for the ultimate in fresh style.

Whatever your ultimate style is, make sure you have the matching smell to go with it.

-Anonymous

Extreme Minimalist

Put the spring back into your step— with less fashion pain for more fashion gain.

Fashionista’s do not fear, although we will continue to remain gaga for Gaga and her severe style spasms this spring will turn over a fresh new leaf of trends. Minimalism is back and rocking the runways in a big way. The issue of “dull and dreary” is finally laid to rest as an ongoing fashion query by proving us wrong with delicate yet dramatically delicious silhouettes. Make sure to push all excessively over the top outfits to the back of your closet as you’ll need room for a new collection of straightforward staples to take you through the spring. After all, having rung in a new decade why not start with a spotless slate?

Although we may be hesitant to admit, any true style savvy seeker looks to at least one reliable fashion muse. This spring put your faith (and your Visa--gulp) in the hands of designers such as Celine, Chloe, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein or Donna Karan and they will be sure not to disappoint. For those having frightful flashbacks of the minimal and unfortunately masculine look that lurked during the 90’s do not let them scar your spring. This time round will be a sexy, yet classy take on minimalism. Think clean lines amongst curious cut-outs, and subtle draping, all presented in an array of pretty pastels.

Burdened by a budget? Don’t let this bring you down; after all the true talent of a trend setter is the ability to make a weary bank balance seem like a million bucks. As much as we would all love to depend on the true divine designers responsible for this minimalist daze we are still among our trusty (and affordable) mundane stores. Zara is bound to offer you the perfect casual trouser followed by Club Monaco with their highly reliable straightforward separates, and finally diverting off to Holt Renfrew for a slight splurge on the must-have slinky yet structured Calvin Klein boyfriend blazer. Chances are this plan will be crushed all too soon by a sudden grasp of reality causing you to cross the street to that frequented H&M in search of something similar. Despite the prognosis of your bank account the beauty of going minimal this spring is that it is achievable by all; which is almost as refreshing as the trend itself. So, take a big sigh of relief and indulge in all that this season has to offer as your wardrobe and you for that matter, are in need of some well deserved spring renewal.

For those still not sold on the fresh idea of a naturally effortless wardrobe as opposed to over the top trend screaming garments consider this a challenge for you to evolve and truly adopt the theory of less being more. If need be take baby steps, remembering that you can always turn to accessories for quick colourful fixes if suffering from attention seeking withdrawal due to evolving into a new tasteful, yet stylish minimalist. Once you get the spring back into your step it is smooth sailing onwards among topes, pale shades of blush and soft neutral hues.

Welcome to Volume 6, Number 2

KEY WORDS DESCRIBING THE ISSUE

• reflection
• unique / something that stands out
• desire
• independence, entrepreneurial
• authentic / fresh / modern / clean / classic
• relatable
• senses / visual / touch / design
• influence / inspired / time / recycling / reinvention
• smart / provocative
• trendy
• travel / culture

THEME: FLASH BACK. FRESH FORWARD

• DIY
• Pop culture influences on fashion
• Up-and-coming designers
• International
• Giving Back / Fashion Cares / Heart

Potential feature: Oriented towards students / resources for graduates

Is It All Worth It? How Will We End Up?

As the upcoming fashion leaders of this generation, we have to think to ourselves; ‘After the economic turmoil that North America is facing, is it worth it to put all our energy and imagination into something that may not even become?’

We pride ourselves in developing new fashion trends as students and coming up with new styles as designers, although not one of us will take a moment to stop and think; Instead of putting more ideas where they will not be recognized, why not try to revamp the fashion industry in Toronto and make it bigger and better than ever before?

More now than ever, the apparel industry is taking a big hit on sales, development, and even interest in the consumers. According to the LG Spring/Summer 2010 Toronto Fashion Week interview conducted by blogger Marissa Bronfman, interviewed Jeanne Beker, Host of Fashion Television, asking “In 10 years from now, what do you see for Toronto Fashion Week? “. Jeanne simply replied, “I don’t know if there will be an fashion week! I think everyone will just show their shows online”. She went on to explain that she would highly miss the live spectacle but would hope that the designers will make enough money to even broadcast their shows online.

This goes to show that either Toronto picks up their pants and creates a new environment and approach to showcase the talent for the Toronto designers that we all know is there, or Toronto Fashion will crumble. The defense to this issue is that Toronto fashion is still in the “development” process of putting their designers on the map along with high-rise cities such as New York, Paris, and Milan. However, due to the recession and great loss of spending from the consumers, it is extra hard for Toronto to establish itself. There is a choice, either to wait it out or see what we can pull together and make amazing for the world to see our talent, or seriously consider if it is worth the time, pressure, and waste of talent for our city.

The upside of developing Toronto fashion, and signifying ourselves to the rest of the world is that we have seen the other cities do their uprising, their failures and their recoveries, so we can watch and observe to prevent our city from doing the same mistakes. Toronto is such a beautiful, creative, and interesting city, and for our fashion to be considered one of the capitals of the world, our consumers need to take more risks, start trends, be fearless, and overall support our upcoming designers. If all these elements are combined, there will be no need to leave Canada for New York or Milan to scope ideas.

The advantage that Toronto already has over the other major fashion house cities is that we pride our designs on more Vintage, do-it-yourself, ready to wear, and mix and math clothing that makes it more realistic to the consumer to purchase these items rather than in Europe where their focus is Avant-Garde fashion rather than practical everyday wearing. Canadian designers such as D-Squared, David Dixon, Evan Biddell and JOE Fresh have showcased their designs as fashionable, trendy, new, and yet still affordable to the consumers and wearable for everyday. Personal feelings favour these types of designers where their thinking is to the end consumer. This is greatly appreciated from both the retailers, as they have hard-hitting designs to sell and for the consumers that they are recognized in the designers eyes to produce pieces for them that they can showcase in their own way.

All in all, the future of Toronto Fashion depends on the students, the future advocators, the future designers, the future retailers, and us. The only thing that we should focus on is the Future and if there is no vision as to what the future holds, then we should really start re-evaluating ourselves and make Toronto Fashion amazing and for the whole world to see. Let’s show the rest of the world that we are not underestimated, just saving our talent for our BIG DEBUT. Let’s show them what we are really made of and prove that It Is Worth It!

-Anonymous

Pay Your Dues

Play your cards right; be fashion’s glass half full-personality

Relatives and acquaintances are frequently wondering what are you doing with your life and where you see yourself going. All the while, coincidently,you are asking yourself- how do I get that career I have always dreamed of?

It is in your reach. But how do you get there? Where do you start? Who do you go to, who do you mentor and volunteer for? In a phone interview with Cynthia Hall Searight, Creative Director of Self Magazine, I gained insight into the fast-passed and intensely competitive industry. We can examine and learn from her, the steps to further our own dreams and turn them into achievements, just as she has done.

Oh George!: How many years did it take you to get to the position of Creative Director?

CHS: I have worked as a creative director for 25 years and started in the industry in 19 83 and became a creative director in 1986. At the age of 24, I spent 1 year as an assistant art director and then became an associate director for 2 years working with a group of 10 creative directors.

OG: What type of education and experiences helped you attain this accomplished and successful career?

CHS: I went to school in Connecticut for Design and took advertising. After school I had no idea what I wanted to do with my education. By starting to work temping as a secretary I was put on a job for Red Book Magazine. That opened all the doors to where I was meant to work. Your first job determines the path of your career. It helped me realize what I wanted to do and helped me to make connections. The connection helped set up an interview with Weight Watcher Magazine. One of the people I worked for put in a good word. I started with test publications and gained experience working for a German magazine. Soon after, 1988, I started at YM Magazine and worked there for 5 years. My next move was to be the Creative Director at Mademoiselle Magazine for 7 years. Then I did 3 ½ years at Victoria Magazine, a home furnishing magazine. After which, I went back to CondeNast magazines to work with the Brides Magazine for 4 years. I have now been with SELF Magazine for 4 ½ years.

OG: What would a typical day at work be like for you?

CHS: 9:00am-6:00pm. There is little time for lunch unless I have a meeting with someone. The majority of the days consist of meeting for visuals. I collaborate with the styling teams and give direction for images. I read the text of the magazine but focus mainly on the visual packaging and website of the magazine.

OG: Which photographers and celebrities have you worked with that stand out in your mind and have made an impact on what you do?

CHS: The most exciting part of my job is shooting covers, like the one that took place in Los Angeles with Kate Beckensale. Also, the Photographers at Mademoiselle would always be different from the ones I would choose for Self. Each is very unique, has a different point of view, and perspective that is charming. They each have incredible strength and you need to give assignments that play to their strengths. If you give them a try and let them their own spin on it, you then get more creativity and it works out for the best. Celebrities can be difficult. The shoot with Kate Beckansale was difficult because there was a lack of communication with Bechansale’s personal stylist and she did not want to wear the 3 outfits that were selected for the shot. She refused to wear pink or v-necks. It is extremely important to gather information on all aspects of the celebrity’s image, because they are easily upset. It is always best to find out their sizes but also have something larger that can be easily tailored. It is also important to find out if the celebrity has any aspects of their body they wish to hide.

OG: Do you find you have time for a family life or do you find it difficult to juggle between career and personal time?

CHS: It was a lot more stressful when I was starting in the industry at 24, paying my dues and working my way to the top. You learn the ropes and experience how to deal with the stresses. It makes it easier that women run publishing. They understand that if you have to work till midnight to get the job done then you will. But they also know that if there is a kid’s game to be at @ 5:00 then you have a priority to be there. There are a lot of sacrifices that go into the decision to work this lifestyle but there has to be good support and communication at home to get through it.

OG: It is a very competitive industry, what advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

CHS: The more experience the better to help you decide what aspects of the industry you would really love. Intern so that it will help you make contacts and open a lot of doors. It’s all about whom you know.

There are numerous career possibilities in the industry. Finding the right niche is really a matter of experiencing as much as you can. Connecting the applications and technical sides to any future endeavour in the industry would help in becoming a jack-of-all-trades. Experience and networking are of the utmost importance. It is all about whom you know.It is of course; a fast passed lifestyle, demanding, stressful, and competitive but also very rewarding. The more you work, the more experience you will gain, and the more successful you will become.

Working with fashion designers, photographers, celebrities and a talented team of co-workers, solving creative challenges, is an exciting job. To be able to work 9:00- 6:00, you really have to pay your dues. You have to be willing to put your nose to the grindstone to work your way to the top, with a glass half- full mentality about all your experiences. You will then find your niche.