A Passion for Fashion!

Hello fashionistas!

Today I am pleased to be able to introduce you to Michelle Planche, President of Paradigm Events www.paradigmevents.com and creator of the not-for-profit foundation, the Art of Fashion http://artoffashion.org.  When I first met Michelle, I thought she was like a warm summer breeze sailing from one meeting to another with her lovely smile and easy going nature.  She is a force to be reckoned with in the very best sense and a perfect fit for the demanding event industry.   She started her career as a teenager and has truly become a fixture on the Toronto fashion scene.  As I listened to her talk about how she got started and the incredible growth of her company over the years, I was amazed at her level of energy, enthusiasm and genuine desire to make every event something to remember.  She is responsible for the smooth execution, organization and promotion of countless events every year and has to wear multiple hats on a regular basis.  Mind you, I wouldn’t cover up her gorgeous blonde locks for anything!  Sit back and enjoy Michelle’s story of success and learn about her passion for fashion!   

Celebrity Liz West and Michelle Planche

When did you first fall in love with fashion?

I fell in love with fashion as a teenager.  I was an eccentric dresser in high school and every day was a fashion show.  I went to three different high schools in four years because I started a fashion show in each school, produced it and moved on.  I started modelling at 14 because I thought it would be a great networking tool for meeting designers, retailers and potential clients.  I even had business cards that said fashion show producer at 15!  I used to take my family’s old outfits and reconstruct them and re-work them for them for the high school crowd.  I still have closet full of my most memorable outfits at my parent’s house!

What brought about the creation of Art of Fashion?

When I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to be a fashion show producer and I was looking for a university that had a fashion show.  I found Bishop’s University in Quebec and showed up on their doorstep with my demo reel and portfolio in hand.  They immediately gave me full control of their fashion show, ‘Beach Bash’ and it was through that show that I got to meet some Canadian designers.  From there I was able to get contract work producing shows for community designers during my summer break.  In my third year I realized I wanted to expand my planning beyond fashion.  I knew so many young designers and knew could act as an asset to them.  Many of them needed guidance, organizational and planning skills and someone to mentor them.  I knew that there was a serious gap for emerging designers from graduation to getting their merchandise into Holt’s so when I graduated in 1997, I launched the first Art of Fashion event in 1998.  At first it was just a fashion show and design competition and it developed from there.   Back then I didn’t even have a cell phone, someone would page me and I would pull over and find a phone booth!  I was handing out flyers on street corner and I couldn’t believe it when the event sold out!  There were people lined up all the way down the street! 

How has Art of Fashion improved the landscape of Canadian design?

I think I find that there’s a lot more recognition for Canadian designers as a whole and one of the ways we have improved the landscape, is we have brought awareness to the forefront in terms of supporting our own talent.  We have raised attention to some of the gaps of making it here in Canada and some of the struggles.  Our organization is all about making fashion accessible.  We didn’t want to become exclusive; we wanted to be a great outlet for anyone in the fashion industry to explore the path to success, whether that person be a photographer, designer or in public relations.  Art of Fashion is the best way for our designers to learn what it is that consumers want. 

How can designers enter the competition?

Designers can enter the competition by completing an application form and putting together a series of six sketches for six outfits that would complete a collection.  http://artoffashion.org/home/aof-2011-designer-application-4/

What is this year’s theme?

This year’s theme is Choreology.  The inspiration is focused on creativity, expression and art form.  I came up with the theme when I was at a dance performance and I was thinking that the costumes were amazing and incredible.  With every different dance style, movement and culture,  fashion was the  distinguishing piece.  Choreology is about the movement and fluidity of the designs that will be showcased.

Michelle Planche and Fashion Magazine's Sarah Cassleman

What can we expect to see at the Art of Fashion event?

You can expect to see our ten design finalists, each with a six piece collection brought to life through an exhibit, along with rotating fashion shows throughout the evening.  You will also meet between 25-35 Canadian independent designers who have their own marketable brands in niche markets who will make their merchandise available for sale.

Tell us about Art Of Fashion’s partnership with ANTM Live Canada. 

America’s Next Top Model Live Canada will be highlighting some of the pieces from our designers in their fantastic Main Stage Fashion Show.  I think this is a great opportunity to support the fashion industry as a whole and that’s why Art of Fashion and ANTM Live have come together - to bring Canadian fashion to the consumer.

What would be your advice to emerging Canadian designers?

I would say it is so important to look at all facets of the business.  Every designer should refine their craft, expand their talent and creativity and come up with their very own signature style.  I would also encourage them to establish long and short term goals and look at complete cycle of a designer including a budget and overall plan of action. 

Thank you to Michelle for sharing your wisdom with us and helping to pave the way for homegrown talent!  We look so forward to working with the future of Canadian design and featuring original pieces in our 45 minute fashion spectacular!  Don’t forget to enter the Art of Fashion competition if you are an up and coming designer and be sure to come and see all the excitement at ANTM Live Toronto!

Until next time my Glamazons!

Cecilia J

Destination Design…

Hello Lovely Readers!

This will be the first in a series of interviews in conjunction with the Art of Fashion http://artoffashion.org, a non-profit organization that supports new Canadian fashion talent.  We are proud to be partnering with this terrific event and look forward to bringing you all the related news and interviews!

Carrie Hayes sits on the Board for the Art of Fashion (AOF), was a previous AOF finalist, is a member of Fashion Group International and has been featured in numerous fashion mags.  She has been designing for 10 years and is the proud creator of The Paddock, a clean and crisp fashion line that echoes an equestrian feel and features comfortable separates that long to be worn.  Carrie spent some time giving us a glimpse into her world of beautiful minimalist creations and shared her thoughts about fashion, fun and fresh perspectives on the future of design.



Designer Carrie Hayes



How did you get started in fashion?

I started in fashion by going to school and getting professional training in my field.  From there I worked for large companies for 5 years then chose to go out on my own. 

How did the Art of Fashion help to support your career?

The Art of Fashion was a great opportunity to gain exposure for my brand.  Their annual design competition is held during Toronto's Nuit Blanche arts festival so thousands of people were able to see my work first hand.   

What has been your greatest fashion inspiration?

My inspiration comes from many different places but I usually start with travel.  I'll visit a city I've never been to before and check out its culture.  From there I pool inspiration from art, architecture, design, nature.... then build it in to a single cohesive collection.



Asymetrical Jacket - $150.00, Tie Dye Tank - $35.00
Short Shorts - $60.00



What direction do you see your line taking in the future?

I'm always pushing things forward so "the future" is something I live day to day.  The business is taking on a new direction that's challenging the way the fashion industry works.  So we're in the middle of those changes now.  One of those changes is to break my high-end collection from the traditional fashion calendar.  The Grid just published an article about me that explores that in detail:  http://www.thegridto.com/life/fashion/carrie-hayes-the-future-of-fashion/  

Cotton Riding Shirt - $100.00, Riding Pants - $75.00

What is your favourite piece?

My favourite piece from The Paddock is the Notch Collar jacket.  The fit is gorgeous and it's really comfortable.  This is the piece I pair with everything!

What fashion trend do you love?

I love this year's tribal trend.  There's something that feels really fresh about it.  The Paddock's F/W 11 collection includes a couple of prints along these lines.

Who is your celebrity style crush?

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has done an incredible job of dressing for the Transformers press tour.  She's a beautiful girl and her style is right on target.

Who would you love to dress?

I would love to dress Kate Middleton.  She has a great energy and a fantastic smile.  I feel like a lot of women can relate to her look and take inspiration from how she approaches her work.

What would be your advice to emerging Canadian designers?

My advice would be to go to school before starting a clothing line.  Nothing will get you up to speed faster than having seasoned professionals show you the ropes. 

Check out The Paddock at http://www.the-paddock.ca.  We love the neutral colours and the ability to mix and match with your everyday wardrobe.  There is something wonderful about investing in a piece of clothing that you know can flow from day to night and be a staple in your closet.  Thank you to Carrie for taking the time to speak with us.  Keep an eye out for all of the new and exciting developments from the Paddock and remember to stay in fashion!

Until Next Time My Glamazons!

Cecilia J

Woman On The Move....

Greetings Glamazons!

I recently had the great pleasure of interviewing the one and only Leesa Butler - fashion blogger, social media guru, event producer and all around stylish siren.  She arrived at our meeting wearing a gorgeous Bustle dress and not only dazzled with her smile, but also with her sincerity.  When you first see her you have no idea where she hides all of her endless charisma.  Make no mistake, despite her tiny frame, she is a major player in the fashion and social media industries and has truly made her mark in this world of uncertainty.  Leesa shared her thoughts about fashion, Canadian design and her favourite look.   

Leesa Butler

What are ten things no one knows about you?

I don’t know that I can name ten things that no one knows about me…I have a secret hate for clothing hangers (not just the wire ones). It’s why I hated working retail, although I don’t hate to shop! I also hate garden hoses - anything that can get tangled, really.

What sparked your interest in fashion?

Fashion has always played a pivotal role in my life, much the same way music has. I admire creativity and have great respect for the process of creating fashion. I have a great aunt who was instrumental in fostering that appreciation when I was a child. She made a lot of great clothes for me including a pair of matching faux fur coats in black and white when I was about five years old. They were precious, I wish I still had them!

How did the F-list come about?

When I moved to Toronto from New York in 2002 I began discovering Canadian fashion. I found it interesting – no, odd – that these designers weren’t noted in the fashion magazine spreads. Outside of the retailer carrying them, few knew the designers by name.  After meeting some of the key players in Toronto’s fashion week – including Joe Mimran and Robin Kay – I decided to merge fashion with my knowledge of the online space.

Who has been your favourite interview subject?

My most recent interview subject is a fascinating combo of textile designer/stylist/retailer – Lisa Corbo of George C Boutique in Yorkville. Donna Karan was great too!

What is your favourite fashion event?

Every day is a fashion event! But I would have to say LG Fashion Week as it’s the only time we get to see our homegrown talent work the runway.

ANTM LIVE BUZZ:  Canadian designers will be highlighted in our exciting Main Stage Fashion Show, be sure to see it in person at ANTM Live next May!

Who are your favourite designers?

Pink Tartan, NADA, IZMA, Evan Biddell, Jason Matlo, Comrags, Greta Constantine, Paul Hardy, Pink Cobra, Rachel Mara, Abel Munoz (shoes) and Denis Gagnon.

What is your recommended go-to outfit for this season?

The maxi dress is incredible – it shows off the bust and it gives great legs no matter how long your legs are! It dresses up or down, I love it.

What trend do you think will fade out and which one do you think fashionistas must wear for this season?

It’s tough to nail the trends anymore, I honestly feel that we’re moving away from that. It’s driven the disposable, fast fashion culture that’s just unsustainable. I prefer things more timeless.

What are your thoughts on the landscape of Canadian design? 

As diversified as this country is, I don’t always see it reflected in the fashion. There is a lot of safe fashion. I would love to see people really push themselves to do something different.

What do you think people can do to better support homegrown talent?

You can’t force people to like or buy something, but you can give a designer the basic visibility at retail. It’s hard enough to get a collection made and then you have to sell it. We need to do a better job at helping designers at the sales level.

What advice would you give to up and coming designers?

Now more than ever, the world is open to new ideas, new ways of doing things. Great things always happen after a recession; historically it’s a highly creative time. My advice would be: don’t hold back. Challenge yourself. Challenge the world.

Many thanks to Leesa for taking the time to speak with us! Stay tuned as we continue to profile Leesa and her F-list blog http://www.f-list.ca/

Until next time my Glamazons!

Cecilia J

FRESH CANADIAN FASHION

During fashion week, I had the pleasure of sitting next to the sweetest woman named Michelle Baboolall.  We started chatting and I quickly found out that she was planning on opening a store that would feature solely Canadian designers.  Fast forward to a few months later and I found myself at the launch of Homegrown Boutique! 

Homegrown is a blank canvas for local talent who want to get their merchandise into the hands of consumers.  I was impressed that Michelle hand-picked who she would highlight for the season and did not overload the space with items.  There were only a few racks and each one held gems from incredibly creative and capable designers who clearly poured themselves into their work.  Clean lines, flowing printed silks and dresses with architectural detail stood out and it won’t be long before I return to find something chic and sophisticated to wear to my next event!  Read on to find out how Michelle made Homegrown Boutique a reality.  

How did you get started in the fashion business?

I started working in retail about 6 years ago but I didn't start in the fashion industry until 2 years later, as a volunteer at Toronto Fashion Week. My very first 'job' was to place gift bags and seat guests in the runway room. It wasn't very glamourous, but I loved the energy and soaked up every second of the experience.  Over the next 4 years I went on to volunteer at various fashion shows and events, ending with a 6 month internship at FASHION in the retail sales division.  I have a genuine love for the industry and wanted to learn as much as I could, and I have been grateful for all opportunities I've had.

Tell us about your boutique.

The store carries all Canadian designers, with 5 for summer 2011. Emily Woudenberg, Rachel Sin, Sarah Stevenson and Zoran Dobric are all Toronto based, while Arti Gogna is from Montreal and exclusive to Homegrown Boutique in Toronto. Right now it's all women’s wear, but I hope to expand into menswear in the near future. The reason I chose having a retail space over e-commerce was because of the concept behind the boutique. I want my designers to feel like the space is theirs just as much as it is mine, and to have the ability to use the space for photo shoots, events, etc. The store is more than just a place where clothes are sold, but also a space to help grow their brand. 



Me with Michelle and fabulous jewellery designer Elizabeth Kerim from Compass Jewelry.



What kind of designers would you like to feature?

Designers who are truly passionate about what they do. Passion and creativity are the two most important ingredients to success. The reality is that you aren't going to make money right away, but if you love what you do, you will have a better chance of becoming successful at it. I love designers who are also environmentally and socially conscious, like Sarah Stevenson who uses natural fibers and prints with a waterless process.

The fabulous ladies from YYZ Living

ANTM LIVE BUZZ:  Our main stage fashion show will feature Canadian designers!!!  Don’t miss the fashion spectacle of the year!

Tell us about your personal style.

I'm very much a minimalist and dress practically, which I think surprises people. I wear a lot of neutral colours and pieces which have a more timeless and classic look. I typically shop with longevity in mind, because I hate having clothes that become dated quickly. Because I have such a simplistic taste, I really believe that details make all the difference. I accessorize with jewellery, usually something with pearls. I have a pearl ring and a rose gold band that I wear almost every day.



Who is your fashion inspiration?

I know this is cliché, but my mother is definitely my biggest fashion inspiration. She is responsible for teaching me everything I know today, and I still call her when I need help putting together an outfit. She doesn't have 'off days' and always leaves the house looking put together and elegant, even when she's going to the grocery store. I used to make fun of her for wearing black all the time, but I now I understand that it fits for almost any occasion.



Some fabulous party guests!



 What would you recommend as a MUST HAVE look for this season?

Floral prints! They were a definite trend on the runways, and are very accessible and wearable. You can make them the focal point or an accent of your outfit, and can work for any body type. I have floral print dresses, tops and scarves in the store for the summer.

Thank you to Michelle for taking the time to speak with us!  By the way, don’t forget to go to Yorkville and visit 16 Cumberland Avenue on the lower level to see Michelle for all the latest in Canadian fashion! www.facebook.com/homegrownto

I also had the pleasure of meeting two of the innovative designers at the launch, Sarah Stevenson www.sarahstevensondesign.com and Rachel Sin www.rachelsin.com. Their collections are wearable, gorgeous and perfect for the fashionista in you!

Until next time my Glamazons!

Cecilia J 





SNAP SHOT!

Hello Fabulous Fashionistas!

Today brings an interview with our official social media photographer, Raymond Siu.  For those of you who recall, I met Raymond at the fabulous opening of the Donna Dolphy salon and we have become fast friends.  He has a great eye and will be contributing his photography skills towards Glamazon Confidential.  Many thanks to Raymond!!

When you meet Raymond, he has the most charming smile and you instantly feel like you have known him forever.  Quiet and unassuming, he is clearly an observer of life and likes to capture special moments on camera.  He teaches photography as well, so make sure you call him to learn how to take pictures like a professional!  Contact him at www.raymondsiu.com.  We look forward to all of the amazing pictures he will take for us in the coming months!  Read on for some tidbits about our fabulous photog! 

Raymon Siu - A Self Portrait

How did you get started in photography?

In my second year of university I saw attractions I wanted to take pictures of and never had good camera with me so I used my phone!  Eventually I decided to got an SLR off of EBAY…it is a great camera that shows you exactly what the lens is seeing.  I got it for $200.00 used and started playing around with what I had.  I couldn’t even zoom!  I had to ‘zoom with my feet’ by walking closer to the object I wanted to photograph!  But it was a great start because I got a better view of things and my depth perception became better.  After that I was hooked!

What was the first picture you took?

I can’t remember but I think it was a self-portrait.  I’ve taken over 30,000 photos since I started in the business four years ago.

What are your favourite subjects to shoot?

People because there is something about seeing certain features and you can immediately relate to what they are feeling.

Where was the most impactful place you took a picture?

When I was doing an engagement shoot at the Don Valley Brickworks…everything just fell into place.  It was a rainy day and we kept going from outside to inside.  It was old and in the midst of being broken down when I shot there.  The guy had an umbrella for his fiancé and there is a shot that I got when he is holding the umbrella to keep her dry and the silhouette and colour was amazing…when I got that shot I was like, yeah, I know what I’m doing!!!



What is your most memorable photo?

It is actually a composition of shots.  I took photos in a cemetery and I did a panoramic shot with a perfect 180 angle view.  I was able to see everything, the tombstones, the trees and the ice. It was a beautiful picture.



Graveyard Panorama: Seven photos stitched together to achieve a 180 degree angle.



What do you love about photography?

It lets me share the way I see the world.

What ambitions do you have?

One day I would like to travel the world and shoot everything I see!

If you could photograph any celebrity in the world, who would it be?

I would love to photograph Jet Li.  It would be interesting to try and reflect his personality in the shot.

What supermodel would you want to photograph? 

I think you could never take a bad picture of Alessandra Ambrosio.

What fashion icon would you want to take a picture of?

 

Lady Gaga because so many people emulate her style.

What political figure would you want to photograph? 

Barrack Obama.

If you could capture any event in history, what would it be? 

I would have wanted to capture D-Day as long as I had a clause to say, ‘don’t shoot me’.

Who is your favourite photographer?

David Duchemin. He has a great eye and his photos are incredible.  http://www.davidduchemin.com/

Thanks to Raymond for taking the time to chat with us!  Stay tuned next week when we interview one of Toronto’s top fashion bloggers and cover the opening of a brand new boutique in Yorkville!!!

Until next time my Glamazons!

Cecilia J