Comments Off on Toronto’s Bulletproof Suit makes international headlines
Located in Toronto’s financial district at Yonge and Wellington, one of downtown’s custom tailor shops, Garrison Bespoke, has caught the attention of tons of international media earlier this month.
I talked to David at Garrison Bespoke and according to him it’s the first time he’s aware of Canadian fashion making news in GQ.
“After receiving requests from high-profile clients who travel to dangerous places for work, we set out to develop a lightweight, fashion-forward bulletproof suit as a more discreet and stylish alternative to wearing a bulky vest underneath,” said Michael Nguyen, co-owner and bespoke tailor of Garrison Bespoke.
The custom-made bulletproof suit starts at $20,000.
Check out the video by CityNews
ABOUT GARRISON BESPOKE
Garrison Bespoke is a luxury menswear boutique in Toronto’s Financial District that creates custom garments to help clients make their mark. Designed with modern style and classic foundations, Garrison Bespoke pieces are conservative enough to create credibility but unique enough to stand out. A sharp pinstripe suit with crushed jade woven into the cloth for good luck is one client’s signature look. Secret suit pockets are the norm. For more info visit www.garrisonbespoke.com
Comments Off on The tastes from What’s on the Table 2013 in support of The Stop CFC
Over 30 top local chefs gathered for another ultimate evening of fine food at one of Toronto’s top annual food events called What’s on the Table, this time at the new Daniels Spectrum venue. Just like their annual Night Market event, The Stop Community Food Centre’s fundraising event is very high in demand and always sells out quickly. Impressively delectable food and drink offerings at the 9th annual What’s on the Table 2013 were provided by the finest food purveyors such as Beast, Ruby Watchco, Momofuku, Salt Wine Bar, Woods, Vertical and so much more.
Here’s some of my favourite dishes from the night:
Incredible fall-off-the-bone ribs by Salt Wine Bar
The Stop CFC dishing out olive oil poached trout (provided by Blue Goose), burdock puree, pickled fall vegetable, crispy skin mousseline of trout
Chocolate peanut butter mousse by Lynn Crawford, Ruby Watchco
The event also featured great silent and live auction items including a week getaway at a resort at Turks and Caicos. Congrats to The Stop for raising $280,000 at this year’s What’s on the Table event in support of anti-hunger programs in West Toronto. The Stop’s Davenport kitchen provides a hot and healthy lunch for more than 1,000 community meals every week, 4 days a week, in an environment that’s warm, welcoming and respectful.
Stay tuned for details for The Stop CFC’s upcoming food events: What’s on the Table 2014 and Night Market 2014.
PEI Oysters with Hooked hot sauce, green apple horseradish, sherry mignonette and lemon
Steamed gefilte fish with dill sauce by Jamie Kennedy Kitchens
Steamed gefilte fish with dill sauce by Jamie Kennedy Kitchens
About The Stop Community Food Centre
Located in Toronto’s west end, The Stop works to increase access to food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds health and community and challenges inequality. From its origins as one of Canada’s first food banks, The Stop has blossomed into a thriving community hub where neighbours participate in a broad range of programs that provide healthy food, foster social connections, build food skills and promote engagement in civic issues. Underlying all of The Stop’s efforts is the belief that food is a basic human right. To learn more about The Stop’s work check out this short video:
Comments Off on Montreal fashion labels in Toronto: Rudsak and Frank & Oak
Montreal style takes over Toronto with Rudsak‘s sample sale and Frank and Oak‘s first pop-up shop in Toronto.
RUDSAK
Just coming off their packed fashion show at World MasterCard Fashion Week SS14, the Rudsak sample sale starts today in Toronto with 50% to 70% off until Sunday 9pm at Bathurst St and Front St. They also have a Facebook contest right now for chance to win a $1,000 wardrobe.
To get started on the deals and contest visit the Facebook link at www.bit.ly/RudsakLive
And also, although it’s not part of the Rudsak Toronto Sample Sale, have a look at the exciting Rudsak Spring Summer 2014 collection with seductive leathers, prêt-à-porter pieces, footwear, handbags and accessories for both men and women. I’m putting python shoes and embossed alligator-print bags on my Christmas wish list!
Check out the Rudsak SS14 Fashion Show in the spirit of cool rebel.
FRANK & OAK
With their strong US following and online sales, Montreal’s Frank & Oak opens their first pop-up shop in Toronto, called “The Outpost”, just in time for holiday shopping at 737 Queen Street West. I love their colourful and versatile bags, shoes and accessories such as scarves and sock ties. The pop-up shop will be open until January 12th.
UPDATE: Starting from today, Wednesday Jan 8th until Sunday, Jan 12th (when the Frank and Oak Toronto pop-up closes), you get 40%-60% off everything, plus a free gift with every purchase over $100 (while supplies last).
Here are their store hours:
Mon – Wed 11AM – 7PM
Thu – Fri 11AM – 9PM
Sat 11AM – 7PM
Sun 12AM – 6PM
Bags, shoes and backpacks at Frank and Oak’s pop-up shop, The Outpost at 737 Queen Street West
Comments Off on Nominees announced for the 2014 Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA)
At the CAFA nominees announcement with Tenika Davis (actress), Elisha Cuthbert (actress), Vicky Milner (CAFA managing director)
Taking place in the middle of Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014, the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards held a reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel to announce the nominees of the upcoming inaugural Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards 2014. Actress Elisha Cuthbert was on hand to make the official honours.
Created to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in Canadian fashion design, the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards gala takes place on February 1st, 2014 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. For more info visit www.cafawards.ca. For our photos from the nominees announcement, scroll down below.
Here is the official list of award categories and their nominees.
The Womenswear Designer of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian womenswear designer who has made a significant creative impact in the Canadian fashion industry.
Christie Smythe & Andrea Lenczner, SMYTHE
Denis Gagnon
Jeremy Laing
Kimberely Newport-Mimran, Pink Tartan
Kirk Pickersgill & Stephen Wong, Greta Constantine
The Menswear Designer of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian menswear designer who has made a significant creative impact in the Canadian fashion industry.
Davidson Manaloto, wings + horn
Philippe Dubuc
Philip Sparks
Travis Taddeo
Shawn Hewson, Bustle
The Emerging Talent Award will be presented to an innovative Canadian designer who is emerging as a true creative force in Canadian fashion.
Beaufille
Eliza Faulkner
Laura Siegel
Martin Lim
Sarah Stevenson
Sid Neigum
The Outstanding Achievement Award will be presented to celebrate the exceptional career of an established Canadian fashion designer.
David Dixon
Dean & Dan Caten, DSQUARED2
Denis Gagnon
Lida Baday
Marie Saint-Pierre
Wayne Clark
The Accessory Designer of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian fashion accessory designer who has made a significant creative impact in the Canadian fashion industry.
Dexter & Byron Peart, WANT Les Essentials de la Vie
Ela & Martin Aldorsson , Ela Handbags
John Fluevog
Jenny Bird
Maryam Keyhani
The Canadian Style Award will be presented to a Canadian who embodies the spirit of Canada and acts as an unofficial ambassador for Canadian fashion and culture.
Coco Rocha
Joe Mimran
Lisa Tant
Suzanne Boyd
The Image Maker Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian fashion photographer or filmmaker who has made a significant impact within the Canadian fashion industry.
Chris Nicholls
Erin Kleinberg, Stephanie Mark, Jake Rosenberg, The Coveteur
Gabor Jurina
Max Abadian
Tommy Ton
The International Canadian Designer of the Year Award will be presented to a Canadian designer who has achieved International success and brought attention to Canadian talent on the world stage.
Dean & Dan Caten, DSQUARED2
Erdem Moralioğlu
Jeremy Laing
Jason Wu
Mark Fast
The Stylist of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian fashion stylist who has made a significant impact within the Canadian fashion industry.
Cary Tauben
George Antonopolous
Liz Cabral
Peter Papapetrou
Susie Sheffman
The Model of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian model who has made a significant impact within the Canadian fashion industry.
Coco Rocha
Daria Werbowy
Linda Evangelista
Shalom Harlow
Yasmin Warsame
See our photos from the nominees announcement below.
Tenika Davis, Elisha Cuthbert, Vicky Milner
Brittney Kuczynski at the inaugural CAFA nominees announcement
Glen Baxter
Greta Constantine: Kirk Pickersgill, Stephen Wong
Julio Reyes, Daniel Lesforges
Christian Dare, Lance Chung
left: Alexander Liang
Brittney Kuczynski, Jonathan Black
Daniel Desforges, Alexander Liang, Julio Reyes, Lance Chung
Comments Off on Agent Provocateur boutique opens at Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street
Britain’s renowned luxury lingerie brand, Agent Provocateur, is now available in a new boutique at Toronto’s Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street. Located on the 3rd floor of the luxury retail store, the concession follows classic 1970s Agent Provocateur style with luxurious wool carpets, silk crepe curtains and bespoke wallpaper made specially for the boutique to create a tantalizing, intimate space.
Agent Provocateur collections available for sale at Holt Renfrew include the Main Collection, Classics, Bridal, Swim, Hosiery, Accessories and Beauty.
This is the third Agent Provocateur concession in Canada following launches in Vancouver and Montreal last year.
