Eva Mendes and I at the Viceroy Hotel for the Reebok EasyTone launch

I realize that this picture of Eva Mendes and I is blurry (ok, way blurry) but I had seconds to snap this shot, and time (amongst other things I’ll explain in a minute) wasn’t exactly on my side when I met the star on Wednesday at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, California.

First, the facts: If any of you caught my post on Tuesday, Reebok invited a mass group of international journalists (ELLE Canada scored the magazine exclusive) to L.A. for a two day press junket to meet their new face of EasyTone; a line of athletic footwear and apparel. Eva (and, if you’re curious, her name is pronounced “Eh-va,” not “Ee-va.” That’s Longoria’s territory) is their Hollywood ambassador.

Go figure that out of the 90 media that was invited, I had the dubious distinction of being Eva’s very last interview. Quite frankly, I walked into it thinking I was screwed. She’s going to be exhausted (understandably) after spending the last 48 hours talking to press fielding the exact same questions. Original sound bytes? Forgetaboutit. Read the rest of this entry

Incendies Director Denis Villeneuve

There are no solid bronze statuettes here – I speak of the oversized Oscars producers plonk down on either side of the red carpet at the Kodak Theater on Hollywood Boulevard – but it’s still pretty swank company where I happen to be.

Today I was invited to the Canadian Consulate-General’s home in Hancock Park in Los Angeles for the annual luncheon held in honour of the Canadian Oscar nominees. (I make it sound so breezy, meanwhile I’ve been sweatin’ pellets for a week trying to figure out what to wear. More on that in a minute.) The 83rd Annual Academy Awards is airing on Sunday and the city is almost at a fever-pitch with dozens of cocktail parties, screenings and celeb spottings here, there, and everywhere.

Incendies, Barney’s Version, How to Tame Your Dragon

If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool Canuck – and who isn’t, especially at the end of February – then you already know who’s representin’. But, in case you don’t know them verbatim, herewith the list of Canadians nominated for five Academy Awards:

Incendies is nominated in the Best Foreign Film category, so director Denis Villeneuve, as well as producers Luc Déry and Kim McCraw, were present. Incendies is the story of twins who follow their mother’s last wishes and journey to the Middle East to discover their roots, which turns out to be a father they thought was dead and a brother they didn’t’ know about.

Montreal native Adrien Morot is nominated for Achievement in Makeup for Barney’s Version adapted from Mordecai Richler’s novel. Do I really need to describe this (surely, you’ve heard of it)? OK, it’s 35 years in the life of Montreal TV producer Barney Panofsky and his various wives.

How to Tame Your Dragon is nominated for Best Animated Feature Film and its director/writer Dean DeBlois, a Sheridan College grad was in attendance.  Read the rest of this entry

London Fashion Week just wrapped up and we were there to catch some of the action and snap some great street style pictures. We even spotted two famous faces outside the shows, British cutie Alexa Chung and New Yorker Olivia Palermo, sporting cute spring skirts. So we decided to have a fashion face-off. Tell us, who has the better street style look, Alexa or Olivia?

Alexa Chung in a creamy white skirt and textured navy sweater; Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com

Check out Olivia’s look after the jump!
Read the rest of this entry

A room with a view

My view of the Santa Monica Pier from my hotel room.

I realize how cruel I am being to all of you right now: posting this picture I took mere moments ago from the patio of my hotel room. As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I’m not in Toronto anymore. I left the -22 degree weather in the earliest of am’s yesterday morning to fly to Santa Monica, California. Five hours, one Mimosa (I was trying to be good) and two movies later, I find myself here: The Loews Beach Hotel. Have any of you ever been to Santa Monica? Beautiful, isn’t it?

I’m here on an exclusive for ELLE Canada, a press junket for Reebok EasyTone. The sportswear brand has expanded their offerings in their EasyTone line. First came the shoes; you know which ones I’m talking about, or at least the competitor brand (Think: Platform sneakers.) Reebok has taken this technology and tweaked it. The shoes I’ve been given have “balance pods” built into the heel and forefront, so each step I take creates natural instability. The result? Increased muscle activation in my legs up to 28%. Have you heard of the Bosu Ball? Exact same premise.

Beyond the shoes (and hence the reason I’m here), EasyTone has branched into workout gear; a full line of clothing that also promises the wearer a more lean physique. My task in these next several days (and one I will be sharing with you on our blogs and in the June issue of ELLE Canada) is to test-drive the technology to see if there is truth to their claims. Noreen (our editor-in-chief) asked me to go on this trip, likely because of my experiences here. Apparently I can handle a bit of sweat and tears. I’ll admit it: I’m skeptical.

The Reebok EasyTone swag that awaited me in my hotel room.

Beyond my fitness pursuits, I’ve also been told that the company has aligned itself with a major Hollywood celeb to be the ambassador for the brand. I’m excited to interview “her” today, but because of strict embargo laws (that’s journalist-speak meaning I can’t name any names) I’m not able to tell you any of the juicy details until later this afternoon.  All I can say is that it’s someone big. Very big. How do I know this? Reebok has invited over 90 journalists from all the major glossies and newspapers from across the world (20 in Latin America alone!) on this two day press trip and this celeb-in-question has a 10 minute interview with each one of us. Any guesses?

More coming soon …

Lindsay Lohan’s 6126 fashion label co-founder Kristi Kaylor says Lindsey is a talented designer and the brand is expanding despite recent news that large department stores are no longer selling its products.

Lindsay Lohan is a talented designer, according to her 6126 fashion label co-founder Kristi Kaylor.

The duo originally set up the company as a leggings brand in 2008 before expanding into apparel and accessories, and while Lindsey has been in and out of rehab in recently, Kristi insists it hasn’t affected their work at 6126.

She said: “Everybody wants to write a negative story about Lindsay right now, but the real story is that Lindsay is a very talented designer. The real story is that the brand is doing well. Sales have only increased.”

Although the leggings brand was originally stocked at upscale US stores Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus, they are no longer sold there but Kristi insists this is part of a new strategy to expand the line.

She told WWD: “Major department stores are not our business right now. We’re looking for retail partners to represent the entire collection.”

However according to Lindsay’s blog on the company’s website, a new 6126 handbag line is to “be sold alongside 6126 apparel to better department stores and targeting retails such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and other high-end specialty boutiques across the world. (sic)”

Kristi did concede the company is undergoing changes but refused to elaborate, leaving the future direction of the company in doubt.

She said: “The handbags are something different. We’re making some changes with our partners but I can’t go into that now.”

Inspired by their travels to India, Tibet, Thailand and Shenzhen, brother and sister duo Alia and Jamil Juma present their unisex collection for Fall 2011.

What do you think?

(Directed by Jim Morrison)

Ugly sweaters are a staple in my closet—Fair Isle jumpers, cardigans with massive shoulder pads and mohair appliqués were all the rage in my mother’s heyday—but given the nature of my current internship at ELLE Canada, these relics don’t often see the light.

Today, however, might just be my day: WWF-Canada is calling on all Canadians to sport “funky” (read: tacky) sweaters and turn down the thermostats to raise awareness on the effects of climate change. Read the rest of this entry

Day Five with fashion blogger Textstyles.ca behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, Fall 2011

Photography by Stefania Yarhi

Keri Hilson, Kanye West and Vanessa Hudgens at Jeremy Scott

8:30 am: It’s getting harder to wake up. This morning my feet feel like lead weights. But gotta get to the tents!

9:10 am: First show is Yigal Azrouel. Love the collegiate vibe: Tailored suiting, knits with tails, tuxedo pants and, naturally, plenty of layering. The palette was so beautifully neutral, but I adored the electric pops of colour (reminds me of Jil Sander‘s spring show). An orange car coat is calling my name… Stefania… (Don’t clothes whisper your name?)

10:00 am: Searching for a coffee that isn’t Starbucks. This has been my other mission for fashion week: the  great Americano. So far, niente.

11:30 am: Work, work, and more work. My fingers ache.

1:00 pm: Now for Jeremy Scott, I’m expecting the usual London street-inspired day-glo brights and the man did not disappoint. Riffing on Coca-Cola branding, his logos, on red sequined dresses, was cheeky: “Every One is GOD.”  Then came the candy-raver sweaters and mile-high platforms stomping down the runway. His shows are about the spectacle and everyone knows it and loves it. The finale was my favourite:  a blue  skin tight, floor-length gown with the Superwoman crest and a 10 foot red cape/train. Sitting front row, was Kanye “I don’t do photos anymore” West.

Superwoman finale gown at Jeremy Scott

1:45 pm: Head up to Chelsea where I’ve got some time to kill before the next presentation. Thankfully I find a great pub, The Half King to watch Barcelona vs. Arsenal. You have no idea how well football compliments fashion. Ok, not really, but it’s nice to have a moment outside the din.

4:15  pm: On the 21st floor of the Chelsea Arts Tower Devi Kroell showcased her new accessories line: Dax Gabler. Inspired by her Tyrolean grandmother, Kroell worked with traditional Tyrolean costuming: very hunter/gatherer. Hand-knit, wool cardigans were cozy and totally layer-worthy.  The bags, oh the bags… Saddlebags and totes in leather and (?) crocodile. Perfect for the urban warrior.

Dax Gabler Presentation

8:00 pm: Dinner at the French brasserie beside my hotel—french fare and some french conversation.

10:30 pm: Heading down to the Bowery Hotel, where the party is at the side-entrance and you need a password (Velour!) I love fashion week.

12:45 pm: The party decides to move elsewhere and so do I. ‘Night.

Read more of Textstyles.ca Adventures at New York Fashion Week here.

Day four with fashion blogger Textstyles.ca behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, Fall 2011

Photography by Stefania Yarhi

Chace Crawford and Vanessa Hudgens

9:00 am: My day starts with coffee (of course) and my favourite yogurt with granola from Starbucks (no this is not an advertorial). Satiated, I hail a cab to Lincoln Centre.

9:35 am: Run in to catch the Trias presentation. Having built a reputation on the fact he’s dressed Michelle Obama, I’m really excited to see what’s in store.  Timeless designs in a muted palette; many of these pieces will find their way into my wardrobe for Fall 2011.

10:40 am: Because no two shows can be remotely close to one another, I’m flying down to MILK Studios to see Rad by Rad Hourani. I feel a moment of proud patriotism as I fall in love with his unisex and transformable designs. The grey flannel, the origami folds…. I. Love. Every. Piece.

11:00 am: I need to stretch my legs, so I take a walk down Washington St. I pop into Scoop. Then around the corner , I check out the new-to-New York All Saints: the window display is hundreds of Singer sewing machines made into a grid. Very industrial chic.

11:30 am: A table for one at Pastis. Me, Tina Fey’s piece in the New Yorker and a Croque Monsieur. Divine.

1:00 pm: Back to the grind, I walk into Pier 94  for the Diesel Black Gold runway show. There are thousands of people, hundreds of meters of scaffolding, lights and cameras. There’s a swarm in front of me and then I notice it’s Chace Crawford from Gossip Girl and with him Vanessa Hudgens. Just over to their right is Joe Zee, Creative Director for ELLE and everyone’s fav editor on MTV’s The City. These are the shows that you feel the scope and total scale of where you are: the epicentre of fabulous.

Joe Zee, Creative Director at ELLE

Diesel Black Gold at Pier 94

1:25 pm: Show starts and the collection is bohemian grunge. Yards of leather legs, thick corduroy flared jeans, fur-trimmed coats and jackets. DBG is always rock ‘n roll.

2:00 pm: Typing, filing, uploading.

5:00 pm: Sleep, oh how I wish i could sleep….

5:45 pm: I’m out the door. I have 4 presentations to check out and 2 hours to get them all in. It’s me against the clock.

6:00 pm: Concept Korea curated by Valerie Steele. Four Korean designers: Doho, General Idea, Steve & Yoni P, and Lie Sang Bong. Great way to see new talent. Youthful, fun and very trendy.

6:40 pm: From Lincoln Center down to the Standard Hotel. Bodkin‘s presentation so different from the last. The vibe is California cool, cut away from the body in natural fibers and earthy tones. I run around the models standing on platforms, but I can’t get sucked into the relaxo vibe. I gotta go!

7:15 pm: Traveling East to the Rivington, I know I can make it. At a small boutique, designer Sunghee Bang shows her small collection. The inspiration:  nomadic travel. Think thick wool knits and ankle-grazing skirts, lapels that fall to the navel; all pieces are all an exercise in movement.

7:45 pm: Two blocks down, in a gallery on a corner, homegirl Rita Liefhebber has set up her Fall 2011 presentation. (See how I scheduled that?) This season Liefhebber worked her fingers hard: handmade leather buttons, braided necklaces, hand dyed textiles and reversible pieces. On my wishlist: the leather sleeveless tee lined in silk.

Rita Liefhebber Fall 2011 Presentation

9:30 pm: After all that running around,  and then a couple of glasses of vino (ok, maybe more than a couple), I’m famished. Rita introduces me to Freemans: a tiny restaurant down an alley, all twinkle lights and delicious atmosphere. Over shared artichoke dip and five cheese macaroni we talk shop.

Christina Hendricks will become a model for her ”favourite designer”, Dame Vivienne Westwood, showcasing her latest jewelry collection.

The ‘Mad Men’ actress – famed for her curvy figure – has become the face of the influential British designer’s latest jewelry collection and admits it is dream come true for her.

She said: “I had such a fun day trying on all Vivienne’s new collection. She is my favorite designer. As a young girl I would cut out pictures of her dresses from magazines, although I was never able to afford them. Even now I only have one in my closet.”

Christina, 35, also praised the fit of Vivienne’s dresses, saying they were much more comfortable than those of other designers

She told The Mail on Sunday newspaper: “The lovely thing now is that I can borrow them and they fit so well, unlike some designer clothes.”

Although she has been a staple of awards shows this season, appearing in a number of highly praised outfits, Christina will be giving the Oscars later this month a miss.

She said: “I am not nominated so I’ll be watching at home in my pajamas.”

What do you think? Is she a good fit for the designer? Yes or no?

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