by ELLECanada.com

The new logo for Beaufille (formerly Chloe comme Parris). Image courtesy of Beaufille.

By Sarah Thompson

The name Chloe comme Parris is no more! Chloe and Parris Gordon – founders of the Toronto-based fashion line Chloe comme Parris – have changed the brand’s name to Beaufille. The new name marks a transition for the women’s wear and accessories line as it prepares for an international launch. Beaufille – meaning “handsome girl” – reflects the brand’s “sophisticated tough girl” look that is created through historical designs with a contemporary twist. With its worldwide appeal, Chloe and Parris believe that their brand no longer required their names attached, shifting the focus to the women who purchase their androgynous clothing and jewellery pieces. If you’re the type of girl who appreciates finely crafted outfits infused with French culture, intricate detailing and a touch of masculinity, be on the lookout for the revamped Beaufille line! [Beaufille]

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Margaret Thatcher’s bag sales jump [Vogue UK]

Marc Jacobs designs costumes for virtual opera [WWD]

Get the look: How to wear the Parisian boho look [ELLECanada.com]

Toronto travel guide: Our editors pick the city’s hot spots [ELLECanada.com]

by ELLECanada.com

Photo by Albert Sanchez

 

Burlesque model Dita Von Teese teamed up with Michael Schmidt, a stagewear designer, to debut the first 3D printer-made gown – how haute tech! So what’s it made of? A flexible substance called powdered nylon, which is supposedly comfortable enough to wear. Of course, they had to bling-out this gown post-printing, so it was painted in black lacquer and then bejewelled with 12,000 black Swarovski crystals. [PAPERMAG]

 

More daily fashion news:

The Chinese “Huǒ liáo” spa treatment involves setting fire to body parts to fight signs of aging. [Huffington Post]

With ten seasons under its (studded) belt, What Not to Wear is going off the air. [People]

Which designers dressed the most stars this awards season? It’s all tallied up… [Grazia Daily]

by Ava Baccari

Working in a fashion journalism has brought me face-to-face with cultural tastemakers in design, photography, theatre and art – to name a few. And yet no matter the scope of the final product, my favourite question to ask of its creator during an interview is always “what was your inspiration?” Simple, yes, but think about it: how does one go from staring at a taunting blank white canvas or mood board (or white screen, with which I’m infinitely more acquainted) to a work of art that shares a likeness with the person who brought it to life? I’m always surprised by the intricate and personal response to such a basic question.

On that note, I’m keeping things simple this summer, from a pared-down list of beauty basics to a minimalist design for my bedroom (yeah, that’s what I’ll call it) so that trivial, beautiful moments in life – a great conversation, a shared laugh – will stand out that much more – much like this print from London-based artist and poet Fréya Eté.

When I contacted Eté via email to ask what inspires her to write and illustrate those simple, snapshot moments in life, here’s what she sent me:

“I am inspired to create simple pieces that I hope will have a positive effect on people. I just try to spread a little happiness and joy in my own small way. We live in such a busy, complicated time and sometimes it’s the smallest gesture or the simplest word that can remind us for a moment to stop and appreciate all we have and just ‘be’. I am admittedly an eternal optimist and have a deep love of this wonderful, complicated world we live in. And we are only lucky enough to enjoy it for such a short time, so it makes sense to cherish it and the people who enjoy it with us while we can.”

Does it get any better than that?

Artwork by Fréya Eté is available at on Etsy under Freya Art and Design.

by Ava Baccari

Brother-sister duo Jordin and Tamara Mimran (of the Mimran family fashion dynasty) at a preppy-beach themed party.

With their summer collections in stores (and the Fall/Winter 2012-13 runway shows behind them), Canadian designers are taking some much-needed beach recovery time and bringing along their favourite summer reads and playlists to help then unwind. We caught up with a few of our favourite homegrown designers behind some of Canada’s hottest labels to find out what fashionable books and summer tunes—would you expect any less?— they’ll be relaxing with under the sun this season.

MOON, designers Tamara and Jordin Mimran
Based in: Toronto

Summer read: Tamara, The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy by E L James
Beach playlist: Tamara and Jordin:
1. Dragonette, “Let it go.”
2. Ellie Goulding, “Lights.”
3. Calvin Harris, “Feel so Close.”
4. Young Galaxy, “We Have Everything.”
5. Vacationer, “Good As New.”
6. M83, “Mightlight City.”
7. Recloose, “Can it Be.”

Read on for more beach reads and summer tracks from Canadian designers…

Read the rest of this entry

by Ava Baccari

If there’s anyone who deserves credit for seeing us go from who we want to be to whom we actually become – and giving us a few inspiring words along that way – it’s mom. This Mother’s Day, some of our favourite Canadian designers pay tribute to the women who influenced their distinct styles and continue to stand by them as they shine in the spotlight. For that, we thank them too.

Chloé Comme Parris

Fave memory: ”We both have so many memories of sewing and making clothes and art with our mother when we were little. We would make DIY gift-wrapping paper and she would lay down a huge piece paper and we would run around and paint it and then use it to wrap everything come birthday and holidays. Most recently, our favorite mom moments are of drinking tea in her bed [where] we will sit and chat/gossip/get advice on work, life, boys – everything. We feel as though our relationship is getting stronger as we are getting older and have found that as you age you begin to realize that your parents are more like you than not.”
Words of wisdom: ”She always told us to stay true to ourselves and not to be afraid of being vulnerable because that is what makes you creative. We love her so much for that – it’s pretty priceless advice.”
Celebration this year: “We’re all spending Mother’s Day together at our childhood home. We’re both heading to her place to cook her a surprise dinner. We’re making her favorite – which we’ve never cooked before! – so hopefully all goes smoothly. We think she’ll love it and she definitely deserves it.” Read the rest of this entry

by Ava Baccari

Jason Wu did it for Target; same for Marni with H&M. Now eleven established and upcoming designers will roll out capsule collections created exclusively for Made in Kind, Anthropologie’s new online platform for seeking out one-of-a-kind talent.

The hybrid shopping/gallery one-stop site launches today (April 5) and includes upcoming as well as some well-known New York Fashion Week faves (yes, there’s a Gregory Parkinson capsule line in there).

Here’s an intimate look at the 11 curated new and vintagey collections culled by around-the-globe designers available only at this online gallery of the best kind of art: the kind you live in.

Drawings by Florence Balducci
An artisan of all trades creative—illustration, fabric design and acting—Parisian designer Florence Balducci is naturally an Anthropologie vet. Her hand-sketched printed scarves and silhouette-engraved chinaware have been available at the fashion-forward retailer for years. Now Balducci releases a collection of vintage-inspired military jackets (approx. $300)—the kind her dad wore—only embellished with ornate floral detailing and whimsical animal sketches.

Gregory by Gregory Parkinson
A British expat, Parkinson understands the colourful prints and air-light fabrics of his adopted L.A. homeland—in fact, he designed most of them. For his capsule collection created exclusively for Anthropologie (from approx. $214 to $464), he departed from the all-white, minimalist dresses that defined his Spring/Summer 2012 for a kaleidoscopic smattering of tie-dyed fabrics.

Hi There! From Karen Walker
Rarely does a designer perfectly embody both of her polar style opposites: feminine and downtown edge, demure and eye-catchingly bold. Yet such is the trademark of New Zealand-based designer Karen Walker, whose collection, only available at Anthropologie, is a New York Fashion Week staple. Hi There! From Karen Walker (from approx. $140 to $160) is made up of six classic, paisley-patterned frocks with a distinct, vintage wallpapery twist. Read the rest of this entry

by ELLECanada.com

As we check in with the Greta Constantine team, the Canadian design stars are locked out of their Paris studio apartment. Read their first dispatch here.

Chère ELLE Canada,

We were locked out. No documents, no change of clothes, no toiletries. And most challenging of all, seulment un petit peu de français. We were however, armed with 10 hours of sleep across four people and sore feet (those cobblestones can do some damage!).

The hotel beside our apartment was fully booked. The manager did, however, let us use the washroom. A few blocks north, the large bright word HOTEL — we love when French words resemble English words — shone from a distance. We found our next best option (or last resort, depending on how you look at it).

There were two rooms, 205 and 311. Together they were 350 square feet and suddenly, the absence of a shower curtains didn’t seem to matter. Knowing that a few blocks away, the city’s premiere fashion editors, buyers, designers, and models were celebrating the start of Paris Fashion Week didn’t faze us.

The hotel did, however make a phenomenal breakfast baguette. It was so good that Stephen smuggled one of them so that he would be able to find his way back, should we ever get locked out again. He’s our very own Hansel.

 

Read the rest of this entry

by ELLECanada.com

The legendary design house and H&M team up to launch a collection this fall. Check out the video for more details from Donatella Versace.

The collection is set to be released in North America on November 19th, 2011, and is sure to embody Versace’s rich hues, vibrant prints and luxe leathers, at H&M’s price point. Even better, Donatella Versace has also created a pre-spring collection for H&M. Get ready to shop!

Will you be rushing to H&M to pick up some Versace for H&M swag?

by ELLECanada.com

Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress from ‘The Seven Year Itch’ has fetched $4.6 million at auction.

The white dress - which the late actress wore during a scene where a gust of wind from the subway blows through a grate in the pavement, puffing up her dress and exposing her underwear – vastly exceeded expectations as it was sold along with a host of other memorabilia belonging to actress and collector Debbie Reynolds this weekend.

The dress had been designed by William Travilla and was made from rayon-acetate to give it sharp pleats.

Describing it, he once said: “I wondered what could I do with this most beautiful girl that Marilyn was to play to make her look clean, talcum-powdered, and adorable.”

At the opening of the auction Debbie had joked to the room of bidders, “I’ve been collecting for 45 years and I’m only 40,” although by the time the lots had closed she was left in tears. Read the rest of this entry

by Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington

I’m back in Toronto now, but I swear I could write a hundred more blog posts on Ireland. I am trying to break it down to just a few more, because in all honesty, if you have the chance, you need to get there yourself to fully experience it.

So next up on my fashion tour of the green isle is, as promised, a bit on the arts and crafts scene in Kilkenny. I remind you, this isn’t crafts in the sense of grannies knitting in a circle. It’s one-of-a-kind designs, crafted by highly skilled artists who have had years and years of training. Here are just a few artists and shops you must check out in the Kilkenny area to get the full Irish design experience.

Millinery by Rebekah Patterson
Tucked upstairs in a building along the street across from the castle in Kilkenny is the home of a fantastic little hat shop. Rebekah Patterson creates her luscious and fanciful hats and fascinators right in her own store/studio. The best thing is, she can whip one up customized just for you and your special occasion. Her playful confections are just as bubbly as the creator.
rebekahpatterson.com

Bonzie Designs
When you have Courtney Love eyeing and purchasing your pieces, you know you’re on to something that’s not only eclectic but pretty funky too. Yvonne Crotty’s Bonzie Designs is located in nearby Waterford and is definitely worth the quick drive. Her vintage-inspired, theatrical, Victorian-esque pieces have been a massive success on etsy.com. It might not be your typical idea of Irish fashion but that’s just what makes it so appealing.
bonziedesigns.com

Heidi Higgins
To sum up Heidi’s designs (who has set up shop in Portlaoise) you can think of two words – tailored and colour. “I like lines that are simple, minimal and structured as such,” explains the designer who also worked for Louise Kennedy. And her fashion can range from something a 25-year-old would wear to something a 60-year-old would try. It’s all in how you accessories and pair her classic cuts that come in vibrant shades of fuchsia, cobalt and red. And she has expensive tastes in fabrics – often sourcing her silks and chiffons from Paris. If you’re looking for chic, classic with a splash of bright hues, Heidi’s creations will fit the bill.
heidihiggins.com

Jewels more your thing? Check out some amazing designers after the jump!

Read the rest of this entry