Elle Canada - The Elle Word

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

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

by Jennifer Weatherhead

I’ve moved on from Dublin (for now) to explore some smaller cities in Ireland and what they have to offer shopping-wise. And you know what? I love Kilkenny. Not just because it’s quaint, charming and filled with loads of great pubs. You need to visit Kilkenny because of their steeped arts and crafts history. And when I say crafts, I don’t mean hobbiests … I mean highly skilled, trained, talented people who make stunning jewellery from sheets of metal and customized, chic hats. Seriously, Kilkenny is a happening spot if you’re at all interested in shopping, arts and design (and I know you Elle readers are!). More on that later … first though, a guide to boutiques about town. Places where you’ll find great deals, designer pieces and more.

Shop with a stylist
Just by visiting Kilkenny, you get the chance to book yourself a one-on-one two-hour shopping excursion with Kilkenny’s own stylist (slash former model) Karen Morrissey. She’ll guide you around the shops and help you pick out new outfits from local designers and boutiques. You’ll find tucked away shops that you’d never even think to look into but that are real gems for a pair of designer heels, a unique cocktail dress or covetous jewels.
kilkennytourism.ie

Ten
Located on the Parade across from Kilkenny’s stunning castle, you’ll find Ten Boutique nestled at the back of the building. Carrying lines such as Carven (an Alexa Chung fave), J. Brand Jeans, New York label Tucker and more, Ten offers up chic wear for the small city of Kilkenny. The best sellers are usually brightly-hued silk tops and girly dresses.
tenboutique.ie Read the rest of this entry

by Jennifer Weatherhead

We spend time catching up with one of Ireland’s hottest fashion exports, Louise Kennedy.

She’s besties with Jeanne Beker (they have been friends for over a decade), just started a bridal collection after 27 years in the fashion biz, and hopes to make her way back to Toronto sometime in the near future. We chatted with the Irish designer about Dublin hot spots, travel musts and what makes her luxe line so Irish and international at the same time.

Louise Kennedy has become synonymous with Irish fashion. Her clean, classic lines and bold bright colour choices have put her not only on the Irish design map, but the fashion world’s map as well. And her shop in Dublin has clearly become a destination for visitors looking for her clothing and more — she also has a line of crystal, a selection of other design and home products that she handpicks, and now her 25-piece bridal collection.

Why start a bridal collection?
“It was the next natural progression. From my collection, to a crystal collection (which Jeanne Beker helped launch in the Irish high-end department store Brown Thomas) and eventually we will do china, after 27 years it was natural to get into the new market of bridal.”

Explain a bit about the bridal collection.
“There are 25 dresses, all completely bespoke. It was created for the non-traditional bride. It’s leaner, more about the cut and the body and very ’30s inspired. I guess I’ve always been known for cut and technique and timelessness. This brings in the detailing and craftsmanship to the bridal collection. At our store it’s a very seamless experience for the bride.”

Describe Irish fashion.
“From my personal perspective, we’re all about tailoring and international and not necessarily the heritage of Ireland. A lot of people outside of Ireland think we’re American based. It’s not necessarily Irish influenced and more about the woman and what will look good on her. I love fine fabrics and silks and use them a lot.” Read the rest of this entry

by Lara Ceroni

To prove the point that celebrity moms are capable of doing just about anything and everything (we’re talking to you, Goop!) Tiny Prints, an online site for greeting cards and stationary, has collaborated with newly-minted mothers Miranda Kerr, Ali Larter and Georgina Champan to design limited-edition Mother’s Day cards to benefit Baby Buggy; Jessica Seinfeld’s charity aiding underprivileged families with young children.

We love them all and think it a befitting tribute to stylish mothers everywhere. What do you think? Which one best represents your mom?

For more information and where to buy, please visit: www.tinyprints.com

by ELLECanada.com

The designer is fired from his line after his anti-Semitic remarks earlier this year.

The British-born designer – who was sacked from French couture house Christian Dior after going on an anti-Semitic rant in a Parisian cafe during which he said he loved Adolf Hitler – has now also been removed from his post at his self-titled business after the board met and decided to eject him.

Christian Dior, which owns 91 per cent of Galliano’s business, has now received expression of interest from a number of companies interested in purchasing it.

The current in-house design team for the brand is being charged with creating a new collection and is already working on a pre-spring collection.

John Galliano’s show at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year was axed at the last minute following the anti-Jewish rant. Read the rest of this entry