The Betsey Johnson show at Liberty Grand was the talk of the town as the finale for Toronto Fashion Week. Montreal’s Blondish on the ones and twos and famous supermodel Aggy D, plus a show and glamour of course. Take a look at the lovely photos from guest photog, Matt Vardy.

Editor’s Note: If Toronto Fashion Week had real friends, they would tell her that the lighting was garish at the Allstream Centre, that the Allstream Centre was basically in Etobicoke. She would hold her while she cried for nights on end about how there is no support and no money for young talent in Toronto or Canada and that’s why she must keep whoring her self, for cheaper and cheaper as the years go on and she sinks further into the depths of “for real? this is the best you can do?” If Toronto Fashion Week had any real friends, maybe they would save her from herself.

In any case, Pinkie braved what she could and found something nice to say about almost everyone…

Its officially day three of Toronto’s LG Fashion Week, I know already.

I kept it pretty low key the first couple days, but no more!!

Today on the schedule is Orange by Angela Chen, Lundström Collection and Evan Biddell.

Vancouver native Angela Chen who first launched her line, Orange, in New York City but is hitting the home crowd for the first time and she didn’t disappoint. The show was cleverly named “Contrast” and you can see why, as the 23 looks stormed down the runway in shades of black and white. Colour wasn’t the only contrast though, Angela ingeniously contrasted the concrete chic with soft, natural organic elements. This season, Angela’s collection wasn’t about neon brights, or glitzy fabrics encrusted with the sort of gemstones you might see at jewellers like Seventy Seven Diamonds, but focused more on earthy fabrics and muted tones. She accomplished this statement with her use of fabric; wool suiting, silk organza, wool coating, and hand-knit wool and mohair yarn.

The is was a collection of fundamental pieces… the sheer silk organza blouse was delightful with just enough “ummmff” in the sleeves, basic skirts and shorts were draped with soft ripples which managed not to take over the garment. What caught my eye was her attention to detail on the back of the body from pleats, drapes and bows very tactful. My favourites would have to be those lovely oversized hand-knit sweaters that Angela knitted herself, the necklines cascaded, the sleeves ballooned. At times the knits resembled sweaters, capes, dresses, pullovers, shrugs of all lengths that demanded attention as they encased the runway as the fall ”must-haves”. The final pieces in the collection were the pièce de résistance sparkly hand-knit dresses with a sultry flow and swag. Angela, its official you found a new muse… me!!

For More Photos From The Orange Show, Click Here!

Lundstrom

We all know the Lundström name, so imagine the when we heard they were debuting a collection.

Let’s not forget though folks all ties have been cut with award-winning Canadian designer Linda Lundström, but a little bit of her was still evident. With that said you can imagine how packed the show was. The collection made its debut with 39 outfits with inviting ivories, creme camel and chocolate flooded,  and an slight attack of animal prints were also on the lose in the cobra jacquard and leopard-patterned silk.

Numerous shades of gray were on display in boiled wool, mohair and flannel skirts, a metallic boucle coat and skirt in silverish tone and a sheath dress in heather gray I had to catch my breath. Burst of colour were far and few, in shades of claret and turmeric, the pop for me was the claret mohair wrap ensemble layered over the gray pieces… had the entire crowd!! And paired with elbow high gray leather gloves can we say cherry on top.

A magnificent Balmoral plaid coat with a shawl collar sprawling off the shoulder and around the back, with partially inverted pleat that closes with a zipper, layered over a chocolate mohair cardi, with claret turtleneck anchored by delightful riding pants.

Of course the irrestible alpaca cuddle coats that snuggled you in shades of black, and walnut you, and the peacoat in midnight with captivating back seams. We shalt not forget the sequins, my BFF and my fave outfit happened to be the black sequined skirt topped with the white blouse with the cascading collar or maybe the black sequin tunic. They even put sequins on a mohair evening, I swear!! Everyone held their breathes for the LaParka outerwear and capes, relax they’re still here, but the new Collection has a lil more of luxury swag in cashmere, mohair, camel and alpaca. The grande finale was an exposed back bias-cut silk velvet gown in jet black blinged out in crystal ornamentation by Shay Lowe.

Will this be enough to carry on the Lundstrom name… We’ll just have to wait and see.

Evan Biddell

Evan Biddell was next on the runway with is collection that pushed the envelope and bursted it open.

The show began with a short whimiscal French-inspired film which introduced the audience to the cast of this production. The collection was titled “Prehistory” featuring Andy Warhols-inspired prints, black neoprene, leather and cork, yes I said cork and its looks divine.

Biddell contorted fabrics and silhouettes Iike the exaggrated thighs FYI the harem pants and tuxedo leggings, backs scalloped and draped all at once, the futuristic shapes.

The crowd was on its heels for the gold kimono with massively elongated shoulders, hoods where structured and bomber jacket, shorts and several shirt dresses. The insane leather fringes hung long, draped on the front and back of models, even at times tucked in, I must find a way to pull this off!!

Today on the schedule for Day 4: Jessica Biffi, Pink Tartan, Joe Fresh

Jessica Biffi

Day 4 kicked off with an initimate LGFW VIP media event for Jessica Biffi’s “plus” line ‘Bold Biffi for MXM’ collection which will be available exclusively at 40 Penningtons stores across Canada. Don’t get it twisted fashionistas just cause it was dubbed a “plus” doesn’t me there is anything lacking in the style department. The pieces are designed make a woman feel confident, Biffi says. “It’s all about making women feel good,” she says. “I’m all about power dressing. That’s what I keep in mind when designing: will a woman feel powerful in it?” The collection has amazing wardrobe pieces which are perfect for mixing n matching… the skinny jean, tunic, shrug, coat you know staples. I must say you can tell its Biffi she has her colour all over… she referred to the hues as “primary colours” infused with lovely gem tones in purple and blue.

The outfit that totally did me was the red trench coat over a yellow draped tunic or the pleated tube in white with the black shrug and the dark skinnies, like outfit right there done. What made the event that much better was you actually were able to get a few words in with her and really see how much this means to her, especially assisting plus women with feeling like the can be fashionable.

I would like to thank Jessica from the bottom of our Pink Mafia heart’s for answering our 20 Questions, your the bestest!!

Pink Tartan

One of the most awaited shows @ LGFW is Pink Tartan and you know why when you enter the room. Literally a sea of fashion elite crammed in like sardines in a can. When the show began we all knew why.

The collection had the usual fall colour palette grays, blacks, beiges, whites and the colour pop her was a red which was in dresses .The designs were aviation inspired but to the tenth power… lets just say Amelia Earheart would have a field day. A basic silhouette of A-line dresses and skirts, tailored blouses where still present amidst the chic eye-catching-details like touches of laces, zippers, billowly bows long sleeve turtlenecks and collars of real fur.  The signature finishing to each look was leather aviator caps which I loved… especially the silverly sequin one (we’ll just have to wait and see if this trend takes off). What I really want to know is where I can get my hands on those bubble jackets… especially that charcoal gray bubble jacket with massive hood. The apple of my eye was the model carrying bouquet of white flowers the graceful mini cream dress with a puff skirt, with capped sleeves rained with pearls.

Joe Fresh

Last up to bat was Joe Fresh, which is what I came for, but if you thought Pink Tartan was crammed then this was busting at the seams. Many of the fashion elite have a little beef with consumer brands like Joe Fresh, but it is what it is fashion can be accessible to all. Designer Joesph Mimran’s collection, took some of the essential looks for fur, sequins and capes and transformed them in accessible pieces in this rough economy. A relaxed military chic embodied the collection in neutral tones dolled up in velvet, metallics and zippers. As always the one thing I truly love about Joe Fresh is the outwear, that camo parka, fur peacoat and mohair trench, enough said!! Did anyone else notice the shoes… oxfords, lether stud boots, dessert boots. I can’t wait… and neither can my pocketbook. Off to Loblaws we go!!

Happy Fashion Week!!!

xoxo

Pinkie

Because they just can’t stay away, Vampire Weekend once more played Toronto last night. In a decided move from indie to mainstream, the venue took a serious upgrade to the size of Sound Academy. My disdain for all ages shows aside, they rocked the house.

I had previously seen this band play at smaller venues and had slight trepidation about their ability to cater to a large crowd. Such concerns were unfounded. Front man Ezra Koenig showed Toronto some love, making mention of their frequency in this town. The commentary was otherwise sparse, and the band delved into song after song pulling the crowd in whatsoever direction they chose.  New favourites off album Contra got voices raised. The sing-along attempt at “Diplomat’s Son” was humorously bad, a great deal of muddled lyrics as few knew the actual words, yet all chirped in to the familiar chorus.”Taxi” slowed the movement down, the kind of beat that begs for a joint and a bonfire. “Oxford Comma”, likely their finest track, was met with thunderous cheers. For this track I elected to move to the front of the crowd. Ah, and here is why I can enjoy all ages shows, tossing 16 year olds out the way is no big thing. Glad I did, but my legs are now sore.

I’m a staunched hater of the clichéd encore, we know you’re coming back until the lights go up. Come on Vampire Weekend, do you really need the validation of cheering fans to grace us with your last 3 songs? We all paid to be here, clearly we like you just fine.

Regardless, the encore was the perfect cap to the night. “Horchata” and “Walcott” left us on an upbeat high.  Admittedly, the cloud of weed looming over the crowd might have also left us high. There was a whole world of eyes closed and gentle swaying as Ezra crooned.  For me Vampire Weekend will always be summer music, best played on yachts and at cabins. Rich kids singing about being rich, stricken with butler emergencies and Louis Vuitton plights. This is music I can get behind.  Now the mad exodus and scramble for cabs post-show at Sound Academy? Not so much.

Words: Darien Campbell

We don’t watch a lot of TV cause we’re too busy dominating dance floors, but this one time we re-decorated our living rooms whilst watching Project Runway and totally fell for the winner of that season Jessica Biffi. In any case, today she’s launching two, count em, TWO plus size lines in stores and online. Jessica Biffi for Addition Elle and Bold Biffi for MXM. She’s also gonna road trip that stuff across Canada to promote them with in store parties. Dude, she is so bomb. In any case, girl took the 20 Qs with flying colours!

____________________________

1. What is your dream of happiness?

Being dressed all in white, in a totally white room and having a neon paint fight.

2. Blonde or Brunette?

Brunette.  I used to be one, before I started on my quest for red hair.  And I love they way they look wearing gold.

3. What is the quality you like most in a man?

Humour and wit!  I dude has got to be able to make fun of himself and make me laugh.  My good guy friends are funny, and if he can’t keep up with us – its not going to work.

4. What do you fear most?

CLOWNS!  Seriously.  I hate them.  Like cry like a small child kind of hate.  I really don’t know why I do – but I do.  They are not funny, or cute and yet, used so often!

5. 808s or 909s?

Whichever makes me wanna dance first.

6. What’s your biggest regret?

That is still haven’t gone out for Halloween as Rainbow Bright.  I designed myself this bomb outfit complete with fabric covered Moon Boots, I never give myself enough time to make that thing.

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?

I have to fess up and say that I don’t really do the bar or club thing a lot, but when I do go out, I’m all about the gay bars (I’m a fruit fly – I follow my boys).  I just moved to the Design District so I’m still checking out the west end night life.  But I have to say that Our House, will soon become a favourite I think.  And I’m in where ever YesYesY’all happens.

8. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

My iPhone 3GS.  I’m a slave to the technology!  My life is on that thing.  And of course I protect it in gold case…noticing a trend?

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform?

Elvis (both skinny and fat), RUN DMC, Madonna (during the Jean Paul Gaultier years).

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

I loves me some bump and grind of the late 80s and early 90s hip hop.

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?

Deaf.  I would rather still just be able to feel the beat of music than loose the ability to see the world.

12. How old is too old?

Hmmm…ask me when I’m old, and I will know then.

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Still having dance parties while I work on patterns, and doing what I love everyday, on a seriously pimp level.

14. Who’s your hero?

Alexander McQueen.  He changed my whole outlook in design and fashion.

15. What’s your favourite colour?

I can’t just pick one!  Green, purple…is gold considered a gold?

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?

The Climb – Miley Cyrus.

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Madonna – I love how many different women she has been.

18. What’s your most hated vice?

I love heels – but I hate them at the same time.

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

Hmmm…history was never my thing…

20. What are the top three live shows you’ve seen in your life?

Bush – I was so in love with Gavin Rossdale.   Future Sex/Lovesounds – Yes its Justin, but the dancing was amazing!  Adele – her voice is amazing.

Are you the type that’s always looking for the next big thing?  Then look no further, because Sweden’s Miike Snow are pretty much the definition of eclectic and hot, if their 2009 album self titled debut album is anything to go by.  With an upcoming SOLD OUT gig in Toronto on April 3rd at the Phoenix, I had the opportunity to speak with member of the group, Andrew Wyatt about what the future holds for Miike Snow.

Andrew spoke candidly about meeting bandmates Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg (the heavy hitting producing team, known as Bloodshy & Avant).  “Christian and I met at a recording studio in NYC, our paths just crossed and we had been in touch ever since.  We wanted to create some something together that didn’t sound like a rehash of an old style.  Of course, we appreciate all of the old bands and music.  We wanted to create something that sounded new.”  From that chance meeting, Miike Snow was born.

The music, the image, the symbolism for the entire band was brought together as these three musical heavy hitters, as Andrew explains, locked themselves in a room together and rode the roller coaster together. “All of the first ideas we had, we just kind of stuck with.  Once you start getting them, you can’t stop.  We didn’t want to try for revisions and we didn’t want to try re-inventing the wheel.” With that frame of mind, the self-titled album was born and they’ve made it onto several “10 Bands to Watch” lists, especially with their non-stop touring and epic live shows.

As the band has been touring endlessly across North America, most recently in Austin for SXSW and getting rave reviews, Andrew tells me it’s been great to be on the road with the album.  “It’s great to connect with people and play the music.  Each show we’ve played the crowds have been diverse.  Be it a nice large venue or a small venue, it’s still fun.  It doesn’t effect the music.”  But with all the touring, has the band been able to work on any material for a second album?  Andrew tells me it hasn’t been possible, as the ideas that they have for a second album are not possible to record on a laptop or a tour bus.  But that the ideas are there and they do want to put them into fruition.

Besides the touring and potential second album happening, I asked Andrew what else Miike Snow is planning for the future.  His answer was simple: “Become as much as we can.  Buying our own island.  Building bonfires on this island.  Inviting all of our friends to the island.  Taking lots of psychedelic drugs and going to the place where time never was.  You can come too.”  Well, hey – I like that that answer.

I’m off to join Miike Snow on their private island, but in the meantime – if you’re able to jack a b**ch for some tickets to the Toronto show on April 3rd, I’d highly suggest doing so.  It’s probably something you don’t want to miss

John O’Regan is one of Toronto’s most versatile artists. Originally known as being one of the founding members and the front man of post-punk quartet The D’Urbervilles, John O has been changing things up lately. After exploding on the scene with an immediate Pitchfork favourite with “All Yr Songs”–needless to say, his alter-ego Diamond Rings, has been getting a lot of press.

Hot off the cover of Eye Weekly, Diamond Rings has returned from his stint at SXSW. Before that, he toured Quebec with Owen Pallett, and has been raising the profile on queer musicians and gender-bending theory.

With a handful of rocking videos directed by Colin Medley, Diamond Rings, who defines his music as “melodramatic popular song” has the potential to really go far with his simple beats and eccentric style. Pink Mafia had the chance to chat with him about style essentials, split stage personas and re-inventing the wheel.

Pink Mafia: You’re a man of two tales: first, fronting The D’Urbs and now as Diamond Rings. Your story of how The D’Urbervilles came to be is relatively well-known, but Diamond Rings is shrouded in a bit of mystery. What made you create not only a side project, but an entire alter-ego?

Diamond Rings: I love performing and wanted to find a way to play shows when the band couldn’t, basically. Doing something on my own seemed really practical but also exciting because I’d never performed solo before. The whole look is less an alter ego and more just an extension of a part of my own personality that I wanted to share with people.

PM: Glitter. Let’s talk about it. I’ve known you for a few years as the almost always sports-jersey or parka-wearing John O. When did the idea to transform yourself into what has since become Diamond Rings come about?

Again, the whole look is something that I’ve been working on for awhile and it’s happened relatively organically. I just knew that I didn’t want to go up on stage looking like a scruffy indie kid. I’m there to perform and take that responsibility seriously.

PM: Even the transition form the time you released your video “All Yr Songs” to what we saw at your performance at The Garrison for CMW, you’ve really upped your ante regarding your personal style and some would even suggest, costuming for your shows.

Like anything creative, Diamond Rings is growing and evolving over time. I’m getting more comfortable in my own skin and also want to keep things different and exciting for people. I still try to keep my outfits legit though – I wear them to the club and really try to blur the lines between daily living and performance. Otherwise it’s just not as transgressive.

PM: Must haves when creating the “Diamond Rings” persona.

Imagination and eyeshadow.

PM: Top five favourite style influences?

Dennis Rodman, Grace Jones, Salt N Pepa, Run DMC, Bowie.

PM: Least favourite fashion trend (current or passing).

Unoriginality.

FOR THE FULL ARTICLE CLICK HERE SON!

Welcome back fashion lovers, it’s time for another instalment of Fashion Tips With Jon and Jenny, right in time for Toronto Fashion Week. Not sure what to wear to that show next week? worried that you will be photographed in something atrocious at that after party? Never fear, we’re here to help.

Try not to wear any current high street store stock from places like Zara or H&M, not only will people recognize it, you could easily be caught in the same outfit as someone else.  if you are going to wear a piece from a mass retailer, wear something that is from a past season but still relevant. people won’t necessarily be able to put their finger on where they know it from, and your chances of showing up in the same floral dress as someone else will be slim to none.

Another trend we’ve noticed at pre-fashion week events is the serious abundance of boys dressed like girls.  I mean, we were only half joking when we said that tran trans are the next Dr. Martens, but after scoping some new tranny man meat at the Greta Constantine show we’re not so sure.  Not any all-american boy can pull this look off–you’ve got to have some serious confidence and the ability to walk in a stacked heel. Look out Cary Tauben and Fritz Helder, there are some new kids out to knock off your style.

After checking out all of the cotton candy hued hair this season, we think blondes really must have more fun!  We’ve spotted blondes toning their hair in colors ranging from light pink to fluorescent yellow, and any color in between a la Proenza SS 2010.  If your platinum blonde hair just isn’t making you feel like you stand out as much as it used to, revert back to your 90′s tween self and invest in some different colors of Manic Panic–you can change your color every week.  Use it for an all over tone, or change it up with a dip dye look.

We get it if you are going all “anti fur” in a Stella McCartney or Pam Anderson way, but listen, don’t’ claim your fake fur as real please.  There is no shame in wearing fakeif you are going to own up to it and create some sort of back story for your purchase, but don’t lie to us, we know that Le Chateau spun poly urethane vest is NOT rabbit.

Hey girls, FYI no one wants to see that pale winter belly during fashion week.  We are just coming out of winter in Toronto, so no judgment if that summer body isn’t there yet but if that’s the case, please, no crop tops.  Not only will people be silently judging  you, but there are swarms of models everywhere, and God forbid you get caught in the same frame as one of them while showing that not so hot muffin top.  Give yourself a break and at least wear something high waisted if you are just dying to wear that short shirt.

We understand wanting a head of messy curls, but lets make this a tip for all seasons: no freshly pressed hair.  The main goal here is to look effortlessly chic, not like you are dressed up for prom night.  When your hair moves as a single entity and you can’t run your fingers through it, you know you’ve gone too far.

Unless you’re Rihanna, no sunglasses at night.  That’s it.

It’s totally worth a shot to crash a show that you are dying to see, you really only have your dignity to lose so why not? If you’ve missed the RSVP or even if you weren’t invited, you might as well try.  Act like you belong, and get as much info on what the RSVP situation was like, so that you can answer unforeseen questions from the door girl.  If you show up at the door and a person with a list in hand awaits, try and do a quick scan of the names on the list, they will never remember who they gave John Doe’s spot to if he happens to show up.

Try to keep it business drunk.  We all know that the open bar is a nice touch to any fashion week show or party, but try not to get too crazy. It’s not a Vice party, act like you’re there for more than just the free booze.  Just remember that double fisting is not cute, at least consolidate your wine into one glass or ask for a heavy pour so that people can’t call you out on being a lush.

We’ve been seeing a lot of distressed fabric lately, and we’re not just talking denim.  While a distressed jean is totally in fashion right now (especially a lighter wash), we’ve had our eye on all of the hot young locals wearing those Thomas dresses.  This design duo has had some buzz in Toronto for the past couple of seasons, but it is great to see some more styles from them other than that coveted razored black shirt from last spring.

If you are lucky enough own a piece from the show you are seeing (and really, the season is irrelevant) make sure to show your love and wear it, even if it is an accessory or a layering piece. if not, try and invest in some of the local talent during fashion week, supporting Canadian fashion is always in style.

That’s all for now, we’ll be back for next season to save you from any future faux pas!

The Black Lips are a no holds bars kind of band known for their crude antics during stage shows and their no B.S. mentality. Because of this punk-rock attitude, they have slowly built a fanbase around those who enjoy their hodge podge sound of blues, rock, doo-wop, country, and punk. I was lucky enough to pin down guitarist Cole Alexander prior to the Black Lips two Toronto shows this weekend at the Horseshoe (Saturday March 27 and Sunday March 28 – both shows are SOLD OUT) to ask him Pink Mafia’s infamous 20 Questions. Here is what he had to say.

1. What is your dream of happiness?

It’s actually is a nightmare with clown on a merry-go-round. Shaking and dancing in the night.

2. Blonde or Brunette?

Red head.

3. What is the quality you like most in a man?

Good girth.

4. What do you fear most?

Pain.

5. 808s or 909s?

404′s. That is what I use on stage.

6. What’s your biggest regret?

Not smoking weed when I was 13.

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?

Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.

8. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Raw oysters.

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform?

(1) Rev. Julius Cheeks
(2) Charlie Patton
(3) Strathcomb aka Virgiltrou

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

The 60s

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?

I think I’d go blind because I could still perform music like a blind man. Everyone thinks a blind man has soul.

12. How old is too old?

You’re never too old.

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

In the senate.

14. Who’s your hero?

Ted Turner.

15. What’s your favourite colour?

Cream.

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?

American Pie by Don McLean.

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Nirvana, by far. Saw them in concert during In Utereo tour, awesome.

18. What’s your most hated vice?

Dehydration.

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

Adolf Hitler.

20. What are the top three live shows you’ve seen in your life?

(1) Nirvana, In Utero tour.
(2) Jean Conte and the Shrines in 2008
(3) BMPQ

I told you over a year ago that if I had my own personal Myspace, Asher Roth and I would be top friends. And I stand by my previous statement. Asher Roth is still killing it on a daily basis. With a more mature sound Asher is coming at us with his new mix-tape, Seared Foie Gras with Quince and Cranberry. He proves to still be as witty as the devil. He still tosses verbal jabs at celebs. And he is still dirt nasty, minus the actual STDs.

I mean this boy has a whole song about female pube maintenance. I know it seems impossible to be in love with a guy like that but just take a listen to the new mix tape and all your boyfriends will be scuuuured. In general the whole CD just has a more mature, grown up sound, the content i still what you’ve come to love about Asher, but the beats are less annoying and even his voice has roughed out a bit. Roth is really stepping it up on this mix-tape. He’s been getting heat for not taking his career opportunities serious enough, die hard fans can’t believe that he hasn’t hit MEGA HUGE FAME GLORY yet. So Asher is stepping up with his Foie Gras mix-tape and the sounds are working out well. The mix-tape has different types of collabs with Timbaland, Kanye West, the RZA, Travis Barker and Talib Kweli. So if that’s not stepping up, then I don’t want to be stepping anywhere.

What I love most about Roth is that the content on the mix-tape is so current. He’s like a pop culture rapper. For instance if our blog was a rap song it’d be one off his mix-tape. He’s yapping about Matthew McConaughey and his bongos. And even better he spits a line about Tapanga from Boy Meets World. and EVEN BETTER he shouts out to my favorite guidos, “ everybody in the front do the guido fist pump”!

It might not be gritty, but it’s hella clever and it’s funny.

And it’s worth the listen.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD IT

“This is a cause that needs a lot more attention than it’s getting” Jeanne Beker, host of Celebrate Women, a fundraiser, fashion show and luncheon said from the podium on the catwalk. Yes, catwalk. It was at least 80 feet long in the opulent “Acadian Court” room in The Bay. Nope, not stuttering there either, that’s THE Bay.

The Room at the Bay has a history that goes back to fashion shows as early as 1929. It used to be THE place to shop for all of Toronto’s blue blood’s. Before Yorkville, before Holt’s, there was The Room. And it’s relaunching this year. They teamed up with the ever fabulous Jeanne Beker, the face of Fashion television, Jennifer Fournier, former principal dancer at the National Ballet of Canada, and songstress Molly Johnson for Celebrate Women, a fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Canada and the official launch of the room’s Spring Collection.

Why should you care? Cause the clothes were fabulous darling. I mean from the Kenzo to the Proenza Schouler, if i had the body of a gazelle, I would be wearing every single piece! And because ovarian cancer has staggering statistics in women. In fact 2500 Canadian women are diagnosed every year, 1700 of which don’t survive 5 years. The crappiest part in all this is that diagnosed early, there is a 90% survival rate but there is NO early detection test. Even worse, the symptoms are bloating, pain and a host of other vague symptoms that most women experience and learn to live with early on in life.

Amanda and Ashleigh, The Society

What was it like? It was champagne before noon in The Room, it was lunch under the chandeliers at the Acadian Court, it was moving and poignant speeches by women of all ages who were either cancer survivors or who had lost a loved one to this terrible disease. It was glamour for a cause, and i hope a little rubs off on you here today.

Co-Chair of PR Committee for Celebrate Women: Her Worship Sandra Anstey and friend Theresa Nowakowski

Let’s get this early detection device out there as soon as possible shall we? To learn more, tell a friend or donate to the cause, CLICK HERE.

Lady Gaga has definitely become the new ‘Madonna’, and I don’t expect her to go away anytime soon. Gazing through the Metro this morning I noticed an article entitled, “Music videos are an endangered species on TV but online they’re thriving.” It then described the artist who hasn’t lost faith in the music video, Lady Gaga.

Most of you have probably seen her new video, along with, probably since this morning, more than 30 million views since it was aired on Vevo and Youtube last Thursday: Telephone. Lady Gaga is single handedly recreating the music video.

The Quentin Tarantino inspired video (which again has had 20 million + views since Thursday) of course has a lot of deeper meaning than we think. Lady G quoted that she is “trying to convolute everyone’s idea of what a pop music video should be.”
Apparently, according to MTV in the UK, Quentin wants to use Lady Gaga in his next movie as an assassin.  I’m not sure how that will work out, but of course we’re excited. Kill Bill volume III maybe?

All I have to say is one word. Ferosh.

If you haven’t seen the video yet (which you should have), take a look:

We LOVE Lady Gaga.

This lineup for Digital Future was HUGE!  Calvin Harris, Laidback Luke, Annie Mac, Toddla T, Fake Blood, Nero — danggone. It was making me reminiscent of the days of my youth when I used to attend (gasp!) RAVES at the Sound Academy.  I know, right?  So this lineup was a rave for the future.

Strutting into the venue that evening around 10:30PM, I was surprised to see it was already nicely filled out.  Nasty Nav was getting the crowd warmed up in the main room before BBC Radio 1‘s own Annie Mac took to the stage.  I know that for myself, I’ve been listening to Annie since I was about sixteen years old.  To me, she’s bigger than any of the dudes that were playing tonight and I’m pretty much in love with her.  But me and my mates are probably the only ones who felt that way.

Getting our prime “Annie Mac brockout” places – Annie takes to the stage, with patented curly hair in tow and we get ready.  Her hour long set took us on a journey of just about every kind of EDM (electronic dance music) the UK is heavy into right now and TO is eating up.  Going through some house, grime and dubstep (which got the biggest reaction).  She ended her set with “Heads will Roll (A-Trak remix)” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and “Bigger Than Hip Hop” by Dead Prez.   By the end of her set, the crowd was a giant sea of people.

Next up was the man himself, Calvin Harris.  This man has been making waves since 2007 with his single “Acceptable in the 80s”. His brand of disco electro pop is bounceable, danceable and infectious.  So he was the best follow up to Annie Mac’s journey through EDM. It was clear that most in the house were here to see this man because as soon as he stepped to the decks, people began to loose their collective minds.  Playing many of his original tunes remixed and others – the crowd was begging him for mercy & asking for more.  Harris definitely knows how to work the crowd into a frenzy, that is for sure.  Girls working their hips and guys taking full well advantage of it.  It’s funny what a little bass music can do to ya?  I practically saw two people humping on the dancefloor to Harris.  Amazing, right?

As clock wound down on his set, I decided to head over to the other room to check out grime/dubstep DJ Toddla T.  All I can say is wow.  Stepping into this room made me definitely feel like I was back in a rave back in 1998.  I was never really a fan of jungle but Toddla T had me on my feet and dancing.  He didn’t just play dubstep but went all over the spectrum of dub reggae, jungle, garage and hip hop.  All the dedicated heads were going nuts and the room was getting sweaty.  This meant it was a successful set.  I don’t think the entire time he was on I stopped dancing.  The only downfall to Toddla’s set was the MC – who OK, maybe I’m being harsh.  The MC didn’t harm Toddla’s set.  He just didn’t add anything to it for me.  It was unnecessary. From there, I saw that Laidback Luke was on and decided to head back in to the main room.

Holy hell – that was a good & bad idea.  First of all, was the main room at capacity?  I couldn’t get anywhere without it feeling like a frigging sauna and pushing people.  Which is always a downer. Second of all, finally got to where I was going and I felt like I was going to pass out.  That’s OK because Laidback Luke was killing it on the decks.  I tried to stay in this cool area of the room and just wild out as much as I possibly could.  Luke was breezing through a bunch of recognizable house and dance hits and putting the crowd through its paces.  The crowd felt like it was going through one giant orgasm working through buildup after buildup, then finally getting our release.  Oh, Luke.  You tease!!

Got to see a bit of Nero banging out some bass-heavy beats and dubstep.  The kind of dubstep that Nero plays is dirty dirty dirty.  It makes you want to get low.  It makes you want to get on a bassface (not the same as a duckface).  But it makes you want to want to dance hard.  I was sad I only got to catch a bit of this set and didn’t get to catch more.  Because of what I did catch of it, holy hell.  It was epic dirty hotness.

From here, I snaked my way back into the main room to catch a bit of Fake Blood.  But it was all getting to be a bit much.  I decided to stay for the first little bit of Fake Blood’s set before I hopped into my pumpkin (aka. Beck Taxi Cab) and scurried back to Parkdale.  Fake Blood was as good as always.  Heavy and hard and making you want me.  I only wish it wasn’t so hot and packed.

All I can say is that if this is what the Future holds for us Toronto, then we should be so lucky.  I’ve been waiting for big parties like this to happen again.  Alas, it’s been a long time since a GOOD crop like this has come up.  So embrace the digital future while its here folks!

Words by: Amanda
Photos by: Jessica McCauley

The biggest event of the year is coming up: Digital Future at the Sound Academy! It’s going to be packed with the hottest DJ’s, and basically going all night. So get your tickets to Digital Future and go, Saturday March 20th.

We’re going to twittering live at the event, so tune in to find out what’s going on.

Here’s the set list:

Stage 1:

Milano 4:30am – close

Boy 8-Bit 3:30am – 4:30am

Fake Blood 2:30am – 3:30am

Laidback Luke 1:00am – 2:30am

Calvin Harris 12:00pm – 1:00am

Annie Mac 11:00pm – 12:00am

Nasty Nav 10:00pm – 11:00pm

Meech 9:00pm – 10:00pm

Stage 2:

XI 3:30am – close

Martyn 2:30am – 3:30am

Nero 1:30am – 2:30am

Toddla T 12:30am – 1:30am

Marcus Visionary 11:45pm – 12:30am

Zeds’ Dead 11:00pm – 11:45pm

Hydee 10:00pm – 11:00pm

Playstation Room hosted by YYZ Records

Vitaminsforyou 2:10am – 3am

Aeroplane 12:10am – 2:10am

TMDP 11:30-pm -12:10am

Jeremy Glenn 10:50pm – 11:30pm

The Jackals 10pm – 10:50pm

We’ll be covering the show for all of you who missed it,  don’t worry.