TEINT IDOLE ULTRA 24H

I’m usually not one for endorsing products, BUT it seems that Lancôme Canada has won me over. I was asked to take the new TEINT IDOLE ULTRA 24H out for a test drive and I feel in LOVE… and became a Lancôme | Teint Idole!! At first I was very iffy especially with the matching of shades (c’mon I am a black girl), I was pleasantly surprised that the shade matched perfectly and even more impressed with the light, smooth texture. Be sure to check out my portrait by Shane Turner and my full review on Lancôme Canada… here’s a sneak peek!!

Ok so we’ve established that the internet is obsessed with tumblr. To me it’s kind of like what stumbleupon was a year ago in terms of procrastination strategies. It can be super hipster-y I know but it’s all in finding the right blogs. Pinterest has popped up and gained popularity but it just seems like  tumblr for shitty people. Anyways the explosion of tumblr has been closely followed with the explosion of GIFs. And I LOVE GIFs. It’s the perfect middle ground when a picture isn’t enough and videos are too long. I mean- Bill Cosby! Oh haii. this is amazing. Social media is now chalk full of ways for you to form a drool puddle on your trackpad in about 30 seconds (foodgawker, why?)So I forced myself to go through tons of food GIFs to find the best/tastiest/ most hunger-inducing food-centric images and a couple of recipes to accompany them. And a warning these are best observed on a full stomach, unless you have the munchies then you’re just screwed.

Ladies are finally starting to take their drinking seriously. Gone are the cosmos and in are whiskey sours. And I am so relieved (For my personal opinions on alcohol see this post).  Though I may not be able to hold my own in a scotch discussion beer is a whole other story. I spent a lot of the summer with a friend (aka The Brewmaster) who was brewing his own and heard endless stories about beer. The thing about beer is it’s easy to choose a brand (or the cheapest available) and stick with it forever. And that’s a sin because beer is so much more than coronas. If you know a little about beers not only will you be the hottest girl at the bar drinking a Guinness but you can save that Bud Lime for your beach weekend. The way it should be.Beer class is in session, bring on Oktoberfest.

What is this that I’m drinking?

Seriously, beer is just fermented, hop flavored, malt sugar tea. There are four basic things needed to make beer: water, malted barley, and hops. Yeast, is used to ferment the hop flavored malt sugar tea into an effervescent liquid with an average of between three and seven percent ethyl alcohol by weight. So realistically, your Heineken is mostly water (Healthy right?).

What do you mean there are different kinds?

There are really only two different kinds of beer: lager and ale. Each made with a different kind of yeast. Labels may refer to different styles of beer. The basics includes:

Pilsner is a light-straw colored, full -bodied, lagered, beer named after the town of Pilsen, Creemore makes a great one.

India Pale Ale is so named because it had to endure long sea voyages and scurvy in England to outposts across the ocean, had to be a high gravity, well hopped brew to enable it to last the voyage and not spoil. This is not a beer for pussies and it takes some getting used to.

Porter is sharp, dark and a little bitter, like Jim Morrison in a bottle. It’s strong with a little bit of a chocolate/coffee flavor.

Stout If you’re afraid to drink stout raise your hand. Remembering that bad St.Patty’s where you almost hurled after a sip of Guinness? Those days are over. If you approach a good stout like a meal and sip slow. St. Ambroise Oatmeal stout is to die for.

Wheat Beer is the lightest of German beers and my personal favorite, it’s a little fruity and very light. They’re easy to play with so wheat beers are a favorite for seasonals and fruit beers, like St. Ambroise Apricot beer.

Other favorites from the Brewmaster: Beau’s IPA, Netherworld Cascadian Dark, and Cameron’s Auburn.

Happy Drinking! Don’t puke.

Meet Lubica – last week her collection was showcased at Toronto’s Alternative Fashion Week (also known as FAT). She is Slovakian but is now living large, travelling between Jamaica and Toronto to showcase her wares.  She looks like a model and is a totally rad chick. We hope you like her as much as we do.

1. What is your dream of happiness?

If I could eat everything and not get fat and/or if Chocolate cake burned calories.

2. Blonde or Brunette?

Brunette

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

Honesty

4. What do you fear most?

Airplanes.

5. 808s or 909s?

808s.

6. What’s your biggest regret?

I can’t say ;)
7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?

Fiction in Kingston, Jamaica (for now)

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

My concealer.

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

Madonna, Prince and Bob Marley.

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

80s.

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

Deaf because I want to see the man I’m with! …and so i can design of course! ;)

12. How old is too old?

For what.

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

No idea – alive,happy.

14. Who’s your hero?

My parents.

15. What’s your favourite colour?

Purple and lime green.

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

There are way too many

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Madonna

18. What’s your most hated vice?

Lying.

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

Napoleon

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

Tami Chynn, Karel Gott, Cirque de Soleil.

As we all know Toronto is home to many a “street style”  model and budding designers. This is a city that is devoted to style, and FAT celebrates that!

This year’s line up featured a bevy of talented local and international designers. The shows offer them a chance to show off their goods to fashion bloggers/store buyers and the like, vying for an opportunity to be transported to Marc Jacobs status.

Click here to see the 2011 FAT-Schedule

Some of my personal favourites were (in no particular order):

ICA Watermelon – madly delicious knitwear. Thick headbands, knit strapless dresses and killer booties.

Lubica (20 questions with her will be up later this week) – perfect for summertime. She uses jersey material because it’s the easiest thing to wear in Jamaica (where she’s based). Think tight, and/or bright and totally hot.

Martin Lim – clothing had great cuts, the hair styles matched the looks perfectly, and the pieces would work well in any transitional season.

Jessica Clayton – the photobloggers sitting beside me kept ooh-ing and ahh-ing over this one, and I’d have to agree. The whole line was absolute perfection. There was not one item I didn’t fall in love with.

Honourable mention: Toxic Vision – although I unfortunately didn’t get to see this show she makes kick-ass one of a kind pieces that I’ve been loving for a very long time. If Juliette Lewis and a member from Iron Maiden had a baby, these clothes would be their love child.

Here are some assorted pictures of the week’s events

Photos by Alla Dudin and Madelaine Robertson

I really don’t understand the hatred felt towards Valentine’s day. I thought we were over the whole 1973 celebrating Christmas in October because then it won’t be commercialized anger towards the man schtik. To me Valentine’s is a mid-winter pick me up that gives the world permission to gorge themselves on chocolate, unnecessarily rich food and champagne. Obviously, like any woman, I’d rather be surprised with a bouquet of daisies out of no where, but I try not to expect these things from a boyfriend on a student budget.  Men on the other hand, hate Valentine’s day because not only is it another date to remember but the appropriate gift can be impossible to find. Personally, I set a low budget and gave express instructions: underwear and cheesy chocolates. Guys seem to get the short end of the stick on valentines, if you take the time, nothing says “I love you” like a vintage playboy and a six-pack.

On the other hand men’s underwear have taken a sharp turn thanks to the efforts of Andrew Christian and his built in penis underwear . Check out these, uh, flattering briefs.

If embellishing underwear isn’t your thing or it’s too early on to figure out a gift that doesn’t scream, “Look at me! Notice me! Marry me!” the homemade meal for two is my personal favorite. Not only does it give reason to splurge on lobster, tenderloin, and oysters but it’s cheaper than a night out and cozier too. For Valentine’s I’ve got your basics covered with these two options: A) A sexy brunch in bed preferably served in your skivvies or B) Romantic candlelit dinner on the couch. There’s no need to be too formal or you’ll just end up run ragged with the details. The following menus are perfect for most any occasion where you want to make an impression, not just Valentine’s.

BRUNCH

Brunch is one of my favorite meals because it’s so frivolous. You can eat food from any set “meal category” sweet or savory breakfast, a sandwich, whatever. Valentine’s is a time for indulgence, here’s a menu that manages to satisfy cravings for both sweet and salty. The french toast is insane and if you don’t feel like making caramel sauce it goes perfectly well with both maple syrup and melted chocolate. Make a big pot of coffee or tea, throw a couple flowers or hershy’s kisses on the tray and prepare to be worshiped.

Brunch in Bed Menu

Freshly Squeezed Orange or Grapefruit Juice

French Toast with Salted Caramel Sauce and Creme Fraiche

Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon

Scrambled Eggs/ Eggs Sunnyside Up

DINNER

If you’re going to make a fancy dinner make it rich, rich rich. If you save your pennies for one showstopping ingredient it’s easy to use cheaper staple items to make a spectacular meal. I urge you to try your best to find organic, fairly raised meat and seafood products if not for your health and the environment but for the flavor. The potato risotto included is so delicious and so much easier than the traditional rice-based risotto. The point of this menu is to curl up with a big bottle of cabernet sauvignon and eat together comfortably.

Night In Dinner Menu

Green Salad

Pepper- Crusted Duck Breast/Steak with Stout Pan Sauce

Potato Risotto

Stemaed Green Beans/ Asparagus

Strawberries and chocolate- easy

If all else fails, order a platter of sushi, and pick up some Sapporo and Sake. Sake bombs and sushi all round

After weeks of unlimited indulgence, my own turkey neck is wobbling a bit more than I’d like to admit. Numerous times we hear someone sharing that they can have whiskey in their morning coffee or 4 pieces of pie followed by the explanation “it’s the holidays” – which really isn’t much of an excuse. Whether your doing it because you actually make New Year’s Resolutions or because the muffin top on your jeans belongs in Texas, lightening up your diet come January is usually a good decision. As any form of strict regimen gives me flashbacks of teen angst and rebellion here’s the top 5 foods to include in your diet in 2011.

1. Avocado- This is the salmon of vegetables (well fruits really). Rich in polyunsaturated omega fatty acids, as well as a slew of vitamins. A serving for a woman is 1/4, men 1/2. I can eat a whole one jazzed up with lemon and salt. Use restraint.

2.Kale- One of the best vegetables because you can gorge yourself on it and it will do nothing but good. Rich in fibre, calcium, iron, folic acid, and vitamins A and C. Saute with olive oil, and shallot for 5 minutes and top with toasted pine nuts.

3. Salmon- Do I even have to go here? It’s the best. Eat it twice a week. But PLEASE go for wild or at least organic. Farm fed fish have up to 75% less nutrients.

4. Quinoa- Miracle grain. Quinoa is the Justin Bieber of food, everyone’s obsessed. A complete source of protein as well as a boatload of fibre. Read package directions and squeeze lemon over it. Or use it in place of rice in risotto.

5. Watermelon- Watermelon can have a high glycemic index so watch how much. BUUT it has one-third of a day’s vitamins A and C and a nice shot of potassium for only 85 fat-free, salt-free calories. Eat away. Orr if you’re feeling frisky make a salad with cubed watermelon, red onion, and feta cheese.

This is one of the freshest most delicious dinners ever. Use leftovers for a really good salad with a little arugala or romaine and and a squeeze of lime

Fish Tacos

For Fish:

2 Tilapia filets (or another firm white fish)

1/2 cup orange juice

Juice of half lime

1 jalapeno

2 cloves garlic

Corn or flour tortillas

1. Clean any membranes off the fish and season each side with salt and pepper. Set in a bowl or deep platter.

2. Whiz the rest of the ingredients in a food processor (or blender, or magic bullet), poor over the fish. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for 30 min- 2 hours. Remove from marinade and discard

3. Sear in a a pan with 2 tsp vegetable oil or grill, 2-3 minutes on each side.

4. Warm tortillas between 2 paper towels in the microwave for 30 seconds. Break apart the fish. Serve fish with toppings.

Toppings:

Sliced Red Cabbage (seriously so good)

Salsa (2 tomatoes chopped + 1/2 small red onion chopped+ 1/4 cup cilantro chopped+ squeeze of lime mix it all together)

Avocado Cilantro Guacamole (1- 2 avocados + 2 tbsp chopped red onion+ lemon juice to taste+ 1/4 cup cilantro chopped. Mash either lightly til chunky

Entertaining Under The Influence is a brand new, bi-weekly column by former intern and awesome cook/host, Lauren McGowan. the thing is, we can’t cook. And we don’t really live in fancy places where we can have dinner parties either. But, thankfully, neither does Lauren, and lucky for us, she is loaded with useful tips on how to whip up something delicious for cheap, and how to spruce up an informal gathering on even the shittiest student budget. Get a pen, you’ll want to take notes.

This week, it’s all about bartering with food. Now that I’m living on my own for the first time in my life, I’m encountering all kinds of fun problems I never had before. For instance, a light bulb blew in my apartment and I’m too short to get up on a stool and change the  god damn thing. Enter tall man friend who was happy to oblige, after I lured him over with the promise of a meal of course. Cooking as defined by most of my male friends in university can be summed up in two succinct ways “take-out” and “microwave”. One home cooked meal and he’ll be uh checking your pipes and other home repairs in no time. Spaghetti and Meat Balls is a fail safe. Here’s what you’ll need:

Spag & Balls

Sauce

2 28-ounce Cans Crushed Tomatoes

3 cloves garlic minced

1 medium onion finely chopped

A couple glugs of olive oil (3tbsp)

Half a glass of wine (red or white)

1 Bay leaf

2 tsp sugar

Meatballs

1 cup breadcrumbs (fresh or made from country-style bread)

1/3 cup milk

8 ounces ground beef

8 ounces ground pork

½ -1 cup finely ground (not grated) Parmesan cheese (don’t chintz and use Kraft)

1/3 cup finely parsley

1 teaspoon salt

Fresh Ground Pepper

2 large eggs

2 large garlic cloves minced

1 pound spaghetti

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Sauce

Heat about 2 tbsp of the oil in a large pot on medium until when you drop a piece of onion in it sizzles. Add garlic and all of the onion turn the heat to medium low and cook until soft and a little see through 10 minutes. When the onions are translucent add the wine. Its gonna sizzle. Once that calms down add your tomatoes and bay leaf. Turn the heat to low and let it cook anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Take the bayleaf out, add the sugar and season with salt and pepper. Use it for freeze for whenever.

Meatballs

Combine breadcrumbs and milk in small bowl; stir until breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. Let stand 10 minutes. Place beef and pork in large bowl and break up into small chunks. Add ground Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk eggs to blend in small bowl; whisk in garlic. Add to meat mixture.

Using hands, squeeze milk from breadcrumbs, reserving milk. Add breadcrumbs to meat mixture. Using hands, quickly and gently mix meat mixture just until all ingredients are evenly combined (do not overmix). Chill mixture at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375.  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Moisten hands with some of reserved milk from breadcrumbs, then roll meat mixture between palms into golf-ball-size balls, occasionally moistening hands with milk as needed and arranging meatballs in single layer in the sauce in pot. . Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes

Words and Photos By: Kim Cuachon-Haugh

Moving down here has taught me that appearances may not be so important to some.  To be honest, most just don’t giving a rat’s ass what they look like and if they somewhat care their outfit is just a hot mess.  While I am willing to over look the heinous outfits, I cannot turn a blind eye on all the sloppily over-weight people who shamelessly provide t.m.i. (too much information).  Believe me, as a person who lives on the beach, I’m not wearing sunglasses just to keep my eyes protected from the sun, but my corneas scorched from the sight.

Is bigger really better?  It seems to be around here.  In 2008 the Center for Disease and Control Prevention conducted a nationwide study and reported that 1 in 4 Virginians are obese.  Let me tell you what, all of them are hanging out in my backyard on the beach.  Indeed 25% are obese, but 50% are overweight.  Scary isn’t it.  There are that many people who have looked at themselves in the mirror to only say, “Ah, who gives a fuck?  I give up.”

I am on the beach every day, twice a day walking my dog and lately, staying in shape, and there they are, the obese TT’s (trailer trash) on the beach for their weekly bath, drinking a beer and saying, “Y’all”.  If only they contracted as they lifted their arm for each sip of that beer.  Then again, that would be counter productive with that beer going straight to their gut.

Call me harsh, and I hope that I am because it is a harsh reality in and of itself.  We’ve seen the lose weight commercials, the documentaries Supersize Me, Food Inc., Sicko, and all are eating out of the same troth—a healthy diet is where it all starts.  I was at the grocery store the other day and noticed an entire quadrant dedicated entirely to soda (yes, I say ‘soda’ and not ‘pop’, it’s “American”).  Not to mention the ratio of fresh produce aisles to frozen foods aisles—it brings a new meaning to freezing your assets.

So, it is safe to say that I have lost my appetite.  The daily reminder of how easily I can slip from this to that along with all the ass cracks that have ruined my peripheral vision forever; not to mention the cellulite and rolls upon rolls.  America the beautiful?  Well, it ain’t here!

Wikipedia Definition: Sunglasses or sun glasses are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can also function as a visual aid, as many glasses or “spectacles”  exist featuring coloured, polarized or darkened lenses. In the early 20th century they were also known as sun cheaters (cheaters being an American slang term for glasses).

-Ray Ban Wayfarer: can neves go wrong

The Bad

These days glasses, in addition to being functional, are also used as a form of expression, or to make a fashion statement. That being said what kind of fashion statement are the people shown below trying to make? Check these guys out, I mean throw in Dr. Drew and Jersey Shore might as well be Fashion Rehab with no results, not a means for uh, “inspiration”.

like….really? You can’t trust a guy who wears white sunglasses.

It’s beyond me why some of these sunglasses are still in production. Now that the sun is beaming, everyone has brought out their shades and some of the fashionably challenged masses are walking around like they are ready to watch a 3D IMAX movie or something.  And the worst part is most of the douche’s have girlfriends, ladies- it’s up to you to stop your man from spending 200 bones on a pair of swarovski incrusted ED Hardy glasses.

I just threw up a little in my mouth thinking about it.

Fellas please leave the diamond-incrusted attire for the ladies. Thanx.
And next, if your still stuck in that 80’s nu rave/neon 90’s thing, please get out! It was cool in that era and mabes like 2 years ago, but now not so much. Like yeah I’ll admit there alright from time to time, but when you look like a character that just stepped off the set of Hot Tub Time Machine then something’s gotta change.

I mean c’mon bro, just because you look like a transformer doesn’t mean Megan Fox is going to nail you…ever.

Whoa there Corey Hart

Unless your black and name is Hollywood (a la Mannequin) do not wear these…ever.

And if your still wearing this style, STOP! It’s over…just stop.

When it comes to glasses it really is one of the most important accessories. It’s on your face. And we all have to look at you. So be kind and don’t be chinsey when purchasing. And for those of you that opt for the “bargain bin”  because “all your glasses always break” on you, it’s because they’re shit. Really, when u spend 5 bones on glasses, what were you expecting?

ANYWAYS, I think I got my point across, now here’s some DO’s for sunglasses this summer.

The Good

OBVI! Leave it to Gags! Looks amaze!

Ksubi sunglasses can hide your eyes and deflect the sun and the glare from ordinary people who want to catch a look. Around $200-$450 for Ksubi’s and luckily most trend setting stores on Queen West are carrying it now.

Check it out www.ksubi.com

(PS It’s effing Tony from Skins)

Now if your one who appreciates potent design, while being confident about your own style, the new collection by Tom Ford is for you. Sexy and sophisticated but, not too much to overshadow the wearer’s personality. Available at Holt Renfrew, starting at $249.99 and up.
-Check it out www.tomford.com

Same old story. You do all the work and prep and Mr. Macho man gets to be caveman for a day and stand around with his stupid little tongs and his still warm PBR and take care of the serious business of grilling. Eff. That. Noise. Grab your spatula’s ladies. Barbecue season doesn’t have to be all beards, burgers, and beer. you can totally have a healthy girls night around the barbecue without the gristle. We made grilled tomato bruschetta, glazed salmon, and grilled peaches with sweet coconut cream.

Grilling the tomatoes releases lycopene, a strong antioxidant.  Salmon is chockfull of every health benefit available and is one of the easiest fish to find wild as opposed to farm raised, the mercury levels in salmon are a lot lower too. Grilli9ng the peaches caramelizes their natural sugars, coconut is a wonder food in that it can actually briefly elevate your metabolism (cha-ching), and agave nectar has a much lower effect on blood sugar levels than traditional sweeteners.

Grilled Tomato Bruschetta

4 tomatoes quartered

1 package grape or cherry tomatoes

1 package small mixed heirloom tomatoes, halved if large

Extra-virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic

1 whole- wheat baguette cut into slices

Basil

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Light a grill. Arrange four 12-by-24-inch sheets of heavy-duty foil on a work surface. Mound the tomatoes in the center of each sheet, drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Fold up the foil to create tight packets.

2. Set the packets on the grill and cover. Grill over moderately high heat for about 18 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and burst.

3. While the tomatoes cook rub each slice of bread with the clove of garlic brush lightly with olive oil and grill each side until light grill marks appear. Set aside

4. Using scissors, carefully cut open the foil packet  avoiding steam. Spread baguette slices with tomatoes and top with basil if desired

Glazed Salmon

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/4 cup prepared horseradish, drained

2 tablespoons honey

Four 6-ounce skinless salmon fillets

Vegetable oil, for rubbing

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1.Light a grill. In a small bowl, mix the mustard, horseradish and honey. Rub the salmon with oil and season with salt and pepper.

2.Grill the salmon over moderate heat, skinned side down, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Turn and grill for 3 minutes longer, until the salmon is almost cooked through. Turn the salmon again and spread each fillet with 1 tablespoon of the horseradish glaze. Turn and grill until glazed, about 30 seconds. Serve the remaining glaze on the side.

Grilled Peaches with Sweetened Coconut Cream

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

6 peaches, halved and pitted

Honey/ Agave Nectar

1 can light coconut milk

1. In a bowl whisk together coconut milk and honey to desired sweetness

2. In another small bowl, stir the melted butter with the remaining honey. Grill peaches over moderate heat, turning once, until the fruit is tender, about 6 minutes. Baste the peaches with the butter and continue to grill, turning once and basting again, until caramelized and slightly charred, about 2 minutes longer.

3. Transfer the grilled fruit to plates. Pour the coconut mixture alongside the fruit and serve.

Pop quiz: You’re a young lady, at a hotel party, enjoying some beers. Ron Jeremy saunters up to you, grey-black mane dangling like a greasy mop at his shoulders…he caresses your little hand between his two beefy paws and requests, like a gentleman, if he can go down on you. What do you say? TOO LATE. He already made you explode like a chinese water fountain. Just from being there. Just with those two stoney eyes locked into your own, in those two seconds between “Hello” and “I’m Ron.”

How does he do it? Men have always wondered how this super-average guy managed to get a Guinness World Record for doing the most porn stars, ever. It’s a mystery. Correction. It used to be. But I discovered the secret.

And that’s about the best – or only –  insight I got out of the Hedgehog, during the worst interview I ever did. It’s not all my fault though – one of the guys at Street Carnage, this guy,  fucked me and told me to ask Ron about the concept of ‘the Other’…and to tell him some guy said hi. Which I did. I didn’t realize it was all part of some elaborate plot to make me look like an idiot.

The only thing you’ll find interesting is at the end, when Ron gives away that secret to making girls explode in two seconds without taking their pants off.

I just want to say: Ron Jeremy was an alright guy. He played the harmonica really, really well, and he was insanely horny all night long. Which is crazy because you’d think he’d be sick of it by now.

Creativity and artistry, beautifully intertwined, making love to one another with the pulse of the crowd’s “Oh’s and awh’s” cheers and applause, that was the synergy at Toronto Alternative Fashion Week.

I had the opportunity to mix with the visionaries of tomorrow, work backstage with a costume genius, and I got face to face with Toronto’s Nina Arsenault.

“Sexy KKK”, Christabel Couture

The Distillery District has never felt this cool, it was the “It”, and Toronto’s art scene was unleashed. All the elements that collaborated to make it FAT, stimulated all the senses, it was sexy, avant-garde, with a bit of naughty and nice.

This year Vanja Vasic, Creative Director, decided to divvy up the event, “The focus this time is on a sense of space and surrounding. It is about awareness with a sense of being from all over the world.”

DJ Femme Normale kicked then night off with narly beats over tight verses, a perfect canvas for Day 1: Home, where the audience was fed a taste of vintage inspired collection and the exploration of feminine wiles in a more domesticated setting. Diepo’s lingerie screamed, “Take me right, here right now, but you better bring the champagne, ‘cause, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” If it were financially possible, I could see Eartha Kitt singing C’est Si Bon!

Day 2, paid homage to Earth Day with Planet, where the theme was sustainable fashion and style. The evening was spearheaded by DJ Daniel Wilson, as ready to wear collections were showcased by Anika and the Paper People Clothing. It was all about the positive direction that fashion is going and the choices that we could make to save the planet, one responsibly dyed bamboo tee at a time.

Gutter came with absolute precision. Arline Malakian’s Black on Black was film noir for the 21^st Century as it made your imagination run. This evening showcased the rawness of street fashion, mixed with hot and a touch of alternative with Und and further talents like Youth in Asia and Kristy McKenzie. Beats provided by DJ Daniel Wilson and added musical stylings by Curtis Santiago and former eTalk host Anna Cyzon.

Backstage with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

By the final night, the word was out there for sure. The Distillery District hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in three days. By the first fashion show case, the place was jiving to a different groove. The energy seemed heightened and people were moving faster.

Yes, this is a man in frilly panties and me painting him red!

I was back stage playing right hand woman to Chris Cunningham of Christabel Couture. Looking at his rack of costumes, it still seemed like there was still so much that had to get done. 17 models to dress, 2 models to be covered in body paint from head to toe, one topless model whose nipples had to be diamond cutters when she hit the runway, and the fact that we were crazy enough to put model Biko on a dolly wearing a mermaid outfit, absolutely fucking priceless!

Chris Cunningham and I

Cunningham, was the last designer to show, but it still did not seem like enough time, maybe if I choose to use less body paint to smear across my models hairy tummy, I would have got to blowing up balloons much faster for Cunningham’s bubble skirts. But all the models were dressed, the nipple bra was dawned on male model number 3, and the stiletto boots were already broken in by male model number 4.

La piece de resistance was Nina Arsenault. Enter stage left and speechless was the crowd, as perfect as one can get after a $150 thousand dollar extreme sex change, inside and out, swapping out the motor investment. Dressed as the hottest marionette that I have ever seen, in a one piecer that did not leave much to the imagination; except for probably the most obvious, paired with a hoop skirt, literally. She had straight men yelling her name, confirming Arsenault’s comment in a previous interview that all the men that she was with did not know that she was once a man.

Grand Finale, Nina Arsenault

I asked Arsenault post all the adoration from fans, what she thought of her outfit, she said, “I love what I wearing.” Clearly Arsenault could have been anyone’s tada finale, but Arsenault trusts Cunningham, “I believe in him as an artist…Chris has a very particular vision that has motifs that run through his work, like the morphing of the body and highly structural things…hard forms and soft. And a lot of surrealism.”

Having just participated in Toronto LG Fashion Week, Arsenault compares the experience and says, “LG Fashion Week is so glamourous because Canadian celebrities show up and it is such a produced event, but the I also love Toronto Alternative Fashion Week because the clothes are a lot edgier…they do not have to have the same mass marketing.”

With regards to Toronto Alternative Fashion Week, Arsenault believes in what the event is achieving and what is will do for Canadian fashion, “FAT’s new, people are just checking it out and the media is just trying to grasp on it…when people see what’s coming down the runway it will be taken more and more seriously. I think it’s going to be an event like Fashion Cares where over ten years it just grew so much until it was a cultural phenomenon.”

From the collagen injected mouth of the Nina Arsenault, “If you didn’t attend FAT you missed out on really edgy fashion.”