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!!

FASHION ART TORONTO

|FAT| Arts & Fashion Week aka the “real” Fashion Week… call it what you will but each April FAT rocks our world with a vivid multi-arts showcase filled with a plethora of fashion designers, visual artists, photographers and performers.

The week is a mix of runway shows, live performances, music, photography & installation exhibits, video screenings to celebrate art forms. When compared to the other notorious FWs | FAT |  actually displays talent (not just the ones that can afford to put on a runway show), so for true fashion enthusiast we yearn for a week like this filled with real, raw Arts & Fashion talent.

Some of my faves of the week are definitely the focus on German fashion, hometown hero Woudenberg with her cool androgynous style, and of course the skillful design of Rachel Sin who’s models will be decked out in jewelry by Demu Label – FYI word is out that Cory Lee will be performing as well!!

So make sure to come down to the amazing warehouse space at 213 Sterling Rd. (Lansdowne & Bloor) and support real designers. It never disappoints!!

ANTM DRAMA

For almost ten years now America’s Next Top Model has been serving us with runway fierceness, but this all changed last week when host and producer Tyra Banks fired her panel of experts!! Yes, your heard and by experts (they mean the highlight of the show) Nigel Barker, Miss J. Alexander and Jay Manuels were informed that their contracts will not be renewed for cycle 19.

I’m really not sure what to say or how the show will go on… the reasons behind the firing trickles down to “network” and lack of ratings during the last cylce. If you ask me the “panel of experts” made the damn show FAB-U-LOUS, so if you thought ratings were horrible – you may be in for a surprise!!

SWAROVSKI: CRYSTAL FOREST ON BLOOR

Bling, bling is all the eye can see with the opening of the Swarovski Crystal Forest Bloor Street store.

The Crystal Forest concept is a way to express what Swarovski truly is, by offering the consumer a “truly multi-sensory experience that reflects the seductive brilliance and infinite depths of crystal” – basically bringing sparkle and shine into our world. The forest came to life through a collabo with Tokujin Yoshioka, who imagined the theme of the Crystal Forest and brought the first one to life in 2008 in Japan.

All I can say from figurines, jewelry to home decor… the forest covers all your crystal desires. Especially the new S/S ’12 atelier collection designed by some of best out there… Zaldy, Philip Crangi, Eric Daman and Christopher Kane.

NAILS DID!!

I’m forever getting stopped about my nails… they have a ego of their own that has landed them on blogs and sites around the world (for reals)!! So I decided why not share with my peoples some of the my designs… this is latest and greatest!!

Essie Spring collection: No More Film, She’s Picture Perfect and Sure Shot

XOXO… Thanks as always for following my adventures on the fashion frontier!!

Pinkie

Why don’t they cook this fast???? (THE Jacques Torres cookies)

Hypnotic Pudding

Too many times…

Album Tacos

Instant Flashback to summer ’97. This was tagged, ““speak softly and carry a dipped cone.” (Raw-Vegan Soft Serve)

FoodInSpace

When 4am knocks

Best Science Fair

Celebreadies at Bread People

Breaded cats…

Carbs on carbs on carbs

So follow me on tumblr…

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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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

-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

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.

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.

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.”

I must say that I was very excited to do this interview because of my personal love of vintage fashion. Like a blind date, Diepo and I met at a coffee house (it begins with “Star”). I ordered and peaked around the corner to check out the creative masterminds behind this line that I am anxious to see later this evening. There they were, Justine Diener and Kristin Poon, both sweetly dressed in let’s welcome spring now attires.

This is the second time Diepo will be showing at Toronto Alternative Fashion Week. Last year they did a total of ten outfits with a 1920’s inspiration behind each piece. Plenty of silks, with more relaxed silhouettes, with references to garters and shape wear, spearheaded the collection. There were also some tailored pieces à la Diener, such as smoking jackets, that juxtaposed the underwear as outerwear mantra that Diepo holds true to.

Without giving too much away, Poon reveals to me that this year at FAT, they will revive the 1950’s with a more masculine palette with navy and browns, consistent through the collection. Expect to see their signature mix of lingerie, but do not be intimidated. Diener reassures that because the lingerie is vintage inspired, they are more modest, “Like an understated sense of sexiness…there are no thongs!”

When asked about their love for vintage, Diener admits that it has always been vintage for her and that she has never seen herself as a modern girl and has always been the type to romanticize the past. Poon adds, “This era was a very defining moment for fashion and the reason why it is never forgotten.” Indeed! Machinery evolved, the roaring 20’s, World War II, and because of that, women were finding their place in society.

Diepo was conceived by Diener and Poon while studying Fashion at Ryerson. The true belief that sharing means learning is what brought the two together. Diener explains that while in school, the competition is fierce and “People are at arm’s length of each other, because whatever you are working on is this big secret.” But it was not like that with Diener and Poon at all. According to Diener, “When you’re starting out, it’s hard to put your ideas out there unless you’re a very particular kind of person and I think neither one of us are. I really love the stuff that Kristin does and I found one of the hardest things in couture is the competitive aspect.”

According to the dynamic duo, another struggle as an up and coming designer is the support that Torontonians have towards their local fashion, or rather, the lack there of. It is the choice consumers have to make; whether or not they want to pay more for their garments. “The hardest,” Diener says, “Is the mass production places like H&M. It’s a force to be reckoned with. It’s just impossible to produce pieces for the price that they do.”

So what does Diepo see for the future? “We’re kind of still dipping out toes in,” they say. Poon and Diener are enjoying full creative control and hope to begin producing and selling their pieces. Retail success is something they hope to achieve, but the women agree that when the time is right it will come. Poon explains that they are not the type to, “Just put things out there”, if the piece is not ready; leading to her advice to other designers trying to make it, “Don’t get ahead of yourself; and keep people who are honest close.” Diener adds, “You have to have people around you who are constructive, otherwise you’re doomed!”

BY: KIM CUACHON

FAT was launched by Vanja Vasic in 2005, and she seems like this fairy godmother to everyone who I have spoken to, so now I wait in bated breath to interview her post FAT (stay tuned). In its inaugural year, it debuted with (are you ready for this?) 12 designers, 10 visual performance artists, 1 band and 2 DJs. The turn-out was 800 people. This year is showcasing 45 designers, 40 visual performance artists, and 14 musical groups. The expected turn-out this year is four thousand.

Reagan is pleased to know that FAT will be touching this many people, but knows that there is still a misconception that the show is tres avant garde, not mainstream enough, thus shooing away potential attendees. “What some do not understand is that alternative doesn’t mean weird. It can be interpreted as an alternative to L’Oreal Fashion Week or even an alternative to what’s happening in the magazines and what’s really happening in Toronto.  We have really maintained a balance between the really super crazy things and the more, ready to wear collections.”

According to Reagan, this is the first time that FAT is happening over four days, “The response from participants has gone up.” Due to the eclectic mix, the four days have been broken up into four different themes; Home, Planet, Gutter and Beyond. It is without coincidence that Planet falls on Earth Day.

So, far Reagan says, “Things aren’t too crazy. I’m just keeping things organized, trying to keep up with emails and media requests. But, like all shows, there are always last minute things that will come up. But it’s exciting.”

When asked what is the best thing about FAT? Reagan replies, “I’m really looking forward to feeding off everybody’s creative energy. It’s amazing how so many creative minds, from all different artistic backgrounds come together for this event.”

There’s no financial reward at the end of the night, but certainly a reward that has a priceless sense of fulfillment in the four day celebration of art, coming together as each participant’s craft is being given a stage to express on! Bear in mind that these are the artists of the future, who will be changing fashion for all of us.

By: KIM CUACHON

When I talk to people about my passion for fashion, I always get the look and then follows, “Well, what are you doing here then?” But after my interview with David C. Wigley (trust me, remember this name), talking about his fabulousness, his new cIothing line Worth. and his in on Toronto Alternative Fashion Week, I know I’m in the right place.

As my interview with him was conducted via email, I sent my questions to Wigley after picking up as much info about him as I could Googling. Usually when doing such a thing you hit send and cross your fingers, with hopes that you receive something back that is usable. After reading all of my thoroughly answered questions, I felt as though I had been in the mind of a present day, young Karl Lagerfeld. The evolution that Wigley continues, so full of passion and perseverance; leads this triple threat – designer, stylist, make-up artist, to a career path destined for greatness.

PM: You say your style is “high fashion”, you hear that term thrown around a lot, elaborate.

DW: “It’s true, you do hear ‘high fashion’ all the time, and most of the time it refers to something that was thrown together using cheap fabrics and totally unwearable. To me, it’s more about luxury and fine finishing. I don’t think that it has anything to do with labels however, but more the craftsman ship behind the piece. My pieces are more about something timeless and classic; however it’s something that you’ve never seen before…I really think that clothing is a feast for the eyes. I love garments that catch my eye, and give me what I call a visual orgasm! A running joke among my friends is that Vogue is my porn, I get off over a beautiful gown more than I ever would over a beautiful man.”

PM: What moment was the “Aha!”? When you said, “This is it! This is what I want.”?

DW: “I don’t know if I’ve ever had the ‘Aha’ yet…I’m just like any designer…struggling and doing what I can. Every collection or piece that I create has its own ‘Aha’ moment, it’s amazing! When the sketch comes together, and it just clicks…It’s like falling in love over again…I could say more, but it may get pornographic.”

PM: What does it feel like to be named “Most Promising Canadian Designer” at the Canadian Fashion Design Awards three years in a row?

DW: “Hmm… that’s a tough one… the first year was exciting… the years after, not so much… It’s really just a title, but nothing more than words. In fashion you are only as good as your last collection. It’s flattering.”

PM: With that said, you have won and placed in many other competitions. When you prepare for such an event, what is your game plan?

DW:     “I create many looks, sometimes upwards to 50 little line drawings – just thumbnails, quick little sketches of things that catch my eye. From there I’ll go over those thumbnails for sometimes up to a week. Whatever still jumps out at me will usually move on to the next stage where I do a few more sketches and start to finalize the silhouette. Then I’ll do the final sketch; VERY rarely does the final garment not look like the final sketch. Seeing as how I come from an illustration background, my illustrations are a final look of the garment right down to stitching lines. When it comes to show time I don’t really think of it as ‘winning’, I just want to show what I can do.”

PM: What can we expect to see on the runway from you at FAT this year?

DW: “This collection is my debut collection. I’ve created a lot of garments, but never a full collection. So with creating a collection, I also created a company to go with it. Worth. (Wigley’s clothing line) is really about what knowing what you are wearing, and knowing what its worth. The collection is timeless classic pieces with a fashion forward edge, made with sustainable luxurious fabrics and finishes. One of my hugest pet peeves is one people pick up a piece of well made clothing, see the price tag and say ‘What the fuck! This is SO not worth ‘x’ amount of dollars’. My client is someone who understands and knows what their clothing is worth. Not necessarily that it’s expensive, but wants to wear a garment made of sustainable fabrics in a sweat shop free environment. And not only that, but they know what they are worth. Each garment is screen printed with a mantra, this season’s is ‘I am worth loving.’ Every season the garments will co-ordinate and work with previous and future Worth. garments. The mantras will almost work as a time stamp to show which season the garment is from, as each mantra is exclusive to that season.
On top of that you can expect an exciting and entertaining show! Coming from a theater background, and working as a visual stylist, I’m all about the big bang and first impression! I can’t say anything more.”

PM: What are your thoughts on FAT?

DW: “I’m SO excited to be a part of FAT. I feel that they have a great set of core beliefs, and what they stand for is just amazing. The whole idea of FAT is phenomenal! It takes all your pre-conceived notions of fashion, and throws them out the window. I feel like it is a socially responsible event, promoting green living and a healthy outlook on life. The models are more like real people, who essentially will be wearing the clothing, and create an image that’s attainable. At the end of the day I believe that designers have a social responsibility, and FAR too many promote unhealthy lifestyle choices. In fact, I read in Vogue the other day about a designer (won’t name names) who actually tailors his collection to fit a ‘modified’ body shape, essentially fake breasts. It’s disgusting and unnatural to me, to create a clothing line catered to people who can’t embrace what they were born with, and feel the need to surgically alter themselves to be beautiful. I feel that people look outward for beauty, when they really should be looking in, because really, we are all worth loving.”

Very seldom, do we come across a designer who is socially conscious and is stoic in believing that beauty must be organic. On many occasions such responsibilities are compromised to achieve haute-couture. Perhaps, this “Recycled Hollywood story…small town kid, moves to the big city, wide-eyed over fashion,” has it right. Sometimes you ought to be removed from the situation in order to see where you want to take it. Perhaps all of us living in urbania, take it for granted –all the little details. But through Wigley it all comes together. He may have been know as an “Über-geek” while growing up, but he could soon be known as an über-designer, encompassing the perfect ideology of the future of design, making a utopia of the art itself.

The city sets the stage for Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week [FAT] Tuesday, April 21^st to Friday, April 24^th. The Distillery District will be feeling the pulse of Toronto’s avant-garde artists in a collaboration of music, video, photography, performances and fashion.

In its third year and running strong, Vanja Vasick, Founder and Director will be doing it all over again; the runway, the stage, the lights and the people. FAT will be showcasing more than 200 artists from all over the country and abroad, thus setting the runway for established and up and comings to show case and collaborate their talents.

FAT is sure to deliver an eclectic array; from the petit chics to the avant-gardes, are sure to make an appearance. So, wherever you fall in that spectrum, drop by, it will deliver something to talk about.

 Dressed in dark washed jeans, layered jacket, stripped scarf, topped off with a poor boy’s hat, he stirs honey into his green tea.  The cool jazz styling of Ella Fitzgerald sets the canvas to his I just threw this on outfit.

 Cunningham is a friend of mine.  We met by fluke two years ago when both of us were training to be a flight attendant.  Clearly that gig didn’t take off due to bogus allegations and we’ve been friends since.  So, it excited me to hear that this Toronto fashion darer is finally showcasing his eccentricity along the runway of Toronto Alternative Fashion Week. (FAT).

 When asked on Cunningham’s thoughts on FAT, he said, “It is a great vehicle to promote up and coming artists.  This is an alternative fashion to what is happening mainstream – it is a rawer and edgier pulse.”

 As we talk about the costumes Cunningham is working on, he rubs his neck and explains that the pain is from sewing all day.  Cunningham begins, “The costumes are new, but the concept behind them all is the same.” He clears his throat, “My passion is in the obscure!  Out of this world couture.  I translate my warped perspective into something that can be worn.  Sometimes it’s comfortable, and sometimes you just have to watch how you walk in it.”  He chuckles – such an infectious sound.

 Laughing and sipping tea, yes like two true fashionistas, I pose the question of how Cunningham has found himself intertwined in this vicious web of design.  “Well,” he says conspicuously, “It started with mommy’s Sunday dress and dad’s suit, with grandma’s hat.  Soon enough when mommy’s pantyhose just didn’t do it for me it was the toilet plunger as a hat and pots and pans around my neck.”  We start laughing really hard because we both know that he still does that.

 “I love obscuring gender, human form and playing with lines and contours.”  Cunningham justifies.  Where do the ideas flow from, I ask?  “I get it from a the deep dark Netherlands within me.  It’s usually a 2 or 3 man trip and someone always gets left behind.”  I almost spit out my chai.  Interpret that answer as you wish.

Photo by: Nika Belianina

 Cunningham has just finished the costume design for a movie about a midget who falls in love with a stripper.  Along with FAT he is also working on a film called Butterflies of Trip City.  “The costumes are surreal,” Cunningham says.  “It is organic and earthy.  Cellular mitosis, cocoons and metamorphosis’ish.”  I see why Cunningham jumped all over this opportunity, as he did a show called Cellular Mitosis last summer at Circa Night Club.       

 As I watch Cunningham’s animated head movements and hand gestures I realize why he continues his career of in betweens and petite glitterati, but also why he remains such a great friend to me.   He is a constant reminder to those who naturally flock to him that there must be art in our lives and why the phrase “why not” needs to exist.  As Cunningham says, “You just have to go for it and do what speaks to you.”

 He reminds me and all of us that in those moments where we feel our craft is taking us nowhere; it is in fact allowing us to achieve the hardest goal in life, satisfaction.   As Cunningham says, “You have to push things to the side and unfortunately work on projects for free in hope that someone picks it up.  You hope it makes money and you get a piece.”

Cunningham continues to talk about his aspirations of one day working on a movie like Hellboy or Hellboy II, he adds that the story line was not so good, but the costumes – “Well done”.  Maybe one day George Lucas will allow him to design a creature of the galaxy and that Marilyn Manson or Björk take notice.  But at the end of it all, even if you don’t become famous, where Cavalli is asking you for design techniques, or rewarded by getting next month’s rent from your latest creation, “Continue to perservere.  You have created something.  You are living a life of creativity.  This is you.  You tested the limits and took a chance.”  Cunningham continues to live a passionate life with his, “You won’t find this at Winners” designs and his constant need to obscure the norm.

First, i hear nothing about the damn thing till the week off. Then, both EYE and NOW Magazine shit the bed on their “guides” to Nuit Blanche. I didn’t get a pocket guide till I was at an exhibit hours later.

Here’s a guide to the good and bad of Nuit Blanche.

Good:

The streets were filled with people. That was so gorgeous. Toronto can be so beautiful when we are ourselves. And i mean just lined with people. Old, young, fat, thin, teenage. Drunk, sober. Everyone taking pictures.

Exhibits worth checking out:

Katherine L. Lannin’s House of Leaves.

Which was basically a hallway with torn out sheets of paper littering the whole joint that made it look soft and breathy.

The Horridor at Union Station was my favourite. The longer I stood there surrounded by screams, the more impact it had. One side, all men, the other all women. The artist, Kelly Mark, in an interview mentioned that the men had much more range of emotion in their shrieks, whereas women almost always convey sadness and fear. I thought about that a lot while I stood there. You think it’s because men associate a wider range of emotions with screaming or because women are only ever written as victims? Ponder.

Other cool stuff: City Hall playing light ping pong and the general feel of the city as an art backdrop. Suddenly you look around at the whole city like it’s one big exhibit.

Shit:

Everything was a bit far apart and there wasn’t one good map that worked well enough. They shoudl have had signage on the streets and maybe a plaque or two that stated what the exhibit was, OR even a page number in the guide where you could find it.

Here’s some exhibits that sucked ass:

This is a balloon bell in the Eaton Centre. It is nothing more than that. It’s a long trek to look at a bell balloon no? I would have rather seen the whole centre filled with single balloons. The water fountain at the centre every day is more exciting than this thing.

Biggest Let Down of the night was this Talking Yogurt thing.

Maple Leaf Gardens was ten million times more exciting than watching two screens of robotic voices (that no one could understand) talking through milk to each other. Everyone stood around feeling nostalgic for the old seats. Know what would have impressed me in this space? Recreating the fan reaction when the Laughs won the Stanley Cup back in the 60s. Now, THAT would have been dope!

Honourable mentions in the Shit department: Security guards not knowing anything about anything at all to do with any exhibit, exit or any questions really at all around any exhibit. You couldn’t have given them a guide with a red circle around the exhibit they were near? The lack of bathrooms open tot he public, and drunk teenagers kinda everywhere ruining it for us respectable 30-year old drunks. Oh, and Boystown–seriously, that’s all you got? You are responsible for PRIDE!!!!! All you could come up with was a show that occurred once every ten hours (felt like it) and a few trees with green lights and smoke? Shameful.

***All Photos Except the Horridor and Bubbling Milk taken by Natalie Lisa Johnson***