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Brotherly Love

Following in the footsteps of other Canadian brothers turned fashion designers like DSquared and Chip and Pepper, Burkman Bros. (Doug and Ben) are the newest sensation in men’s fashion.

The brothers hail from Toronto and their collection is true Canadiana with a hint of Asian influence. Think of summers in Muskoka spent hiking, canoeing, and chopping wood. Even the setting for their lookbook looks like a cottage in the Great White North. Their collection is a mix of plaid cotton pullovers, khakis and cargo shorts, t-shirts, dirty combat/construction boots, and boat shoes.

"The clothes are a little bit preppy, a little bit about our travels, and a little bit about American vintage" says Doug. "When we find a vintage swatch with some interesting detail we're inspired by it, and use it to create a wearable, lovable, interesting piece of clothing" adds Ben.

The brothers started off as designers for Gap Inc. Their work has been features in GQ magazine and eTalk, and can be found at Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Ron Herman in the US.

Writer: Kate Murphy

Grammys "Best"

When we say “best” we want you to take that term loosely. It's all relative. In general, the Grammys were really hurting this year. None of the dresses were mind-blowing mainly because there was not a lot of star power on the carpet. Most celebs are staying undercover until Oscar night when the real fashion show begins.

Gwyneth Paltrow – She’s a legitimate star and her outfit certainly reflects that. Gwyneth was shot at wearing a Versace metallic dress and Burberry Prorsum cardigan at a Grammy after party at Katsu-Ya. She looks great. I guess her GOOP fasts and exercises are working for her.



Sheryl Crow – Sheryl Crow looks great for any age. Crow turned 47 over Grammy weekend and she certainly doesn’t look her age. The birthday girl looks stunning in a blue/purple off the shoulder dress by Maticevski.




Katy Perry – Perry wore a dress by the same designer that created Paula Abdul’s dress, so let’s not prejudge. She channelled 40’s fashion with her curled hair and dark eye shadow. Katy accentuated her conservative hair and makeup with a bubblegum pink Basil Soda gown.




Carrie Underwood – Country crooner Carrie Underwood went for what she deemed a “classic” look in a gold Zuhair Murad dress. The sparkly gold corseted dress flattered her figure and complemented her sun kissed California tan.





M.I.A - This is much better. She is the epitome of cool. She's rocking House of Holland Spring 2009.








Some photos provided by Just Jared.
Writer: Kate Murphy

Grammys Worst

The Grammys were held in Los Angeles last night and unlike the Golden Globes and Academy Awards, it seems as though bad fashion is not just accepted, but is encouraged. Now as a fashion magazine and blog we are more interested in clothing that is beautiful to look at and beautiful to wear, however, the Grammys are our excuse to enjoy absolutely ludicrous fashion. Also, the star power at the Grammys was seriously lacking.

Nikki Cox – We’re well aware that you can’t see her dress (don’t worry it was tacky), but we can’t decide what’s more offensive; her Cheeto coloured skin or her surgically enhanced lips/breasts? It’s a toss-up.

Paula Abdul – This outfit is how I think Paula’s mind works. She’s wearing Basil Soda if anyone cares to know.

M.I.A. – I don’t want to put her on this list because she’s way too cool for it, but wearing such a colourful and busy outfit on the day you’re due to give birth gives your belly too much attention. The outfit she wore on stage while performing Swagger Like Us looked amazing. This dress is Manish Arora Spring 2009.

Kate Beckinsale – Usually Kate Beckinsale looks great, but we’ve noticed she has a tendency to overdress on many occasions. This was one of those times. The outfit is better suited to the Oscars as opposed to the Grammys. I mean it has a train for crying out loud! The dress is by Reem Acra.

Writer: Kate Murphy

Toronto Finds...

Labels or Love is a new high-end consignment boutique that just opened and is located on Avenue Road in downtown Toronto. Now the clothes are a little pricey, but they are one of a kind vintage pieces. The boutique is stocked with labels from Armani to Zac Posen and every designer in between. Labels or Love is one of those great finds where you’ll spend an entire afternoon going through the racks and playing dressup.

Labels or Love

1956 Avenue Rd. (at Felbrigg Ave.)

647-345-4020

Thanks to Sweetspot for the great hint!

Writer: Kate Murphy

End of the Catwalk

After 17 years in Bryant Park, New York Fashion Week is moving to Lincoln Center's 87,000 square-foot Damrosch Park in 2010.

An official announcement was made by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg stating that “Fashion Week has found a new home practically tailored (pun intended?) to its needs”. “It has not been easy to find a place for us, a place that was big enough, that was centralized enough, that was right enough," echoed designer and CFDA president, Diane von Furstenberg. "Since we're starting afresh we will try to make them better than the previous one."

Luckily there will still be 3 fashion weeks in Bryant Park.

Writer: Kate Murphy

The Rachel Zoe Project

We’ve heard about this show for a little while now, but it just premiered on Canadian television last week and we can say that after one episode we were full on addicted.

The Rachel Zoe Project follows one of Hollywood’s hottest and most controversial stylists Rachel Zoe as she styles some of Hollywood’s hottest stars such as Jennifer Garner, Debra Messing, Joy Bryant and Molly Sims. Zoe is also behind the looks of actresses Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway and Kate Beckinsale.

Zoe was often faced with criticism and scrutiny for styling these stars. She was accused of selling weight loss drugs and encouraging her clients to become rail thin, just like the stylist herself. She’s also been criticized for wearing fur, which she does in every episode of her reality show. Zoe’s style is anything but minimal. She often dresses in layers of clothes, hidden behind a giant pair of “sunnies” and wears what some consider an excessive amount of jewellery.

The show also follows Zoe during New York Fashion Week and awards season. The reality show features cameos from some of the fashion industry’s most famous designers such as Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, and Diane von Furstenberg.

The best part of the reality show comes from the uncomfortable, yet hilarious relationship between Zoe’s assistants Taylor and Brad (he’s Canadian!). Taylor is a no nonsense, neurotic hard ass that has no time for having fun while on the job. Brad, on the other hand, is a humourous, flamboyant, sharply dressed man who is all about doing the job while having fun. You watch every episode just waiting for Taylor’s head to explode and for Brad to burst into tears.

Zoe has created her own line of catchphrases that she busts out throughout a 60 minute show. Her favourites include “shutting it down”, “I die”, “hero dress”, “witch vibe”, and “you look bananas”. Trust us when we say that you’ll be busting out these phrases as well. They’re contagious.

This show is a dream for people who love fashion. Even if you don’t like Zoe or her own personal style, you will enjoy gazing at hundreds of dresses, shoes, and jewellery, and travelling to LA/NY's best vintage and designer stores.

The Rachel Zoe Project airs Monday’s at 9 on CosmoTV. The show is like Lays chips; you can’t have, or in this case watch, just one.

Writer: Kate Murphy