Fashion in Wonderland

On Thursday, the Humber Fashion Arts Class of 2009 hosted a fashion show themed, “Lost in Wonderland”, at Phoenix nightclub. The class of 16 girls received donated fashions from a mix of clothing stores including H&M, Ya Ya & Co. and SODAliscious as well as unique designs by Jen Sadzak.

The men’s fashion was casual everyday wear that showed trends for the spring season including jeans, button-ups, and a colourful red ensemble from head-to-toe with a white shirt to break it up. One the other end of the spectrum, the ladies’ fashion was much more risqué and far from everyday wear. The wardrobe team displayed their take on Wonderland with dresses that stood out as one of a kind pieces. The fabrics used included mesh, cotton, silk and lace along with some jeweled embroidery. The collections were eclectic, showing metallic ensembles to a feathered blue dress. They also showed trends for the spring that consisted of pairing a floral print top with striped capri pants.

The show was indeed a success and it looks as though there is some fierce fashion talent coming out of Humber College and into the business world of fashion.


Writer: Talia Freilich

Kanye's LV ads

Diamond in the Rough

In 1996 Karen McFarlane, wife, mother and grandmother, ended a 25-year career in health care and chose to invest in her natural design talents. With her signature as her trademark, Karen embraced the very new challenges of growing her own business.

“Creating beautiful things has been a life long passion,” says McFarlane. “ A love of art, architecture and travel, as well as fashion, has influenced my design skills. I am inspired by the materials before me and prefer to use multiple elements to add richness and a feel of luxury to my pieces. Collaboration with fashion designers, stylists, retailers, media, and customers, has been very rewarding. In spite of work days that stretch into the night, I feel most fortunate to be able to indulge in my passions and continue to develop as an individual as well as an artist.”

Now in her 12th year of production, the Canadian designer creates an exotic, original, couture line of jewellery and accessories. Jewellery by Karen designs are limited in edition, hand worked and finely wrought in her Dundas, Ontario studio. The line features evening pieces, daywear, and most recently bridal creations. Both of the moment and timeless, the Jewellery by Karen line is best described as “wearable art”.

Jewellery by Karen designs have received much attention from the fashion industry and are sought after to complement high-end fashion collections. Karen’s design talent is in demand to customize accessories for private clients, fashion designers and stylists. Her work has appeared with couture as well as ready to wear lines on runways, in fashion photo shoots and window displays, and has been featured in trade and fashion publications.

Distribution includes high fashion boutiques and accessories stores across Canada and the US. Jewellery by Karen designs will soon be marketed to European countries.

My connection with Brandon Dwyer: I have come to the attention of a number of stylists, designers and celebrities in the Toronto area. Many of my contacts have come by "word of mouth" after collaborating and showing with others. Sara Jay is the stylist who introduced my work to Brandon, first for his look book photo shoot.

Her jewellery has been featured in Lou Lou and Life & Fashion magazines.

Writer: Karen McFarlane press kit

Thievery

Thieves by Sonja den Elzen unveils their Spring 2009 collection in the 3rd installment of the F-list's Designer Spotlight Series.

Wednesday, April 15
6pm - 9pm

Cosmopolitan Hotel
8 Cobourne Street

The Thieves label brings luxury to contemporary, men's and women's eco-apparel. Designer Sonja den Elzen cultivates modern aesthetics and eco-fabrics with high end street fashion for a truly original result! See for yourself in an evening of cocktails, clothes & conversation. Guests and cameras welcome.

NADA News

Birthday Girl!

We wanted to wish Vivienne Westwood a happy 68th birthday!!!

We're big fans of the designer and hope she continues doing what she does for many wear to come.

Writer: Kate Murphy

Welcome to Wonderland...