Aritzia Fall/Winter 2009

Photos provided by Coco & Lowe.

Toronto Store Opening

(Toronto, Ontario – May 13th, 2009) – eleven boutique will open its doors on May 16th at 116 Cumberland St in the heart of Toronto’s prestigious Yorkville neighbourhood.

eleven is the latest landmark in the new renaissance that Yorkville is enjoying and is sure to establish itself as a must stop shopping destination not only for Toronto’s savvy stylistas but international fashion mavens as well. The store promises to provide access to both Canadian and global fashion lines, and to create a venue that becomes synonymous with high quality service, and unparalleled selection.

Boasting a design aesthetic created exclusively by II BY IV Design Associates, eleven creates a shopping experience that fuses fashion with art and architecture - reflecting the sophistication and quality of the brands housed within. The once Victorian row house has now been transformed into an open and modern space featuring dramatic views through a large shop window. Inside the over-sized ebony stained oak door you will find an elegant and sleek, glowing white interior utilizing a high contrast palette of black and off-white lacquer and transparent glass walls to showcase the fashion perfectly. Details such as textural wall coverings, ebonized oak wood floors, and a hand carved wool carpet add greater design depth. A sculptural series of acrylic and chrome vertical elements commissioned by a local artist complete the stylish ambience. With over 150 awards to their credit, II BY IV has created a truly exceptional retail experience.

eleven believes in showcasing great Canadian fashion lines alongside international collections. Minimalistic and modern dresses and separates by Joeffer Caoc, theatrical and magical exclusive Thien Le gowns, and elegant and effortless Lundström featuring the coveted ‘Tuck n’ Tie” dress will all be on proud display in the store; carefully selected for their innovative design and superior quality.

Jewellery shines in eleven, with a diverse assortment, including Hollywood favourites Ted Rossi’s and Claudia Loboa’s Californian cool designs, worn by tinsel town trendsetters Eva Longoria Parker, Miley Cyrus and Nelly Furtado. Kendra Scott creations radiate a ladylike and sophisticated appeal that flawlessly compliments the legendary Gerard Yosca collection, high fashion hand-crafted to perfection pieces that have been a favourite pick for the pages of VOGUE and ELLE.

eleven plans to provide the sophisticated shopper with a bevy of fashion accessories, to make any outfit stand out from the crowd. Love Quotes’ luxurious and opulent scarves, a favourite of Hollywood-ite Jessica Alba, add a refined touch to any ensemble with a love message to literally wear on your sleeve. Hats are supplied from Flora Bella, wide brimmed and whimsical, a perfect fit for a tropical vacation or the city’s hottest patio.

No shortage of bags will adorn eleven’s shelves. International finds such as Israeli luxury brands Riva and Kisim – Kisim’s cube bag was featured on Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex and the City movie. eleven will also feature Parisian Designer Jean-Pierre Klifa’s passion project JPK Paris 75 that crafts handbags from rare and magnificent materials.

eleven is dedicated to identifying itself not only as a venue for a high quality shopping experience, but also to provide its customers with access to lines that, until now, have not been available in Toronto. New York’s Bodhi bags with their signature “safety pin clutch” made famous on Gossip Girl, hand–made clutches from Brazilian designer Diego Rocha, and Fortune Cookie Wristlet by Angela Culver will premier in Toronto within eleven four walls. Jewellery lines; Valerie Downs, a collection of statement pieces using semi precious stones and silver wire that have starlets like Shannon Elizabeth singing its praises, and Hamilton Crawford, a selection of bold, graphic pieces that combine precious metals with resin, complete a fashion selection that will satisfy the upscale shopper’s appetite.

eleven will open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday from 10AM to 6PM; Thursday and Friday 10AM to 8PM; and Sunday from Noon to 5PM.

Writer: eleven Press Release

Brandon R. Dwyer Fall/Winter '09 Launch

On Friday night the CFA family got to see the debut collection of Project Runway Canada contestant Brandon R. Dwyer at the Devil's Martini Bar and Lounge in downtown Toronto.

The show had a really great vibe. It was intimate and fun with dance music and a giant disco ball that centred the runway. This show was a little more excitable than most because it featured a prominent model in the fashion industry. Victoria's Secret model and Dwyer's muse (pun definitely intended!) Andi Muise opened and closed the runway. She's the face of his collection and is dear friends with the designer.

Even though a Victoria's Secret model was prancing down the catwalk, Dwyer's clothes were definitely the focal point. The line includes quality made stuctured pieces but still maintains an edgy feel, best seen in the leather mini dress. He chose quite a dark pallet of colours with black, deep purples, and a jewel-toned green. The line is sophisticated and is best suited for evening wear. The most important aspect of Dwyer's collection is that every piece is wearable.

We were thoroughly impressed with Dwyer's collection as well as the atmosphere for his debut. You can expect to see great things from Brandon. His collection is expected to be available at Holt Renfrew across Canada.

He certainly has a bright future ahead of him.

Jewelley by Karen McFarlane. A post on her is coming soon!

Writer: Kate Murphy

Some photos provided by Terry Ting/ Southcreek EMI / Zuma Press.

Toronto Finds...

That time of year is rolling around again where you shed your winter wear and get ready to be decked out in all the hot new spring trends! Yes that means bikini shopping! We all have had our ‘Ups and Downs’ in this department, trying to find that perfect suit that’s going to compliment your body and make you look fabulous, but it can be a stressful task. This summer you will see the light!

Just down on Queen St. East you will be delightfully surprised to find a swimwear store like no other! Ups and Downs Swimwear has a variety of designer swimsuits no matter your shape or size. You will be overwhelmed by the selection, your only problem will be trying not to buy more then one. You need not fret about finding one to flatter your body because co-owner Mary Abbinante will be more then happy to assist you with flattering styles and colours that will leave you feeling like a million bucks.

Ups and Downs is equipped to meet your every need for the beach, from designer bikinis, bandeaus, and footwear to gorgeous dresses and handbags and so much more. Their extensive collection includes Vix, Diva, Debbie Katz from South Beach, and Ed Hardy as worn by the stars. It doesn’t stop there either! Ups and Downs also has Esthetics by Carmen as a partner, which provides esthetic services within the store. They have truly got you covered for any upcoming vacations or just for the summer. We all know you can’t go to the beach without a bikini wax, which you get free with a minimum $200 purchase.

The swimsuits aren’t the only thing this unique store has to offer, the décor itself is worth coming in to see. Ups and Downs have teamed up with Jane Hall Designs to create the perfect oasis to make for the ultimate shopping experience. You will be taken away by the art and unique furniture that you will not experience anywhere else.

Owners Joe and Mary Abinante have been working together for 30 years establishing their beautiful store. They’ve been through their share of tough times; when on February 15th their decade old beach location was taken away by a fire. Not letting that stop them, Joe and Mary took it as an opportunity to take a break from working '12 hours a day, seven days a week’ to go and visit their place in Sicily. They’re now back in action and have established their new location at 2010 Queen St. East.

Ups and Downs Swimwear
2010 Queen St. East
416-693-7008

Store Hours
Monday to Wednesday - 10am to 7pm
Thursday and Friday - 10 am to 9pm.
Saturday and Sunday - 10am to 7pm

Writer: Danielle Perrault

Toronto Finds...

the workroom is Toronto's first sew and craft by the hour space. For those up and coming designers who aren't so lucky to have a sewing machine, the workroom has you covered and comes equipped with everything to complete your designs.

To those of you who have never operated a sewing machine in your life the workroom offers classes and introductory lessons of Sewing Machine Essentials.

the workroom is a relatively cheap rental. It is $7/hour of independent studio time. The studio offers solid and printed cotton designer fabrics, as well as sewing patterns and books full of great ideas.

They have great community sewing events like Stitch-n-Bitch, where people show off their designs and gossip, and Quilting Sunday where people are encouraged to bring in their unfinished projects.

the workroom also has their own blog where they offer tips and great project ideas.

We love the idea of a cheap place where designers can get down to working on their own clothing. It's an atmosphere where people can channel their creativity and express their artistic sensibilities.

In our opinion, Toronto needs more places like the workroom where the city's future designers can hone their craft.

the workroom

1340 queen st. w

416-534-5305

makesomething@theworkroom.ca

hours:

monday: closed

tuesday: 11-6

wednesday: 11-6

thursday: 11-7

friday: 11-7

saturday: 10-6

sunday: 12-5

Writer: Kate Murphy

Panty of the Month Club

Vancouver based online boutique, Panty by Post, is shipping sexy lingerie all around the world.

Partners Lori Sholzberg and Natalie Grunberg got the idea while spending a summer abroad in France. “We had this idea that if we had X-ray vision glasses we would see every French woman would be wearing beautiful lingerie,” Sholzberg said. "We're hoping to get those Parisians on board,'' Grunberg said.

For inspiration the girls looked no further than their own panty drawers. “When we looked through our favourites, we realized that we wanted something fun, durable, sexy, and economical, and each time the tag was from Blush Lingerie (a Montreal based lingerie boutique),” said Sholzberg. That’s when they decided to go with Blush for their supplier. They also intend to start designing their own panties and will make them available on their website.

The girls wanted their product to be a fun and playful way for women to unleash their inner sex kitten. The exciting thing about Panty by Post is that buyers don't choose their knickers; they only choose the cut and size.

It may seem strange to let complete strangers pick out your panties, but you can e-mail them with any suggestions or preferences. Also, every package of panties comes with a note, which can be customized for your special someone. You can purchase a Sexy Single for $18, a Sultry Six (six pairs for $108) or a Commitment (12 for $188).

Panty by Post has been featured on eTalk and Flare magazine. They are giving back with the support of musician Diana Krall who, along with her husband Elvis Costello, Elton John and James Taylor, is holding a benefit to raise funds for the Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplant Program at VGH. The event takes place on February 16th at The Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver.

Whether if it’s a gift to yourself or a gift to your significant other, Panty by Post has your ass covered!

Writer: Kate Murphy

Coming Soon: Fox Canada

It seems like so many brands are targeting us Canadians this season, and we can't complain! Israeli brand Fox is set to open three stores here in the Great White North. The brand, catering to men, women, and children has had a very successful history with stores in over 10 other countries. Fox started in 1992 by Harel Wiesel as a T-shirt shop in Israel, and has become a favourite among those who love relatively cheap and chic clothing; FABRIC's take on Fox is that it will fit somewhere in the H&M/Gap range of retailers in the North American scene. The brand will be opening locations at Fairview Mall (Toronto), Bramalea City Centre (Brampton) and Vaughn Mills (Vaughn). Check it out!