#stmSnippet: Canada’s MODA:KO Has You Stylishly Covered

Over on stephenthomasm.com I interviewed Kelly C. Lee, the woman behind the Canadian brand MODA:KO, which I have been following since it first launched. Her brand offers up stylish cases and bags for your precious tablets and laptops, all hand crafted here in Canada.

In this #stmINTERVIEWED Kelly talks about starting her line, gives a tip to entrepreneurs starting out and shares her opinion on Canadian top model Coco Rocha. Read the full post by clicking here.

Find out what Kelly had to say in her #stmINTERVIEWED by clicking here.

Top Photo: Marcus Kan

Bottom Photo: Courtesy of MODA:KO

#stmSnippet - The Fashionable Activist: Andrew Coimbra

In my latest #stmINTERVIEWED I chatted with designer Andrew Coimbra, a young Canadian designer who mixes activism with fashion allowing it to inspire each collection.
Find the full interview by clicking here.



If Andrew could collaborate with any retailer, who might it be? Which international magazine discovered the Andrew Coimbra brand recently via instagram? Why is the image of construction fencing printed inside his Fall/Winter 2016 bomber jacket? Find out on #stmINTERVIEWED.



See more photos on #stmINTERVIEWED by clicking here.

Photos by (in order of appearance): Mckenzie James, Adam Moco, Andrew Coimbra.

#stmSnippet: Top 3 Picks - Toronto Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016

Another Toronto Fashion Week has come and gone.  Designers threw the last stitch on garments moments before shows began. PR teams ushered the crowds in and out of the runway room and everyone attended some of the year's best parties.

Now it is time to take a second look at the fashions and decide who came out on top. After attending the shows I tackled the daunting task of reviewing every look once again, image by image and put together my Top 3 Looks list. (Find the list with images of each look by clicking here.)




Who made the cut for Top 3 Womenswear, Menswear, Women's Outerwear, Men's Outerwear, Evening/Bridal and Show Stoppers? Find the results and photos by clicking here.

Photos by Raymond Chow of CanadaWears.ca

#stmSnippet: Simeone Napoli First Canadian Boutique

Earlier this month Simeone Napoli held a grand opening party for their first Canadian boutique. The Toronto fashion scene was treated to a preview of the brand’s latest collection, music and of course lots of bubbly.

Learn more about this brand, the store opening and find more images on STM by clicking here.

#stmSnippet: Jennifer Torosian Reveals Spring Summer 2016

Jennifer Torosian worked the retail sales floors after university learning the market from the ground up, all the while knowing she one day wanted to have her own brand. Eventually Jennifer crossed paths with Raed Ali, another budding entrepreneur who had the dream of launching a brand as well. The two joined forces to create the label Jennifer Torosian three years ago. (Click here to continue reading the full post.)

Fresh off the runway this May at Toronto Fashion Incubator’s TFI New Labels competition, where the duo made it to the final round, they are excited to now share their Spring/Summer 2016 look book here in this #stmINTERVIEWED. Jennifer talks about the collection, being a designer and what inspires her. (Click here to continue reading the full post.)

See the full look book and read the full #stmINTERVIEWED with Jennifer Torosian by clicking here.

Photos: Lily and Lilac (Judy Inc.)

#stmSnippet: 3rd Floor Studio: Versatility For Real Women

Shoshanah Kuper admits her family needs their own reality show. The lively bunch have supported her as a fashion designer from day one and never have a problem raiding her designs for something to wear. Luckily neither do her clients! Kuper's womenswear brand, 3rd Floor Studio typically sells for $150 - $300 with custom dresses available closer to $600. The designer got the fashion bug at a young age, became an intern at a modelling agency and never looked back.

Along the way she has learned how to approach fashion as a business in order to stay competitive and relevant in today's market. Kuper started 3rd Floor Studio from the ground up focusing on flattering fits for real women, gorgeous fabrics and versatility. Read on to learn in this #stmINTERVIEWED why this designer almost went into fashion photography, what her line was originally called and why she  believes "creativity comes from being in a world of restraints." To read the full original post on STM, click here.

Read the full #stmINTERVIEWED by clicking here.

Photos: Ted Belton

Object Of Desire: Sample Sale with Moda:ko and John De Porter Jewelry

Toronto is filled with a plethora of talented designers with their brands offering an array of products to capture your attention.  John De Porter Jewelry is based in pearls with the simple goal of bringing the wearer pleasure. Meanwhile Moda:ko is the fun new fashionable tech case company with a product offering that often doubles as a handbag or clutch for zipping around town in style.

The two brands' designers are currently residents at the Toronto Fashion Incubator where they continue to grow, create and refine their products season after season. Working side-by-side here it is no wonder they have decided to partner on an exclusive one day only sample sale on Thursday June 25^th, 8am-7pm at The Tempered Room Café, 1374 Queen Street West. At the sale Torontonians will have the opportunity to snap up some of these two brands’ hottest items for up to 70% off.

In anticipation of the sale we took a selection of the products for a stroll along Toronto's popular Habourfront for a photo shoot, giving you a sneak peek at just some of the items you will find at the sale.

Make sure you keep Thursday June 25th open and head on over to the sale!

Photography by Marcus Kan

Styling/Photography Assistance by Stephen-Thomas Maciejowski

#stmSnippet: NobleSole Sneakers Fit For Royalty

NobleSole’s latest limited edition collection of premium quality footwear is available online. Made in Portugal using Italian calf skin leathers and other quality materials to ensure fit and comfort, these shoes should easily sell for double the retail price.

Before their public release, Patrick shared samples of the line with the STM team for the following shoot. See our exclusive images and read the full #stmINTERVIEWED to learn what makes NobleSole shoes so comfortable, how Patrick keeps the prices at half of what they should be and which pop mega star owns a custom pair of shoes designed my Patrick himself. Continue reading and view the full shoot by clicking here.

Photo: Marcus Kan

Walk the Walk: TOM*FW Jacket Roundup

Grab your jackets gentlemen! Last week at the newly launched TOMFW in Toronto, a group of talented menswear designers showcased their lines for SS15. Among the mix were some incredible blazers and jackets. In no particular order, here are my must have jackets for SS15.

First up are three tailored blazers/suit jackets for all you party goers. The perfect blazer is simply a must when stepping out to attend one of Toronto's many A-list parties. 

This broad shouldered white blazer from Worth by David C. Wigley has a single button closure and thoughtfully placed graphic. 

 photo: Arthur Von Tyrpa

Paulo Succar presented this incredibly tailored suit ensemble in a tasteful statement making black and white print. Personally, I would let this jacket do all the talking and pair it with solid pants, shirt and tie.

 photo: Che Rosales

OK, I admit I have a thing for black and white... and bold prints... which might be why I also fell for this sexy graphic blazer from HD HOME. The fact that the fabric has just the slightest sheen is icing on the cake. 

photo: Che Rosales

Now life is not all about parties, sometimes you just need a good jacket to keep you warm in the cool Canadian Spring season. From bold colours and florals to yes, even more black and white prints, these four jackets have it all.

Looking for something a little more sporty on a casual day? This easy to wear jacket from Noel Crisostomo, has just the right combination of colour blocking and will work for any age.

 photo: Jonathan Lapada

In need of some bold flower power? From fuchsia shorts to classic denim, this  Worth by David C. Wigley bomber will go with just about anything you want to pair it with below the waist.

photo: Constantine Digovets

Feeling a little more bad boy meets confidence? Then check out these final two jackets to meet your needs.

OK, let's just skip over the fact that I chose yet another bold black and white graphic and talk about the bad boy feel oozing from this racer jacket from Sons of Odin. The zipper detail is done just right and breaks up the floral print perfectly.

 photo: Constantine Digovets

Last but not least is this gem from the incredible Christopher Bates. Pretty much every Canadian loves a good solid black outerwear piece and Bates delivers a sure fire garment ready to fly off the racks.

photo: Jonathan Lapada

Congratulations to all of the designers who were part of Toronto's first ever mens fashion week. Make sure to visit each of the designer's pages to learn more about them and to see their past and present collections.  To learn more about TOMFW and the TOM* Magazine, click here.

Walk the Walk: Caitlin Power F/W 2013 Collection

Before Caitlin Power started to work on this collection, she went to Europe to get some new ideas for her brand. On Friday, she presented a collection that was inspired by Parisian architectural.

The collection continues to be futuristic and with a hint of steam punk vibe. It's interesting to see how Caitlin transform the architecture structures into abstract geometric shapes on some of the fashion pieces. As usual, I love the juxtaposed fabrics and textures, and the shade of red in this season is very cool as it adds a masculine feeling to some of the pieces.

Once again, Caitlin Power nailed this collection and this was also one of my favourites shows this season. I can't wait to see what surprise she will bring to the table in the S/S 2014 collection!

P.S Alex Liang (editor in chief of Kenton Magazine) and I have one request and wonder if Caitlin will be up for it: We each want a jacket with the use of that blue leather. Will we get a discount if you do that?

Pros:
- I love how Caitlin absorbs the architecture structures from Europe in mind and translates them in an abstract way on the clothes.
- I am in love with this particular shade of red. It adds a masculine feeling to the clothing.
- There is a steam punk element in this collection and I quite like this flavour. (The finger ring is a good example)
- I love the metallic blue leather. The texture is so interesting.
- The structures of the pieces are very masculine and this adds a bold vibe to the entire collection

Cons:
- I know this might be slightly impossible, but if Caitlin can consider to make a dramatic gown to close the show, that would be perfect (this might become the next big surprise too!)

Eye Candies:
- Red patent leather futuristic blouse
- Red pattern shorts suit
- Black/metallic leather dress
- The finger ring

Wave of Inspirology: Chloé comme Parris SS 2013 by Molly Willows

Fashion week is only a few days away and as all the designers are ready for the the shows, today I just want to show you this amazing fashion video on one of the S/S 2013 collections.

CCP x NYC  (Molly Willows @ Vimeo)

Chloé comme Parris is always one of my favourite brands in the Toronto fashion industry and the S/S 2013 collection is very strong and beautiful. This video by Molly WIllows captured some behind the scenes of the NYC and Toronto shows. I like the shooting style and special effects in this video because it adds a dreamy vibe to the collection.

Now I am more looking forward to see the new collection next Monday!

Store[opening]: Miu Miu at Holt Renfrew

Miu Miu has finally arrived to Toronto and it's exciting to know it will be inside the Holt Renfrew department store on Bloor.

This corner shop is designed by Architect Roberto Baciocchi and as you can see from the photos, it is all about bags and accessories collections. What you cannot see here is the storefront, which is "characterized by its damaks finish [and] covered in crystal and studs".

I really like the interior design of this store as it has damask curtain walls and mat gold counters. This design really shows the aesthetic of the brand: it's very classy and modern.

I do recommend you to head to this Miu Miu store soon as I always know their accessories and bags are in high demands. I really hope one day they can come back with some men's accessories as well!

Walk the Walk: Ashtiani S/S 2013 Collection

I first met Ashtiani back in October 2011 and immediately fell in love with her S/S 2012 collection. Fast forward to October 2012 and once again, her S/S 2013 collection has completely blown my mind.

The inspirations of this collection were coming from the luxe sportwear and fresh cocktail frocks in the early 1960s in the south of France. In order to put a modern twist on this collection, Ashtiani used silk organza, PVC, textured cotton and techniques such as cut outs and accents of geometric appliqué on the pieces. The result was stunning and the Ashtiani girls all looked very sporty, playful and elegant.

Now I really hope this collection will be selling in Toronto as I believe girls will die for many of the piece!

Ashtiani, I am now looking forward to your next collection!

Pros:
- I love the colour palette. The colour combinations make the collection very youthful and fun.
- It's refreshing to see the geometric shape cut outs on the pieces.
- I really like the fitting of the pieces. They are very well constructed.
- Ashtiani has amazing skills. She can produce a piece with the use of different fabrics. She clearly knows what material will look good on which body part. This is pure talent.

Cons:
- The only thing that I slightly do not like is the organza trousers. I think if it is half textured cotton & half organza the result would be better.

Eye Candies:
- White PVC jacket with patent leather panels
- White textured cotton/organza peplum top
- Multi color dress
- Sleeveless shirt

Please click here to see the complete collection.

Game[On]: 007 Opening Celebration

Are you a big fan of James Bond? Are you ready for a once in a life time 007 experience? If so, you will not want to miss this event.

As many of you may know, TIFF is going to have an exhibition based on the 50-year history of James Bond films and Ian Flemming novels from October 26- January 20, 2013. This exhibition will showcase some original costumes, props, models, gadgets, concept artwork, storyboards and other fascinating artifacts from the movies. However, if you cannot wait till Friday (like me), you can actually be among one of the first people to see the exhibition before anyone else on Thursday, October 25.

On that day, not only will you be able to see the exhibition, but you will have a chance to experience the 007 James Bond's lifestyle as well. Inside the TIFF Bell Lightbox that night, you will be able to visit a casino in Luma, a gold & diamond lounge, a photo booth, and an ice lounge sponsored by Kobo. Also, The Big Sound, a 20-piece Motown band, will be there to perform on that night. Did I mention that you will have a chance to win a night staying at Shangri-La hotel and a dinner at Bosk?

The price for this event will be $160 each and the proceeds will be going to support film programmes and education initiatives at TIFF (therefore you will receive a charitable tax receipt). If you have a dozen friends wanting to go to this event, I suggest you to get the ticket package (12 tickets for the price of 10). This event will have an open bar and hors d'oeuvres throughout the night. I will be there on that night so if you have never met me in person before, this may be a good chance for you to meet me! You are more than welcome to tweet a message to me at @fusionofeffects on that night.

For more information or to purchase tickets for this event, please click here.

P.S There will also be a few more surprises at the party. You will have to find them out on that night!

Walk the Walk: Jeremy Laing S/S 2013 Collection

I remember when I first looked at the Jeremy Laing S/S 2013 collection on style.com, I was blown away by it. Then I was lucky enough to be able to see the runway show yesterday at the shOws.

This collection was inspired by the sport theme and Laing put a modern fashion twist on it. The oversized silhouette was gone and this season was more fitted to make the girls look lean, tall and athletic. The buckle design and the pewter embroidery were the details that made this collection unique. Also, some of the pieces were very androgynous so there might be a chance some men would want to purchase some pieces from this collection.

Overall, I think this is probably the best collection from Jeremy Laing in recent years. Bravo!

Pros:
- Sport theme is not a new concept but Laing has put a very nice modern twist on it to should the modern ladies.
- I like the fit of this collection. Every girl looks very sleek and lean.
- The pewter embroidery adds a good kick to the pieces. It somehow reminds me a little of the tribal influence.
- I find that some of the pieces, especially the jackets, are very androgynous. I think they will look good on men too.

Cons:
- The final ensemble was not one of the strongest pieces of this collection. There were a handful of show pieces that could replace that final look.

Eye Candies:
- White snap tank
- Cage shirt
- Notch bomber
- Parka shirt in tarnished foil chiffon
- K-tape vest

Please click here to see the complete collection.

Trendology: TOPSHOP & TOPMAN Have Landed

I know, this might be old news for some of you but since I was not able to attend the media preview that day, I decided to take a trip to the new TOPSHOP and TOPMAN shop this weekend and yep, it was a pleasant experience.

The new TOPSHOP & TOPMAN is located at the Yorkdale Shopping Center and it is attached to the Bay with an area of 15,000 square feet. While the menswear is on the first floor, the second floor is all about the womenswear. As a guy, I like the selection for the TOPMAN as there is something for everyone (Please look for those accessories, there are some good ones there). For those of you who cannot make it to the store, no worry, because you can also buy some of the items online at the TOPMAN and TOPSHOP page.

Now, I wonder how much I will spend in the store in the near future... It's treasure hunt time!

P.S If you want to get the most up to date information from TOPSHOP and TOPMAN, follow them on twitter (TOPSHOP, TOPMAN) and Facebook (TOPSHOP, TOPMAN)

And there is Coco Rocha on the opening day! 

[On]Air: the shOws 2012

I think this is probably one of the most anticipated fashion events for this season as this event will showcase 4 Canadian designers who have made it big in the international fashion industry!

On October 13 and 14 (Thursday and Friday), there will be a 2 days event held at The Ritz Carlton Hotel. 4 runway shows will be presented during the event and the designers are Calla Haynes, Jean-Pierre Braganza, Thomas Tait and Todd Lynn. I have had the chance to see the Todd Lynn's retrospective earlier this year and his works have definitely blown me away. That being said, I know this line up is going to be awesome. Since this is an invite only event, for those of you who will not be able to see the shows at the hotel, you will be able to see the show live on the site here. I am not too sure what you are planning to do between 4-6 during those two days but I wish you now have this event invaded your time slot.

Here is the schedule for the event. If you want more information, please click here. Let the excitement begin!

Courtesy of the shOws

Artology: Nuit Blanche 2010

If you live in Toronto, I am sure you have heard of Nuit Blanche and hopefully you have participated this year's event!

This is my 3rd year to run around town to see some amazing works from some of the artists. The highlight of the event are these 3 places: Gladstone Hotel with surprises in each room (the knit room has totally caught me my surprise.), 401 Richmond with some wonderful exhibits (that 3D show is amazing!) and Ryerson University with the Swan Lake performances. Here are the 10 photos from different exhibits I have selected that can best describe the night.

Swan Lake at Ryerson, totally loving it! 

Fountain with lots of bubbles. Amazing! 

Video wall at Drake Hotel. Cooler to see it in person.