David Dixon | Style Blog | Canadian Fashion and Lifestyle News

LG Fashion Week: Barbie by David Dixon

27 October, 2009 Nelia 4 Comments

After the short beer/wine intermission between the David Dixon and Barbie collections, the show had to go on! Barbie by David Dixon show that is. As I already unboxed my Sassy Barbie-friend, all three of us (Barbie, Al and I) were watching intently as the inspiration for the Spring collection played before our eyes. Apparently, one of Dixon’s fave movies – “Funny Face” with Audrey Hepburn, inspired his designs this year. An avid Hepburn fan, I almost squealed with delight when the movie clips were shown (unfortunately sans Audrey). And while the prelude to the show had me eager to see the clothes, the collection itself left me a bit disappointed.

“Think Pink” indeed. I guess what else do you expect from a Barbie collection, right? Lots of pink, polka dots, and Barbie-appropriate office clothing. It was all way too girlie for my taste, though it was right up Al’s alley. She wasn’t a fan of Dixon’s signature collection, but loved the Barbie-inspired one. We even got to see a couple of Kens strutting their stuff!

But for me, the most exciting part of the show by far was…the models’ walks. Not to be mean, but most of the girls weren’t able to walk straight. As you can see, the models wore black socks with their black peep toe pumps. And it looked like the shoes they wore were either extremely uncomfortable or too big. As far as esthetics go, I am not at all a fan of that look, but seeing the models teeter-tottering and straining to keep their shoes from falling off, made us fear that another Prada-like sock-gate would happen as I watched the front row attendees (including Rick Mercer and Fashion Television’s Jeanne Beker) looking intently at models’ feet, instead of the collection.

All in all, David Dixon’s signature line was my fave, while Al preferred the Barbie collection. After the show, we even got to pose in our own Barbie-like boxes! And though I didn’t love that LG Fashion Week moved away from its usual Nathan Phillips Square location, I still felt that this year’s events were bigger and better than last! Here’s hoping that Canadian fashion industry will continue to grow and improve. Obviously, it’s not New York Fashion Week, and LG tent is not comparable to the Bryant Park ones, but Toronto is where the heart is for me, and that makes Toronto Fashion Week just as special!

Special Thanks to GCI Group for this year’s invitations!

LG Fashion Week: David Dixon

27 October, 2009 Nelia 1 Comment

Was so happy to have made it to the David Dixon show last week! Did not really have any kind of expectations, and as a result really loved a lot of the pieces. Dixon’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection inspired by the “Hanging Gardens of Babylon” was flowy, feminine, and fun! And since Al managed to snag two second row seats, we had a prime view of the collection! Loved the lime green cocktail dresses and the silky skirts all would look amazing at wedding receptions! See, I still can’t stop thinking about what to wear to the January wedding of my friend! Well, if Dixon’s designs will be available before January (unlikely, but one can hope), I’ll definitely be trying them on as one of the alternatives!

So to finish off, I really liked David Dixon’s signature collection. Even loved some of the pieces. Dresses were definitely my style, modern and flirty. Plus, to me it was one of the stronger collections this year – less theatrics, and more focus on the actual clothes. Andy Thê-Anh is still my favorite Canadian designer, but David Dixon just became a close second!

LG Fashion Week: Mattel Media Event

26 October, 2009 Nelia 1 Comment

Seems so soon, but LG Fashion Week is now officially over! I was planning on attending a few events this fall, but unfortunately, due to the insanity that was my life last week, I only had time (and energy) for one! Thanks to the lovely GCI people for inviting Al and I to the Mattel Media Presentation, as well as both David Dixon and Barbie by David Dixon fashion shows.

The media presentation focused on the launch of the new line of poseable Fashionista Barbie dolls, as well as a new (old?) Barbie dance, and of course, the David Dixon for Barbie collection. Barbies everywhere! And appropriately enough, Al and I each received a Barbie doll in our goodie bags! Man, was I ever happy to get my hands on one! Mine was Sassy and Al’s was Wild! And while I can see the issues that others bring up about Barbie’s impossible body, if I had to choose between a sleazy Bratz doll and a Barbie, the latter would win every time! Plus, I played with Barbies when I was a kid, and I turned out just fine. So while Al had the patience to keep her doll intact, I ripped it out of the packaging the moment I had a chance to sit down! It had brown hair, just like me! Score!

But as much as we loved our dolls, the Barbie dance…well, it wasn’t something that I enjoyed. And the dancers didn’t seem to enjoy the corny moves either. We all know the “I’m a Barbie girl” song, right? Well, the introduction of the “new” dance to the old song just seemed a bit forced and not at all necessary. The moves weren’t anything new or exciting and I was actually a bit embarrassed for the dancers, but they did their thing, so I guess we can give them an “A” for effort?

After the presentation, we were escorted to the David Dixon fashion show, where Al and I managed to score a couple of second row seats despite the packed showroom! Thanks Mattel! David Dixon’s “Hanging Gardens of Babylon” show review is next!