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What They Wore: Greta Constantine Poolside Prom

31 August, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

Leave it to the fab team behind Greta Constantine to make high-school chic by throwing a perfect end-of-summer Poolside Prom bash complete with Prom Kings and Queens, cheerleaders, and glam frocks. Speaking of beautiful clothes, models moved through the venue wearing pieces from the brand’s spring/summer 2017 collection which will be presented during Paris Fashion Week in October. But from the sneak peek that we got, I can already tell that it’s going to be one gorgeous collection.

“Models donned silk tulle overlays featuring voluminous sleeve detailings, boned bustiers, and exaggerated ruffles, atop rust-, metal-, and copper-hued slip dresses. The silk tulle pieces were in fact translated from existing silhouettes in the duo’s signature microfiber and silk wool fabrications from the Greta Constantine spring 2017 collection. The minimalist-maximalist tension that underlined each look, as well as the emphasis on semi-transparent fabrications, loaned a darkly romantic air as night fell and the temperature rose.”

Prom guests sipped Apothic Wine and Proof Vodka, nibbled on hot dogs and caviar-topped chips, and posed for the Yearbook Selfie Wall. I pasted my selfie over the spot that read “The Next Coco Chanel”, and even though it’s not exactly true, it felt good to dream big at Poolside Prom.

What do you think of Greta Constantine spring/summer 2017 collection sneak peek? Share in the comments.

More photos after the jump!
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CAFA 2014: The Inaugural Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards

12 February, 2014 Nelia 2 Comments

Earlier this month, Canada’s brightest fashion industry talents gathered at Fairmont Royal York Hotel’s ballroom for one big reason – CAFA, otherwise known as the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards – the inaugural edition. Held for the very first time, CAFA Gala was a huge deal, and though I usually tend to avoid big fancy bashes, with a star-studded guest list that included DSQUARED‘s Dean and Dan Caten, Coco Rocha, and Mads Mikkelsen, attending this one was a no-brainer, especially when the lovely folks from Swarovski offered to “frost” me with their sparkliest baubles! Thanks to my blogger bestie Sharon, we got to join Team Swarovski at their table, joined by the beauties from Power of Privé, adorable actress Elisha Cuthbert, Emerging Talent Award winner Sarah Stevenson, and other amazing people. For the occasion, I wore my new Erdem dress from The Room, which was fitting since Erdem Moralioglu was one of the nominees. I also got to wear a beautiful vintage Mary Katrantzou for Swarovski cuff that was simply stunning.

The award show was very well-produced, and at times actually made me tear up, like when Jeanne Beker’s Vanguard Award was presented, followed by the loveliest of video montages, showing the most memorable moments from the Canadian Icon’s lengthy career, from her earliest days at MuchMusic, to her most jaw-dropping FashionTelevision reels. As I watched Canadian designers, stylists, photographers, models and other industry professionals on that CAFA stage, I could feel their happiness and excitement fill the room. With so many talented Canadians in this industry, spending the evening honouring some of them for their achievements felt great.

After the awards, the winners and the rest of us moved on to the after-party, where we danced to “What Does The Fox Say”, watched Bite lipsticks being made, hijacked a photobooth, and actually got to check out the CAFA trophies – shoe-shaped and very heavy. As someone who doesn’t stay out late very often, I was shocked to realize that it was past 1am when I finally decided to call it a night and head home. Yup, I’m a grandma and not even embarrassed to admit it; but some things are really worth sticking around for. I truly had the best time at this year’s CAFA Gala, here’s hoping that next year it’s going to be even more spectacular (perhaps with more monetary prizes for the winners?). I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

The full list of winners and nominees is after the jump!

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Nicholas Kirkwood and Sophia Webster Party at The Bay in Toronto!

22 October, 2013 Nelia 1 Comment

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The Bay is clearly ON FIRE this month! After hosting the lovely designer Sam Edelman two weeks ago, the magnificent department store welcomed not one, but two uber-talented British shoe designers at Toronto’s newly renovated “largest in Canada” shoe floor – Nicholas Kirkwood and Sophia Webster.

Having met Kirkwood a couple of years ago at the same location, I felt pretty lucky to get another chance to chat with this young and inspiring designer. He was just as approachable and easy to talk to as he was back in 2010, and as you can tell from that pic above, we are now BFFs for life! True story*. I also got to meet Sophia Webster, who used to be Kirkwood’s design assistant, and who has obviously learned a lot from her mentor – her shoes, just like his, are truly drool-worthy and must find their way to my wardrobe one of these days…soon.

Like most parties at The Room, this one was THE place to be if you’re into people-watching, what with stunning clothes, beautiful shoes, and notable attendees like Bonnie Brooks (in a pair of Kirkwood zig-zag shoes), Greta Constantine designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong, Suzanne Rogers, Stacey Kimel, and Kim Tanenbaum, mingling with the guests of honor, who were both swarmed by an army of adoring fans for the majority of the night.

I know I’ve said this before, but if you still haven’t been to the gleaming new shoe floor at The Bay (Queen St and Yorkdale), then you are truly missing out. Even without designers in attendance, the shoe department is a sight to behold…and a place to find the most amazing shoes. My BFF Nicholas Kirkwood totally loved it and so will you.

*Not a true story

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More after the jump!

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Toronto Fashion Week: Greta Constantine Spring 2013

4 December, 2012 Nelia 6 Comments

Last week, designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong of Greta Constantine re-defined the meaning of “fashionably late”. Showing their Spring 2013 collection outside the official Toronto Fashion Week schedule, and almost a month later, they couldn’t have made a better decision. The Distillery District’s Fermenting Cellar was packed with enthusiastic attendees, no longer hungover from those long fashion week days, and jonesing to get a peek at Greta’s spring frocks. No one was in a rush, and no one was complaining, or tired, or cranky. It was…refreshing.

Seeing the first model walk down the catwalk, I knew that we were in for a treat. With impeccable styling, beautiful dresses, jumpsuits, and gowns, Spring 2013 was one of Greta Constantine’s strongest collections, but also a departure from the jersey aesthetic for which they are most known. With only a handful of jersey pieces sent down the runway, the majority of the collection was crafted from a microfibre fabric. “We call it the Holy Grail of fabrics; you can drape it in its lightweight form, and we are doing much more sculptural work with the heavier weights,” shared Wong with the Toronto Star.

Also noticeably missing were the colourful pieces. Monochrome was the name of the game, with the colour palette ranging from navy to black to white. Simple and chic. And while the dark portion of the collection was sexy and elegant, the white pieces oozed playful innocence with full skirts, use of eyelet, tulle, pleats, and ruffles. Models wore custom-made rose bracelets in black and white, showing that “every woman has an edge, but only some have thorns”, as the show notes stated…and making me want some thorns of my very own.

Overall, this was probably my favourite Greta Constantine collection that I’ve seen so far, with many glamorous gowns that I wish filled my closet, but also more than a few day dresses that I could imagine myself wearing (sans the headpiece I’m afraid) out and about. And with the collection only weeks away from actually hitting the stores, this show will surely be fresh in my mind when I start hunting some of my favourite pieces down.

So what do you think of Greta Constantine’s Spring 2013 collection? Any favourites? Share in the comments!

More after the jump!

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Style Days of Christmas: Danier Leather Giveaway

28 November, 2012 Nelia

Last week, I wrote about the Danier Leather Spring 2013 preview, and today, on day 9 of Style Days of Christmas I want one of my lucky readers to win a $100 gift card from Danier to either spend immediately on a bunch of awesome winter necessities, or save it until those beautiful spring goodies hit the stores. The choice is yours.

Personally, I’ve been eyeing the entire Greta Constantine Skin capsule collection, which features some must-have Danier pieces like the sexy leather detail dress and skirt, leather combo vest, obi wrap leather belt, and jersey and lamb leather leggings. Those are the sexiest basics I’ll ever own! So if you’d like a skirt or a vest of your very own, make sure to enter this giveaway below!

Full lookbook and giveaway details after the jump!

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Toronto Fashion Week: Greta Constantine Fall 2012 Collection

13 March, 2012 Nelia 3 Comments

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Greta Constantine shows are always a highlight of Rogue Fashion Week in Toronto. Always consistently good, interesting, wearable…and covetable. And this season was no exception.

Greta Constantine Fall 2012 sci-fi-inspired collection had it all: signature draping, to-die-for evening gowns, gorgeous chunky knits, colorful separates, and a bit of sparkle, all presented as a cohesive collection for an urban woman on the go. One that runs errands in style, before attending star-studded soirees draped in (what else?)Greta.

The duo’s favorite Canadian showstopper (and ours too) – Tara Gill opened the show, expertly strutting her stuff at the Arcadian Loft, while the star-studded front row took in the collection.

What do you think of Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong’s designs for fall? Which pieces make your fave list? Share in the comments.

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Photo Credits: Photos George Pimentel

Toronto Fashion Week: Greta Constantine Spring 2012 Collection

3 November, 2011 Nelia 1 Comment

It feels like just yesterday, I was excitedly waiting for the Greta Constantine Spring 2012 show to start (fashionably late, of course), anticipating the next slew of gorgeous frocks that I will be sure to covet. Was it worth the wait? Most definitely!

So what should you anticipate next spring? Vivid jewel tones, moody greys, blacks, and whites, as well as the designers’ signature draping, ruching, Grecian silhouettes…and leather! Surprisingly for me, although I really liked the colorful jersey dresses, the ones that stood out this time, were the simpler monochromatic pieces. Wrapped in those gorgeous leather vests, skirts, and shrugs, you get what I can only describe as urban warrior princess’ uniform. A mix of fierceness, and vulnerability.

As always, Kirk and Stephen did not disappoint, and showcased a beautiful, wearable collection, for a modern woman. And this modern woman would like one of each, please and thank you.

What do you think of Greta Constantine Spring 2012 collection? Is it something you’d love to wear? Let me know in the comments.

Photo Credits: Jenna Marie Wakani via Toronto Life

Halloween 2011: Toronto Fashion Heroes

25 October, 2011 Nelia 6 Comments

Year after year, I complain until my friends’ ears bleed about the crappy polyester slutty (insert a profession/object here) costumes that invade the streets of Toronto on Halloween. And this year is no different. I am sure the parties and clubs will be full of nurses, cops, flight attendants, etc. in cheap flammable outfits, and once again I will be wearing something that I pulled out of my own closet.

This year, I wanted to wear a costume that had something to do with fashion…avoiding the usual cliches of donning the “Anna” wig, the “Audrey” LBD, or something else equally predictable. And then, last weekend, while browsing the Halloween section at the Blue Banana, the inspiration came…in shape of a fake beard. My mind immediately went to the now infamous Toronto Life editor – Kevin Naulls. “Why hasn’t anyone else thought of dressing up as Toronto fashion notables?” – I thought. This city is full of vibrant characters equally as intriguing as Mr Lagerfeld, and Ms Wintour…or at least interesting enough to Toronto folks. And so this post was born.

If you’re not from Toronto, you might not be familiar with some of the people below…but I am sure you can conjure up costumes of your local fashion superstars too. All it takes is a little imagination.

1. Jeanne Beker – Fashion Television Host

Is there a person more recognizable in Canadian fashion than Jeanne Beker? I don’t think so. Jeanne Beker is an institution. And as such, she’s an easy target for Halloween costuming (is that a word?). Her costume is actually super easy to put together. If you aren’t blessed with a dark brown mane like Jeanne’s, pick up a wig with her signature blunt bangs. Grab a black shift dress (perhaps from her EDIT collection at The Bay?), cinch it with a cool belt (she wears one with a dinosaur buckle), pair with sky-high black pumps, grab a mic, and you’re ready to go find yourself in fashion!

2. Kevin Naulls – Toronto Life Online Editor

Main source of inspiration for this post, and a man that makes socialites tremble with fear and/or anger at his sometimes cutting, always hillarious photo captions. All you need to be Mr Naulls for a night is a good fake beard, something plaid (shirt, trench, scarf – use your imagination, people!), fun socks that he’s often spotted wearing, and a copy of Toronto Life in hand. Kevin, is that you?

3. Anita Clarke – Blogger

Bloggers are a huge trend, they say…and a trend that won’t be going away any time soon (we hope). And what blogger is more fun to emulate than Anita? My favorite (and most Halloween-appropriate) look of Anita’s of late was her fab Mark Fast jumpsuit – part catwoman, part fashion superhero, if you’ve got the body to rock it, then, I say, go for it! Don’t forget an awesome pair of shades, and a pair of Dean Davidson earrings to complete the look. Meow!

4. Sarah Nicole Prickett – Writer

SNP’s raw and insightful writing is the reason we tune in to her personal blog week after week. But it’s her killer style that makes us think she’d be so fun to wear for Halloween (err…not literally, of course). If imitation is a sincerest form of flattery, flatter her by wearing a rad pair of wedges (straps, peep toes, stripes…), tee off your boyfriend’s back, leather skirt layered over another skirt, and a swipe of red lipstick.

Finish the look with a tousled blonde wig (that you can trim to make it look slightly uneven). Use pink (or purple) highlighter to give the wig some fun highlights. And though we’ve seen SNP smile many a time, your costume won’t be complete without her signature smirk.

5. Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong – Designers of Greta Constantine

We see this designer duo everywhere! At industry parties, product launches…and of course, at their very own fashion shows. And their unmistakable style makes them perfect costume material! If you are looking to dress up with a friend – this is a great costume idea for you! Both Kirk and Stephen wear a lot of their own designs, so definitely go for something flowy and layered, in shades of black, white, and grey (leather shorts for Kirk, sweat pants for Stephen). Wear a pair of aviator glasses as Stephen, and thick black rims as Kirk. For Kirk’s outfit, you might want to find a paperboy hat similar to the ones he likes to wear, and for Stephen’s topper, choose a trucker hat, or just wear your hair in a knot on top of your head.

Hope you enjoyed this costume post. What other Canadian celebs Halloween costumes would you like to see? Share in the comments!

Greta Constantine for Aldo Shoes Sneak Peek

11 October, 2011 Nelia 1 Comment

Tonight, the uber-talented designers of Greta Constantine will be presenting their Spring 2012 collection, and I hope that we’ll be seeing a sneak peek of their Aldo collab live on the runway! Flare gave us the first look at the newest Canadian designer collab with the homegrown shoe label this morning, and I’m loving it.

“While last season was a global trek, this season it’s about change and transformation. We’ve been wanting to incorporate a thicker sole into all of the shoes we create. And so, for spring/summer 2012, we did just that. Something about a white shoe not only catches your eye but everyone else’s too,” shared design duo Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong, of their shoe inspiration.

What do you think about this new collab? Share in the comments.

Photo Credits: Aldo via Flare Magazine

Greta Constantine Primer Collection 02 Launch

23 August, 2011 Nelia Leave a Comment

Last week, le boyfriend and I made our way to the launch of Greta Constantine’s PRIMER Collection 02, held at a freaking mansion! As a huge fan of PRIMER Collection 01 (there’s no Spring/Fall 2011 designation, as pieces are meant to be worn and layered any time, any year), I was really excited to see what the talented Canadian duo would come up with this time around. Especially so, since the press release promised “jewel tones like royal blue, emerald, persimmon, and amber” – a fun departure from the greys and blacks of Collection 01.

Once we’d arrived at the swanky venue, we realized that many of the guests at the party were already rocking PRIMER frocks in fun colors, fluid silhouettes, and nearly transparent fabrics – gorgeous designs, that would make any woman feel beautiful. And since PRIMER is decently priced from $95 to $495 , I didn’t feel too guilty coveting so many pieces from the collection (like the most perfect royal blue dress below).

“For this collection, we wanted to create a lightness with it all,” shares Kirk Pickersgill. “They’re easy pieces that don’t require much, if any, effort. Importantly, they’re the type of basics that can be worn in countless ways, each wearer contributing their own distinct sense of self.” And judging by all the effortlessly chic ladies decked out in PRIMER at the launch, the collection delivers that and more. Can’t wait till it hits the stores, so I can finally add a piece of ~~Greta~~ PRIMER to my closet.