Madison Schill | Style Blog | Canadian Fashion and Lifestyle News

Toronto Fashion Week: Holt Renfrew Hot at 175 Runway Show and Pink Tartan Spring 2013 Collection

23 October, 2012 Nelia 3 Comments

Yesterday was Day 1 of World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto, where I attended two of the most highly-anticipated shows of the week – Holt Renfrew Hot at 175 and Pink Tartan Spring 2013.

I arrived nice and early to check out backstage hair and makeup prep, and to have a quick chat with Grace Lee, Maybelline Canada’s lead makeup artist. For the Holt Renfrew show, Grace created a polished “it-girl” look, classic and wearable, while Jorge Joao, Redken’s lead stylist, chose loose waves with a side part to match.

Instead of showing Spring 2013 arrivals, Holt Renfrew presented a special edition runway celebrating the best of what’s in store and on-trend now, showcasing brands like Jeremy Laing, Smythe, Carven, Kenzo, MSGM, and even that now almost iconic Tom Ford gown that Gwyneth Paltrow wore to The Oscars. I loved the styling and the selection, which reminded me of all those fall pieces that I am still craving this season.

Next up was Pink Tartan. Rocking her signature pink locks, model Charlotte Free opened the show in a midriff-baring bustier/full skirt combo. Head designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran shared that she chooses her models for their vibrant personalities, and with pink hair to match, Free was a perfect choice for Pink Tartan’s spring show.

The collection itself featured delicate lace frocks, subtle metallics, pastel-coloured trapeze coats (Newport-Mimran’s favourite), brocade separates, full skirts, perforated leather, and Aldo Rise x Pink Tartan collaboration shoes (classic pumps with geometric heels). It was full of feminine, oh-so-pretty retro-inspired pieces, and despite the fact that I’m not a girlie girl, I loved it all. Will have to check out this collection once it becomes available at the flagship location in Yorkville in a few months.

Overall, Day 1 was a blast! I got to see a lot of great fashion, hung out with fellow Stylicity bloggers Anita Clarke, Gloria Chik, and Crystal Gibson, visited backstage with Maybelline and Redken, and had a quick chat with Kimberley Newport-Mimran – all in a day’s work. Stay tuned for more World MasterCard Fashion Week coverage, as I attend some of my favourite shows later this week.

More photos after the jump!

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Greta Constantine x Danier SKIN Collection

20 May, 2011 Nelia Leave a Comment

Earlier this week, Canadian designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong of Greta Constantine previewed their brand new collab with Danier called SKIN. The drool-worthy capsule collection, consisting of jackets, dresses, belts, vests, and one kick-ass sleeveless bolero will be available sometime in August, and until then, you should start saving up – prices will run from $399 to $999.

My favorite piece from the collection and also the least expensive of the bunch (lucky for my wallet) was the bolero ($399) with an exaggerated lapel in grey suede – a perfect piece to inject some cool into one’s wardrobe. The buttery soft leather shift dresses in grey, black, and red ($499) were also calling my name, as I was watching people try them on all around me.

The mannequins on display were artfully styled in both Greta Constantine Primer and SKIN pieces – Primer being the lower-priced “basics” collection…that is anything but basic. The signature Greta draped silhouettes were present in heather grey soft jersey maxi dresses, putting at least one of them firmly on my must-buy list.

What do you think about Greta Constantine SKIN collection? Are you going to check it out come August? Share in the comments.

Greta Constantine Primer collection is now available at TNT stores, while Greta Constantine x Danier Leather SKIN collection will be available in August at 20 Danier stores nationwide, and online.

Nada Fall 2010 3D Fashion Show

19 March, 2010 Nelia 7 Comments

All week long I’ve been looking forward to seeing NADA’s Fall 2010 fashion show. Not your typical runway show that is – but the first ever 3D Fashion Film to be shown at a major cineplex, like ever! I was excited and didn’t know what to expect! Avatar+Fashion=Amazingness. Right? Maybe, but not this time.

The film itself was 7 minutes long, showing a Street Fighter type of game on a big screen. It was fun to see fashion displayed in such a different medium, away from the madness of the tents of LG Fashion Week, and in a familiar setting of a movie theatre, but I thought that it was a mistake to choose a video game format. Yes, we got to see a few NADA pieces in action, but the remainder of the collection went unnoticed, if not for a brief warrior outfit selection tool (ala Rockband or Wii). It left me wanting to see more of the clothes, and less fighting. And aside from the usual cliché of models needing to stick to what they know best and not venture into acting, I will say that the graphics were cool for a fashion film, but definitely not nearly as great as 3D movies.

The reason that Nada Shepherd chose the martial arts sequence for her 3D film, was the influence of her already created print ads, focusing on fembots and futuristic motifs, which Nada herself believes will become a “new ideal” sooner rather than later.

So all in all, I think NADA’s freshman attempt at 3D is a step forward for fashion and an awesome first try for Nada Shepherd and her team. Is this the future of fashion? Time will show. But in the meantime, I would really prefer to watch models walk or fight their way down an actual runway, so that I can see the full collection, and not as part of some computerized wardrobe system, but on actual models to see how the clothes fit and how the fabrics move.

You can watch the film yourself at www.nada3d.com where you may also find info on getting your own pair of NADA 3D glasses, as well as see the images for her print campaign shot by Ivan Otis, which are pretty kick-ass!

Designer Nada Shepherd

Model featured in the film – Madison Schill

Ran into the fabulous Sharon from The Backseat Stylers! Always dressed to kill, maybe she should’ve been the one fighting as a red warrior? Just a thought. Alexander McQueen scarf on his birthday was a nice touch.

And this is Jo and I after the show, mocking the new French Connection ads at Osgoode station, before heading off into the night with Donkey and le boyfriend to celebrate St. Patrick’s day by drinking green beer and eating at Ciao Wine Bar in Yorkville (foodie post coming soon)!